Tweets,

Three of us had a good walk at Nisqually on Thursday under overcast skies in
cool temperatures. The sun didn't come out until we were on our way back from
the Ring Dike about 11:30.

Shorebirds are starting to show up on their southbound migration and we were
treated to GREATER YELLOWLEGS, LEAST SANDPIPERS and SPOTTED SANDPIPERS at
McAllister Creek on the mudflats at low tide. We also saw several KILLDEER there
and a lone small crab scurrying across the mudflats toward the water. He was
taking his chances with all the shorebird activity there.

There are lots of immature birds and birds in eclipse to confuse any birder
and we were no exception. We did see a young BULLOCK'S ORIOLE being fed by its
parent along the woods next to the Nisqually River on the way to the Ring
Dike. BALD EAGLES were actively hunting the area and carrying fish across the
refuge toward the nest site. One was being harassed by a RED-TAILED HAWK.

Although we saw 44 species, it was notably quiet all day. The water levels
continue to drop and the grasses are high. Haying has commenced so visibility is
getting better. Now we need some water..

Noticeable by their absence were RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRDS. This is the first time
since early March they have not been seen. We did see our first GREAT BLUE
HERON in quite a while. Nesting must be over and they are returning inner
portions of the refuge.

Mammals for the day included MUSKRAT and LONGTAILED WEASEL. The MUSKRAT was
in the same area it was last week. Unfortunately. I miss IDed it last week as a
NUTRIA. According to refuge staff there are no NUTRIA on the refuge, yet, and
the MUSKRATS grow to about 10 pounds or so. The weasel was near the Nisqually
River Overlook.

The only new bird for the year was the SPOTTED SANDPIPER, giving us a yearly
total of 120.

Due to family commitments I will not walk the refuge next Thursday and I'm
not sure I can fit a walk in next week. So, until July 29th......


Phil Kelley
scrubjay323 at aol.com
Lacey, WA
360-459-1499

"We were few and they were many, now we are many and they are few."
Confucius
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