[EBB Sightings] Miller-Knox: Brant

This afternoon (Sun, Nov. 11), the BRANT continued at Miller-Knox 
Regional Shoreline.  We were unable to make any of the Canada Geese 
into the Crackling Goose, but the geese were quite spread around, so 
he may still be about somewhere.

Oil was visible floating on the water at Ferry Point near the 
pier.  The only two birds were saw there which appeared oiled were a 
female Bufflehead with an unnatural green sheen but behaving normally 
and a male Surf Scoter who was more clearly in distress, swimming 
very low in the water and with matted, slick-looking feathers -- last 
seen swimming towards the San Rafael Bridge.  We had close-up looks 
at this bird as he swam under us, and I don't recall ever feeling so helpless.

We also drove down to Berkeley for quick look at the damage near 
Shorebird Park and also on the inland side near Cesar Chevez 
Park.  The most obvious oiled birds were the Western Gulls in the 
parking lot with ugly brown smudges on their breasts and bellies.  We 
also saw both a Western Grebe and a male Ruddy Duck with brown 
stains, trying to preen.  Also several scaup, scoters, and an eared 
grebe that looked in trouble, though it was harder to tell.  All, 
except the gulls, were out on the water.

Regards,
--
Laura Look
Pinole, CA