Nine birders met at Campbell Valley Regional Park on a beautiful morning mercifully cooler than the last few days had been—John, Jacquie, Lee, Deems, Jonathan, Lorraine, Bob, Dottie and Lorna. Robins and a Crow were about, and Mallards were in the water as we crossed the first bridge. A Common Yellowthroat was heard by all but not seen. The path through the woods was lined with wild flowers at their peak, including vanilla leaf, star-flowered false Solomon’s seal, false lily of the valley, fringe cup and bleeding heart, as well as large patches of native blackberry in bloom.
Birds heard by Merlin but not seen included Western Tanager, Bewick’s Wren, Nashville Warbler and Pacific-slope Flycatcher. Along with the many Douglas squirrels looking for handouts, were a few Red-breasted Nuthatches, Chestnut-backed and Black-capped Chickadees, and Song Sparrows, but not as many as on previous outings. Two raptors, a Red-tailed Hawk and an Osprey were seen in flight, along with a few Tree Swallows.
Things picked up bird-wise as we left the trees for the open grassland. One of several American Goldfinches posed on a treetop, as did a Rufous Hummingbird. Jonathan got photos of a Yellow Warbler as well as a mourning cloak butterfly sunning itself on a tree branch. A Mourning Dove was calling in the distance, as was a Barred Owl. Lee spotted a Wilson’s Warbler in the brush. At the boardwalk seating area we finally found the Black-headed Grosbeaks, as well as more Rufous hummers and we got a good look at the Yellow Warblers Merlin had been hearing all along.
Time being short, we did not go up to the pond, but instead headed back to the parking lot. Miner’s lettuce was in bloom along this trail, as was enchanter’s nightshade. Other butterflies seen included Western Swallowtails, a Margined White, and an Azure.
Dottie Uhlman
eBird list by Lee Wright
NOTE: DNCB Outing No. 2023-20B to Campbell Valley Regional Park, May 17, 2023 was CANCELLED
Delta Naturalists Society 
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