Leaders: Rich Nicholson & Michael Christopherson
rsn711 AT yahoo.com

Fremont's Pacific Commons Linear Park is a productive winter birding site. The ponds are excellent for many waterfowl species. Waders such as American Bittern inhabit the pond edges and wetlands. The fields are productive for wintering sparrows and possibly Tricolored Blackbirds or even a stray Yellow-Headed Blackbird. We have a good chance at seeing interesting raptors such as Ferruginous Hawk. Snow, Ross's and Cackling Geese often visit this time of year. Bring a scope if you have one. Heavy rain cancels.

Directions: Exit I-880 in Fremont at Auto Mall Parkway. Go west on Auto Mall Parkway for a mile to a small pull-off area on the left at an entrance sign. Park at the turn around at the far end of the road, which is now the only legal parking area. No facilities at Pacific Commons, but you pass a Starbucks on the north side of Auto Mall Parkway on your way to the park.