The extra high “King Tide” in the Bay seemed to bring some unexpected birds to the Albany mudflats and to a lake that sprang up next to the Golden Gates Fields racetrack.
On Thursday morning at high tide, two Berkeley birdwatchers, who identified themselves only as John and Cass, pointed out some birds they don’t usually see from the Buchanan Street Extension.
To the north, John saw canvasback ducks, which, he said, are usually found in deeper water. He also noted a lack of egrets, which are low-water waders and usually found there.
Across the street, the tide had evidently backed into the mouth of the Codornices Creek, creating a lake by the racetrack. John pointed out a large Western Grebe splashing around, saying it’s also normally found only in deep water.
Cass, who was born and raised in Albany and Berkeley, said she had never seen the water so high at the Albany Shoreline. Please share any interesting sightings in the comments area.
The last day of these high tides is Friday. The next King Tides are due Jan. 9-11, 2013, according to the California King Tides Initiative.
