The scheduled walk at Felicita County Park on October 25 did not go as planned. The fall season brings the Renaissance Faire to the park for two weekends, and unfortunately, we were unaware of this until driving into the area and met with “Special Event” and “No Parking” signs. Ay, we hadst to div’rt and wend elsewh’re. Translation from Elizabethan speak to English: Yes, we had to divert and go elsewhere.

So, after our group gathered on a side street and discussed alternate birding locations, about 17 of us decided to meet at the Los Penasquitos Ranch House. Thank you, Steve E., for suggesting this. PAS usually birds this area during the hot summer months, but temperatures were quite pleasant yesterday, starting out with a cool, overcast morning giving way to bright and sunny skies.

The trails were busy with bikes, a couple of horses, runners, walkers, and birds(!). We identified 42 species and counted approximately 282 individuals.

Several houses along our route had bird feeders, including nectar feeders that attracted many hungry hummingbirds. Our day was long due to a late start, but the walk was enjoyable among good company, and the sightings were rewarding.

Thanks to all who participated, and for your flexibility with the situation. Special thanks to Jack for providing scope support and to the photographers who captured our sightings.

Please see our eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S281347152

Bird on!
Thank you.
Mary Jo Hayes
Escondido, CA