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.
Cuesta College / Camp San Luis Obispo
Access to Camp San Luis is controlled by the National Guard and access must be arranged in advance. This sector's main access is Hwy 1 and runs from north of Cuesta College to Stenner Creek Road at Cal Poly. It includes the Men's Colony wastewater evaporation ponds on Cal Poly property north of Cuesta College, the campus, Camp SLO, the County Jail, and other county facilities on Kansas Ave.
24A. Evaporation Ponds (Enter property, with permission, through the gate just inside the Cuesta College west entrance.) - Check all three ponds for waterfowl. Look through blackbird flocks for Tricolored and Yellow-headed - Common and Great-tailed grackle have been found here, as well as Tundra Swan. Watch for raptors. Cuesta College Outer Campus - cover as much of creek riparian as possible (great potential). Check area on southwest side of Chorro Creek to Men's Colony Sewage Treatment Plant for sparrows, etc. Also look through pines on southwest side of creek. Check along road to Achievement house.
24B. Cuesta College Inner Campus - This is an ADA accessible area. Check sparrow flocks on lawns around buildings, and palms for Barn Owl, pepper trees for sapsuckers, and pines for vagrant warblers. Check any honeysuckle, aloe, or bottlebrush shrubs for hummingbirds and orioles.
24C. Camp SLO. Kansas Ave - Check riparian areas for sparrows and warblers. Look over surrounding hillsides for Burrowing Owl. Note that this sector is contiguous with Sectors 5 & 6, and bird lists from these areas may be combined at the direction of the Sector Leader.
Hwy 1 - Drive highway stopping frequently (safely) to check for birds. Utilize any access off highway such as at horse facility.
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