Howdy, Keith Brady and I found the two SANDHILL CRANES this morning between
the main ponds looking north from the parking lot towards the Reach (at
Nisqually NWR). We were just about to call it a morning when Keith spotted
them (they could not be seen from looking at the Twin Barns lookout due to a
tree in the way). I was expecting to HEAR them, but they never called while
we were there. The "partial-albino" (can't remember if this is the term and
I don't have the energy to look it up) Tree Swallow seems to have taken over
the box mounted on the end of the north barn (as seen from the overlook),
Keith got some video footage.
Other finds from the Twin Barns overlook:
E. Wigeon
1 Peregrine (adult in the tall fir behind hdqtrs)
6 Greater Yellowlegs
2 N. SHRIKE
2 Savannah Sparrow
W/C Sparrow ("Gambelli")

Some sightings from the interior boardwalk included quite a few male RUFOUS
HUMMINGBIRDS, one hybrid N. FLICKER, nestbuilding BUSHTITS, a singing PURPLE
FINCH, Red Crossbill calling, and a few WOOD DUCKS roaming about. A few
Y/RUMPEDS were about.

We then stopped at the Olympia Airport to see if the HORNED LARKS were
visible. We stopped near the hangers off of Old Hwy 99 (drive along the
frontage road and pull in at the corner of 99 and another numbered
street-should have written it down). Look over two runways where there is
some brown shrubby patches (Nut Sedge I believe it was called). There were
about 6 HORNED LARKS seen (three flew over our heads) and many more W.
MEADOWLARKS. A female A. KESTREL was hunting out in the middle as well.
Note, you will most likely be approached by "security" (Hi Bill!) wondering
why you are bothering to look at these birds...just try to be friendly
please.

Last bird of the morning was an immature COOPER'S HAWK perched on a pole in
the Bayview Thriftway parking lot downtown by the Oly bridge.

Jason Paulios
Jpaulios at earthlink.net
Olympia, WA