The following is a listing of key locations within this section 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 section. Please don't 1imit censussing to just the areas mentioned, but consider them the most important. Cover as much of the section as your time and energy allows. Remember, if your party splits or moves to another section, please begin a new field card. Any constructive comments about this section would be appreciated (i.e. too big or small, access problem, other key locations). Please note actual areas covered. Also note contacts for entrance onto private property.

Morro Bay State Park

Walk as much of the park as possible. Check the campground, the maintenance and nursery area, and the pines around the amphitheater.

Check the south side of the marina spit at the “corner” for sparrows. This is where Nelson’s Sharp-tailed Sparrow and “large-billed” Savannah Sparrow have been recorded at high tide. Watch for Semipalmated Plover and look and listen for Short-billed Dowitcher (mellow “tu-tu-tu”, not harsh “keek” of Long-billed). Watch for Merlin and Osprey.

Walk perimeter of golf course and check pines, flowering eucalyptus, and bottlebrush. Check clumps of mixed trees across fairway from campground.

Check Black Hill for mixed flocks and watch for unusual warblers or nuthatches.

Check ornamental plantings around Inn at Morro Bay. Look for loons and waterfowl, especially Common Goldeneye and Greater Scaup, which seem to prefer Windy Cove and below the Bayshore Condos.

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