Date: 9/14/26 7:16 pm From: Russell Namitz via groups.io <namitzr...> Subject: [slocobirding] Carrizo Plain NM - Pinyon Jay
Hello all,
With all of the movement and reports of CLARK'S NUTCRACKERS and PINYON JAYS in neighboring counties, I have been spending extra time outside at the MU Ranch on Carrizo Plain National Monument looking and listening for flyovers.
Recently, both Curtis Marantz and Nick Lethaby suggested independently that it might be good to go out and do some extra searching.
Today, I headed up to Caliente Ridge Trail above the Selby campground. The trail is 8 miles one way and follows an "admin road," serving as a fuel break for the first 5 miles. The last 3 miles to Caliente Mtn, the highest point in San Luis Obispo County, is along an unmaintained trail.
Normally, I drive and bird the first 5 miles because I have permission and the combo lock code, but today I decided to walk the 5 miles of road and back to see if I could hear any of the aforementioned species.
On the way back, I flushed a PINYON JAY up from the road and watched as it flew down the road and land about 30 yards away. I went back and was able to get some media with my cell phone. This was about 3 miles from the trailhead, just east of the radio (repeater) tower (35.088369, -119.813129).
I cannot check this area again until next Monday, but will report back. If I am successful next week, there may be opportunity to drive in from the gate looking for these species with an escort during a coordinated field trip.
