[EBB Sightings] Ferruginous Hawk and Golden Eagle in Fremont

Today at 12:30 PM I found both a FERRUGINOUS HAWK and GOLDEN EAGLE in Fremont, on the SF Bay NWR land just west of the industrial complex on Nobel Dr. (directions below).

The FERRUGINOUS HAWK flew in from the south and then landed on the field.  I watched it for about 20-30 minutes until I left and it did not move from the field. When it landed on the field it stood for about 10 minutes in normal hawk fashion.  Then it sat down on its belly and put its chin to the ground, taking a pose similar to that of a resting Black Skimmer.  When it had its head down it almost disappeared into the surrounding field.  In this position the bird is going to be extremely difficult to find, so scan carefully with a scope.

While I was watching the Ferruginous Hawk an immature GOLDEN EAGLE flew to the same field, also approaching from the south.  It looked like it was hunting ground squirrels.  Its presence did not seem to bother the FEHA at all, although a number of Ravens started mobbing it.

Directions from 880:

To view this field, exit 880 at Auto Mall Pkwy and head west toward the bay.  Turn left on Cushing Pkwy (at the Toyota dealer).  Follow Cushing Pkwy south past the dealerships and turn right on Bunche Dr.  Follow Bunche Dr. west until it curves to the right and becomes Nobel Dr.  Turn left into the industrial park complex.  Drive back behind the industrial buildings and you can view the fields as well as the dump.  

Good Birding!

Andy Pedler - Newark, CA