[EBB Sightings] Lake Del Valle, Livermore

I arrived around 8 and left around 10:30, just in time to avoid the  
crowds. I parked at the bridge and walked the East Shore Trail almost  
to Eagles View Camp, then returned. Amazingly, I had the trail to  
myself. It was completely foggy and also windy by the water. The sun  
did not emerge until just after 10.

All the species were the expected ones, still a pleasure to see under  
such peaceful circumstances for a holiday weekend. A bit unusual was  
a Green Heron that I spotted in flight. The bird circled around,  
landed in an oak near the trail, and stared at me intently for about  
15 seconds before taking off. Only one warbler: Yellow. No Chat: Drat.

A partial list of the 33 species seen is below.

Judith Dunham
Berkeley, California

California Quail (many)
Western Grebe (many pairs on water)
Green Heron
Turkey Vulture (about 60 circling over the maintenance yard)
American Kestrel
Forster's Tern (single bird, patroling the water)
Belted Kingfisher
Acorn Woodpecker (including a pair at a nesthole)
Downy Woodpecker (two endlessly bickering males, oblivious to my  
presence)
Ash-throated Flycatcher (three vocalizing pairs)
Violet-green Swallow
Northern Rough-winged Swallow
Cliff Swallow (tending nests at bridge)
Yellow Warbler (only warbler of the morning)
Purple Finch (a pair)