On June 21st, about 20 enthusiastic birders gathered on a beautiful, cool, breezy, and sunny mountain day at Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. The weather was perfect for birding, and we were rewarded with sightings of 43 species.

Highlights included:

• Hairy Woodpecker
• Western Flycatcher
• Nesting Mountain Chickadees
• Violet-green Swallows (especially beautiful in the mountain light)
• Purple Martin
• Pygmy Nuthatch
• Purple Finch
• Black-chinned Sparrow
• Numerous Bullock’s Orioles
• Lazuli Bunting
• Many Black-headed Grosbeaks

The group especially enjoyed the camaraderie and conversation during the picnic following the walk. A big thanks to Steve Ellis for compiling the bird list. ebird.org/checklist/S252871127

Hal Benham