On May 31st, about 24 birders converged in the San Pasqual Valley at Bandy Canyon Road and Ysabel Creek Road. The main trail that we trekked runs along the Santa Maria Creek and is part of the 48 miles of completed Coast to Crest Trail, which will eventually be a 70-mile expanse from Del Mar to Volcan Mountain within the San Dieguito River Valley. Temperatures began in the high 60s but quickly rose to the low 80s. Luckily, a monsoonal cloud cover came in from the east and gave us and the birds some reprieve from the heat. Cactus Wrens were busy in the re-established prickly pear patch but were a bit uncooperative. We also had brief views of a pair of Common Ground Doves and a White-winged Dove. These doves are rarities in the county, but are known to be occasionally seen in this valley. Orioles were abundant. A few of us met afterwards at the San Diego Archeological Center for a relaxing field lunch and a little more birding.
Thank you all for your contributions and special thanks to Dave and Cindy who gave us scope support and those with cameras who document our beautiful sightings and enhance our experience.
Bird On!
Thank you.
Mary Jo Hayes
Escondido, CA
