[SBB] ELP: Blue Grosbeak, Grasshopper Sparrow

[Matthew Dodder <[[email protected]]>]

All,

Today Brian Christman and I visited Ed Levin Park and hiked up to the  
sycamore grove. It was a great morning, full of song! Male and female  
LAZULI BUNTINGS were easily seen after we passed through the cattle  
gate. As well, several RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROWS were seen and heard  
after the trail became level and the sycamores were in view. We  
failed to find the Blue Grosbeak here so continued higher to the  
hangliding launch. Another RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROW was seen in this  
area and a trio of downy RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD chicks with very  
protective parents. We continued to the top of the trail where we  
heard yet another RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROW and a very proficient  
NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD who was busy imitating Bullock's Oriole, Ash- 
throated Flycatcher, Yellow-billed Magpie and American Kestrel...  
(The last imitation still needed some work, but we appreciated his  
earnest effort.) No less than six GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS were also  
singing in this area, but only two decided to show themselves. A  
small group of WHITE-THROATED SWIFTS were chattering overhead. We  
turned around at this point, finding a family of young BULLOCK'S  
ORIOLES in the mustard weed, and one of several WESTERN KINGBIRDS  
seen in the park was perching on the fence. Finally we were back down  
near the sycamore grove again. BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK was heard  
loudly, and finally viewed. With a little more patience we were able  
to locate a male BLUE GROSBEAK who was singing full volume from the  
top of the lowest tree.

Matthew Dodder
http://www.birdguy.net

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