Tweets,

Three of us enjoyed a cold, but clear day at Nisqually this morning. While
we were in the parking lot getting ready a couple of COMMON RAVEN flew over the
area heading toward the freeway and the fields beyond.

As usual the three GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE greeted us as we left the
parking lot. The ponds were unfrozen so all the usual waterfowl were back where
they should be. There was even an EURASIAN WIGEON on the pond across from the
parking lot among the AMERICAN WIGEON. Also present were MALLARDS, NORTHERN
PINTAIL, NORTHERN SHOVELERS, GREEN-WINGED TEAL, BUFFLEHEAD, and COOT. Later we
saw GADWALL, COMMON GOLDENEYE, RING-NECKED DUCKS, and COMMON MERGANSERS.

We first spotted the juvenile NORTHERN SHRIKE in the small trees just beyond
the pond on the left on the way to McAllister Creek. It flew and lit a
couple of times as we proceeded to McAllister Creek and again led us back toward
the visitor center on the return trip. It really got close to the trail near
the first bench where we met Joe Higbee, trying out a new camera. He got what
should be some great photos of the SHRIKE.

We had a couple of small flocks of passerines, but not many of any one
species. We did have both KINGLETS, BROWN CREEPERS, BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE, and
DOWNEY WOODPECKERS. Sparrow numbers were pretty good with lots of WHITE-CROWNED
SPARROWS about. SONG, GOLDEN-CROWNED and FOX SPARROWS were also seen.

Raptors continue in good numbers. There were at least 4 BALD EAGLES, 2
adults and 2 juveniles, several NORTHERN HARRIERS, RED-TAILED HAWKS, a KESTREL
near the pond across from the parking lot, and a PEREGRINE FALCON and a
SHARP-SHINNED HAWK near the Nisqually River. I also saw a COOPER'S HAWK perched in a
tree near the entrance to the refuge as I drove out.

All told we had 50 species for the day, giving us a total of 56 for the year.

Mammals seen today included a MINK near the gate on the McAllister Creek
trail, A BLACK-TAILED DEER inside the boardwalk near the Twin Barns, and HARBOR
SEALS and a CALIFORNIA SEA LION eating a steelhead in the Nisqually River near
the ring dike.

Until next week.

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

"We were few and they were many. Now we are many and they are few."
Confucius