[EBB Sightings] White-throated Sparrow and Wood Ducks in Heather Farm--Walnut Creek

Unable to go on the Mt. Diablo Audubon field trip to the Davis area for 
raptors and other birds today, I did make a quick trip to Heather Farm in 
the morning.  The White-throated Sparrow is still in a mixed sparrow flock 
at the south end of the equestrian area.  Up to 20 sparrows come out of the 
coyote brush onto the gravel service road early before too much pedestrian 
and dog traffic.

At the large pond, three Wood Ducks were on the bank near the large oak tree 
on the west side of the pond.  They entered the water as soon as I 
approached on the walking/bicycle trail.  The adult pair are accompanied by 
what I would call a teenager male.  This younger bird is just coming into 
his adult plumage.

Several have told me the Wood Ducks like to be out on the open water early, 
but by 8:30 or 9 AM, look for them in the extreme southwest corner under the 
overhanging branches.

In 1982, and for several years after, a female Wood Duck lived in the large 
pond by herself.  Apparently she was content to have the company of the 
resident Mallards and the wide variety of winter ducks we used to see here.

This is not too different from the male Wood Duck who, in the late 60s lived 
in the pond adjacent to the Music Building at Diablo Valley College.  That 
pond is totally open with no overhanging branches anywhere.  He was just 
content to hang out with us college folk of the time.  Had he ever attended 
his classes, he would have attained a "higher education" and flown away. 
Then again, it was the 60s and maybe he received a higher education of a 
different sort.

Hugh B. Harvey
Walnut Creek