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 or start a new checklist. 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.
Prefumo Creek / Froom Ranch / Irish Hills Natural Area
This sector is divided into three subsectors 18A, 18B and 18C.
Sector 18A (Prefumo Creek/Froom Ranch) - includes neighborhoods west of Los
Osos Valley Road and south of Madonna Road (San Luis Ranch, Froom Ranch Way,
Calle and Calle Joaquin.
Walk creek from Madonna Road to Hwy 101 including paths in San Luis Ranch and
behind Target Shopping Center, and from Los Osos Valley Road to sector
boundary.
Census as much of golf course as possible.
Check open fields and crop lands for raptors and sparrows.
Check eucalyptus groves for hummingbirds, warblers, tanagers, and orioles.
Check residential areas with mature plantings and feeders.
Check parking lot around Costco food court for Great-tailed Grackle, and Froom
Ranch marsh and ponds between the Home Depot Center and Calle Joaquin for
waterfowl and Wilson's Snipe.
Check grasslands, riparian, coastal scrub and ornamental landscaping along
Calle Joaquin up the hill to and around Arise Central Coast/Mountainbrook
Church, KSBY and Filipponi Ranch Winery
Sector 18 B (Irish Hills East) – includes the eastern portion of the
Irish Hills Natural Reserve. This includes the trails in and adjacent to
Froom Creek and the trails (King Trail) from the trailhead at the terminus of
Madonna Road. This sector is sometimes covered by a team that hikes in
from Johnson
Ranch (Sector 19 C)
Sector 18 C (Irish Hills West) - includes the western portion of the
Irish Hills Natural Reserve. This includes the trails from the Prefumo
Creek Road Trailhead (Woodland, Bog Thistle, Mariposa Trails).
Look for Varied thrush in creek/shaded woodland areas; Phainopepla in coastal
shrub, chaparral and oak woodland areas; and Rufous crowned sparrows in rocky
hillsides.
