[EBB Sightings] Least Tern - Stern antillarum - 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  . (Happy to send a 
digi-scope photo to any who wish it).