Reading Greg Gillson's Blog, I found out about a beautiful park in Oceanside called Buddy Todd Park. A 19 acre grassy hilltop park that is a really nice place for birding.
Here are some photos of the bird subjects on my first
birding trip to Buddy Todd Park. I started my walk by the basketball court. My
first photo was a Wilson's Warbler in a pepper tree.
Dozens and dozens of Yellow-rumped Warblers were seen.
They've been gone all summer and are just coming back to winter in San Diego. This one is looking for juicy insects on the beautiful green lawn.
Close-up.
Dark-eyed Junco with a tiny grasshopper.
There were many of these hard-working bug eaters at
the park.
A very quick look at a Scaly-breasted Munia.
There were several young Western Bluebirds hanging out
and appeared quite used to all the human activity.
Close-up.
A Northern Mockingbird perched on the chain link
fencing.
Walking south on the paved trail, a movement under a
bush reveals a House Wren out in the open. (A little note to birders, be careful
when walking on the lawn. Many piles of dog poo were noted. I'm sure 90 percent
of the dog owners are very reasonable but there are always some that
forget).
He quickly disappears under the bush.
Looks like this young Western Bluebird has got a nice
juicy worm!
Close-up.
The insects, worms, and grubs were abundant in the lush
green lawn.
These Dark-eyed Juncos are really cute birds.
Close-up.
A Black Phoebe perches on his perch as he looks for
another flying insect.
A female Nuttall's Woodpecker is spotted searching for
lunch.
There are youngsters everywhere!
Another bird subject that was not shy was a White-breasted
Nuthatch in constant motion. Although this is a bird you think of in the mountains, there have been several in the park.
Looking for lunch.
They are really sweet birds. He appears to be comfortable
with all the park activities.
Looks like he has found some lunch.
Upside-down pose is pretty normal for this little guy.
Another normal pose.
LOL, close-up!
He really is cute.
These Western Bluebirds were everywhere!
And the juveniles too.
This woodpecker is still looking for lunch.
Close-up.
A Pacific-slope Flycatcher is spotted on the chain-link
fence with a wonky wing feather.
A really cute bird.
On the west side of the playground, there is a large
patch of flowers that attracts the hummingbirds. There is a bench nearby where
you can watch dozens of hummers visiting these purple flowers. Here are some
shots of these very beautiful hummingbirds that came to visit the
flowers.
Most of the rusty orange-colored hummingbirds in San Diego that live here year round are Allen's Hummingbirds. But this time of year you could also find the lookalike Rufous Hummingbird in the mix.
I really enjoyed watching the hummingbirds but now
it's time to head back to the parking lot. I say goodbye as I take my last shot
of this beauty.
As I reach the parking area, I spot a large raptor
flying into the area. A beautiful Red-tailed Hawk flies over . What a beautiful park. Hope you will also have a good birding experience when you visit the Buddy
Todd Park in Oceanside!
Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
