[Sightings] E. =?ISO-8859-1?B?oEFsYS4gQ28uIC0gUHJhaXJpZSBGYWxjb24sIGV0Yy4=?=

Hello all,

Today, around 3 pm, in the very northeastern corner of Alameda County, along the Byron Highway, I had a very unexpected Prairie Falcon (PRFA). �I had pulled over on the east side of the road to look at birds in an agricultural field (gulls and Long-billed Curlews), when the PRFA flew in and landed on a utility pole just a little ways in front of my truck. �It stayed there quite a while, as it was consuming a furry little snack. �When it finished, it flew west over the highway. �This area is just a bit south of the junction with Mountain House ROAD.

Later, I spent some time birding at Lake Del Valle in Livermore, where there are breeding Western and Clark's Grebes. �I saw adults of both species herding around groups of downy young, and found an active Western nest containing three eggs. �Also saw others working on nests and engaging in courtship behavior, including that cool "running on the water" thing they do. �Other birds in the area included Pied-billed Grebes, also w/young, a handfull of Wood Ducks (adults accompanied by full-grown juveniles), and a lone Gadwall. �Lots of other, more "ordinary" water birds/waders about too.

This area is in the far southeastern leg of the reservoir, where there is a thick growth of some kind of water weed adjacent to reeds. �It's best viewed from the Eagle's View picnic area (go right at the entrance kiosk, left into the first parking lot, then walk down the hill across the lawn to the water's edge.)

Be forewarned, there is a parking fee at Del Valle. �And, keep your eye on the sky -- you never know when one of the resident Bald Eagles may put in an appearance.

Good birding,
Kathy Robertson
Hayward, CA