[SBB] Stilt SP At CFC Yesterday

Hi All!

Yesterday, at the Coyote Field Station pond, there was a juvenile stilt sandpiper with a limp. I had long looks, and as you can see from the attached photos, at times, the markings were not all that easy to tell, but the long droopy bill and whitish eyebrow, and the fact that it was sitting alone near some actively feeding Least Sandpipers when I first found it indicated that something was different about this bird.

Also of interest were two Golden Eagles over the back of Arzino Ranch near the highway. I parked at the southwest (?) bound exit from 237 and watched the action as a Raven swooped and attacked over and over. The Eagle was no match for the smaller Raven who successfully connected several times over about 5 minutes. Finally, in frustration, the Eagle pinned its’ wings to it’s sides and headed straight for earth at breathtaking speeds handily leaving the Raven behind. After regaining altitude, the Raven, who seemed to understand that it had succeeded in distressing the Eagle, made a few last passes at which point the Eagle gave up and flew off towards Great America. Its’ pal, who had been circling over other parts of the field, followed, but the Raven, who seemed to say “I’m King of this Field!”, made sure with a few final swift hits to the 2^nd Eagle. I’ve seen two eagles over this field in years past - once training a third juvenile. After a couple of years hiatus while they installed the power lines, I’m glad to see them back!

Also of interest was a pond full of 1,000’s of Eared Grebes behind the main pond at the Alviso Marina. Literally, fluffy butts, as far as the eye could see…

P.S. I was wondering what were the previous sightings were, was it two Stilts and a limp Ruff or two Ruffs and a limp Stilt!!!