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CAU > Seminars and Study Tours > San Diego: Ornithology/Ecology

San Diego: Ornithology/Ecology

March 19-24, 2005

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For the Birds: Landscapes and Habitats of San Diego and the Southern California Coast

March 19-24, 2005
San Diego: Paradise Point Resort and Spa
Charles R. Smith, with Michael Hamilton

Overview

Known for their perfect climates, wonderful beaches and bays, and splendid waterfront communities, San Diego and the Pacific coast of Southern California are equally appealing (but less well known) for their large and varied birding habitats. In this new CAU expedition, led by CAU favorite Charles R. (Charlie to us) Smith, senior research associate in the Department of Natural Resources at Cornell, assisted by one of his most accomplished doctoral students, Dr. Michael Hamilton, eminent California naturalist and director of the James San Jacinto Mountains Reserve for the University of California, Riverside, we hope to enjoy many of the pleasures of the southernmost coastline of California at a perfect time of year.

Lodging

Our headquarters for the week will be the highly rated Paradise Point Resort and Spa, wonderfully located on an island in Mission Bay just across the water from San Diego. Designed to have the feel of a secluded tropical island, Paradise Point's bungalows, tropical gardens, golf course, pools, spa, and restaurants are nonetheless easy to get to and close to transportation and nearby islands. With Charlie and Mike leading the way, we'll devote each day to explorations among birding communities and habitats inland, along the coast, and on the water, and we'll set aside time each evening for lectures and group discussions.

Itinerary

We'll devote one day to Paradise Point, the shoreline of Mission Bay, the mouth of the San Diego River, and Cabrillo National Monument. We'll spend a day exploring coastal waters at least five miles offshore, observing seabirds and gray whales. We'll head inland to the Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge for a day of desert outings and wildlife observation. And we'll spend a morning at Mission Trails Regional Park, home of the California gnatcatcher, one of the region's endangered species. We'll also set aside an afternoon for individual explorations in and around San Diego, or for golf, a spa treatment, or whatever your heart desires.

Program Cost and Travel Arrangements

The program fee of $2,480 (per-person, double-occupancy) includes all lodging, meals, ground and water transportation, site visits, admission fees, escort services, taxes, gratuities, and the full educational program. The supplement for single occupancy is $525. Participants will be responsible for their own travel to Paradise Point Resort (which is located just a few miles from the San Diego airport). Stone Travel of Ithaca will be happy to help you with air reservations, rental cars, and the like.

Physical Requirements

This is not a strenuous program, but you must be able to walk for one or more miles over uneven terrain, to climb steps, and to remain on your feet for several hours at a time. Weather in March should be delightful and mild, although a rain shower is always a possibility. No special equipment or experience is needed; just bring your binoculars, comfortable walking shoes, and your curiosity. Charlie, Mike, and the birds will supply the rest.

Map

How to use the map:

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