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| OHCC LIVING | NOVEMBER 2019 | 13 Birdwatchers There will be no meeting in November or December. We will have food (pizza, I think) and drinks, so please join us! Our next walk will be to Lake Hodges- Bernardo Bay in Rancho Bernardo on Tues., Nov. 12. The Bernardo Bay trail is an easy loop hike along the shores of Lake Hodges with up close views of waterfowl and riparian habitat. It was designated a Globally Important Bird Area in 1999 because it is a critical stopover for migratory birds on the Pacific Flyway. In the spring, you can also see great displays of wildflowers. Waterfowl we expect to see are American coots, Western grebes, Clark's grebes, widgeons, egrets, and, hopefully, hooded Mergansers. Other birds include California towhees, sparrows, Say's phoebes, and the federally-threatened gnatcatcher. Because of the change in seasons, we should see many migratory birds. As usual, we will meet in the overflow parking lot at 7:45 am for an 8 am departure. Directions and carpooling will be decided then. The drive is approximately 25 minutes. Please wear a good hat and sunscreen as there is little shade. A port-a-potty is available. We will have lunch at the Black Angus. Snowy Egret vs Great Egret: The elegant Great Egret is a dazzling sight in many a North American wetland. Slightly smaller and more svelte than a Great Blue Heron, these are still large birds with impressive wingspans. They hunt in classic heron fashion, standing immobile or wading through wetlands to capture fish with a deadly jab of their yellow bill. Great Egrets were hunted nearly to extinction for their plumes in the late nineteenth century, sparking conservation movements and some of the first laws to protect birds. Among the most elegant of the herons, the slender Snowy Egret sets off immaculate white plumage with black legs and brilliant yellow feet. Those feet seem to play a role in stirring up or herding small aquatic animals as the egret forages. Breeding Snowy Egrets grow filmy, curving plumes that once fetched astronomical prices in the fashion industry, endangering the species. Early conservationists rallied to protect egrets by the early 20th century, and this species is once again a common sight in shallow coastal wetlands. Snowy Egret Great Egret