A rare rainy day seemed an inauspicious time for a bird walk, but five of us were willing to dampen our shoes and get rain spots on our binoculars. In spite of the concurrent Boy Scout Jamboree, which spread over even more of the park than last year and was very noisy, we saw quite a good number of birds.

White-faced Ibis (Ray Juncosa)

Fortunately, “bird whisperer” Chris Lord was along, and found and identified most of the birds. Much of the water was covered with green algae, which may have kept the ducks away. Most of what was swimming were American Coots, but there were Mallards, plus a few Gadwalls and American Wigeons. Egrets and herons were well represented, including a beautiful Green Heron, and one White-faced Ibis seemed to find a lot to eat. Seven peeps, too far away to identify, were pecking in the shallow water. A Belted Kingfisher swooped around.

Yellow-rumped Warbler (Ray Juncosa)

Warblers were mostly of the Yellow-rumped persuasion, but we also found Orange-crowned and Townsend’s Warblers and Common Yellowthroats. Raptors showed up also: a Cooper’s Hawk blended perfectly into a tree; we had also a Kestrel and a Red-shouldered Hawk. A pair of Northern Flickers, whom we heard early on, finally showed up on the ground between some dense trees.

Townsend’s Warbler (Ray Juncosa)

Happily, the Scaly-breasted Munia, beautiful and well adapted immigrants, and a good reason for birding this park, were found early on. The flower garden boasted a few Hummingbirds, including Anna’s and Allen’s.

Hermit Thrust (Ray Juncosa)

A few Hermit Thrushes skulked in the undergrowth. All in all, 42 species was more than we thought we would see!    [Elizabeth Galton]

Adult Red-shouldered Hawk in fine form (Ray Juncosa)