Newsletter - October 2025
Wild Birds Unlimited - San Diego Events:
Upcoming Events:
In-Store Guest Presentation: San Diego’s Diverse Bat Fauna, and other Bat Wonders of the World - November 1st at 10:00 AM
Bats comprise more than ¼ of the planet’s mammal species, and San Diego County is home to almost ½ of all U.S. species. Dan Taylor from Bat Conservation International will discuss the worldwide ecological and economic importance of bats and highlight the masters of the night sky that call San Diego home.
Dan Taylor is a Senior Restoration Specialist with Bat Conservation International’s (BCI) Habitat Protection and Restoration (HP&R) Program and has more than 30 years of experience working on a wide range of wildlife and conservation issues in the U.S., Central America, and Africa. He is a member of The Wildlife Society, and the Arizona, New Mexico, and Western Bat Working Groups, and was a founding member of the Society for Conservation Biology.
 Quote of the Month:
“In essence, bats are just Gothic sparrows” -Keith Wynn, 2021
Spotlight:
Water for Wild Birds: Why Your Yard’s Water Matters (and How Birds Use It) Autumn in San Diego means cooler evenings, Santa Ana winds, and a continuing dry season. While humans turn on the tap without thinking, wild birds face a daily struggle to find safe, clean water. In fact, water is often a bigger challenge than food. This month, we’re diving into why water matters so much for our local birds, the special ways they use it, and how you can help — all while keeping conservation in mind. Why Birds Need Water — and How They Use It Water isn’t just about thirst. Birds rely on it in fascinating and essential ways:
- Drinking & hydration. Birds need fresh water daily to replace moisture lost through breathing and activity. Nestlings in particular depend on adults bringing back hydrated food and water. Providing water broadens the species that will visit your yard — many birds that don’t visit seed feeders will come for water.
- Bathing & feather care. Bathing helps birds keep feathers aligned and clean. After a bath they’ll preen oils back into their feathers so the plumage insulates and sheds water properly — essential for flight, warmth, and buoyancy where relevant. Clean feathers also reduce parasite loads.
- Cooling off. On warm days birds will drink more; on chilly, wet days a bit of water helps them keep feathers functional. During hot, dry spells even modest sources of water can reduce heat stress for small birds. Many birds wet their feathers or bellies and spread their wings to cool through evaporation — nature’s version of air conditioning.
Interesting Facts:
- Crows and ravens dip food into water to soften it before eating.
- Robins love full-immersion baths.
- Hummingbirds hover through mist and tiny droplets instead of landing – they find a fine mister or dripper can be irresistible.
- Doves and pigeons can drink continuously without tilting their heads back — a rare bird adaptation.
- Shorebirds bathe and forage in shallow tides, cleaning feathers while feeding.
- Some species (e.g., California quail and towhees) often prefer drinking at ground-level, while others (like many songbirds) prefer a shallow raised bath.
- Some birds, like the common poorwill, can enter torpor — a mini-hibernation — to conserve water and energy when conditions are extreme.
- Finches and sparrows may sip many times a day, while raptors get much of their hydration from prey.
- Goldfinches need more water than many other birds due to their seed-heavy diet, which offers less moisture than insects and other foods. This vegetarian diet requires them to drink frequently, making reliable water sources crucial.
- Birds quickly learn which spots provide reliable, clean water. Once they trust your bath, they’ll often return daily — sometimes bringing friends.
- Birds often “queue up” to use a freshly cleaned birdbath — they can smell and sense clean water, and they’ll return more often once they learn your yard offers a safe, reliable source.
San Diego’s Water Reality San Diego is one of the most water-stressed regions in the country. Our county imports about 85–90% of its water from the Colorado River and Northern California, sources that are themselves strained by overuse and drought. Rainfall here averages just 10 inches per year, most of it falling between November and March. That means by October, natural puddles and seeps have long dried up. Wildlife once relied on creeks, seeps, and seasonal pools that are now paved over or dry for much of the year. Urban development further reduces water access — stormwater is diverted to drains, leaving little behind for animals. For birds in migration, a reliable water source in a neighborhood can be the difference between survival and exhaustion. What kinds of water features work best (with pros & cons)
- Simple shallow basin / pedestal birdbath
Depth: keep the water very shallow — about 1–2 inches at the deepest spot, with a gentle slope for smaller birds. Add a few flat stones so tiny birds can stand without full immersion. This is the classic, easiest option.
Great for ground-foragers (quail, towhees) and safer for smaller birds that prefer low access. Add a twig or rock for footing and escape routes.
