Subject: Nisqually NWR 4/12/04
Date: Apr 12 12:49:14 2004
From: Jason Paulios - jpaulios at earthlink.net


Tweeters, there were amazing numbers of Yellow-rumpeds throughout the
Nisqually interior boardwalk area this morning. I noticed that most of the
Y/Rumpeds are now 'Myrtles" vs. the last few weeks of 'Audubon's'. Saw one
HERMIT THRUSH and a LINCOLN'S SPARROW in the small woodlot south of the
parking lot. We saw three B/TAILED PIGEONS and 6 EVENING GROSBEAKS fly over
the parking area. Scattered CINNAMON TEAL in the main ponds by the Twin
Barns (though these ponds won't be around much longer unless we get some
rain) and CLIFF SWALLOWS now joined the flocks of Trees and V/Greens here.
O/C Warblers and Purple Finches were singing in various spots. The Brown
Creeper pair continues to build onto their now-giant nest in a flaking bark
tree along the interior boardwalk. Single GREATER YELLOWLEGS scattered in
the various interior ponds by the Twin Barns.

Luhr Beach had a nice string of 14 PACIFIC LOONS on the water and a few
single R/T LOONS. Common Loons were also seen in both plumages. Dunlin and
Greater Yellowlegs were seen near the Reach. At least 10 PURPLE MARTINS
were present at the nest boxes. 3 or 4 COMMON MURRES were way out on the
water, probably Pierce County. The BRANT were feeding up on shore at the
Reach. EARED and Horned Grebes were still around too.

In Lacey we found three NORTHERN ALLIGATOR LIZARDS (E.c.principis) under
some rotting wood.

Jason Paulios
Jpaulios at earthlink.net
Olympia, WA