Subject: Thanks! Plus RAS trip report
Date: Jan 15 11:13:26 1999
From: Michele Herzberg - foxglove at jps.net



Thanks to everyone who provided such stimulating and thoughtful responses
to my postings. There are clearly some wonderful writers/communicators on
Tweeters, and what an impressive pool of knowledge!

Here's a recent field trip report for one of Rainier Audubon's outings.

It's always interesting to visit an area with different types of habitat,
and at Spanaway marsh (near Tacoma) we strolled along a road through Oak
woods leading to a large pond. At first it seemed the persistent rain had
sent most sensible birds and animals out of view into their favorite cosy
and sheltered places. However, although the bird activity was very
subdued, by the end of our half-day outing we'd actually accumulated a
pleasing list of bird species.

At the marsh we enjoyed Great Blue Heron, Common Goldeneyes, American
Wigeon, Red-tailed Hawk, Belted Kingfisher, Ring-necked ducks, Buffleheads,
Steller's Jay, Winter Wren, Marsh Wren and Bewick's Wren. In addition to
the plentiful signs of wildlife activity, there was also an interesting
array of lichen and fungi to look at along the way, including a beautiful
patch of tiny Birds-Nest fungus (one of the nicest I've seen in ages).

By entertaining contrast to the birding at the marsh, the ducks and Coots
literally came running and flying towards us at Lake Spanaway, their fervor
no doubt unfortunately generated by the hope of receiving some tasty
tidbits! In amongst the Mallard, American Coot and pair of well-fed exotic
ducks, we spotted Scaup, Common Mergansers and Double-crested Cormorants.
Woodland bird species included a Red-breasted Sapsucker, Varied Thrushes,
Oregon race Dark-eyed Juncos, Song Sparrows and both Ruby-crowned and
Golden-crowned Kinglets. The outing was rounded up nicely by an excellent
view of a statuesque Bald Eagle perched proudly at the very top of a
conifer overlooking the lake.

Thanks to Cheryl White for her time in leading this trip. Consider joining
Rainier Audubon Society on future field trips - it's fun, and there's so
much to learn!

Michele Herzberg
Kent, WA