Cynthia Robertson

San Diego History

Lindo Lake a Walk Back in Time

Park in Lakeside Attracts Rare Birds
By Cynthia Robertson
Posted on Aug 29 2006
Last updated Oct 09 2006

A jewel of a lake beckons visitors to sit under the tree branches and feed the geese that happily honk for bread crumbs. Lindo Lake in Lakeside is what its Spanish name means: pretty. At the entrance on Lindo Lane, adjacent to the Lakeside Community Center and Library, walkers, cyclists and picnickers are welcomed into this place practically owned and operated by the birds living there.

The lake is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, and 9:30 to 7 p.m. weekends. Birders are welcome into the park before

hours if they walk in. It’s a good idea for birding enthusiasts to bring binoculars and a notebook to jot down the names of their feathered friends. While ducks, geese, coots and cormorants regularly make Lindo Lake their home, a host of other birds have been found here, from Great Blue Herons to Pie-Billed Grebes.

In May 2002, seven pairs of nesting Great Blue Herons were discovered on the lake, as noted on www.bird-friends.com American White Pelicans also make their appearance here. Lucky bird-watchers may also spot Clark’s Grebes, Black Swans, and White-Faced Ibis.

The lake is one of the County’s few natural freshwater lakes, originally dedicated as a public park in 1886, when Lakeside was promoted as the Pasadena of San Diego County. The book Walking San Diego, 2^nd edition by Lonnie Hewitt and Barbara Moore explains that during construction of the Chet Harritt Dam and Lake Jennings in the early part of the 20^th century, the main source of Lindo Lake’s water was cut off. A bad drought one year eventually turned it into a dry hole. For awhile, well water was pumped in to maintain a good level of water, but bad water and rapid algae growth plagued the lake.

Nowadays, a new filtration system, which is part of a master plan to rehabilitate the lake and create new park facilities, keeps the lake clean and attractive for both birds and people. A landscaped 2.5 mile trail is being planned for the park; in the meantime, birders can circle Lake 1 and Lake 2, each of them a ¾ mile circuit, starting from the ranger station.

Immature Snowy Egret

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The willows, cattails and marsh plants along the lakes soothe the senses along with the chatter of ducks. The lake is a favorite place for San Diego Audubon Society visitors. Their next walk is planned for Wednesday, September 27, 8 to 11 a.m. Though the walk will be somewhat early in the fall, the group will be hoping for a few early migrants such as Tri-colored Blackbirds. Meet Oz Osborn at the lake at 8 a.m.

Take I-8 east to Highway 67. Go north on 67 and take the Riverford Road exit. Turn left on Woodside and go to the end, where park will be visible. Continue as the road curves to the right and then to the left for about a block. Turn left into the parking lot where the group will meet. Interested persons may call 619-682-7200 for more information.

Lindo Lake is a haven for birdwatchers and nature-lovers, any time of the year, particularly refreshing during the summer months when its ample shade offers relief from temperatures in the high 90’s. The geese, ducks and coots will appreciate any saved-up bread from picnics or the pantry.

About the author: Cynthia Robertson is a freelance writer based in San Diego.
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