Date: 10/20/26 2:39 pm From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Girsh Park and Refugio State Park, Oct. 20
I checked out Girsh Park this morning. The overnight watering left some nice puddles on the field in the Northeast corner of the park and there was a lot of bird activity there for about an hour. The Clay-colored Sparrow found by Mark Holmgren did not put in an appearance but there were several other species of Sparrows on the Lawn, including 2 spiffy Lark Sparrows, Savannah Sparrows, and others coming down to drink and bathe. The puddles were also frequented by numerous Yellow-rumps, Western Bluebirds, and a female Black-throated Gray Warbler. Further out on the lawn were Kildeer, Blackbirds, Western Meadowlarks and American Pipits.
When activity finally stopped, I headed for Refugio. Nice mild temperatures meant some good activity even at mid-to-late morning, best along the road to the overflow parking area. I got the continuing Chestnut-sided Warbler very quickly and a little later, a Nashville Warbler. The Warblers were attracted to the large trees with round fruits, some of which had been pecked enough to expose flesh. I think these are quinces? The leaky pump has left a thin stream of water on the road that collects in small puddles at the roadside next to sheltering vegetation. These puddles bought in a frequent stream of small birds to drink and bathe. This spot is well worth checking out regularly.
Nothing else noteworthy showed up elsewhere in the Park.
Florence Sanchez
