I’m documenting my Birdathon journey which is getting off to a shaky start–I’m currently battling a weird virus causing fatigue, a sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes. Everything major has been ruled out and I’ve been told to “rest, drink lots of water, and come back in a week if don’t feel well.” So, my first official Bird List of April was a short visit to Mile Square Park which is located by my physician’s office. This is one of Orange County’s “birding hotspots.”
Although I didn’t have the energy to bird the whole park, I did get 15 total species. The Merlin app heard a Rufous Hummingbird but I didn’t get a good look at it, and a Nuttall’s Woodpecker which I also did not see at all so I did not count these birds. I’ve also reported RUHU on eBird before which was flagged by the reviewer…! So I want to be 100% certain when I see this adorb borb.
Oddly enough, the Great-tailed Grackles gave me some difficulty with IDs. I’ve never seen them at this park before and I wasn’t sure at first if they were starlings or if the female was a cowbird LOL. Then they started “grackling” up a storm and I knew what they were. Also, I immediately ID’ed a White-faced Ibis but eBird said it was “infrequent” but I was certain of my ID.
15 species down, 285 to go! Thank you to those of you who have pledged or donated to my 2025 Birdathon!
- Canada Goose
- Egyptian Goose
- American Wigeon
- Mallard
- Eurasian-collared Dove
- American Coot
- Ring-billed Gull
- White-faced Ibis
- Black Phoebe
- American Crow
- Western Bluebird
- American Robin
- House Finch
- Great-tailed Grackle
- Yellow-rumped Warbler
"Tails" of a New Birder's Journey 
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