Julian a Haven for Birds, Birdwatching
By Regina Elling

Julian Journal Archive Photo

Visitors of all types flock to Julian's peaceful mountain views - and the guests aren't even always human. Many birdwatchers have already discovered that many wild birds choose to call San Diego County, and Julian in particular, home.

"With more than 490 species of birds, San Diego County is home to a greater variety of species than any county in North America," says Rick Campbell, owner of The Birdwatcher store in Julian.

"Traditionally, Julian has always had a large number of birds, in part due to having so many different habitats available," he explains. "We have conifer forest areas, pastures, fields, orchards, mountains, houses, and of course, the diverse habitats on either side of Julian.

"Between Lake Cuyamaca and the surrounding area, there are about 170 different species of birds," he says.

Julian's backyard birders can enjoy more than 60 species at their feeders, depending on the season.

"That is a huge number of species," says Campbell. "We're really fortunate to be able to see so many different birds in one place on a regular basis."

Some of the best places in Julian to birdwatch include Paso Picacho campground in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, where a white-headed woodpecker was recently seen, William Heise County Park in Julian and even the Julian town center.

"Even in the middle of town, western bluebirds, acorn woodpeckers, wrens and many other birds are common," he says. "The mountain chickadee is indigenous to this area."

Since the types of birds and their numbers change with the seasons, birdwatchers are always treated to new species.

"Right now, we have a large number of black-headed grosbeaks in the area," he says. "Also the orioles, tanagers and hummingbirds are coming back."

By that, he means the migrating hummers are back; species such as the Anna's Hummingbird are year-round residents that actually never leave. Visiting hummer species include Costa's, black-chinned, Rufous, Allen's and Calliope. The migrating birds will pass through the area for the next few weeks.

Campbell has a pretty good idea of what birds are passing through just by looking out his home window.

"I have about 15 different bird feeders up, and feed as many as 400 birds a day at the height of the winter feeding season," he says. "Now, I probably only feed about half that many."

He adds, "A lot of people have said that they don't believe they have as many birds at their feeders this year, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. We had a great winter, bird-wise, and there is plenty

of natural food available. Birds would rather eat their natural foods than come to feeders, even if we want them to show up."

For example, depending on the type of bird, many dine on grass and weed seeds, as well as the numerous insects now making their own appearances.

"Nesting season is in full swing, and the parent birds have to feed their chicks. It's much better for the baby birds if they are able to learn to eat their natural foods, especially if those foods are abundant."

Of course, this is also the time when many humans find their own "nesting instinct" kicking in, and they "want to help" when they find an "orphan" bird baby.

"The best thing to do if you find a baby bird out of the nest is put it back in or leave it alone," says Campbell. "If the bird just has to have help, call Project Wildlife at 619-225-9202," he advises.

"They are trained to take care of all the different kinds of birds; the baby will be in good hands there."