[EBB Sightings] Results of Oakland CBC on December 20

East Bay Birders:

Yesterday, about 200 participants in the Oakland Christmas Bird Count  
enjoyed far better weather than last year, and found 173 species  
(preliminary count), slightly fewer than our recent average.   
Afterward, roughly 100 diners capped the day with the liveliest, most  
high-spirited compilation dinner that I can recall.  Truly, a good  
time was had by all.  Co-compiler Bob Lewis and I thank everyone who  
contributed to yesterday's fun.

We missed a few regularly occurring birds on Count Day.  If you  
encounter, or encountered, any of these species within the Oakland  
count circle during count week (Thurs Dec 17 through Wed Dec 23),  
please send me details: date, location, etc.:

Sora
Bonaparte's Gull
Pacific Loon
Bald Eagle
Golden Eagle

Two Lake Merritt-area specialties known to be present recently also  
went unreported last evening: the male Tufted Duck, and the presumed  
adult male Barrow's Goldeneye x Hooded Merganser hybrid (the  
"beautiful duck").  If you see or saw either of these birds during  
count week (especially on Count Day!), please let me know, and add  
identification details.  Thanks in advance.

The count's "Best Bird" prize was won by an empidonax flycatcher  
found in Knowland Park, above the Oakland Zoo.  To reach its  
location, exit I-580 onto 106th Avenue; follow it and Malcolm Avenue  
east to Cameron Avenue.  Turn left, park at the end of Cameron  
Avenue, and enter the park.  Walk ahead and slightly right to the  
center grassy area past the middle fire road, where the bird was  
found.  If you re-find it, please send me your identification notes.   
Thanks in advance.

The Palm Warbler present for several days near the D'Anna Yacht  
Center just south of Jack London Square continued on Count Day.

Our sponsor, Golden Gate Audubon Society, will provide a complete  
report of the count in the March issue of The Gull, and online at the  
GGAS web site.

Meanwhile, mark your calendar and plan to participate in the 70th  
Oakland Christmas Bird Count on Sunday, December 19, 2010.

Dave Quady
Berkeley, California
davequady at att.net