- Bubbler / recirculating pump (electric or solar)
Moving water attracts more birds and stays cleaner longer. Small solar fountain inserts or tiny pumps (mounted in a basin) are ideal for San Diego yards because they move water without needing constant refilling. They also dramatically increase visits from species that like droplets or splashing.
Excellent for hummingbirds and small songbirds. A gentle drip mimics a natural dripping branch and is highly attractive.
Placement: where to put the bath (and why)
- Near cover, not hidden. Place the bath within sight of shrubs or low trees so birds can fly to cover quickly after bathing — but avoid placing it right under dense thickets where predators can ambush. A nearby perch (6–10 ft) helps birds preen and scan for danger.
- Visibility & safety. Open sight lines help birds spot threats. If you place the bath at ground level, keep some low cover nearby. If elevated, keep it low enough for small birds to use comfortably.
- Window collisions. Within three feet of a window is fine because birds don’t have enough space to build up speed. Placing a bath between 3-10 feet of a window should absolutely be avoided. If the bath is between 10–25 ft of windows, use decals or one-way screening to help birds avoid collisions.
Care & Cleaning — Keeping Water Safe Clean, well-maintained water features don’t just look better — they keep birds healthy, discourage pests, and extend the life of your bath. Here are some key tips for maintaining a safe oasis in your backyard:
- During hot months or for heavy use, top up evaporated water every day so the basin stays at the preferred depth and does not dry out completely and visually check for droppings or heavy algae. If you see either, clean immediately.
- Change water often. Fresh water every 2–3 days keeps it clear, prevents bacteria buildup, and interrupts the mosquito life cycle.
- Empty and scrub weekly. Use a stiff brush or sponge to remove algae and droppings.
- Monthly or as needed, do a deeper disinfecting clean with either a diluted bleach solution for stubborn contamination — commonly recommended is 1 part household bleach to 9 parts water (follow product guidelines; rinse thoroughly afterward), or white vinegar (safer alternative) diluted with water to remove mineral build-up and algae. Rinse thoroughly before refilling and allow everything to dry a bit before reintroducing water.
- Rinse thoroughly. Always flush away cleaning solutions completely to ensure water is safe for drinking.
- Mind the placement. Birdbaths in partial shade stay cooler, reduce algae growth, and help slow evaporation.
- Add stones or pebbles. They give smaller birds safe footing and allow bees and butterflies to land for a sip.
- Prevent slippery buildup. Check for slime or biofilm on edges and stones, which can cause birds to slip or introduce bacteria.
- Keep water moving. Adding a dripper, bubbler, or solar fountain discourages mosquitoes and attracts birds that prefer motion, such as hummingbirds.
- Flush during heat waves. On very hot days, give baths a quick rinse and refill to keep water fresh, cool, and mosquito-free.
- Seasonal deep clean. Once a season, empty completely, scrub basin and stones, check for cracks, and refill with fresh water.
- Care for the hardware. If you use pumps or solar bubblers, clean filters monthly and remove mineral buildup to keep them running smoothly.
- Winter watch (yes, even in San Diego). During cooler months, baths can collect leaf debris. Skim out fallen leaves to avoid decay and water contamination.
- For larger features. Rain barrels or ponds may need extra help: consider B.t.i. mosquito dunks (safe for birds, pets, and people) to keep larvae from developing. Please click here and here for additional information.
Why It Matters From finches in your shrubs to flocks of migrating shorebirds at our estuaries, water is at the heart of survival. By offering a reliable, safe source, you connect your backyard to San Diego’s larger ecosystem, giving birds a much-needed lifeline in one of the driest times of year.
Big picture:
It doesn’t take much. A small basin, a pump or bubbler, and a weekly scrub can make your yard a vital stop for dozens of species — and give you the joy of seeing bird behavior few people ever witness up close.
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Bird of the Month: American Crow
American Crow, Santee Lakes, California
The American Crow
Few birds fit the Halloween season quite like the American Crow. With their jet-black feathers, loud caws, and mysterious behavior, crows have long been symbols of October’s spooky atmosphere. But beyond the folklore, crows are among the most intelligent and fascinating birds you’ll ever meet…
Appearance & Identity
- Classic black beauty: American Crows are large birds, about 16–21 inches long with a wingspan up to 3 feet. Their sleek black feathers shine with a purplish or bluish sheen in the sun.
- Not a raven: Though often confused, crows are smaller than ravens and have a more squared tail. Ravens also make deeper croaking calls, while crows have the classic “caw.” To learn more, click here
- Feathers play tricks: Their feathers contain no blue or purple pigment—the shine comes from microscopic structures that reflect light, creating those colorful iridescent tones.
