SD Oct. Big Day Route, 2021
The algorithm hath spoken!
The following route gives the birder a 50% chance of 156 species in San Diego County on Oct. 9th, 2021. It is based on historical data from 1990-2021 and recent confirmed notable (rare) bird sightings from the last two days (Oct 7 and 8). A 2am start (!) and pace of 25min per stop (!!) is required to finish the route at sunset. Download a printable pdf of the route here.
Good luck, have fun, and drive safe! Who knows, maybe I’ll see you out there…
| Stop | Time to Next Spot | Bird Time |
| San Elijo Lagoon–Stonebridge Trail | start | |
| San Elijo Lagoon–Rios Ave. entrance | 15min | |
| Tecolote Canyon Natural Park | 25min | |
| Wing St. Canyon | 10min | |
| TWILIGHT – 6:23am | ||
| Borrego Springs–Resort and Country Club | 113min | |
| Anza-Borrego Desert SP–Culp Valley area | 23min | |
| Lake Cuyamaca | 56min | |
| Laguna Mtns.–Agua Dulce Creek | 28min | |
| Laguna Mtns.–west meadow area | 7min | |
| Lindo Lake | 37min | |
| Santee Lakes | 16min | |
| Harry Griffen Regional Park | 15min | |
| Seacoast Dr.–south end | 33min | |
| San Diego River–Robb Field & mudflats | 33min | |
| San Diego River–estuary (Old Sea World Dr.) | 9min | |
| Point La Jolla–seawatch | 17min | |
| Miramar National Cemetery | 15min | |
| San Dieguito Lagoon–Dust Devil Trails | 12min | |
| San Elijo Lagoon–Stonebridge Trail | 13min | |
| Lake Hodges–Del Dios area (west end) | 27min |