[EBB Sightings] Shadow Cliffs

Birders,

Though Pat and I ran across a large flock of crowned sparrows several  
times at Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area in Pleasanton this  
morning and checked out every bird each time, we did not see the  
White-throated Sparrow reported previously. We did, however, see 56  
other species including CALIFORNIA THRASHER, PURPLE FINCH, COMMON  
MOORHEN, GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE, COMMON GOLDENEYE, HOODED MERGANSER,  
and HORNED GREBE. Never having been to Shadow Cliffs before we were  
surprised at the number of thrashers (6+), all of whom seemed to be  
quietly singing to themselves, usually with their bills closed. The  
sky-pointing male grackle was being ignored by his two female  
companions who were helping themselves to the contents of a garbage can.

Note that there is a $6.00 parking fee and dogs are permitted  
($2.00). For directions and a map: http://www.ebparks.org

This afternoon on a Dog-and-Bird-Walk around our San Ramon  
neighborhood Skip and I had WHITE-TAILED KITE (usual), a fly-over  
MERLIN (decidedly not usual), and a protracted, close-range, and  
motionless (all 3 of us), encounter with a HERMIT THRUSH.

Dennis and Patricia Braddy and Skip
San Ramon