Natural History Wanderings

The Golden Gate Audubon blog reports that about 200 birders recorded 177 species this past Sunday December 16 at the Oakland Christmas Bird county. The area covered was a 15-mile circle, from the Oakland Airport in the south to Point Isabel in the north, and from Lafayette Reservoir in the east to Treasure Island in the West. Unusual Species seen were:

• Snow Goose: near the soccer fields along the frontage road at Eastshore State Park, Berkeley
• Ross’s Goose: one on the infield at Golden Gate Fields, and one at Arrowhead Marsh
• Long-billed Dowitchers: at San Leandro Bay, identified by call
• Short-eared Owl: one near the Bay Bridge Toll Plaza, and presumably a second bird at Arrowhead Marsh
• Tree Swallows: a few over Lafayette Reservoir were the only swallow species reported
• Black-and-white Warbler: in the Cerritos Creek riparian strip across from the El Cerrito Plaza parking lot
• Hermit Warbler: one visiting a feeder on Yolo Street in Berkeley, one in the Tilden Park Botanical Garden, and one on Vollmer Peak
• Clay-colored Sparrow: at a feeder on Deakin Street in Berkeley, photographed when it appeared about a week ago and also on Count Day. At the compilation dinner it was chosen as the count’s Best Bird.
• Swamp Sparrow: at Lafayette Reservoir near the visitor center, as George Griffeth reported to EBB Sightings yesterday

Read more:  Oakland Christmas Bird Count finds 177 species | Golden Gate Audubon Society.