When we arrived at the impounded area known as Frank's Dump on July 13th the relative paucity of birds there made it easier to sort through them. Best were 30+ deep rufous Red Knots, forming 2 groups on the main mud island. Other birds included 3 Red-necked Phalaropes on the island and 3 Snowy Plovers on mud bars just a bit north. At high tide there will be thousands of birds packed cheek-by-jowl on the island, and the Red-necked Stint found there recently might be present in the northwest corner.
As we scanned the birds (never did see the Stint!) we heard a Black-necked Stilt chirping to 2 of its chicks along the shore just below us, almost too close to keep in a scope view. Managed this shot of a juvenile, perhaps 3-4 weeks old. The buff fringed feathers will soon be replaced by gray and black. The legs are a dull gray-pink and were too long to fit in the composition.
In Black-necked Stilts both parents share the brooding and subsequent guard duty. The youngsters are precocial and feed themselves. Juvenile stilts have brown irises, which will become deep ruby red with age.
To get to the Hayward Regional Shoreline take 880 south toward Hayward, exiting at Winton Ave. Follow W. Winton west toward the bay end and park at the end. Don't leave valuables exposed in the car. Walk out to the bay (.5 mi) and then north on the levee for about .7 mi. Scope is helpful but not necessary.
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