[EBB Sightings] Lewis's WP, Mines Rd.; Phainopepla explosion

Hi all:

This morning, I had a Lewis's Woodpecker at the 4.3
mile mark heading south on Mines Rd. (Mile markers
begin from the Tesla Rd./Mines Rd. intersection). I
heard a Robin, prayed for a Grosbeak and pulled over,
and got stuck with a Lewis's WP flying by. Pretty good
exchange rate. The woodpecker was on the east side of
Mines Rd., just a little bit after the Del Valle
turnoff and before the first major bridge. Big
sprawling oak marks the spot and then Sycamores to the
left of the oak.

Prior to that, there were Cliff Swallows and Northern
Rough-winged Swallows at the eastern inlet bridge at
Del Valle Reg. Park.

After that, Phainopepla became about as common as
Scrub-jays.  Male and female pairs seen at the 4.6
mile marker just before the bridge. Male seen at the
7.8 mile marker. Two males and 3 females seen at
Kathy's Roadrunner location at the 10.45 mile marker.

No Roadrunner seen. No early passerine migration.
Golden eagles in several locations. Bald Eagles in no
locations.

Don't try this at home. Your results may differ.

Good birding,
Bob Power
Oakland, CA

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