[EBB Sightings] Pine Canyon (Castle Rock Regional Park - Mt Diablo)

Took a hike up Pine Canyon (Mt Diablo) today (3/25/07, 10.00am-4.00pm) 
to Pine Pond. A little breeze and as the day wore on, increasingly more 
sunlight. The Rufous-crowned Sparrow is still to be seen at the #4 
trail marker. Wrentits at the junction of the Shell Ridge Loop trail 
and up the trail for about 50 yards or so, were very evident. On the 
way back (~ 3.30pm) at this particular junction came across a 
California Thrasher singing its heart out - the bird was up the slope 
on the left (coming down the Pine Canyon trail). Good views as it 
perched on the top of a mesquite(?) scrub bush.

Though heard did not see Orange=crowned Warbler. Also did not see any 
obvious signs that Peregrine Falcons had returned to nest at Castle 
Rocks above Pine Canyon trail at this time.

Among regulars in attendance were: Black Phoebe, Song Sparrow, 
Golden-crowned Sparrow, Red-tailed Hawk, Brown Creeper, Mallard, 
Spotted Towee, California Towee, Yellow-rumped Warbler, White-breasted 
Nuthatch.

Pine Canyon is reached through Castle Rock Regional Park at the end of 
Castle Rock Rd. Castle Rock Rd in turn is accessed via Walnut Ave 
(traveling south) off of Ygnacio Valley Rd in Walnut Creek.

David Hutton