Especially after last week’s back-to-back rain storms, our Birdwatchers Club members couldn’t have asked for better weather for the first field trip of 2016 – clear skies and temperatures warming from the low 50s to the mid-60s. At Dos Picos County Park, we saw such species as Wood Ducks and Ring-necked Ducks on the pond; Acorn Woodpeckers and White-breasted Nuthatches in and around a grove of oak trees; and a Red-shouldered Hawk, a photo of which later revealed had been feasting on a mouse.

After having read in the San Diego Union-Tribune about the cutting down of some 200 of the park’s largest oaks after they became infested with the gold-spotted oak borer beetle, we were surprised to see that the part of the park’s oak grove that we have enjoyed during past visits is still standing. An official explained that they hope removal of the infested trees will succeed in stopping the spread of this non-native insect pest.

Our second destination of the day was the Ramona Grasslands, where we had an amazing close-up view of an awesome Ferruginous Hawk perched atop a power pole. (This wintering raptor is the Bird of the Month in the January Village Voice.) We also enjoyed observing lots of Mountain Bluebirds and were serenaded by the liquidly musical songs of Western Meadowlarks.

After lunch at the Boll Weevil Restaurant in Ramona, we descended into nearby Pamo Valley, where there was an abundance of Savannah, White-crowned, and Lark Sparrows and at one stop the sounds of wild turkeys. By any standard, this rates as a wonderful day of birding!

Our time at the Ramona Grasslands was highlighted by observing a roadrunner perched on a boulder, a Ferruginous hawk sitting on the ground for a while before flying off, and another Ferruginous hawk on a nearby power pole.  We were thrilled to watch the beautiful mountain bluebirds flying back and forth, splashing in a pool, and sitting on roadside fences.  It was wonderful to hear the liquid music of the meadowlarks, as they sang so loudly that it seemed as though their notes were enhanced by megaphones.  It was a pleasure to see all the grasslands and surrounding countryside lush green from the December rains – in contrast to last year’s drab and depressing brown.