The GRASSHOPPER SPARROW is a widespread breeder in appropriate grasslands throughout coastal California and in the foothills ringing the Central Valley. It is unclear how many remain to winter but at least some of them do, although it is presumed that most migrate south for the winter. The species is shy and difficult to observe when not singing. Migrants can occur just about anywhere in the fall but are not common.
Most of my California records are of breeding birds on territory. The only ones listed below are a handful of singing birds that peaked my interest and the few migrants encountered:
5/25/79 Furnace Creek INY 1 migrantSee the family page for county abbreviations. All photos & text © 2002 Don Roberson; all rights reserved.
6/21/80 1 mi N of Pescadero SM 1 singing male; turns out it is regular here
6/10/86 Little Shasta Valley SIS 1 singing male seen; scarce here
11/3/87 Pt. Pinos MTY 1 imm
10/20/90 Big Sur R. mouth MTY 1 imm
10/2/99 Big Sur R. m. mesa MTY 1 bright imm