photo Stan Hunter

Five intrepid birders joined hike leaders Stanton Hunter and Joe Zinkl for a 2.75-mile hike at Audubon Bobcat ranch this morning, despite the prospect of heavy rain and cold temperatures.  Though the rain was never very heavy, it was a constant drizzle, and the temperature never got above 45 degrees F, but it was still peaceful and beautiful in the blue oak grassland at Bobcat.  Ten species were seen, including two White-breasted Nuthatches, several Northern Flickers and Spotted Towhees, one each Acorn Woodpecker, Anna’s Hummingbird and Yellow-rumped Warbler, and 35 Dark-eyed Juncos (Oregon subspecies), as well as Oak Titmice, Golden-crowned Sparrows and California Scrub-Jays – a good representation of the species usually seen at Bobcat Ranch.  Absent were raptors, Mourning Doves, California Quail and thrushes such as Robins.  Certainly the weather had a suppressive effect on the birds seen, but it was still an opportunity to see Bobcat Ranch in winter.  Water was flowing in the creek and mist was hanging around the higher peaks.  We all got wet and muddy, but everyone seemed to enjoy the chance to get out of doors and enjoy the serenity of the ranch.