Irvine’s San Joaquin Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary is a 300-acre freshwater wetland owned and managed by the Irvine Ranch Water District. Marine biologist and naturalist Trude Hurd, project director of education for the Sea & Sage Audubon Society, shares insights about the sanctuary’s importance.
Can you tell us about winter bird migration to the San Joaquin Marsh?
Because of its size, native habitat and proximity to the coast, the sanctuary is an important part of the Pacific Flyway, one of the four major migratory flyways in the U.S. Sadly, in California, we have lost more than 90% of our original wetlands due to coastal development. We’re fortunate that the marsh was saved, and the Irvine Ranch Water District created a managed wetland to benefit birds.
What’s something most people don’t know about the San Joaquin Marsh?
The marsh was a duck hunting club from the 1940s until the late 1980s. The hunters managed the property and protected it from development. The Irvine Ranch Water District has since managed this urban wetland. As a result, the sanctuary has the highest number of documented bird species in Orange County.
What species migrate to the marsh, and where do they migrate from?
With its large ponds and native plants, the marsh provides good habitat for wintering birds such as American white pelicans, a wide variety of waterfowl and some songbirds. While the majority of those species migrate north to breed in spring, some species remain at the marsh to raise their young, including the Canada goose, mallard, cinnamon teal and ruddy duck.
