Type: report

Article abstract: The 2014 avian survey of the Bernardo Mountain Preserve, San Dieguito River Park, San Diego County, California determined the point locations, territories, and breeding status of two rare songbirds, the California Gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica) and the Coastal Cactus Wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus cousei). Eleven field surveys conducted between 14 March and 21 June detected a total of twelve gnatcatcher and three Cactus Wren territories within the preserve. This compares favorably with previous surveys conducted after the Witch Fire of 2007 despite the continuation of a three-year drought. Our observations show that the gnatcatcher, in particular, has expanded into revegetated areas. Cactus Wrens, with their more specific requirements, are still largely confined to cactus scrub that did not burn in 2007 as replanted cactus has yet to reach a height suitable for nest-building. Other vertebrates noted during the survey include sixty-six additional species of birds, four species of mammals, and five species of reptiles.