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| OHCC LIVING | JULY 2019 | 13 Birdwatchers On May 24, some of our members went on an impromptu birdwatching trip to The Leo Carrillo Ranch State Park located at 6200 Flying LC Lane in Carlsbad. The Ranch was designated a Historic National Landmark and opened to the public in August 2003. Once a working ranch owned by actor Leo Carrillo, it is now a 27 acre park that has retained its authentic hand crafted adobe buildings, antique windmills, a reflecting pool and many other beautiful historic structures. Gorgeous bougainvillea, Birds of Paradise, and old agave along with huge Eucalyptus trees contribute to the tranquil beauty of this park. The dozens of brilliant peacocks (domesticated Blue Peafowl) who live on the Ranch make this an especially fun place to visit. One of the peacocks is all white and is shunned by the others. We birded along a trail just outside of the Ranch's walls and observed many other species including Cooper's Hawk, Red- shouldered Hawk, Black-headed Grosbeaks, Spotted Towhees, Northern Rough-winged Swallows, Common Yellowthroat (a special treat) and various Wrens and Sparrows. Overall, we heard and/or saw 30 bird species. A very good day! There will be no meeting and no scheduled walk in July. Impromptu walks may be called. Look for emails about those. Our next meeting will be Aug. 27, in the Ladies Club Room. Social time at 12:30 pm followed by the meeting at 1 pm. The following is a description of the August presentation: Birding 102 - Locating and identifying a bird is one part of bird watching. Going beyond that may reveal some surprising and interesting things that can be seen by spending more time watching birds during a walk, sitting in a park, or visiting a pond. With more observation, you may discover why that bird was dancing, if the prey got away, or find out what just flew by. Join two of our Club members, Joan Comito and Ann Baldwin, at the next Bird Club meeting (Aug. 27) illustrating their experiences in Birding 102.