[EBB Sightings] various ALA birds of interest

First thing this morning the male TUFTED DUCK was again loafing by the water
fountain at the Embarcadero end of Lake Merritt in Oakland.

The female REDHEAD was again hanging out by the duck feeding area. I also
added House Sparrow to my year list in front of the Rotary Nature Center.
(score!)

A solo CACKLING GOOSE had joined the Canada Geese on the lawn adjacent to
Bellevue.

The male COMMON MERGANSER was loafing in the water near the Gondola dock as
previously reported. An apparent Red-throated Loon was further off-shore.
I'm not positive of the ID because the light was terrible. If correct, then
it would be a juvenile because it appeared to have a drab gray throat and
indistinctly patterned face.

Still no sign of the Red-breasted Sapsucker that had been working the tree
in front of the Garden Center.

Over at Estuary Park, I spent a leisurely half hour watching a mixed flock
work the pines next to Portobello 1 and was rewarded by a brief look at the
PALM WARBLER down on the rocks. I give thanks and praises.

After that, things got decidedly less interesting. Nothing of particular
note at Damon Slough, Oyster Bay, or the Davis Street transfer station. 

At San Leandro Marina, best birds were 2 SANDERLINGS. Also 20-30 Black
Turnstones working the rocks at low tide.

At Quarry Lakes in Fremont, best birds were a couple AMERICAN WHITE
PELICANS.

The Tropical Kingbird was once again a no-show at Winton Ave.

Bird on,

Bruce Mast
Oakland