Date: 5/3/25 7:52 pm From: Ryan L. via groups.io <ryanbirding...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Ed Levin CP 5/3/25
Since the weather looked like it would stay cool, I decided to try some new trails at Ed Levin. Even though I arrived at 8:30am the “Fish Day,” the parking lots at Sandy Wool Lake were full, and people were directed to park on the grass.
I followed Mountain Peak Road up the hill. The yellow mustard fields were full of Red-winged Blackbirds. Up the hill, I found a Rufous-crowned Sparrow and Say’s Phoebe and heard a Grasshopper Sparrow. At the top, I followed the South Branch Calera Creek. I saw Bullock’s Oriole, Northern House Wren, Lark Sparrow, and a flock of Cedar Waxwings.
I arrived at the creek, and there were three other birders looking for the Blue Grosbeaks. (37.46535° N, 121.87635° W) The male and female flew towards us but stayed in the mustard. In the same area were Lazuli Bunting, Lark Sparrow, Lawrence’s Goldfinch, and Western Bluebirds. (All the blue birds today!) Along the creek, I saw or heard Black-headed Grosbeak, Ash-throated Flycatcher, and I got a really good view of an Olive-sided Flycatcher perched on a branch.
On the way back to the parking lot, in the golf course, was a Great Blue Heron and Great-tailed Grackles. (It must be a great course.) While driving out, I scanned the lake and saw most Double-Crested Cormorants.
I stopped briefly at the Spring Valley side and saw Western Kingbird, White-tailed Kite, Cooper’s Hawk, and a Black-crowned Night Heron.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
