Whatbird.com

The first bird looks more like a Flicker, although I'm not familiar with what species are in california. If you zoom in on the photo there is a black collar and possibly some spotting on the breast.  Just my opinion. Second looks good for a house finch.

I live in Grain Valley

Its good to see another person from KC on here.  As far as your sparrows, that is the problem with living in an urban area.  At my house the resident population is 90% house sparrows/finches and 5% american goldfinches. Occassionaly I will see Cardinals, Rwbb, grackles, doves, Chipping sparrows, American tree sparrows, occassionaly ...

here is a Bald Eagle on final approach after making a successful catch

Here is my Butterfly contribution, although I have no idea what kind it is.

White Tailed Deer

Five Lined Skink

I would suggest a Fork-Tailed Flycatcher, but that would not fit with a single long tail feather. Just a thought. http://identify.whatbird.com/obj/836/_/Fork-tailed_Flycatcher.aspx  Here is the link from Whatbird

I think you are probably right.  I had kind of ruled Eastern Phoebe out, because all of my field guides, say that it constantly wags its tail.  Of the several minutes I was able to view the bird, I did not see it wag its tail once.  Thanks Andy

I just want to confirm this before I added it to my list Thanks