>>"...I'm going to be down near Nisqually NWR this weekend with a
bunch of mostly non-birders at a Hungarian dance camp, and several of them
would like to go out and see some birds or at least have a pleasant hike..."<<

Kathleen, I feel really bad. I'm normally at Nisqually once a week but, because
of vacation and an injured leg, it's been over three weeks since I've been
there.

I can tell you that over three weeks ago the passerine bird counts had really
dropped. We are truly in the birding doldrums. Under normal circumstances, I
could provide you a complete tour with a bird list of what you could expect to
see and how to find them.

Study the maps when you get there. You may not want to walk the entire loop to
the north. I would recommend at least a walk to the Twin Barns area, not
overlooking the little "ivy" path just before you get to the path going north to
the barns. At the barns, you can then take the path and boardwalk east through
some marsh areas and come out on the path along the Nisqually River, which you
can explore north and south.

The trail to McAllister Creek is also nice, with different habitat but,
unfortunately, you will have to retrace your steps to get back if you don't do
the entire 5.5 mile loop to the north.

(I would really like them to open the loop trail that would allow you to go east
after doing about 1/2 mile of McAllister Creek. You could then cross the grassy
areas, that are a great alternate birding habitat, and rejoin the trail to
McAllister about half way back. I got my state Northern Shrike there when I
accidentally took that trail last winter.)

Stay alert for "bumps" on trees; you could see some owls. Also, don't forget to
look up. There are often Bald Eagles to see, including a ~classic~ immature
plumage bird, as well as other raptors.

There is a "Neat Birds We Just Saw" book, but unfortunately it's at the offices
instead of at the entrance area. So nobody uses it, and it's almost worthless.
They said they moved it because kids were writing junk in it. Well, they really
solved that problem!

No, you won't need boots because the trails are well maintained. If it has been
raining, however, you won't want to wear your Hungarian dance shoes.<G>

It's worth carrying a scope, if you feel so inclined.

Oh, study up on the differences between Western Wood-Pewees, Willow Flycatchers,
and Pacific-slope (Western) Flycatchers - including the shorter wings and tail
flicking of the Willow vs the Pewee, and the Western Flycatcher's eye-ring.

Study the calls, too, if you can - the PSFL = high, thin, "suweeet" - the Willow
= "Fitz-Bew!" - the Pewee = "eeeee" or "Peeweeee" This all ~assumes~ the birds
are still there - let's hope. The PSFL's are most likely to be heard along the
Nisqually River between the Twin Barns trail end and the entrance. Easy to hear,
hard to see, but usually perched on an exposed limb, like all the others. The
Willows can be found in the marsh areas and along McAllister Creek, and the
Pewees most likely in the trees in the dryer areas. At least that's been my
experience.

There is a small entrance fee, but I think they make concessions for groups.
Call ahead to get the skinny so you don't have to waste time walking to the
offices to find out.

Hopefully somebody here has more recent experience and can give you better help.

Jerry Blinn

Perceptive Systems


E-mail from: Jerry Blinn, 20-Aug-1996