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Coastal California Gnatcatcher
The project would involve the destruction of 1.25 acres of Diegan coastal sage scrub (CSS) on the northern edge of the site. However, this particular area was designated as hardline preserve in Oceanside’s Subarea Plan, which is Oceanside’s commitment to the Multiple Habitat Conservation Program, the regional plan to protect sensitive plant and animal species in the region. This area is critical breeding habitat for the Coastal California Gnatcatcher (CAGN), a threatened species which is federally protected under the Endangered Species Act and designated by the state as a Species of Special Concern. In fact, the biologist who conducted the surveys for the Draft EIR observed a pair of CAGN nesting and feeding young on-site in habitat that would be destroyed.
Female (left) and male (right) Coastal California Gnatcatcher. Photo credit: Stuart Cooke
This occupied habitat must be left alone. Furthermore, it is recommended by our biological experts that a 50 meter wide corridor be created for the CAGN to move between this hardline CSS patch and its primary habitat within the park. If the project is implemented as is, CAGN will not be able to move between these two habitat patches as a dense row of houses will block and deter passage. Our recommendation is illustrated below. This was also recommended by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife in their response letter to the Draft Environmental Impact Report.
The project site is partially located in an Focused Planning Area (FPA) as designated in the Multiple Habitat Conservation Program (MHCP). For impacts to Coastal Sage Scrub, it is stated in the MHCP that “mitigation will consist of permanent conservation of habitat in an FPA. In some cases, habitat creation or restoration may also qualify as mitigation.” (Final MHCP Volume 1, p 4-18). The project failed to include any onsite habitat restoration.
Other bird species of concern
Cooper's Hawk: This bird is currently nesting within the project boundary. See photo at bottom left of the adorable nestling. Photo taken on July 11, 2025.
Least Bell's Vireo: The northern edge of the project site is composed of riparian habitat which was determined in the Draft EIR to have high potential as a nesting and foraging site for the endangered Least Bell’s Vireo (federally and state protected species). The southern edge of the site borders Guajome Park which has long been an important breeding site for this endangered species.
White-tailed Kite: White-tailed Kite, a raptor species designated fully protected in California, was observed on-site by the biologist who conducted surveys for the Draft EIR. The project would result in permanent impacts to over 8 acres of this species’ foraging habitat.
Yellow Warbler: This songbird species is a California Species of Special Concern. It was observed within the project site.
Yellow-breasted Chat: This songbird species is also designated a California Species of Special Concern. Though it was not observed within the project site in the Draft EIR surveys, it is likely to occur, as it also forages and breeds in riparian habitat including nearby habitat in Guajome Park. (Update June 2025-bird has been observed onsite in riparian habitat multiple times by biologist)
Wildlife movement
The Draft EIR overlooked the importance of the project site and its surroundings as part of the largest wildlife corridor in the area. The biologists must have been unaware that Guajome Park connects to the San Luis Rey River via a passageway that runs under highway SR-76. The statement that the site is surrounded by development that limits movement of larger animals is false. In fact, bobcats and coyotes are known to pass under the highway and sightings on both sides have been documented.
California Department of Fish and Wildlife even wrote in their Notice of Preparation response letter, dated December 8, 2022, that the area is “part of an essential wildlife corridor” and recommended “providing a thorough discussion of direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts,” per Fish & Game Code § 2800 et. seq.
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