[EBB Sightings] Continuing Gray Flycatcher in Oakland (Alameda County)

After some effort I was able to relocate the reported Gray Flycatcher in
Upper Knowland Park just after Noon today, 12-25-2009.  When we arrived at
10:30 AM one woman reported to us as she was leaving she had just seen the
flycatcher in the large pine just to the right as you enter the park through
the gate.  Other birders arrived, and by noon we were rather frustrated
without seeing the reported Gray Flycatcher.  Craig and his girlfriend were
leaving, and I asked by dad who came along for the ride if he could wait an
additional 15 minutes before we would leave.  I then headed toward the
reported T in the trail, and out popped the Gray Flycatcher flycatching low
in the smaller bushes.  Craig and I had exchanged cell numbers, and I called
him on the phone and they returned within two minutes to be able to see the
Gray Flycatcher as well.

Driving west on I-580, you will find no exit to 106th Ave.  I took the next
exit which is Golf Links Road and drove back through the park and past the
Oakland Zoo which was closed for the holiday and headed toward the east
exit.  I got down to the bottom of the hill to find the gate locked.  I made
a U-turn to discover I was approaching a sign that states "Severe tire
puncture".  There was no way to maneuver around the spikes for most
vehicles.  I asked my dad to stand at the side of the road and navigate me
safely around the right side of the road through road-side gutter and around
the road spikes.  My heart was beating profusely in my throat, but we had
safely passed the danger zone and then retuned to I-580 and headed east
following the original directions.

Other observed birds were Red-breasted Sapsucker, Nuttall's Woodpecker
(heard only), Anna's Hummingbird, Black Phoebe American Kestrel, Red-tailed
Hawk, Common Raven, Western Scrub Jay, Ruby-crowned Kinglet (heard only),
Yellow-rumped Warbler, Bushtit, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird,
White-throated Swift, White-crowned Sparrow.

Directions:

Here's the location: Upper Knowland Park is above the Oakland Zoo, east of
I-580.  Going east on I-580, take the 106th Ave exit go left, left onto
Foothill, then left onto 106th Ave.  (If going west on I-580 exit at Golf
Links Road, turn left, going under the freeway and turn left and enter
east-bound I-580 and follow the original directions for driving east on
I-580.)   After you go under the freeway, go right and 106th becomes Malcolm
as it goes up the hill. Continue on Malcolm for about a mile and park
between Lochard and Ettrick Streets.  These are short streets with little
parking, but it's easy to park on Malcolm.  Walk left (north) down Ettrick
and enter the park though the gate; go straight on the dirt path in front of
you for about 20 yards, then turn left at the T. The bird is in the trees
and fallen trees just to the north of this trail. 

Photo of the Gray Flycatcher, compliments of Kris Olson:

There are apparently previous records of Gray Flycatcher for Alameda County.
How long has it been since the last one? 

--
Mike Feighner, Livermore, CA, Alameda County