[EBB Sightings] Big Hummer?

Hi, all.
  No, I'm not talking about a big gas-guzzler.
  My wife & I hiked out on the Albany Bulb Sunday
afternoon and, along with the usual variety of
shorebirds (avocets, curlews, terns, peeps and the
like) I caught a glimpse of a relatively
large-appearing hummingbird out in the brush and trees
in the middle of the bulb. Unfortunately, it was in
shade and I only had it a couple of seconds in my
binocs before it flew off, so I have no idea of
markings. It certainly seemed larger than the Annas I
see all the time. 
  I'd be interested if anyone has been out that way
recently and seen any unusual hummingbirds.
  Speaking of hummers, I saw one in Emeryville last
week that looked to be a male Anna's, but it had white
patches on its shoulders/the top of the wings (I don't
have my bird book to look up the proper name for the
area/feathers) when at rest. It also seemed to have
more white on its lower belly and leg area than the
guides show. I suppose it could have been just ruffled
feathers/down that usually doesn't show, but I
wondered if anyone has another explanation.
  Finally, and I've been meaning to ask this for some
time, could someone tell me what the nesting boxes--if
indeed that's what they are--along the perimeter trail
of Cesar Chavez Park (the marina) are for? They're
awfully big and I've never seen any birds near them. 
  Thanks for your help.
Alan Howe


		
_______________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
Declare Yourself - Register online to vote today!
http://vote.yahoo.com