BMB06/04 Oak Glen 4th February 2006

We were most fortunate; 16 Big Morongo Birders in perfect Southern California weather, temperature 50º, sunny and not a cloud in the sky. As a bonus, all save my namesake were making a first time visit to Oak Glen and were suitably impressed. Capn Sandy was a fine scribe and recorded 35 species, although we had problems with a hawk – we met a Ranger but she was unable to help.



Western Bluebird
Chipping Sparrow
Song Sparrow

Lark Sparrow
House Finch
Red-shafted Flicker

Acorn Woodpecker
Stellar's Jay
Scrub Jay

Lesser Goldfinch
Mourning Dove
Dark-eyed Junco

Gambel's Quail*
California Quail
Red-wing Blackbird

Brewer's Blackbird
American Kestrel
Red-tailed Hawk

Oak Titmouse
Band-tailed Pigeon
Mountain Chickadee

American Coot
Yellow-rumped Warbler
European Starling

Bewick's Wren
Ring-necked Duck
Mallard

Spotted Towhee
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Black Phoebe

Loggerhead Shrike
White-breasted Nuthatch
Northern Mockingbird

American Robin
and a Ferruginous or Swainson's Hawk





Most went for the apple pie, though the store was surprisingly quiet, but your scribe had an appointment at the Yard House in Rancho Mirage where he had a surprise.



A gentleman in Palm Springs often gives sandwiches to homeless people there. This morning he put thirty of them in limousines and took them to lunch at the Yard House – quite a sight, and a suitable end to a most enjoyable morning.


San Bernardino County Museum Monday 13th February 2006



Meet at Denny's, Indian and I10 at 9am for car pooling, to be at the museum for 10am. Bring water and a picnic lunch.

The museum, which is totally devoted to birds, is closed to the public on Monday and Gene Cardiff has agreed to give us a tour of the museum which will be followed by a picnic and a bird walk by the river. It will be a full day.

Our last visit two years ago was very well received, and those unfamiliar with the museum may wish to look at our last visit

http://bigmorongobirders.blogspot.com/2004_02_01_bigmorongobirders_archive.html



Normal admission arrangements will not be in place as the Museum is closed to the public, but a donation would be appropriate.



Any queries, email or call me at 760 328 6750, cell 760 333 2366.

If you would prefer to be removed from this distribution please email.

Apologies to Ron and Elli – there was no conspiracy!



Good Birding.........bb



Barry Parkes

bbparkes@ix.netcom.com