[EBB Sightings] a rookery in our midst

Dear Birders:

I'd heard something about a heron/egret colony in the trees next to
EBMUD's watershed headquarters in Orinda.  But it wasn't until recently
when hiking down the Orinda Connector Trail that I found myself at the
handsome headquarters building which looks, in its rural setting, like
an outsized barn.  And then I heard the distinctive cacophony of a
rookery coming from high in the eucalyptus trees.  

Since then I've been back several times, last time seeking out EBMUD's
Steve Abbors who became his career as a naturalist at Jewel Lake during
 the time of well-loved, and long-departed Josh Barkin.  According to
Steve, I was seeing the tail-end of the nesting season with only a few
Great White Egrets and their chicks remaining.  

Each year, volunteers from Audubon Canyon Ranch include the San Pablo
Reservoir colony on their annual survey in early April at the time of
full occupancy when there are at least 40 nests occupied mostly by
Great Blue Herons.

The watershed headquarters are accessible from San Pablo Dam Road, but
the nicest approach is by the trail which follows in part San Pablo
Creek with its gravel bars and amble water that attract Wood Ducks in
season.  

>From the pull-out parking spot at the intersection of San Pablo and
Bear Creek Roads the trail leads downhill.  You will see both Black
Oaks and Valley Oaks of unusual size in this warm, well-watered canyon.
 

An EBMUD trail pass can be bought online, and trail maps printed out
which will open up to the birder all kinds of interesting places to
visit.

Phila Rogers




 
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