[EBB Sightings] need help IDing a bird

Lisa,
 
The Hooded Warbler has a chink note that is very similar to a California Towhee and does very rarely winter in northern California. Adult males are obvious, but young birds/females might be considered "Warbling Vireo"-like, as they lack the black hood and are less obviously marked - check for white tail spots.
 
Mike Rogers
Sunnyvale