Just Ducky!

During our pre-hike confab before yesterday's Indian Tree hike, Theresa Fisher told us she had seen a Harlequin Duck by the Loch Lomond Marina east of downtown San Rafael. Here's a photo of the duck.

Harrison Karr of San Rafael filed this report when he saw the duck in mid-January, giving directions to the marina and the location where he spotted it:

"Today at about 3 pm I found a gorgeous male Harlequin Duck at the Loch Lomond Marina in San Rafael. I watched it off and on until about 4:30 pm, when it flew off to near West Marin Island. Most of the time it stayed within 20 feet of the jetty by the marina, often within 5 feet of shore, allowing for very close viewing.

Directions to the marina: Take the Central San Rafael exit from Hwy 101, turn east on 2nd street, past Trader Joe's & Whole Foods, and go about 2.5 miles from the freeway. Turn right into the Loch Lomond Marina, go to the end and turn left. Drive to the east end of the parking lot, park on the left, and walk along the jetty. The duck was along the south-facing (bayward) side of the jetty."