[EBB Sightings] Lake Merritt

Hello, thanks to Travis Hails for the information on the Cooper's hawks
at Lake Merritt. Last night at 7 I went to the area south of the
fountain near Perkins and Grand and found a juvie in a tall conifer
tree. This tree has light green needles and is right next to a similar
tree. Most of the other trees are oaks. This bird was almost invisible
as it hid behind some needles. I took pictures and then walked away. At
that point I felt and heard a huge SWOOSH as it flew by my head. My
heart was racing. I don't know how fast these birds fly but I can tell
you it will amaze you. If you see it coming, it is mainly a blur. This
bird kept swooping down every time I turned my back and walked a few
steps. I did not get any photos of it in action but I did get a nice one
of it perched that I will e-mail to anyone who is interested. This bird
also tried to get some squirrels in various trees but had no luck.

I then walked over to the lake and saw that there are many more Canada
geese than my last visit about 6 weeks ago. Also many more cormorants,
which are nesting offshore in some trees. Must be at least 100. There
were plenty of mallards and egrets and black-crowned night herons (some
juveniles too). Unlike my last visit, there were no scaups. I assume
they migrated or were just in hiding.

Clark Peterson