Self Guided Tour of Wildlife Preserves
Mariner's Point is home to the smallest tern species, the least tern. The
California least tern is an endangered subspecies nesting in patches
of fairly flat sandy ground with little or no vegetation. Like many
species, the least tern may abandon its nest if disturbed. Effective
conservation measures, including fences and signs provide some protection
for these birds. The least tern breeds along the Pacific Coast as far north
as San Francisco. June or July is the best time to see the least tern
nesting at Mariner's Point. You can see them hovering high above the
water's surface, then plunging in head first in pursuit of small fish, or
skimming low over the water.
Perez Cove is one of the three known nesting sites of the great blue heron
in San Diego County. These enormous long-legged, long-necked birds are commonly
sighted nesting in the tops of Torrey Pine trees. Throughout the year the
great blue heron are visible around bays, lagoons, ponds, and lakes throughout
San Diego County. The great blue heron feeds primarily on fish, but
their diet may also include mice, small birds, frogs, and other small animals.
In 1952, Lena Kendall donated nine acres of salt marsh to the University of California.
Soon after, the A. H. Frost estate donated an adjoining parcel. Today, the
Kendall-Frost Reserve protects sixteen acres of salt marsh adjacent to the salt marsh,
mudflats and open waters of the Northern Wildlife Preserve owned by the City
of San Diego. Two endangered species depend entirely on this marsh: the
light-footed clapper rail and the Belding's savannah sparrow.
The light-footed clapper rail builds a floating nest in the tall cordgrass
stands of the marsh. The platform nest rises during high tide but does not
float away because the tall cordgrass anchors it in place. The light-footed
clapper rail feeds on invertebrates, larval fish, and local vegetation.
The Belding's savannah sparrow weaves its nest among the dense pickleweed
and feeds on seeds and insects throughout the wetlands. The Belding's savannah
sparrow has a long nesting season from March to August.
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