Monday, April 26, 2010

Pacheco Pond, Bel Marin Keys - April 25, 2010

Walking Distance: 2.6 miles (2 segments combined)
Walking Time: 1 hr., 13 min. walking time (6:50 - 7:42 p.m. and 7:47 - 8:08 p.m.)
Start and End Points: 1.) Pacheco Pond Wildlife Protection Area parking lot; 2.) street parking near 4 Commercial Blvd., near Bel Marin Keys Blvd., Novato, CA

Starting at Pacheco Pond, I worked my way west along Bel Marin Keys (double yellow lines on map). I was able to photograph a lizard enjoying the last few moments of sun on a rock by the pond. And I was able to take pictures of a swan (shown) and some pairs of Canada geese (shown in a blurry picture to the right with four goslings, although the latter are almost impossible to see in this picture). The presence of goslings probably explains why the Canada geese were chasing away the swan.

As dusk approached, it was time for the mosquitos to come out at Pacheco Pond, particularly at the northeast end. I found myself walking and swatting at the same time. To those in passing cars, I'm sure I looked like a very strange person.

By the time I reached the commercial end of Bel Marin Keys Blvd., it was getting dark. I walked by Cafe Bowl of Sol, Pug Snuggly, Who Does Your Dog, and other fun small businesses, that were closed for the evening.  And I passed by Arroyo San Jose (creek shown).

I finished today's walk when I hiked to the top of the overpass that was part of the Highway 101 interchange, and looked around to find the trail (beginning of short red line shown on map, heading north). However, all I could see was some overgrown railroad tracks below. Perhaps this is the trail? I'll have to come back later to find out.

Wildlife Sightings:
1 lizard on rock; 1 dove; 24 mosquitos (1 was biting my hand!); 5 barn swallows; 10 Canada geese + 4 goslings; 1 large white swan; 7 ducks; 3 clouds of gnats; 6 red-winged blackbirds; 9 little brown jobs (LBJs); 1 great egret; 2 crows; and 1 tennis ball.

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