09.07.08
Palomar Mountain
I took a trip through the local Laguna Mountains and on to Palomar Mountain where I visited Observation Campground and Doane Pond.
Early in the morning the birdlife was visibly active, but as the day went on the birds stayed out of view even though I could hear the constant calling of Acorn Woodpeckers and Stellar’s Jays.
As the day grew warmer, the dragonflies, damselflies and butterflies became more active. Doane Pond contains an amazing amount of American Bullfrogs and watching these frogs erupt from the water after prey was great. A couple of hours in the 90-plus degree heat chasing after as many species as I could find tired me out.
On the way down the mountain but within the Palomar Mountain State Park boundaries was a group of five Mule Deer feeding on the grasses. As much as I tried to find the buck, I saw only one adult female and four young but what an enjoyable way to close out the day.
Many images from the day can be found here.
Birds
Western Bluebird
American Robin
Red-tailed Hawk
American Coot
Dark-eyed Junko
Dragonflies
Black Saddlebags
Neon Skimmer
Common Green Darner
Red Saddlebags
Damselflies
Tule Bluet
Northern Bluet
Pacific Forktail
Butterflies
Funereal Duskywing
Painted Lady
Woodland Skipper
California Sister
Cabbage White
Checkered White
Northern White-Skipper
2 other Butterfly species not yet identified
Mammals
Mule Deer
Amphibians
American Bullfrog
