Re: [MDOsprey] California Birding
GAIL@UMDD.UMD.EDU
Tue, 29 Jun 99 13:41:10 EDT
Couple of tips:
In Yosemite, ask about areas of recent (say last two-three years) forest burn
which are accessible. These can be excellent for Black-backed Woodpecker --
we had about 8 BB WP as well as over 20 White-headed in a rather extensive
burn to the wets of the road up to Chevron Meadows, but this was 8 years ago
so those trees will have been "eaten out" by now.
En route to Yosemite, along Rt 140, several miles before the town of Mariposa,
will be a road to your right called, if I recall correctly, something like
Yaqui Gulch Rd. It passes through extensive sage and inland chapparal. Not
far after the turn onto Yaqui Gulch, pull off on right and pish. The resident
Large-billed Fox Sparrow (potential split and *very* different-looking) will
hopefully pop out. The dirt roads into the chapparal are posted, so stay on
your side of the gates. California Thrasher is also present.
At Mono Lake, go beyond the turnoff to the Tufa S.R. (on Rt 120) -- you will
see some rounded volcanic looking hills to your right. They *are* of
volcanic origin, in fact. Continue and you will soon enter a rather open
woods of Pinyon Pine (part of Inyo NF). This is a fairly reliable site for
Pinyon Jay -- stop often and listen for the distinctive calls.
In San Francisco, the old Sutro Baths at Pt. Lobos often attract good birds
and you have a chance of seeing some interesting birds on the offshore or
even inshore rocks (in winter good for Tattler, for example). Scan offshore
for seabirds, Pacific Loon, etc. Golden Gate Park can also be good, esp.
the lakes and Strawberry Hill which has some resident birds such as Pygmy
Nuthatch.
Over the Golden Gate Bridge to the Marin Headlands, go down to the lagoon and
check it out & the scrub chapparal along the road up to the headland is one
of the best spots for Wrentit (that is, one of the best places to actually
see one!). Allen's Hummingbird can also be found around here. Also -- a
great view of the bridge, and then over to Sausalito for lunch!
California is absolutely FULL of wonderful birding -- you will have a great
time!
(Be sure to take the RBA numbers...)
Cheers,
Gail Mackiernan