FW: [EBB Sightings] Questionable bird in Pleasanton

Sorry, but I described the spots incorrectly. There was one large (as
in, covering the majority of the available space) black spot on each
side of the abdomen. Maybe it is an immature bird in plumage change.
It's tail was the stubby starling type and it tended to fly short
distances and re-land short distances away on the pavement when
disturbed.  

Derek

-----Original Message-----
From: Kay Loughman [mailto:kayloughman at earthlink.net] 
Sent: Thursday, September 08, 2005 10:36 AM
To: Derek Heins
Subject: Re: [EBB Sightings] Questionable bird in Pleasanton

That does sound odd. Can you eliminate juvenile starling?

Kay Loughman
Berkeley

Derek Heins wrote:

> Just outside my office this morning I noticed what from a distance 
> might be a towhee or female blackbird that on closer viewing (with no 
> binocular available) didn't match either but had the following 
> characteristics:
> Behavior - Searching and pecking of seeds
> Body shape and size closest to Brown Towhee but slightly thinner
> Most notable were fairly round, black spots covering a large portion 
> of each side of the abdomen.
> Remainder of coloring was classic LBJ. No wing-bars, eye-stripes, etc.
> Beak was finch-like.
> Beak and feet both appeared dark in color
> My office in Pleasanton is very close to the Home Depot off Hopyard 
> near the 580/680 interchange. If anyone is interested in finding the 
> bird feel free to contact me for help.
> Derek Heins
> Piedmont
> 925-201-2553 (work)