[EBB Sightings] Big Hummer?

Do you think you might have mistaken one of those big sphinx moths for a hummingbird? ( I did that once.) I am also curious
about the nest boxes.

Lisa

Alan Howe wrote:

> 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
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