Brains & Behavior
- Brainpower that surprises scientists — Crows and other corvids have very large brains for their body size; they show complex cognition (problem solving, tool use in some corvid species, social learning) that rivals many mammals. These are not “bird-brains” — they’re mini Einsteins of the bird world.
- Tool-use and engineering instincts — While New Caledonian crows are the superstar tool-users, American Crows display problem-solving and object-manipulation behaviors (e.g., using cars to crack nuts, baiting traps, and experimenting with objects). That curiosity and creativity is why crows adapt so well to cities.
- Face memory & grudges — Crows can remember human faces and often react differently to people who’ve posed a threat. Studies show they remember and socially transmit “dangerous human” information to others — a truly persuasive reason to treat crows kindly.
- Counting, planning, and social strategy — Research suggests corvids can track numbers (basic counting), plan for the future (store food where they’ll need it later), and use deception (fake caching, re-caching when watched). These behaviors read like Halloween intrigue—secret caches, trickery, and clever plans.
- Crows sing local dialects — Corvids have regionally distinct call patterns; birders sometimes talk about “local accents.”
Family & Social Life
- Family ties: Crows are cooperative breeders, meaning young from previous years often stay to help their parents raise new chicks. You might be watching an entire extended family in your neighborhood!
- Crow “funerals”: When a crow dies, dozens of others may gather, calling loudly and surrounding the body. Scientists think this helps crows learn about local dangers.
- Winter roosts: In colder months, thousands of crows sometimes gather in huge nighttime roosts. Imagine the sight of trees full of black silhouettes—it’s part spooky, part spectacular.
Diet & Foraging
- Omnivores: Crows eat just about everything—fruit, seeds, insects, small animals, carrion, and even scraps from our cities. Their flexible diet helps them thrive everywhere from farmland to downtown San Diego. They love unsalted, unshelled peanuts, corn, suet, mealworms and just about any bird food put out in the backyard. If you want to save some food for the smaller birds, there are many feeders they cannot use as they cannot cling vertically to a feeder or get through a tiny opening.
- Neighborhood helpers: By scavenging carrion and food waste, crows play an important role in cleaning up the environment.
Nesting & Life Cycle
- Sturdy twig nests built low or high — Crows make large stick nests, often lined with softer material; nests can be 1.5 feet across and are used year after year by pairs. This gives local observers a chance to learn nest timing and safely enjoy family behavior from a distance.
- Large families: A clutch usually has 3–7 eggs, with both parents (and often older siblings) helping raise the chicks.
- Long-lived birds: Many crows survive more than 10 years in the wild. The oldest known wild American Crow lived nearly 30 years.
Crows in San Diego
- Year-round residents: Crows live in San Diego all year long. They’re common in parks, canyons, coastal areas, and even in our backyards.
- Urban adapters: From Balboa Park to Mission Bay, crows have learned to thrive in our cities, often traveling in noisy family groups.
- Neighborhood personalities: Once you start watching them closely, you may notice the same crow family returning to your area day after day.
Crows & Halloween Magic
- A murder of crows: The dramatic name for a group of crows, “a murder,” comes from old folklore connecting them with mystery and the supernatural.
- Symbols of the season: For centuries, crows have appeared in myths, literature, and art as omens or messengers. Their eerie caws and midnight plumage make them the perfect Halloween bird.
- Truth behind the myth: While their October image may seem spooky, in reality crows are loyal, intelligent, and family-oriented neighbors that deserve admiration.
Final Thought
This October, when you hear the caw of a crow or see a flock flying against the evening sky, remember—these aren’t just spooky symbols of the season. They’re some of the smartest, most resourceful birds in the world, right here in our San Diego backyards. |
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What’s happening in San Diego:
Please note: This information is compiled by hand and mistakes or changes are possible. Please be sure to confirm dates/times/locations on the pages linked before leaving for an event.
