A very warblerish day: Huntington Beach Central Park, 12 October 2019

Hermit Thrust (R. Juncosa)

Several people had signed up for this trip, but only one of those showed up; others were reportedly put off by the lack of parking spaces. In spite of our efforts to avoid it, we managed once again to hit the exact same day of the Boy Scout Jamboree, hence no parking spaces. Fortunately, others did show up, and we had a nice little group of eager birders.

Western Bluebird (R. Juncosa)

The day was lovely, not too hot, and for us from west LA, a welcome lack of smoke. The birds managed to avoid the Boy Scouts, and our list will show a fair number. It includes the usual suspect foreign invaders (not their fault!): Scaly-breasted Munia, in bands of 20 or so, sticking close together cheek by jowl, Bronze Mannikin, a spectacular Pin-tailed Whydah, and several Japanese White-Eyes. The pond was entirely covered by green algae and looked like a lawn, which American Coots, Mallards and American Wigeons were swimming through.

White-faced Ibis (R. Juncosa)

As we spent some time counting Warblers: Yellow, Wilson’s, Orange-crowned, several beautiful Townsend’s and Nashville — a goodly haul — a White-faced Ibis flew by, and then a Red-shouldered Hawk came along with a fresh mouse that he proceeded to have for breakfast.

Red-shouldered Hawk, sans mouse (R. Juncosa)

Several Woodpeckers, mostly Nuttall’s and a few Flickers, knocked on the trees. Tree squirrels importuned us for whatever we might have in our pockets.

At the garden area, we were scolded by a few House Wrens, also California Towhees showed up. We noted sadly that many of the trees we were used to seeing had been taken down: a visiting Audubon Board Member from Orange County told us they were victims of the shot hole borer. We did note also that not only were there Boy Scouts, but many people were in the Park that day, of all ages, particularly young people (complete with cell phones). It was a good place to be that day.  [Liz Galton]