Winter Puts on a Show at IRWD San Joaquin Marsh

Birds and Other Wildlife Abound

Winter is an exciting at the San Joaquin Marsh, where many birds that flew south from snowy climates are arriving to make it their winter home. Bird watching opportunities abound at this fresh water wetlands.

“Visitors may see Canada geese, white pelicans and more than a dozen species of ducks,” said Trude Hurd, project director for Sea and Sage Audubon, which operates educational programs at the Marsh.

Partnering with IRWD, Audubon provides volunteers to lead free wildlife walks on the first Saturday of the month. Binoculars are available for loan.

As visitors walk around the ponds, they might be treated to the sight and songs of the white-crowned sparrows and the yellow-rumped warblers as they feed on insects in the trees.

The Marsh is also home to birds of prey, such as hawks and owls. They live at the Marsh year-round, with the population of mice, rabbits and other small mammals providing a food source.

In recent years, a family of bobcats has been present, with new kittens making their appearances in the spring.

Because the Marsh is not open to visitors at night, many of the nocturnal animals such as coyotes, skunks and raccoons will not be seen. However, on occasion, coyotes can be seen wandering the trails in the early morning of evening. Skunks can be seen only in the early morning.

Visitors are advised to enjoy the wildlife, but not to approach or feed them. If visitors picnic at the Marsh, they should dispose of their trash and left-over food in the trash cans. The large bins are covered to keep out the raccoons.

More information about the Marsh is available on our website.

Contact: Shannon Reed, Public Affairs Manager
reeds@irwd.com, (949) 453-5500