San Diego Bird Alliance (formerly San Diego Audubon Society)
- Vegetation Monitoring @ Stony Point
- Date: October 2, 2025
- Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Location: Stony Point, Mission Bay
- Event Link
- River Mouth Restoration
- Date: October 3, 2025
- Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Location: Ocean Beach – Dog Beach, 5156 W Point Loma Blvd, San Diego
- Event Link
- Drawing Birds: A Two-Day Workshop
- Dates: October 4 and 11, 2025
- Time: 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM
- Location: REI Recreation Room (north building) at 5556 Copley Dr., San Diego
- Event Link
- San Diego Pelagic Trip (Proceeds benefit Buena Vista Audubon Society)
- Dates: October 11, 2025
- Time: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Location: 1717 Quivira Road, San Diego
- Event Link
- Wander the Wetlands: Acorn Processing (Bilingual)
- Date: October 11, 2025
- Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- Location: UC San Diego's Kendall-Frost Marsh Field Station, San Diego
- Event Link
- Queer Birding: Bayshore Birding and Walking Path
- Date: October 17, 2025
- Time: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- Location: TBD Tecolote Canyon, San Diego
- Event Link
- Rose Creek Habitat Restoration
- Date: October 17, 2025
- Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Location: Rose Creek Cottage 1900, 2525 Garnet Ave, San Diego
- Event Link
- Monthly Morning Chorus
- Dates: October 18, 2025
- Time: 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM
- Location: Anstine Audubon Preserve, 2437 Hutchison St., Vista
- Event Link
- Bird Photography Club: Photo Stroll at blue Sky Ecological Reserve
- Date: October 18, 2025
- Time: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
- Location: Blue Sky Ecological Reserve, Poway
- Event Link
- Bird Outing: Famosa Slough
- Date: October 18, 2025
- Time: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
- Location: 4285 W. Pt. Loma Blvd, San Diego
- Event Link
- Birding by Ear: Harry Griffin Regional Park
- Date: October 19, 2025
- Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- Location: Harry Griffen Park, 9550 Milden St., La Mesa
- Event Link
- South San Diego Bay Wildlife Refuge and the SoCal Salt Works
- Date: October 19, 2025
- Time: 8:00 AM -12:00 PM
- Location: South Bay Salt Works, Chula Vista
- Event Link
- Bird Sit at Santee Lakes
- Date: October 23, 2025
- Time: 10:00 AM -12:00 PM
- Location: Santee Lakes, Santee
- Event Link
- Birding for Beginners 2 Fall 2025 (this tends to see out quickly)
- Dates: October 23, 30, Nov 2, 6, 9, 13 and 16, 2025
- Times: See Link
- Location: Zoom and Field Trips – See Link
- Event Link
- Famosa Slough Habitat Restoration and Maintenance
- Date: October 24, 2025
- Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Location: Famosa Slough, 2551-2599 Famosa Blvd, San Diego
- Event Link
- Bird Outings: Tecolote Canyon Natural Park with Anitra Kaye
- Date: October 25, 2025
- Time: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- Location: Tecolote Canyon Nature Center, San Diego
- Event Link
- Wander the Wetlands: Work Party
- Date: October 25, 2025
- Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- Location: 2055 Pacific Beach Dr, San Diego
- Event Link
- Short Pelagic Trip
- Date: October 25, 2025
- Time: 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM
- Location: Seaforth Sport Fishing - 1717 Quivira Rd, San Diego, CA 92109
- Event Link
Palomar Audubon Society
- Kumeyaay Lake Campground
- Date: October 4, 2025
- Time: 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM
- Location: Kumeyaay Lake Campground, Two Father Junipero Serra Trail, Santee
- Event Link
- Kit Carson Park
- Date: October 1, 2025
- Time: 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM
- Location: 3333 Bear Valley Pkwy, Escondido
- Event Link
- Whelan Lake Bird Sanctuary
- Date: October 18, 2025
- Time: 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM
- Location: Whelan Lake Bird Sanctuary 3850 N River Rd, Oceanside
- Event Link
- Felicita County Park
- Date: October 25, 2025
- Time: 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM
- Location: Felicita County Park 742 Clarence Ln, Escondido
- Event Link
Buena Vista Audubon Society
- Rancho Carrillo Trail
- Date: October 3, 2025
- Time: 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM
- Location: Rancho Carrillo Trail, Carlsbad
- Event Link
- Whelan Lake Bird Sanctuary Walk
- Date: October 4, 2025
- Time: 7:45 AM – 10:00 AM
- Location: Whelan Lake, 3850 North River Road, Oceanside
- Event Link
- El Corazon Garrison Creek (Oceanside)
- Date: October 8, 2025
- Time: 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM
- Location: El Corazon Garrison Creek, Oceanside
- Event Link
- Kids’ Nature Clubhouse and Trail Exploration
- Date: October 12, 2025
- Time: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
- Location: Buena Vista Nature Center,2202 South Coast Hwy., Oceanside
- Event Link
- Birding with Barbara
- Bird House and Nature Art Auction
- Date: October 18, 2025
- Time: 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM
- Location: Buena Vista Nature Center,2202 South Coast Hwy., Oceanside
- Event Link
- Coastal 101 Birding (Oceanside)
