Date: 10/26/25 12:05 pm From: Lisa Myers via groups.io <lisa...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Birding the Valley Water District Headquarters
Hi all -
I led a walk this morning at the Santa Clara Valley Water District
headquarters. The water in the ponds here is very low which attracted
*GREEN HERONS*, *GREAT EGRETS*, *SNOWY EGRETS* and *GREAT-BLUE HERONS*.
All were fishing along with the *DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS*.
It was a raptor morning. A hunting *OSPREY* offered fantastic views and
eventually flew off with a meal. A very dark *MERLIN* was observed
throughout our entire morning as it moved around hunting. A male
*AMERICAN KESTRAL* also joined the fun. We had a heard only
*RED-SHOULDERED HAWK* and had great views of at least two different
*RED-TAILED HAWKS*.
A pair of *RED-SHAFTED NORTHERN FLICKERS* sat close together offering a
photo opp and great views of both male and female. The *BELTED*
*KINGFISHERS* were also quite active, we feel we had three different
birds. A cooperative *HAIRY WOODPECKER* was also working a tree.
And a bakers dozen of T*URKEY VULTURES* high in a tree sunning
themselves was a crowd favorite.
We had an Australian couple join us today. Our short morning walk got
them 20 life birds.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
