[EBB Sightings] Arrowhead Marsh 11-26-04

Hi all:

I spent the late morning with a nice group of birders
at Arrowhead, waiting out the high tides and a hoped
for Rail Show.  Sally Cedarblade, Sandy Barth, Vicki
Bay, Ann Ruffer and I along with 8 other birders were
treated to 11 Greater White-fronted Geese and one
Cackling Canada Goose mixed w/the other Canada Geese
on the lawn at the northern end of the main road into
Arrowhead Marsh. Betw. 11:00 and 11:45 everyone was
able to get excellent views of both Clapper Rail and
Sora, with the Sora showing off by swimming through
the channel with tail raised. Both rails and one other
Clapper Rail were seen from 2/3 of the way onto the
dock that extends into the Marsh.

Ann and I were able to study a Eurasian / American
Wigeon hybrid in the wetlands adjacent to the
southeast corner of the parking lot betw. 12 and
12:15.  I walked the wetland loop from the parking
area, and watched 4 crows chase a Merlin from a perch.
The Merlin took it out on the flock of American Pipits
sharing the lawn with the Geese.  The Merlin singled
out one Pipit high in the sky and the Pipit outflew
the Merlin.  Outmaneuvered may be a better
description.  Which proves the old adage: Choose your
Pipits wisely.
=============
At Lafayette Res. this afternoon, Sam, Amy and I
watched an Osprey catch a nice-sized fish and then
elude the chase of what looked to be a California
Gull.   The Osprey left, with fish, over the pines at
the eastern end of the parking lot.  I couldn't spot a
roost.     

Good Birding,
Bob Power