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| OHCC LIVING | AUGUST 2019 | 13 Birdwatchers Our next scheduled meeting will be Aug. 27, in the Ladies Club Room. Social time will be at 12:30 pm with snacks and drinks followed by the meeting at 1 pm. Please join us for a very interesting and informative presentation by Joan Comito and Ann Baldwin. 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. On June 2, several birders took an impromptu trip to Lake Hodges Bernardo Bay and got to see or hear 36 bird species. The highlight of the day was a "life-lister" for many: the Blue Grosbeak. This is a beautiful deep-blue bird slightly larger than a house sparrow. They are found in brushy moist pastures and roadside thickets. The female is not blue but a dark buff-brown. Also seen were a pair of Western Grebes with baby chicks on mom's back. Dad caught the fish and mom fed the chicks. So precious! The trip ended with a visit from a Greater Roadrunner. They are always fun to see. In addition, I have seen one running up Inspiration Hill with a snake in his mouth. Watch for them here in Ocean Hills! On Aug. 16, we will be going to Kit Carson Park in Escondido for our bird walk. Meet in the overflow lot at 7:45 am for an 8 am departure. Please bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat. Dress for warm conditions. The walk is an easy one. You can expect to see waterfowl, warblers, acorn woodpeckers, mockingbirds, and hopefully, scaly-breasted Munia, also known as Nutmeg-Mannikin. These finch-sized birds are native to Asia but have spread to the New World as escaped cage-birds. Their breasts feathers are scalloped making them appear as scales. Hope to see you all there! Happy birding! Blue Grosebeak Western Gerbes with baby chicks on mom's back Right: Greater Roadrunner