[EBB Sightings] Least Terns in Alameda

The colony of Least Terns at the old Alameda Naval Station has been studied  
for years. The terns forage south of the nesting areas, which means along the  
western portions of Alameda. Thanks to a post by Ed DeBellvue, Michael 
Stevenson  and I ventured to Alameda today and were delighted to discover a spot 
where  5-7 Least Terns were diving in shallow water at low tide, catching small  
fish and feeding them to female Least Terns that were sitting on the mudflats. 
 The sights and sounds (they are quite vocal) were breathtaking. Nearby 
Caspian  and Foster's Terns drew hardly a glance. Our position by the iceplant just 
above  the high tide line disturbed them not at all. I think the area is 
roughly known  as Alameda Park. We got there by taking the 880 Broadway/Alameda 
exit, followed  Webster Av. south, then right on Central, heading west, then 
after passing  Encinal High School and Lincoln St., we turned left down "Encinal 
Boat Ramp" and  parked at the end near the boat ramp. The terns were mostly on 
the beach to the  west, viewed at low tide (11 am). You folks in the East Bay 
may know all  about it, but to us it was a captivating and awesome spectacle. 
Cheers, Len  Blumin, Mill Valley <_Lblumin at aol.com_ (mailto:Lblumin at aol.com) 
>. (Happy to send a  digi-scope photo to any who wish it).
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