Refugio Creek Canyon

Refugio Creek Canyon

Capitan, California 93117

Tips for Birding

Park on dirt pullouts on the edge of the road to bird. Be aware that all of the land along the road is private, so stick to the road or its shoulder, but also watch for passing cars - some move quickly.

This hotspot is for the riparian corridor north of the first orchard which you encounter driving up from the 101 highway. There is a separate hotspot for the creek below the orchard, and also for the highest elevation area along the saddle.

During early mornings on spring migration, large numbers of songbirds can sometimes be seen moving up the creek when viewed from dirt pullouts on the chaparral portion of the upper road. If attempting this, arrive very early and watch down into the creek to see birds moving through the treetops. 

Birds of Interest

Canyon Wrens are present and reliable on rocky slopes year round. Yellow Warbler and Warbling Vireo breed here in summer and are otherwise scarce and declining breeders in the South County. 

Migratory songbirds are abundant particularly in spring. 

About this Location

The lower reaches of Refugio Canyon along the 'First Creek Crossing' hotspot have low-slope channel beds covered by alluvial sediment, giving rise to a riparian woodland dominated by willow and cottonwood. As the canyon continues north through this area, it narrows and steepens, becomes more rocky, and transitions to a mostly closed canopy of live oak and bay laurel, with sycamores and in some places alder or maple lining the stream bank. 

Eventually, the road snakes up to leave the stream and traverses chaparral. At the highest elevations it again returns to an oak-bay laurel-madrone woodland along the shady crest of Camino Cielo by the pass

Notable Trails

All the land here is private, so please stick to the shoulder of Refugio Road. Be especially careful not to intrude on private residences just north of Circle Bar B. Watch for fast-moving cars. 

Last updated October 18, 2023