[EBB Sightings] More Berkeley Meadows

Dear Birders:

Since posting the results of our census of Berkeley Meadows last Saturday, 
another subscriber to the listings, who is a frequent visitor to the Meadow, 
comments on the many species of black-colored birds -- including Brewer's 
blackbirds, red-winged blackbirds, brown-headed cowbirds and starlings which 
he has seen sitting on the same fence.  Add in crows and ravens flying 
overhead and black oystercatchers feeding along the rocky shore, and the 
list is impressive.

He also reports young mallards and Canada geese residing in the Meadows and 
has seen young geese (possibly not yet flying) feeding among the tall grass 
in the evening.  He has on several occasions
observed a pair of Black-crowned night herons in a willow clump and wonders 
is they, too, are nesting.  To the raptor list he adds northern harrier and 
sharp-shinned hawk.

He also points out that the striking white residue in the dry ponds is
actually desiccated mats of algae that have been bleached by the sun.

Once again, the observations of someone who often visits a particular place 
are especially valuable.

Phila Rogers