Sunrise Birding at Spring Lake Natural Area

  A large group of 19 early-risers met at the parking area on Lime Kiln Road to start their mile-long search. The golden glow of sunrise soon gave way to warm temperatures and higher humidity levels on this first day of August. With no rain for a month the grasses were starting to brown but the stock pond remained full and inviting to numerous dragon-flies and other aquatic insects.
  The birding group probably saw as many butterflies as birds on this outing. Among the sightings were Queen, Gulf Fritillary, Common Mestra and many, many Zebra Heliconians.

At the stock pond near the Lime Kiln Road trail head.

  The monthly hikes are led by Stephen Ramirez and Colton Robbins, who provides the birding list below. Contact [email protected] to be notified of future birding hikes.
  Following the hike, several of the members enjoyed breakfast at Chepo’s on Old Ranch Road 12.  -LJ
22 Bird Species Sighted

Great Blue Heron  1
Red-shouldered Hawk  1
Killdeer  1
Inca Dove  1
White-winged Dove  8
Mourning Dove  10
Yellow-billed Cuckoo  2
Chimney Swift  4
White-eyed Vireo  3
Barn Swallow  4
Cliff Swallow  5
Carolina Chickadee  1
Black-crested Titmouse  5
Carolina Wren  2
Bewick’s Wren  3
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
Northern Mockingbird  3
European Starling  4
Summer Tanager  1
Northern Cardinal  2
Brown-headed Cowbird  1
Lesser Goldfinch  6