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12 | OHCC LIVING | APRIL 2020 | Birdwatchers We will not meet in April. However, we will get together for two enjoyable walks. The first one will be on Fri., April 17. We will be going to Los Jilgueros and Live Oak Park in Fallbrook. Los Jiqueros has over 122 observed bird species in its 46 acre nature preserve. The preserve has a native plant garden with beautiful spring color that provides food and habitat for the birds. On this same walk we will be visiting Live Oak Park, one of the area's oldest parks. It is home to a rare old growth grove of coast live oaks. These oaks not only provide a food source for the many acorn woodpeckers but also a centralized granary for storage. For generations the birds have pecked holes in the trees and stuffed them with acorns. You can see thousands of holes stuffed with acorns! This communal effort in defending their centralized food store is unique to acorn woodpeckers. Bring a picnic lunch if you wish to stay and enjoy the surroundings. The second walk will be on April 30. We will be going to the San Diequito Park and the La Orilla Trail in the Encinitas/Del Mar area. Because there are no restrooms on the trail, we will make our first "pit" stop at the San Diequito County Park and walk the trail afterwards. The park land, once owned by the Spanish, was originally used as a "Rancheria" by the padres of the San Diego Mission for the grazing of cattle. Many years later, in 1954, it was donated to the County of San Diego. The upper park was opened in 1965 and the lower park opened in 1977. From lookout platforms and suspension bridges you can see the coast and miles of north county communities. And when you look down, you see large open lawns lined with mature trees, walkways, play areas, and two tranquil duck ponds. This really is a hidden gem in our county. La Orilla Trail, our second stop, is flat and winds through four distinct plant communities: riparian woodlands, marsh lands, chaparral, and coastal sage scrublands. Woodpeckers, gnatcatchers, towhees, and even marsh harriers are a few of the bird species we can expect to see. On part of the trail you can also get a great view of the work being done to the lagoon and the freeway. Lunch will be at Habit Burger. A parking pass is required for both walks. You can obtain one at the ranger station at Guajome Park. The address is 3000 Guajome Lake Road, Oceanside 92057. They are free to seniors and the handicapped. Call the ranger at (760) 724-4489 to make sure he or she will be at the office when you go. If you don't have a pass, parking is $3. Please meet at the overflow parking lot at 7:45 am for both walks. We will decide carpooling, get directions, and leave at 8 am. Wear good walking shoes, a hat, and dress in layers. Sunscreen and water are also recommended. Happy birding! TAG members are here to offer computer, tablet, and smart-phone assistance to all OHCC residents. Volunteers provide General Help Sessions, Topic-Specific Help Sessions, How-To Workshops, and classes throughout the month. We have resident enthusiasts in Genealogy, 3D design/ printing, Windows, Apple, Android, etc. who list their availability on our calendar. View the most current calendar in the window of the Computer Room or on the OHCC website under Clubs, at TAG, then click on the Calendar tab. Or just log onto www.ohcctag.wixsite.com/ ohcctag/calendar Watch for our Workshops on Genealogy, Photoshop Elements, various smart phones and smart home devices as well as other topics. The TAG Calendar is available at the beginning of each month but since the calendar is subject to change throughout the month be sure to check it regularly. An updated set of Rules and Responsibilities have been posted, please read, and observe them. Feel free to email any questions and/or comments to ohcc.tag@ gmail.com Technical Advisory Group

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