Since the majority of Chico is a prairie, most of the breeding birds here are species that nest on or close to the ground. Lark Sparrow, a brightly colored bird and a loud singer, by necessity becomes secretive after eggs have been laid. Here is the completed nest and four well hidden eggs of a Lark Sparrow out in the dry wash of Black Squirrel Creek. The eggs are not brightly colored, but perfectly camouflage with a broken color pattern. Ground nests are randomly found by birders and by predators like foxes, coyotes, badgers, and skunks. I accidentally found this one a second time four days later and two of the eggs had hatched.
Ranch Roads
Reflecting on Chico Basin Ranch.
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