San Diego Refugewinter wildlife
Yellow-rumped warblers, listed as common in fall and winter on the refuge's 2009 bird list (Fish and Wildlife Service). No official report yet this season.
Your guide to the area
Where to watch
- Sweetwater Interpretive LoopFrom the refuge's one-acre gravel lot (about 40 cars) off State Route 94 at Millar Ranch Road, 12155 Campo Road, El Cajon; the loop links to the county's Sweetwater River Regional Trail
- Mother Miguel Mountain trailheadOne of the refuge's main trailheads; the nearest restrooms are at Mount San Miguel Park, a community sports park
Nearby
- Sonny Bono Salton Sea Refuge85 mi2 separate phases, from Many shorebird species start returning in August
- Cibola Refuge141 mi3 separate phases, from mid-July to mid-September
- Kern Refuge259 miBirding is best on the refuge from October through March
- Merced Refuge373 mimid-September to early MarchSatSunny
- San Luis Refuge388 miJanuarySatSunny
- San Joaquin River Refuge419 miOctober to MarchSatSunny
The year at San Diego Refuge
- White-crowned sparrows common in fall, winter and spring, September through May (2009 bird list)NowSep–May
- Ruby-crowned kinglets common in fall, winter and spring, September through May (2009 bird list)NowSep–May
- Yellow-rumped warblers common in fall and winter, September through February (2009 bird list)NowSep–Feb
San Diego Refuge in pictures
Questions people ask
When is the best time to see winter wildlife at San Diego National Wildlife Refuge?
Yellow-rumped warblers, listed as common in fall and winter on the refuge's 2009 bird list (Fish and Wildlife Service): common in the bird list's Fall (September through October) and Winter (November through February) seasons. That's general timing for this place, not a peak date or a forecast.
Is it wildlife season at San Diego National Wildlife Refuge right now?
There's no official report yet this season.
Are there restrooms or water?
Not on the refuge, so bring water. If you start at Mother Miguel Mountain, Mount San Miguel Park has restrooms.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, San Diego NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
When is the refuge open?
From sunrise to sunset; it's closed at night.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, San Diego NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I bike or ride a horse?
Yes, on the County of San Diego's Sweetwater River Trail and Par Four Trail. Dogs must be leashed.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, San Diego NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Anything to watch out for?
Rattlesnakes, which come out when the sun is shining and can hide under rocks. Drones are prohibited.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, San Diego NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in San Diego National Wildlife Refuge?
Sweetwater Interpretive Loop: from the refuge's one-acre gravel lot (about 40 cars) off State Route 94 at Millar Ranch Road, 12155 Campo Road, El Cajon; the loop links to the county's Sweetwater River Regional Trail; Mother Miguel Mountain trailhead: one of the refuge's main trailheads; the nearest restrooms are at Mount San Miguel Park, a community sports park.
What is San Diego National Wildlife Refuge like through the year?
Yellow-rumped warblers common in fall and winter, September through February (2009 bird list) (Sep–Feb), White-crowned sparrows common in fall, winter and spring, September through May (2009 bird list) (Sep–May) and Ruby-crowned kinglets common in fall, winter and spring, September through May (2009 bird list) (Sep–May).
How we know · Sources (3)
How we know
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, San Diego National Wildlife Refuge Bird List (2009 PDF, page layout) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 30) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, San Diego National Wildlife Refuge Bird List (2009 PDF, reading order) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 30) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, San Diego NWR: Visit Us (opens in a new tab) (Sep 30)