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At a T-junction in 0.2 mile, turn right along Pond C, then veer left to follow a boardwalk through the wetlands. This is one of the more likely places to spot a resident bobcat. Lizards, butterflies, and dragonflies have the right-of-way here! Watch for splendid reflections of the willows in the placid waters.

Pond 1, San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary

A web of trails continues from the end of the boardwalk. Following specific directions would be difficult, and there’s no need to take a particular route because all of the sanctuary is interesting. Plan your loop to include some of the large ponds (1–4) on the southwest side of the sanctuary, which attract white pelicans, great blue herons, and other large fish-eating birds. These ponds contain water pumped in from San Diego Creek and help filter excess nitrates before the water is pumped back into the creek, which empties at Newport Back Bay. The thousands of American crows you may see roosting in trees at dusk represent an explosion in population, thanks to the plentiful food that they forage in neighboring communities.