[EBB Sightings] RE: Barrow's Goldeneye(s) at Lindemann X Herdlyn Rds., Byron, CC Co.

Greetings EBB'ers,   27 Feb. '09

In addition to other recent reports about the Barrow's  Goldeneye(s) in 
eastern Contra Costa & Alameda Counties (see below); here's  a belated report. I 
saw one of the male Barrow's Goldeneyes in a group of Common  Goldeneyes on the 
west side of the Calif. Aquaduct/Delta slough bridge on  Lindemann Rd. with my 
Castro Valley Bird Class on Friday, 13 Feb.  2009.

Of special note was the interruption of our activity by a Federal  employee, 
who works at the U.S. Government Fish Screen facility within sight of  the 
access roads.  He pointed out the surveillance cameras "spying" on us;  implying 
that is why he had to come out to say that we were not allowed to  loiter in 
the area with cameras or binoculars in hand.  The government  apparently views 
this as a site suitable for some type of sabotage and is thus a  risk area for 
national security.  As he spoke we did have our spotting  scopes on the BaGo 
in the slough.  He noted the leader's and the school's  addresses and left.  
Although he didn't include spotting scopes in his  caution, I doubt that would 
be knowingly allowed, either.  Perhaps some  kind of prearrangement could be 
developed.

Thanks to Art E. for the  contiguous alignment tip on the ALA and CC county 
lines.

Happy  Birding,

Phil Gordon    


Art Edwards reported  on 26 Feb. 2009:

On  February 7, Vern Bothwell and I saw a male Barrow's Goldeneye on 
Lindemann Road  at the Alameda/Contra Costa county line.
On February 19, I saw two males  there, and on February 24, with my wife 
Adele, one male.

>From the  Tracy-Byron Highway, between Kelso Road and Mountain House Road 
(NOT Mountain  House Parkway!), go north on Lindemann Road past the River's End 
Marina, and  stop at the bridge over the slough at the Alameda - Contra Costa 
county  line.

The male Barrow's Goldeneyes were in the slough on the east side of  the 
bridge, where the water gates are.  In past years, I have also seen  them in the 
slough on the west side of the bridge.


According to my  topographical maps, the county line is in the center of the 
slough, even though  the sign is on the south side of the bridge.  Therefore, 
it may be OK to  add the Barrow's Goldeneye to your Contra Costa County list.

Art  Edwards

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