[EBB Sightings] First Friday field trip to Jewel Lake

Dear Birders:

Only two participants showed up for our regularly-scheduled Friday
field trip at Jewel Lake.  Unfortunately the November "Gull" had the
wrong date -- December 2 instead of December 7.  Hopefully not too many
disappointed people showed up on Sunday.

After the good rain (almost an inch) falling the night before, the lake
was brimful and spilling over the dam in a noisy cascade.   Our first
bird of the morning was a Red-shouldered Hawk sitting atop a conifer at
the parking lot, glowing cinnamon in the early sun.  Wet leaves paved
the path to the lake.  The air was rich with heady brew of willow
resins, decaying leaves, and wet earth.  Though the species count was
low, we three were happy to be out on such a fresh, exhilarating
morning at one of the East Bay's loveliest spots in any season.  

The female Hooded Merganser continues to hang out with the resident
Mallards and several Bufflehead.

Now it's on to the annual Christmas bird count -- a wonderful way to
celebrate the Holidays!

Phila Rogers


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