Our Birdwatchers Club excursion to Whelan Lake, a 73-acre bird sanctuary located on the northern side of Oceanside, was quite the success. We were guided by Docent John Haddock who provided great expertise and experience as he led us about.

First we enjoyed the activity at the hummingbird feeders at the home of resident-manager Greg Stewart. There were numerous grebes and black-necked stilts at the lake and at two nearby ponds at the Oceanside Public Works Water Reclamation Plant, a short sun-baked walk away. We observed several American Kestrels
patrolling the area, one repeatedly landing at a favorite treetop.

Anxious moments ensued when one seemed to be going after the Western Meadowlarks but we did not see any strikes. The temperature was rising quickly under a cloudless sky, so after our walk we were glad to have the shaded picnic area near the lake to enjoy sack lunches we had brought and treats .

The group chatted with both John and Greg and enjoyed hearing their wide variety of knowledge and experience. We thank them both for putting everything together.