I was down in NW California over the weekend attending a Summer Solstice
Celebration way back up in the Humboldt County high country with all my
sea-going buddies and associates, but on the way back to Seattle yesterday, I
stopped off at the *northbound* Merlin Rest Stop on I-5, just north of
Grant's Pass. Great birding spot there, and described in Joseph Evanich's
"The Birder's Guide to Oregon" (excellent book BTW and has never steered me
wrong!!), but if you're down that way and want quick and easy (for the Oregon
list) Plain Titmouse, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, and California Towhee; they are
all there in one-stop shopping; wham, bam, 5 minutes, and you're done. I was
totally amazed! No Merlins, BTW ;-)).

Richard Rowlett
Bellevue, WA