Subject: Nisqually NWR
Date: Oct 24 17:41:17 1994
From: Birder920 at aol.com - Birder920 at aol.com


I went to Nisqually NWR this morning, and was disappointed to find that
half the refuge is closed due to it being hunting season. Guess I should
have called first.
My frustration was somewhat allayed when I saw a Northern Shrike, a lifer
for me. I think it must have been an immature, since it was more
brownish-grey than plain grey. It had a black stripe going back from the
eye, a hooked bill, and white patches on the sides of its tail. It have me a
good look, swooping from top to top of short trees and bushes.
I also saw BC Chickadees, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Winter Wrens, one
Bewick's Wren, Song and Golden-crowned Sparrows, RS Towhees, and Dark-eyed
Juncos. I only saw one Great Blue Heron (I usually see so many there). It
was in what looked like a field with no water around, but maybe I just
couldn't see it. It was crouched in a hunting position. The only ducks I
saw were Mallards. Maybe the others were scared away by hunters!
I missed walking the entire loop. I'll have to wait until January
according to the signs posted.

Christy Allen
Bremerton, WA
birder920 at aol.com