SAN JACINTO: Migratory birds flock to wetlands
Birders use binoculars to spot some of the resident and migratory birds observed at the manmade wetlands at San Jacinto Valley Regional Water Reclamation Facility in San Jacinto earlier this month. Eastern Municipal Water District hosts once a month walks in winter given by Audubon Society volunteers.
GAIL WESSON, STAFF PHOTO
Dozens of migratory and resident birds may be viewed during Eastern Municipal Water Districtâs tour at the San Jacinto wetlands on Jan. 5.
Audubon volunteers lead the tours, which are free and open to the public. Tours continue on the first Saturday of each month through May.
Tours run from 8 a.m. until 10 a.m. For security reasons, gates will be open to allow guests into the site from 7:45 a.m. until 8:05 a.m.
The 60-acre wetlands in San Jacinto are the permanent and temporary home to an estimated 120 species of birds, including Canada geese and white-faced ibis. Different species of birds are present at different times of the year, depending on migratory patterns.
Recently, dozens of American white pelicans have called the wetlands their temporary home and have been witnessed by a number of student tours at the facility in recent weeks.
The tours are hosted by Sherri (Stange) Domenigoni and Steve Adkinson, who have extensive experience in leading the tour.
Groups of five or more must call ahead for reservations. Closed-toed shoes are required. Guests may bring both still and video cameras, binoculars and other viewing devices.
The wetlands are located adjacent to the San Jacinto Valley Regional Water Reclamation Facility, at 770 N. Sanderson Ave., San Jacinto.
Eastern recently posted a video about the tours on YouTube at: http://youtu.be/1EU493kpE98
Contact Eastern education specialist Malea Ortloff for information at 951-928-3777, extension 4405.