Clay-colored Sparrow & Ferruginous Hawk

A single CLAY-COLORED SPARROW was associating with a flock of white-crowns today in the far northeast corner of Torrey Hills Park. They were feeding in the grass around the infield dirt. Look for the pale lores and strongly marked throat, as well as the buffy wash to the face, breast and sides. It was the only other sparrow with the white-crowned flock. I didn't see any chippies on my visit, but there could be some around.

Also today, while hiking Los Penasquitos Canyon from the west parking lot, I found an adult FERRUGINOUS HAWK. These birds are fairly rare this close to the coast, though more common in the winter farther inland. Bright rufous back, white head and chest, and mostly white-tail with dusky terminal band were all noted. The bird was found roughly half-way between Wagon Wheel Crossing and Sycamore Crossing. I first found it perched in the riparian and then again in flight about a half-hour later.

Good Birding!

Jay Desgrosellier

San Diego, CA