This afternoon I had opted to visit the
Bell View Trail in Rancho Santa Margarita which branches off in many directions
and extends for several miles throughout the foothills of the Saddleback
Mountains. At the base of what's been
declared the NE entrance off Robinson Ranch Road (GPS: 33.656132, -117.558266), you can bear left
and venture up the winding path or bear right which involves several steep
climbs but explores some of the finest countryside in all of Orange County. https://www.flickr.com/gp/revup67/30LdV9

After unsuccessfully searching for the
grasshopper sparrow (good location for one), I chose to continue another mile
or so to the water tower that sits just above but due north of the Starr Ranch
entrance in Dove Canyon. This is a service
road that is accessible off a section of the Bell View Trail.

Admittedly it was quite birdy with pairs or
more of many species including 22 California Quail, 2 Cactus Wren, 2 Northern
Flickers, 3 Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, etc.
The one surprise was a male Lazuli Bunting. This male flew in for just a moment and it
was a binos or camera decision..binos was the choice. A male Lazuli Bunting was ID'd and by the
time the camera swung up it was gone and due east.

For anyone interested its a 2.0 mile hike
to this GPS point from the Bell View trail NE entrance with single track
trails, steep hills and rugged terrain.
If you're not intimated yet then here's the GPS coordinates: 3338'33" N 11733'35" W. I've double checked this at maps.google.com
and its accurate. I tried for another
half hour and canvassed the area but was unable to relocate the Lazuli
Bunting. Perhaps it used this location
as a pit stop.

On this trail there were three large ponds
(you'll walk right past one) which was a pleasant surprise in typically such an
arid and dry area. The wildflowers were
enjoyable (loads of white sage, some Indian Paintbrush) and the pricks of
cactus leaves, well not so enjoyable.
Bring water, walking pole if you desire and good hiking shoes. Great panoramic scenic views for most of the
journey.

Portion of large group of California Quail
- https://flic.kr/p/T38UUA

Cactus Wrens - https://flic.kr/p/T38Uw1

Anthony Gliozzo

Mission Viejo