Saturday, July 25, 2026, found ten hardy members of the Palomar Audubon Society exploring the Stonewall Mine Trail in the beautiful Cuyamaca Mountains. Although temperatures climbed into the 90s before our morning walk was over, the summer heat did little to discourage either the birders or the mountain birds, which rewarded us with wonderful views throughout the morning. As usual, our outing began with Wild Turkeys foraging in the grassy meadow below the trail. While they are expected residents here, they are always a welcome sight. A family of Ash-throated Flycatchers kept us entertained with their constant activity, while nine Turkey Vultures soared effortlessly overhead, taking advantage of the rising morning thermals. We also enjoyed watching the ever-comical Acorn Woodpeckers. Later, from the small bridge overlooking the marshy edge of the lake, we watched eight to ten of them fly down to a muddy shoreline to drink—an entertaining and rather unusual spectacle. Stonewall Mine once again proved to be a rewarding destination, with beautiful mountain scenery, good birds, and the camaraderie of fellow birders making for another enjoyable Palomar Audubon outing. We thank Steve Ellis for again doing the eBird checklist for our group. The links are attached.

Hal Benham, trip leader