[EBB Sightings] Pygmy Nuthatch

I've seen Pygmy Nuthatches a few times on Roundtop in Sibley and on the 
Sunset Trail in Joaquin Miller Park, off Castle Drive.  I read somewhere 
that they have been increasing in the East Bay hills over the last 
several years.  However, I've never seen a White-breasted Nuthatch in 
Oakland or anywhere on the west side of the hills, and have often 
wondered why they aren't more common here, given that we have plenty of 
oaks.

If you are keeping a city or county list, be aware that most of Sibley 
Volcanic RP, including all the areas that birders frequent, is not in 
Oakland or Alameda County - it's in unincorporated Contra Costa County. 
  The county line in that area runs roughly along the route of Skyline 
and Grizzly Peak Boulevards.

Good birding.

Glen Tepke
Oakland
g.tepke (at) comcast (dot) net
www.pbase.com/gtepke


Tim Howe wrote:
> I saw a pair of Pygmy Nuthatches today on a walk at Sibley Volcanic Preserve. I think this is the first time I've ever seen them in Oakland. They are quite common in San Francisco. I get Red-breasted and a very occasional White-breasted at my feeder. How unusual is this? As far as Pygmy Nuthatches go, maybe I just haven't been paying attention!
>   Today and about a week ago I've seen an adult Golden Eagle at Sibley. I glassed the nest and was unable to see any movement in it. Let me give you directions to see the nest that has had baby eagles in past years. As you get up towards the top of the hill with the communications tower on it you will come to a major switchback to your left. Past this switchback are three California Laurels. Just past the last one look down the hill. On a Monterey Pine to your left 20-30 feet down from the crown is a collection of sticks which is the nest.
>   Tim Howe