Sweet Springs - 8:00 am. I was greeted by a robustly singing White-crowned Sparrow. Feeding in the pond was a lone, Blue-winged Teal and a pair of Mallards. Song Sparrow was scratching in the leaf litter, Spotted Towhee was singing. Best birds were, Tree Swallow, Cedar Wax Wing, and a Purple Finch singing from the top of a tall Cypress. The highlight of the visit was a lingering look at a Pacific-slope Flycatcher and a Western Tanager.
Cerro Alto - A National Forest campground off Hwy 41, between Morro Bay and Atascadero. The road to the campground
(photo) follows a creek that is densely vegetated with Willow, Oak, Sycamore, California Bay, and Poison Oak. Wilson's Warbler, singing with intense gusto, flitted through the shrubbery. Wilson's and Orange-crowned Warbler were numerous, House Wren was active. As I progressed up the road the singing became intense. In spite of the cacophony, was able to identify, Black-headed Grosbeak, Western Tanager, and Warbling Vireo. The walk to the small camping area is beautiful but watch out for the poison oak.
Turri Road - Yesterday two Blue Grosbeak were seen where the creek comes close to the road; I had no luck finding them. Continued up the road to the fallow pea field where two years ago I had seen a Blue Grosbeak. Lazuli Bunting was singing from a large tangle of Willow
(photo). I stationed myself across the road from the Willows, as I did not want to spook the 5 inch little darling. Finally noticed movement and was sure the bird would show his self when a band of cyclists sped by. The singing stopped. I waited, eventually relocating to the other side of the road. While waiting, observed a pair of Lark Sparrows mating on a twig of a nearby Coyote Bush
(a first time sighting).
After a few more minutes of quiet, the Lazuli Bunting perched on an outer twig and began to sing. I could see him perfectly. Success! As I was getting into my car 37 motorcycles passed by
(I counted). From now on I will only bird Turri Road on weekdays.
