Yesterday I went to check out a couple of open spaces in the East Mountain area that I had not been to before.

I first visited the Ojito de San Antonio Open Space off North 14.  It used to be an old orchard watered by acequias built in the 1800s. There at still plum and apple trees there but it has become more wild.  A nice trail runs through the orchard and then starts climbing.  There were lots of birds in the orchard area.

I arrived early in the morning for best birding opportunities.  I was pleasantly surprised at the variety of birds I saw and heard there. That morning I identified the following species:

Cedar Waxwing, Canyon Towhee, Western Bluebird, Dark-Eyed Junco, Mountain Chickadee, Juniper Titmouse, Mourning Dove, Downy Woodpecker, American Robin, Say’s Phoebe, Chipping Sparrow, Spotted Towhee, Cassin’s Finch, Bewick’s Wren, Pine Siskin, Common Raven, Stellar Jay and Western Scrub Jay.

Most of them I was unable to get a decent photo.  But I did get a very nice pic of a Spotted Towhee singing at the top of a blooming plum tree.

I hiked up the trail a ways but there really wasn’t much bird activity after the orchard area.  So I decided to head back to the car and check out Carlito Springs.  My friend had told me about just before winter hit and I had been looking forward to seeing it.

I really enjoyed it there.  A pleasant climb up to an old spa retreat area.  No birds really but the scenery is unique and lush.  I will include photos in a different post.

Say’s Phoebe

Western Bluebird

Dark-Eyed Junco

Chipping Sparrow

Spotted Towhee

San Antonio Church located at the beginning of the hike.

Canyon Towhee

Common Raven