Natural History Wanderings

Updated with photos

Today we were out on what is quickly becoming my favorite local patch. We were birding along the Bay Trail and Eastshore State Park in Berkeley between Gilman St. and University Av.

We only saw one Burrowing Owl today. The one up the hill. Although the fence is still around the lower rocky area two different people who come by regularly reported that one has not been seen for about ten days.

Today’s highlight was watching Bufflehead males displaying. Several of the Black-bellied Plovers were starting to show their black bellies. More birds seen in pairs. Good looks at a Black Oystercatcher. We identified 38 species today.

California Poppies are now blooming in the Berkeley Meadow area and Ceanothus along the Bay Trail. Spring is definitely happening. The wet areas in the Berkeley meadow were much drier than last time and had significantly fewer birds. Hopefully, the rains the next few days will resupply the shallow ponds.

Eastshore State Park Bird List 3/4/12

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