Date: 11/17/24 1:26 pm From: Brooke Miller via groups.io <brooke.bam...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Storm Wigeon at Santa Clara Valley Water District Headquarters
It was quite birdy this morning at the Santa Clara Valley Water District Headquarters on Almaden Expressway. There were many Snowy and Great Egrets, Double-crested Cormorants, and Common Mergansers looking for, diving, and finding fish. Many times all these birds were working together, alongside each other. I saw 3 Wilson's Snipe flying away from the pond, several Buffleheads, several Ring-necked Ducks, a dozen or so Ruddy Ducks, 3 Northern Shovelers, Gadwalls, and Mallards, and a distant Merlin. There were 5 or so American Wigeon, one being a 'Storm Wigeon'. A Storm Wigeon is an American Wigeon with a mostly white head--white on top of its head as well as its cheeks. According to Birdguides.com it is a rare form of American Wigeon. "Estimates as to its incidence range from one in 500 birds to one in 1,000." I photographed one at this same location last year on Nov. 26.
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.
