I live in the Orange County area of Southern California. I don't consider myself to be anything more than a novice birder, but I do enjoy watching birds. I live near the beach, which gives me an opportunity to observe birds. But I have found a park near my work that attracts quite a number to bird varieties, some of which I have yet to identify. There are innumerable noisy crows and the resident aggressive geese and sea gulls that are attracted by the people who insist on feeding them day old bread. There are many mallards and coots as well. But it really gets interesting when visiting birds stop in. There are times when there are over 50 cormorants swimming in the lake and perching in the trees with their wings outspread. There have been some white pelicans stopping in recently as well. I have been noticing quite a few American widgeons recently and a few shy pied billed grebes. I love to hear their call, such a haunting sound from such a small, easily overlooked bird. Well, I hope to post some pictures sometime soon and maybe I will be able to get some of the unknowns identified.