[EBB Sightings] Great-tailed Grackle at Shadow Cliffs

This morning (Monday the 11th of April), I saw a male Great-tailed Grackle
at Shadow Cliffs Regional Park, in the picnic area just south of the snack
bar at the swimming beach, and in the reeds about 100 yds to the right
along the beach, just before the boat rental dock. This area is accessible
from
the first parking lot on the left after the entrance kiosk (where a fee is
required).

This may be the same individual there from May 10, 1999 to July 1, 1999, and
from May 22, 2003 to July 23, 2003.  A female was also present both years,
and in 1999, nested and fledged at least one young, seen on June 24.
In 2003, they may have nested in the reeds along the north shore.

Shadow Cliffs is on Stanley Blvd., between Livermore and Pleasanton, and is
a
great birding location.  For me, the specialty is the Common Moorhen, easily
found in the creek beyond the south  levee, especially in the area just
south of the water slides.

Art Edwards