[EBB Sightings] Frank's Dump--Hayward Regional Shoreline

I like to visit Frank's Dump late in July when there is a high tide around 5 
PM.  All the shorebirds come in and the light is from behind.  Today was no 
different.

Probably 1000s of birds altogether, including 100s of Red Knots, Dowitchers, 
Marbled Godwits, Willets, Western and Least Sandpipers, a few Ruddy 
Turnstones, a few Long-billed Curlews, maybe 4-5 Caspian Terns (one adult 
and one juvenile each had a yellow band on the right leg and a red band on 
the left), even some Semi-palmated Plovers.  Quite a few Barn Swallows, 
Avocets, and north of the sewer plant even some Black-necked Stilts with 
kids.

It was windy and cool, way better than the afternoon here in Walnut Creek. 
I was also looking for my friend Dana, who, though he wasn't a birder, left 
suddenly on the ultimate migration yesterday. I might have seen him out 
there, hiding between the Knots and Turnstones, when suddenly several 
thousand of the birds all left at once.  Have a good trip, Dana.  Thanks for 
the memories.

Hugh B. Harvey
Walnut Creek