Down at the watering hole!

In a small depression created by a flag pole right next to the ranger station near the Palo Alto Duck pond, the rain water collects. Most of us wouldn't even notice such a small thing as this, but it serves as a great resource for the birds that wishes to take a bath or quench their thirst many times a day.

The birds come here as the water is very shallow and can be used without the fear of ever falling into it or drowning. While I was there waiting, I noticed there usually is a long period of no activity, then there is a sudden spurge of activity for a minute or two when many birds come down to take turns in using their watering hole, followed by no activity and the cycle repeats.

I was hoping to catch Bullock's Oriole which I heard many times calling from a tree quite close to this place, to come down here. Atleast when I was there this weekend, it didn't. But I caught other birds use it a lot.


Mourning Doves drinking water..


Red-winged Blackbird


White-crowned Sparrow taking a bath..