[EBB Sightings] Directions to Garin Birds

Where I saw the Rufous-crowned sparrows:
Starting at the intersection of the Gossip Rock Trail
with High Ridge Trail, walk north on High Ridge Trail
over one small hill.  On your right (east) you will
see a valley (this is the Garin Winter Burrowing Owl
Colony site.)  At the east end of the valley is a
round pond with a ring of reeds (Eye of Jupiter
pattern, for any BSG fans.)  Walk past this pond and
continue east on a cow path until you hit a barb wired
fence.  Walk a short distance up the hill until you
have fences blocking your progress both to the east
and the north.  The sparrows (I saw 3) were on the
near-by fences, and in the coyote bush to the east of
where you are standing.  If anyone goes up there, let
me know if you see any burrowing owls!

Where I saw the California Thrashers:
>From the intersection of the High Ridge Loop Trail and
the Meyers Trail, walk north a short distance.  (Maybe
100 yards?)  The birds (at least 3 of them) were just
to the east in the poison oak.  I have never seen them
in this location before.

Notes:  The High Ridge Loop Trail to the south and
west of the Pioneer Trail turnoff (ie to get to the
Tamarack entrance) is really a mess right now (miles
of mud.)  I recommend starting at the main entrance.

The area where I found the sparrows is not well
traveled.  I have never run into anything bigger than
a bobcat or coyote, but keep your eyes open.  On the
smaller side, there are ticks.

Sue 


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