[EBB Sightings] Lawrence's Goldfinch in Heather Farm Park, Walnut Creek

The following message was sent to me this morning by Fred Safier, one of the 
Mt. Diablo Audubon Society field trip leaders.  The place mentioned is at 
the extreme north end of Heather Farm Park in Walnut Creek, located off of 
Ygnacio Valley Road.  There is a foot bridge across the Contra Costa Canal 
and next to the canal is a ditch which drains the large natural pond into 
the creek, maybe a quarter of a mile to the west.  American Goldfinches and 
Cedar Waxwings have been hanging out at this corner for some time now, and 
it is along the open water of the ditch that the Wilson's Snipes are often 
seen.

Hugh B. Harvey

I saw the two Moorhens feeding together.
No Kingbird. A couple of Rough-wings. Revised estimate: 60 Cliffs under the 
bridge.
A Red-shouldered hawk came low over me at the Lusherm Ct crossing.
Did you see my letter in the WC Journal? It got results; they cleaned up the 
big metal box.

But the excitement:

At 8:10 I was standing looking for the Snipe at the usual place. No snipe, 
but a sensational Lawrence's Goldfinch clinging to a reed on the part of the 
ditch parallel to the canal! Yeah, I know there are tons of Americans there, 
but this was unmistakeable: black face,not just black cap, yellow chest, 
brown-gray body, and prominent yellow wingstripe. It was gone when I came 
back at 8:40, otherwise I might have knocked on your door!
I suppose it would need confirmation before reporting, and I'm sure it's 
gone now.

Happy Easter.

Fred