Issue link: https://imageup.uberflip.com/i/1110883
| OHCC LIVING | MAY 2019 | 17 Birdwatchers Our next meeting is May 28. It will be held in the Mykonos Room. We will have 30 minutes of socializing and snacking beginning at 12:30 pm followed by a 1 pm presentation by Ernie Cowan, outdoor writer for the Union Tribune. Ernie is an excellent bird/nature photographer and speaker who brings to his presentations years of experience and knowledge generously sprinkled with very funny anecdotes! We are so lucky to have him come and speak. Please mark your calendars. Our next walk will be on May 9. We will be going to the far west end of the Batiquitos Lagoon, west of Highway 5. Batiquitos Lagoon is a coastal wetland north of San Diego between Carlsbad and Encinitas. It is one of the few remaining tidal wetlands on the Southern California coast, and consists of 610 acres with a drainage basin of about 55,000 acres. It is an ecological reserve and is protected by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. East of Highway 5, the 1.7-mile trail runs close to the water's edge on the north side of the lagoon and can be accessed at several spots off Batiquitos Drive. West of Highway 5, (where we will be going) the lagoon is viewed from a bluff above with outstanding views of the ocean and the coast. The path is paved and easy to walk. It meanders through native vegetation that covers the bluff with beautiful seasonal blooms. There are benches and a gazebo along the way for resting. 180 species of birds either migrate through the lagoon spring and fall or make it their permanent home. We can expect to see Terns, Gulls, Egrets, Pelicans, Ospreys, Belted Kingfishers, Warblers, Red-winged Blackbirds, and many more. Lunch will be at Pelly's Fish Market, or you can bring your own and eat while enjoying the view! Please meet at the overflow parking lot at 7:45 am for an 8 am. departure. We will arrange car pools and get directions then. The drive is about 30 minutes. Sunscreen, a hat, water, and good walking shoes are advised. Parking will be on the street as the access point is in a residential area. You do not have to be a Birdwatchers Club member to go on a walk. All are welcome! Batiquitos means, "little watering hole" in Spanish.