Description:

Please arrive promptly at 3:00 PM. Entry fee is $5.00 on weekend days and free with Orange County Park annual pass.  Suggest you ask for a park map at entry kiosk, these are free. Note - cell phone reception is poor in the most of park. 

Turn left on first road after kiosk and follow around curve to park in Lot C; We likely will see sparrows such as Chipping on Sycamore Hill and others such as Lincoln's and Song Sparrows just north of park in more natural areas (no lawns). In some rare events, Bald Eagles chased by Red-tailed Hawks have been seen here and Pine Siskins (also rarely) in trees surrounding Lot C. Some birders have reported Rufous-crowned & Vespers sparrows along early parts of Horseshoe Loop trail. Depending on scouting trip finds and eBird reports, we may stop in other locations between Lot C and P or skip horseshoe loop trail entirely. 

Eventually, group will drive to Lot P and walk around north most trail to check for Costa's and Black-chinned Hummingbirds under Rooster Rock and in purple flowers of the Santa Yerba plants; possibly Cactus Wren may be found in Prickly Pear stands near the Santa Yerba. We will break for a late lunch-dinner and around 5:30 to 5:50 PM. Likely will see Night Hawks at east most end of park and hear poorwills there as well.  Although trip is over at 7 PM, park closes at 9:00 PM if anyone wants to stay later to look / listen for owls (Great Horned, Barn, and Western Screech owls are resident here.)

Remember to bring usual items such as sun screen, bug repellant, hats, food, water, chairs, and a light sweater. Please email me at JPMTCC@yahoo.com or text me at (714) 244-8063 if you plan on attending. More updates at April meeting.

Meet: We will meet at Irvine Regional Park, parking lot P.

Bring: Bring your usual birdwatching stuff, water, lunch, chairs, sunblock, hat etc.

Trip Leader:  Jim McNamara