[EBB Sightings] Wood Duck

(1) male WD  at Ellis Lake, Concord; seen Fri; Sept. 1, 2006 6:45 pm, mixing
with mallards. I am guessing it's an early  migrant (as JR was mentioning to
look for)  since I've frequented this native "lake" (next to Keller Lake)
off and on throughout the seasons for over 10 years and have never seen one
there. I wasn't sure if it was a female, since it's not as colorful as the
field books show; assume it's going to the eclipse stage. Books say they
winter as far south as 'southern CA' as near as I can estimate by the map...

Also seen: American Egret (caught one fish!); a couple of Cormorants; many,
many, many Can. Geese (nor Aleutian or White Fronted); still the hanging
dead 'rock dove' in the dead tree in the lake (sad - don't look at it; it's
been there it seems like a year, now :()

Heard earlier (noonish) by Dennis: Kingfisher; (no sight of the usual Green
Back Heron, or Black Crown NH (in the cotton wood by the cattails at the SW
end of the pond, nearest the street). A couple of eared grebes; many, many
mallards; and no gulls. I probably missed a phoebe or two, not to mention
other 'regulars'... but this will give you a feel for it.

Just in case you want to visit (and I think it's safe to visit, even though
every once and a while some of the people hanging around may look
suspicious; it's surrounded by apartments and everyone uses the park, also
the Police seem to drive by frequently.

If you want to visit, going north: (on 680) from Wal. Crk., take the 242
exit to Concord and follow the first exit to Clayton Rd... Continue  along
Clayton a couple lights, pass Detroit and turn Right on Ellis Drive.You'll
pass the 'Habitat for Humanity' complex on your right and the "Lake' (Pond)
is on the left. (If you're heading South from 680 - I think it you exit
Willow Pass and go back under the freeway; keep on Willow Pass till you
reach Fry Way and turn right till you come to Clayton Rd. and turn left;
Ellis Drive will be on the right (I think Adelaide comes first and then
Ellis ) - check a map!

greetings from Concord!

Sharyn Galloway

Or -- I'd be glad to forward you a photo of it Dennis took!

Thanks


 -- 
Mrs. Sharyn F. Galloway
Concord, CA (925) 969-1140