[EBB Sightings] Kiln Cnyon Hummers and others

Ann-Charlott Stenberg and I hiked up Kiln Canyon today.  This is in Carnegie
State Vehicular Recreation Area, located on Corral Hollow Road, southeast
Alameda and western San Joaquin Counties.  Kiln Canyon itself is in San
Joaquin County.

The lower canyon is grassy and was not birdy today.  The upper canyon has
sage, sticky monkey flowers and California larkspur (Delphinium
californicum).  We had lots of hummers zipping all around, most of which we
could not catch up to with our eyes.  We did have some better looks at a
Calliope Hummingbird-scope view, Rufous and Anna's Hummingbirds.

The Canyon Wren called a few times across from the stone ruins, but we could
not see it.  Bewick's Wrens, Spotted and California Towhees were busy.  One
Rufous-crowned Sparrow was found.  We finally heard and found a California
Thrasher.

No Kingbirds of any kind were found at the lower areas.

If you go, try to do so on a weekday.  This is an area for dirt bikes and 
other off-road vehicles.  A $5.00 entry fee is required.

It became windy and cooler, so we returned home after lunch, stopping at
Tassajara Creek Park, finding a first year male Bullock's Oriole and a
Western Tanager near the footbridge.

Hugh B. Harvey