[EBB Sightings] Rufous-crowned Sparrows

This morning between 9:00 and 11:30 we birded at Black Diamond Mines  
Regional Park.  Our target species was a Rock Wren and we tried an  
area that has been relatively reliable in the past.  Today, however,  
we did not find a Rock Wren; but, in addition to the usual suspects,  
we did get excellent views of a Great Horned Owl, Rufous-crowned  
Sparrows, Western Bluebirds, Red-tailed Hawks in courtship and an  
Acorn Woodpecker.  The Rufous-crowned Sparrows and Great Horned Owl  
were observed approximately one-half mile past the abandoned ranch  
which is located on the west side of the entrance road.  After you  
pass the ranch, look for a small pullout near a fire trail entrance  
gate on the east side of the road.  That is where we park and then  
walk up the road 100-200 yards, birding both sides of the road.  The  
hillsides along the fire trail are blanketed with the beautiful  
bluish-purple blooms of Phacelia.   Traffic along the road was very  
light today, but there will be considerably more traffic this weekend.

Good birding and have a good weekend.

Paul and Nancy Schorr, Antioch