The field trip to the Tree Improvement Center had just two people besides the leader. It was a gorgeous morning to be out. We arrived to a ruckus of Oak Titmice, Bushtits and Ruby-crowned Kinglets. We hoped there was an owl around but we couldn't find one. Hermit thrushes were every where. As we walked along the trail Robins , Ruby-crowned Kinglets, White-breasted Nuthatches and Nuttall's Woodpeckers cavorted around us. Song Sparrows also were around. Walking to the back we found White-crowned Sparrows, Golden-crowned Sparrows and Golden-crowned Kinglets . Others bird we saw were Red-shouldered Hawk, Great-horned Owl and Varied Thrush. Heading back to the Park & Ride we checked the eastern end of 20th Street and found a Burrowing Owl. Next we went up Humboldt Road and were treated to Western Bluebirds, Lark Sparrows and Lewis's Woodpeckers.

Panoche Valley - A beautiful weekend was had by two birders and a birder's wife. We started off from Hollister We were greeted by Killdeer at the Motel. Driving down highway 25 we stopped frequently. The first stop netted us White-breasted Nuthatches, Red- shouldered Hawks, California Quail, Starlings and the first of many Say's Phoebes. The first pond we came upon had Tree Swallows, American Wigeon ,Canvasbacks, Ruddy Ducks, Shovelers, Pintails, Buffleheads and Coots.

Down the road apiece A Phainopepla Sat atop a tree and soon we saw Western Bluebirds and a California Thrasher that was brought to our attention by his marvelous song. We heard but never saw Wrentits. Rufous sided Towhees and Cal Towhees were in abundance. Soon we were treated to Rufous-crowned Sparrow and Lark Sparrows ( one of the most beautiful Sparrows). We took a side road where we saw Mallards, Common Merganser, Red-breasted Sapsuckers , Nuttall's Woodpeckers and Downy woodpeckers.

Back on Highway 25 heading saw a Prairie Falcon went past us so fast we almost missed him, We also saw many Redtails and many Kestrels. We came to a Lake where we sea Common Goldeneyes, Western Grebes, American Wigeon, Ring-necked Ducks and a Bald Eagle.

Sunday only the leader went to Pinnacles. If you have never been there it is much like Big Bend in Texas. I started the Morning off with Fox Sparrow and then a Canyon Wren calling. I walked the Bench Trail and had Hutton's Vireo and Song Sparrows.

I then Walked the South Wilderness Trail I saw another Red-breasted Sapsucker, lots of Juncos, Bewick's Wren and Golden-crowned and White-crowned Sparrows. Robins were in great abundance. Soon I heard Flickers and a Hairy Woodpecker and eventually saw the latter after chasing it through the trees.

The drive Home only added Vesper's Sparrows and a gorgeous sunset. - Richard Redmond