Sector 17

The following is a listing of key locations within this sector that may be the most productive based on past experience. Also noted are species that are hard to find within the count circle and are possible within the habitat of this sector. Please don't limit census to just the areas mentioned, but consider them the most important. Cover as much of the sector as your time and energy allows. Remember, if your party splits or moves to another sector, please begin a new field card. Any constructive comments about this sector would be appreciated (e.g., too big or small, access problem, additional key locations). Please note actual areas covered. Also note contacts for entrance onto private property.

Laguna Lake

Primary goal is to census around lake looking for water birds, gulls, swallows, and sparrows. Target species include Greater White-fronted, Snow, Ross's, Canada and Cackling goose, Common and Hooded merganser, Thayer's and Herring gull, American Bittern, Virginia Rail, Sora, and swallows. Eastern Phoebe and Swamp Sparrow have been recorded along the peninsula. Past years' birds have included Clark's Grebe, Common Merganser, and Common Moorhen.

Check hillsides for Rock Wren and Rufous-crowned Sparrow, open fields for Burrowing Owl, Cattle Egret, and Mountain Bluebird. Look for Greater Roadrunner over hill in cactus patch behind Madonna center. At dusk check rocky hillsides for Common Poorwill (use recorded calls) and watch for Short-eared Owl.

Prefumo Creek - walk creek from Los Osos Valley Road to lake if possible (boots will be necessary). In past Swamp Sparrow, Eastern Phoebe, Black-headed Grosbeak, and Wilson's Warbler have been found along the creek.

Los Osos Valley Rd. / Foothill Rd. - Drive and watch for raptors, Burrowing Owl, waterfowl, Mountain Bluebird, and Cattle Egret.

View Sector 17 in a larger map.