Palomar Mtn, state park road north side just east of Bailey Meadow Road. In loose soil near brake ferns, buckwheat and grasses
Dinner plate thistle is not coming up as an option. Only elk thistle…
Small shrub with soft fuzzy leaves and magenta bell-shaped pods
Sticky-ish leaves with an orange and wood polish scent
Ok, got a decent look at the female, based on her appearance I believe this is a Song Sparrow nest. Small sparrow type bird, deep cup shaped nest about 20" off the ground in a clump of African iris