- Date: October 25, 2025
- Time: 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM
- Location: Buena Vista Nature Center,2202 South Coast Hwy., Oceanside
- Event Link
- Preschool Nature Storytime at the Nature Center
- Date: October 27, 2025
- Time: 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
- Location: Buena Vista Nature Center,2202 South Coast Hwy., Oceanside
- Event Link
San Diego Botanical Gardens
- Bird Walk
- Date: October 8, 2025
- Time: 8:00 AM
- Location: San Diego Botanical Gardens, 300 Quail Gardens Dr., Encinitas
- Event Link
- Butterfly Walk
- Dates: October 13 and 27, 2025
- Time: 10:00 AM
- Location: San Diego Botanical Gardens, 300 Quail Gardens Dr., Encinitas
- Event Link
San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy
- Landscape Painting with Chelsea – SDRVC Natural Impressions: Art in Nature
- Date: October 5, 2025
- Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Location: Piedras Pintadas Trailhead/Bernardo Bay Staging Area, 19140 W Bernardo Dr, San Diego
- Event Link
- Yoga at the Birdwing
- Dates: October 5, 11 and 19, 2025
- Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- Location: Birdwing Open Air Classroom, 15737 San Andres Dr, Del Mar
- Event Link
- Gonzalez Canyon Habitat Restoration
- Date: October 25, 2025
- Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- Location: 13655 Sword Way, 13655 Sword Way, San Diego
- Event Link
San Elijo Lagoon Nature Collective
- Discovery Tour
- Date: October 4, 2025
- Time: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
- Location: San Elijo Lagoon, Nature Center Loop Trail, 2710 Manchester Ave., Cardiff-by-the-Sea
- Event Link
- Wildlife Tour
- Date: October 11, 2025
- Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- Location: San Elijo Lagoon (location will be emailed)
- Event Link
- Volunteer Restoration Event
- Date: October 18, 2025
- Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Location: Will be shared before the event
- Event Link
- Fall Festival
- Date: October 19, 2025
- Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Location: San Dieguito County Park, 1628 Lomas Santa Fe Drive
Del Mar
- Event Link
Living Coast Discovery Center
- Bilingual Sweetwater Safari Hike
- Date: October 4, 2025
- Time: 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
- Location: Living Coast Discovery Center, 1000 Gunpowder Point Drive, Chula Vista
- Event Link
- Sweetwater Safari Hike
Tijuana Estuary
- Restoration and Resilience
- Date: October 3, 2025
- Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Location: Tijuana River Valley Regional Park Community Garden, 2100 Hollister St, San Diego
- Event Link
- San Diego Climate Week South Bay Anchor Event
- Date: October 3, 2025
- Time: 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM
- Location: Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center, 301 Caspian Wy, Imperial Beach
- Event Link
- Bilingual Watershed Walk at Tijuana River Valley Regional Park
- Date: October 4, 2025
- Time: 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM
- Location: Tijuana River Valley Regional Park, San Diego
- Event Link
- Nature Walk: An Eye-Opening Experience Without Sight
- Date: October 4, 2025
- Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Location: Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center, 301 Caspian Wy, Imperial Beach
- Event Link
- Hawktober at TRV Campground
- Date: October 4, 2025
- Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
- Location: Tijuana River Valley Campground, San Diego
- Event Link
- Bird Walk
- Dates: October 5, and 19, 2025
- Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- Location: Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center, 301 Caspian Wy, Imperial Beach
- Event Link
- Nature Walk
- Date: October 11, 2025
- Time: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
- Location: 5th Street & Iris Avenue, 5th St & Iris Ave, Imperial Beach
- Event Link
- Explore the Colors of the Estuary: A Community Art Therapy Experience
- Date: October 12, 2025
- Time: 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
- Location: Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center, 301 Caspian Wy, Imperial Beach
- Event Link
- Park Champions: Habitat Planting and Weeding @ Tijuana Estuary
- Date: October 18, 2025
- Time: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
- Location: Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center, 301 Caspian Wy, Imperial Beach
- Event Link
- ‘Wechuwvek Uumanh’ – Healing with Art in Nature – Kumeyaay/Kumiai Trinational TRAM Closing Reception & Youth Art Exhibit
- Date: October 19, 2025
- Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Location: Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center, 301 Caspian Wy, Imperial Beach
- Event Link
- Nature Book Club
- Date: October 25, 2025
- Time: 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
- Location: Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center, 301 Caspian Wy, Imperial Beach
- Event Link
- Nature Walk
- Dates: October 25, 2025
- Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Location: Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center, 301 Caspian Wy, Imperial Beach
- Event Link
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