[EBB Sightings] Lawrence's Goldfinch in Briones Regional Park, Martinez

  Hello E. B. Birders,

Yesterday, (13 June 07) from 6 - 9pm, six of us took a hike in Briones Regional Park, Martinez, off Briones Road.  In the heat, the hike along the dirt road was unproductive, but once we reached the first small pond, the birding was much better (this reminded me of oasis birding in the desert).

The highlights at this pond included:

Lawrence's Goldfinch - fly over - a pair - the male calling
Say's Phoebe - there are no observations in this block on the online Contra Costa Breeding Bird Atlas.  Does anyone know of more recent late spring observations here?
  Lazuli Bunting - singing male 
  Lark Sparrows - female solicitation and an attempted copulation on the fence
   
  Many other species from the nearby woodland and scrub habitats stopped by to drink.
   
  As the sun was began to set, near the top of the ridge (before the gate which is to the south of Mott Peak), a Grasshopper Sparrow was on a rock not far from the dirt road, and two more were chasing one another directly below the bluebird box south of the gate. Lots of fledgling Western Bluebirds in the area, too.
   
  We ended the evening back in the parking area with a silhouette of a Great Horned Owl on a wire. 
   
  This was a very pleasant way to bird on after a very hot day!  
   
  Denise Wight
  Moraga, CA



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