[SBB] Phalaropes (May 15)

[Al Eisner <[[email protected]]>]

   With recent news from the coast, I thought there might be an outside
chance of seeing three Phalarope species in Santa Clara County.  No such
luck, but a little before 11:00 there were 10 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES and
2 WILSON'S PHALAROPES in the pond at Spreckles and State Streets in
Alviso.  All were in or near breeding plumage.  I next walked out the A16
levee to about the end of the third island.  I saw nothing of great note,but
perhaps a few species worth a mention:  one male NORTHERN SHOVELER; at
least 9 breeding-plumaged EARED GREBEs (I didn't do a thorough check for
them); 2 Western-type Grebes, of which at least one appeared to be
a CLARK'S GREBE (but quite distant).  The first island briefly had a
summer-plumaged SPOTTED SANDPIPER, and I saw one tiny AMERICAN AVOCET
chick in the marsh.  Apart from the expected breeders, other shorebirds
here were scarce:  just 2 DOWITCHERs (marsh) and a flyby flock of about
15 peeps.  Stopping back at Spreckles just before 1:00, the Red-necked
Phalaropes (well, 9 of them) were still present, but I didn't refind
the Wilson's.  With it getting clsoer to high tide, I saw a fe additional
shorebird species:  3 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERs, 4 GREATER YELLOWLEGS (non-
breeding) and one WESTERN SANDPIPER.  Finally, on a quick stop by the
Arzino Ranch, I saw just one CATTLE EGRET out with the horses, and about
3 BURROWING OWLs.  The fields were being watered, which might make them
more attractive for some species.
								Al Eisner

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