[EBB Sightings] Rose Garden and Lake Merritt between downpours

Took a spin this morning through the Oakland Rose Garden and then around
Lakeside Park at Lake Merritt. Most surprising bird was a RUDDY SHELDUCK at
Lakeside Park, grazing with 6 Canada Geese on the lawn to the east of the
entrance kiosk. Most satisfying birds were my FOS WILSON'S WARBLERS (several
at both locations) and PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER (Rose Garden). Also out in
good numbers were ORANGE-CROWNED and YELLLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS (including 1
Myrtle race). I'm nearly certain COOPER'S HAWKS have set up house keeping
again in Lakeside Park and I suspect another pair has done the same in the
Rose Garden, though I haven't figured out the nest tree yet.

A male HOODED ORIOLE was foraging in the low shrubs in the Botanical Garden
(Lakeside Park). It would be worth keeping an eye out for possible nesting
activity in the palm trees in the Garden and across the water at the Essex.
Still a female RED-BREASTED MERGANSER hanging around. The ROSS'S GOOSE was
paddling around near the Embarcadero. A pair of Canada Geese has a couple
goslings in tow.

Bruce Mast
Oakland, CA