Hello Bird Enthusiasts!

Today, eight eager birders met at the Penny Pines parking area off the Sunrise Highway in the Laguna Mountains to bird a new PAS bird walk location, Big Laguna Lake and Meadows. We headed west along the Big Laguna Trail and followed it to the south. The trail is a bit exposed in the beginning, but we soon came across beautiful tall pines and shady areas with welcoming breezes. It was sunny with clear blue skies, and the temperature ranged from the mid-70s to mid-80s F, aka a gorgeous day.

We did eventually get distant views of the lake, which had some water as well as waterfowl, but we were unable to identify the birds being so far, far away. However, we were able to find a total of 34 species, which included a Black-throated Gray Warbler, a couple of Hermit Warblers, many Pygmy Nuthatches and Mountain Chickadees, Phainopeplas, Jays and pewees, but the winner for “Most Numerous” went to the Acorn Woodpecker.

This new location was enjoyed by everyone; even those that we passed on the trail seemed happy and grateful to be among nature’s scenic beauty. Many thanks to Steve, who selected this site, led our walk, and maintained our eBird checklist. Special thanks also go out to our photographers who captured nature in incredible ways. It was another fabulous day of birding fun with friends.

Please take a look at our eBird checklist:

Thank you.

Bird On!

Mary Jo Hayes

Escondido, CA