It was downright chilly in the morning when we met in the parking lot at the preserve. But, as soon as the sun got some altitude, it warmed up nicely and we had beautiful day.

The birding was unusual in that we didn’t see a dove or a quail. We were told where to find a Green-tailed Towhee. But all we got to see was a rapidly disappearing tail that couldn’t be identified for sure.

In all, 23 species were seen. They are: Canada Goose, Mallard Duck, Red-tailed Hawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk, American Coot, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Flicker, Black Phoebe, Verdin, Canyon Wren, House Wren, Bewick’s Wren, Rubycrowned Kinglet, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Hermit Thrush, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Abert’s Towhee, Rufous-crowned Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Meadowlark.

Participants were: Ann McDermott, Barb Meding, Bob Cirillo, Barbara Bean, George Pinegar and Chuck Richards.