[EBB Sightings] Arrowhead Marsh/Hayward Shoreline

This morning's (Sat., Dec. 22) windless high tide at Arrowhead Marsh 
produced at least 4 Clapper Rails, 2 VIRGINIA RAILS, and 1 
Sora.  Marsh Wrens were popping out of the reeds like popcorn.

We then visited Hayward Regional Shoreline from the end of W. Winton 
Ave.  We saw the TROPICAL KINGBIRD almost immediately on the fence 
and wires near the maintenance yard near the flood control 
channel.  The bird was last seen flying south along the channel.

We then walked westward along the north side of the flood control 
channel.  About halfway along the landfill to the north, we saw a 
flock of about 30 Horned Larks, which included the LAPLAND 
LONGSPUR.  This flock was seen again later in the southwest corner of 
this landfill, very visible and accessible.  Also in the area were 5 
American Pipits.

After seeing a couple hundred Canada Geese, we finally found the 
flock with the weird geese to the north, just south of Frank's 
Dump.  It included 5 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE, 5 ROSS'S GEESE, 1 
SNOW GOOSE, and at least 10 Aleutian CACKLING GEESE.

As the tide went out, the shorebirds returned to the mudflats north 
of Hayward Landing, including about 30 RED KNOTS.  An Osprey flew by 
along the shoreline.

We swung by the Oakland Estuary Park on the way home, but were unable 
to locate the Palm Warbler.  A White-throated Swift was a nice 
consolation prize.

Good birding,
--
Laura Look
Pinole, CA