[EBB Sightings] More birds on Altamont Creek in springtown.

Yesterday, Wednesday, along Altamont Creek in Springtown, I saw
two Pectoral Sandpipers together, and my first Dunlin and Avocet in
Livermore since last winter.  They were seen from the paved path on
the north side of the creek, between Bluebell Avenue and Springtown
Boulevard.

Another good spot to check on Altamont Creek is downstream from
Springtown Boulevard, on the paved trail on the south side of the
creek, where the trail ends about 1/4 mile downstream.  Last week
I saw two Virginia Rails, a Sora, two Moorhens, a Marsh Wren and
a Yellowthroat there, and Ring-necked Pheasants along the way.

Also yesterday, I saw several Redheads, several Canvasbacks, many
Shovelers, several American Wigeons, a few Gadwalls, Western
and Clarks's Grebes, an Eared Grebe, and three White Pelicans at
Lake I.  The Pelicans have been regular there for the last year,
numbering from 1-17 or more.  To reach this spot, from Santa Rita
Road in Pleasanton, turn east on Mohr Avenue, which is between
Las Positas Road and Valley Boulevard, go to the east end of
Mohr Avenue (about a mile), turn left on Martin, go one block,
make a U-turn, and park on the west side of the street.
Walk east though the park-like area to the chain-link fence, where
you can see into the gravel pit designated Lake I.  A good telescope,
20X or better, is essential, as most of the birds are rather far away.

Art Edwards