Remsen, J.V. 1975 Journal Dec.18 (cont) + Baller: Eared Grebe 2, Am. Coot 2, Killdeer 1, Con. Snipe 1, Say's Phoebe 1 Comments: Marl Spring is an overflowing water tank in a cattle corral which attracts huge numbers of Sage Sparrows (100+) and many Black-throated Sparrows - looks like a fantastic place to observe open-country desert birds - should be great for migrating sparrows. Dec.19 ZZyxx, San Bernardino Co., Calif Area: marsh vegetation and small area of standing water in alkali lake bed up to locked gate at entrance to hot springs. Time: 1015-1025 Species: Killdeer 1 Western Meadowlark 1 Red-shafted Flicker 1 Lesser Goldfinch 1 Say's Phoebe 2 Rock Wren 1 Loggerhead Shrike 1 Comments: the buildings around the hot springs have lots of small tamarisks which should produce vagrants in season; the low marsh vegetation around the edge of the lake bed is also enticing and should have bladdbirds, marsh wrens, rails etc. in season Afton Canyon, San Bernardino Co., Calif Area: BLM campground + lake across the railroad tracks Time: 1045-1130 Temp: 65 Sky: clear Wind: 0 Species: Pied-billed Grebe 1 Bewick's Wren 2 Great Blue Heron 1 Phainopepla 1 Am. Coot 10 Audubon's Warbler 1 Killdeer 2 Song Sparrow 1 Red-shafted Flicker 1 Black Phoebe 1 Say's Phoebe 1 Gambel's Quail 3 Verdin 1 Comments: the lake is several hundred yards long and 50 yds wide, bordering the RR tracks; there are lots of cattails and the southern edge is dense tamarisks and willows; upstream is an open, wet, grassy area with scattered small trees, which looks great for shorebirds, and further upstream is a large stand of low stature cottonwoods, willows