[SBB] SCVWD: Hybrid Goldeneye, Cackling Goose

[Jennifer Rycenga <[[email protected]]>]

Happy New Year, SBBers!  Frustrated by a change in my job duties which is
keeping me chained to my office through daylight hours, I decided to build
my year list with a brief sunset walk around the loop trail at the Santa
Clara Valley Water District off of Almaden Expressway.  It was windy and
into twilight when I got there, unaware of the trail closure (though it was
possible to go around that closure).  I had two unusual sightings.  As the
large flocks of Canada Geese flew over enroute to their roosting grounds, I
was able to pick out 3 CACKLING GEESE amongst them, by both size and darker
body.  As I was nearing the end of the loop, I was counting the Goldeneyes,
when I saw an interesting male Goldeneye.  His back was dark, with the white
patterning entirely on the black back, but there were more of these white
shapes on the back than I would expect in a Barrow's, and they were closer
to the white body than I'd expect them to be.  Also, the bird's head looked
more reddish than either green or purple.  I did not have any book with me,
but I immediately surmised that it was a hybrid BARROW'S x COMMON GOLDENEYE,
which I was able to confirm once I retrieved the Sibley from my car.  First
time I've seen this particular mix.

Both PEREGRINE FALCONS were perched on the San Jose City Hall today, on the
south facing side.  This means that Peregrine Falcon is ahead of Brewer's
Blackbird on my year list.  That's how much I've been stuck inside!

Good birding - 

Jennifer Rycenga
Half Moon Bay


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