We had a bit of a surprise; there was a marathon being done on the same day so the parking lot was full.   After a late start, we saw a Hermit Thrush, some Yellow-rumped Warblers,  a Black Phoebe, and Lessor Goldfinches at the old highway bridge.   As we moved through the camp grounds, we found an American Robin, and the birds that like picnic areas:  American Crows, California Towhees, Song Sparrows and White-crowned Sparrows.   Perched in the middle of all the campers was a Red shouldered-Hawknest with mom sitting on top of it.   Everyone got a good view because she was used to people and didn’t move.

As we walked further up the canyon, we were serenaded by several Orange-crowned Warblers but they were tough to see.   Just at the entry to the road going into the canyon we saw two California Thrashers at the water spigot and they were not shy.   Later,a Dark-eyed Junco joined them.   The walk on the road  (where the runners were) was exceptionally dry.   The two rivers we normally cross had no water at all.   We saw quite a show with a Common Raven mobbing a Red-tailed Hawk.   This was not the usual display for the Raven was exceptionally aggressive and the hawk was turning and showing talons.

A Northern Flicker was calling and we finally saw the bird.   An Acorn Woodpecker was there along with a Nuttall’s Woodpecker and Carol said she saw a Ladder-backed Woodpecker.   Later on an American Kestrel was seen along with a Ruby-crowned Kinglet and some Bushtits.   The most dominant sound on the field trip came from the Black-hooded Parakeets.   We probably saw about 10 of the parakeets, with several up-close views and lots of noise.
[Jean Garrett]