[EBB Sightings] Central Contra Costa Birding

I went to Valle Vista yesterday and found the continuing California Thrasher 
along the trail which I took counter-clockwise around the large open area. 
I did not have it when I went out, but did have it when I returned clockwise 
to the parking lot.  Spotted Towhees seemed to be everywhere.  While walking 
this same trail, just before the big bend to the left and the low area, I 
found a Varied Thrush in the trees.

I also walked down through the pines to the bridge and creek.  Along here I 
had Bewick's Wren, Red-breasted Sapsucker and Acorn Woodpeckers.  In the 
creek I saw 5 male and 3 female Wood Ducks.

I drove on past Canyon and walked up the lower part of the trail which goes 
uphill to Huckleberry Preserve from Pinehurst.  It was mostly quiet, but I 
did have some Brown Creepers, another Varied Thrush and a female Hairy 
Woodpecker.

Last evening I visited the Briones-Mt. Diablo Trail high above and to the 
west of Larkey Park (Walnut Creek).  I saw a hooting Great Horned Owl, which 
later had a partner also hooting,  and for the second night in a row heard 
the Western Screech Owl.

The White-throated Sparrow continues in Heather Farm as of this AM.  The 
Black-throated Gray Warbler was spotted by Fred Safier as he and I discussed 
the new IRS tax forms.  He had not seen it since last Wednesday.  The 
warbler seems to no longer search the leafy mulch for worms, but instead is 
gleaning the branches of the young blossoming fruit trees.

Hugh B. Harvey
Walnut Creek