[EBB Sightings] Oakland CBC Results, December 18 2005

Birders:

The 65th Oakland Christmas Bird Count was held yesterday (Sunday) in 
weather that was . . . . that was . . . . let's just say that was 
challenging.  Neither of our two boats that bird on the bay were able 
to get out, for example.

Our preliminary Count Day total (some areas not yet heard from, rare 
birds not yet reviewed) was 172 species, only a few below our recent 
average.  This is a tribute to the more than 150 Oakland CBC field 
observers who persevered through a tough day.  And to the two diligent 
birders who added Barn Owl and Western Screech-Owl after the 
compilation dinner.

On Count Day we missed ten species usually found recently:

White-winged Scoter
Red-throated Loon
American White Pelican
Cattle Egret
Golden Eagle
Ruddy Turnstone
Bonaparte's Gull
Northern Saw-whet Owl
White-throated Swift (but seen during Count Week, as were Pileated 
Woodpecker and Rock Wren)
Loggerhead Shrike

Our Count Week extends from Thursday, December 15 through Wednesday, 
December 21.  If you see any of these species, or know anyone who sees 
any of these species (or already saw them!) during Count Week anywhere 
that MIGHT be within the Oakland count circle, please send me a note 
with date and time, exact location, number of individual birds, etc.  
Please report any unusual species, too!  Thanks.

Several unusual species were found on Sunday:

Snow Goose (7) - flyover, Berkeley
Brant - Pt. Emery, Berkeley
Tufted Duck - Aquatic Park, Berkeley
Harlequin Duck (male) - Oyster Bay, south of Oakland Airport
Black Rail (first record for the count; seen from canoe) - Arrowhead 
Marsh, Oakland
Lesser Yellowlegs - Bay Farm Island
Long-billed Dowitcher - Berkeley pier
Wandering Tattler - northeast edge of Treasure Island
selasphorus hummingbird - Lake Merritt
Nashville Warbler - ne. corner of St. Mary's Cemetery, Oakland
Palm Warbler - California & C Sts, Treasure Island
Black-and-white Warbler (2) - across from Rotary Science Center, Oakland
Western Tanager (2) - Peralta House, Oakland

Finally, the advance of not-so-Wild Turkeys continues, with birds 
reported in (I think) four locations.

With apologies for posting out of the Oakland area, thanks again, in 
advance, for reporting any potential additions to our 175 Count Week 
birds.

Dave Quady
Berkeley, California
davequady at att.net