[EBB Sightings] Waterthrush at Aquatic Park

Hi, Michael.

I'm not sure there is ever a quiet time there. My husband and I were there
on Saturday morning by 8:30 am and although the traffic was light, several
trains went by while we were there blowing their whistle multiple times
(each train).  We saw a fox sparrow, spotted towhee, hermit thrush, song
sparrow in that northeast corner, but no waterthrush. I suspect the fence is
more of an issue than the noise, at least for the birdwatchers. If the fence
makes it more attractive and safe for the birds, that is all to the good
IMO.

Pamela Clarkir


On Sat, Feb 27, 2010 at 9:46 AM, Michael J. Stanley wrote:

>  The northeast corner of the southerly lake at Aquatic Park is bordered by
> two narrow streets that serve as access to an I-80 on-ramp. During the
> weekday evening commute, cars turn the corner at a rate of at least four or
> five per minute. Additionally, the railroad is around a hundred yards to the
> East, with frequent trains, including whistles, adding to the noise level.
> On Thursday evening, I visited the area in search of the Northern
> Waterthrush. I attribute my singular lack of success to the incessant noise
> ? I doubt that in the entire two hours there was ever more than thirty
> seconds of continuous relative quiet. The only songbird I saw in the Willow
> patch area in over two hours was a fleeting glimpse of a Marsh Wren. Plenty
> of water birds were present, including a few Yellowlegs, but no Ruff. A
> Peregrine flew over just before the light disappeared.
> My message is that if you can choose your time to visit the area (I
> couldn?t), consider going at a time other than during the evening commute.
> Mike Stanley
> Napa, CA
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