[EBB Sightings] Alameda County Big Year

Hi all:

I started the new year at dawn at the Albany Crescent
and ended at dusk at Lake Merritt.  103 species later
and my 2008 Alameda County big year is off to a great
start.  It would be nice/fun if it was "our" Alameda
County Big Year.  I would be happy to keep monthly
statistics for anyone who wants to join in this quest
to see as many species as possible within Alameda
County in 2008.

Highlights were:
NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH -- Berkeley's Aquatic Park; same
location as in previous years in the tangle of trees
at the NE corner of the southernmost pond. LIttle
skulker.  As an aside, this is one of my least
favorite places to go birding in the bay area or
elsewhere. This morning was not pleasant.
EURASIAN WIGEON -- Albany Crescent
LAPLAND LONGSPUR -- Winton Ave; grassy/weedy area on
the hill just north of Mt. Trashmore. Same location
where it's been reported numerous times.
SNOW GOOSE (1)-- Second hill north of Trashmore of
first hill south of Frank's Dump. There was a goose
bonanza there this afternoon.
ROSS'S GOOSE (4) --        "             "            
"
GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE(4)  "          "          
  "
CACKLING GOOSE (16)            "              "       
      "
TUNDRA SWAN (2) -- As reported by Dave Weber earlier.
They were closer to the north end of the pond in
mid-afternoon, and were clearly Tundra Swans with the
base of their bills describing a more angular pattern
than that of Trumpeter. One was bright white, the
other a little dingy on the neck. Backs were a little
bit humped rather than smoothly rounded.
TROPICAL KINGBIRD -- End of Winton Ave working the
wires and fenceline at the curve in the channel just
east of the parking area before you enter the
shoreline fenced area.  As previously reported.
TUFTED DUCK -- Lake Merritt. Resting in front of the
2nd island to the east of the visitor's center. 

A few digiscoped images from today can be viewed at:
http://flickr.com/photos/14935921 at N00/

Good birding,
Bob Power
Oakland, CA