Nature Walk in Purgatory Creek

Crested Caracara in flight over the dam. (Colton Robbins Photo)

  We came to see birds, and we did, but we also spied two porcupines in Lower Purgatory Creek Natural area December 6.  Fourteen early-risers joined Stephen Ramirez at the Hunter Road entrance to the 700+ acre natural area. The five natural areas around San Marcos provide flood control and water quality improvements and are open to the public for specific recreational uses.
  Monthly birding hikes have been led by Stephen for coming on three years.  He is often ably assisted by friends Colton Robbins and Jonny Scalise when the number of birders and questions rise. All three are able to spy the elusive species and are rarely stumped with identification.
  This month the 1.35 mile hike proceeded around the dam to the spillway, which in past hikes had been quite productive, not so much this time. We did view a Verdin and later the elusive Orange-crowned Warblers and flitting sparrows among the mesquite.  --LJ
  Photo and list provided by Colton Robbins.

20 species total

6	Black Vulture
1	Turkey Vulture
1	Sharp-shinned Hawk
17	White-winged Dove
4	Mourning Dove
1	Crested Caracara
1	Eastern Phoebe
2	Carolina Chickadee
3	Black-crested Titmouse
1	Verdin
1	Canyon Wren
3	Carolina Wren
1	Bewick's Wren
4	Ruby-crowned Kinglet
6	Northern Mockingbird
3	Orange-crowned Warbler
6	Field Sparrow
2	Savannah Sparrow
2	Song Sparrow
8	Northern Cardinal

Another reason to stay on trail

  It's tough to keep your best friend on a leash and on the trail but here's another reason why this is a good idea.  Two of these little fellows came out of the woods and climbed up toward the dam during our Saturday birding hike in Purgatory Creek Natural area. And please pick up after your pet, leaving a wrapped baggie for someone else to clean-up after you is unacceptable.  --LJ

Porcupine ambles across Beatrice Trail in Purgatory Creek. (Colton Robbins photo)