[EBB Sightings] yesterday morning

Dear Birders:

Yesterday morning Ron Sullivan, Joe Eaton and I visited Garretson Point and Arrowhead Marsh.  It was a morning of threes -- the three teal (Blue-winged, Green-winged, and Cinnamon) on the pond across from the Garretson Point parking lot, three species of grebe on the open water of San Leandro Bay, and three species of rails (Clapper, Virginia, and Sora) who were trying to stay out of sight among the scanty grasses and reeds at high tide.  Passerines appeared equally discomforted by the lack of forage.  Savannah and Song Sparrows, along with Marsh Wrens and Yellow Throats flew back and forth across the mostly watery landscape.

Although familiar with Arrowhead from censusing days, Garretson Point was a revelation for me on this balmy, calm morning.  The small pond was crowded with a number species providing a text book opportunity for comparisons.  Along with the teal, we saw Northern Shovelers, Pintails, and Northern Widgeons.  

Garretson Point makes a worthwhile stop on the way to Arrowhead.  Turn right off Hegenberger on Edgewater and drive almost to the end where you'll see the staging area.

Phila Rogers