Under “May gray” coastal overcast that extended far inland and kept the temperature in the mid-to-upper 60s, our Birdwatchers group enjoyed a leisurely walk through the City of Escondido’s Kit Carson Park. The sight and sound of Acorn Woodpeckers in trees around the parking area kicked off our birding. Three kinds of swallows swooped back and forth over the park’s pond, on which were lots of Mallards and their fuzzy ducklings. A stately Great Egret flew gracefully just above the calm water and landed on the far shore. As we walked through a lush area of riparian woodland, we heard a concert of birdsongs – notably Song Sparrows, Common Yellowthroats, Yellow Warblers, Yellow-breasted Chats and Black-headed Grosbeaks.

The morning’s highlights featured an estimated 40 to 50 Cedar Waxwings flocking in and around what we believe was a mulberry tree that was loaded with fruit. At about 10:30, we walked to the park’s unique art attraction, “Queen Califia’s Magical Circle.” Before touring this garden of large-scale, colorful sculptured forms, Paul, a knowledgeable docent, shared some background information about the imaginative French-born artist, Niki de Saint Phalle. (Information about tours: 760-839-4000 or kowens@escondido.org.) As the sun broke through the clouds, we enjoyed lunch at the nearby Mexican grill and cantina, On the Border.

BIRDS IDENTIFIED--40 SPECIES