Dos Picos ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK (June 2-3, 2018)

Camped with some friends and family at Dos Picos Park in Ramona this weekend.

Top bird was a singing male ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK, which surprised me yesterday (Sat June 2) by popping into a tree in our campsite just as I was showing some of the kiddos how to use binoculars to spot birds. When I realized that sweet grosbeak tune was coming from a black and white bird with a rose red blotch on the breast I snatched those bins back from the rugrats right quick.

The bird paid another visit to our campsite this morning (Sun June 3) and on both days i heard it singing from various trees along the main road which goes through the campground from the entrance station as we went about our camping.

Next best bird was an adult BALD EAGLE which soared over the campground today (Sun) heading east-ish in the late morning. I assume one of the pair from the nest off Rangeland Rd nearby.

Other than that the most unusual sighting (per eBird making me provide documentation) was a few Violet-Green Swallows foraging over the pond. Lots of breeding activity (singing, nest activity, juveniles) among the local residents.

Eitan Altman
San Carlos
Source: SanDiegoRegionBirding Latest Reports