Tweets,

Today 7 of us walked the full loop at Nisqually and were rewarded with
extreme low tide. We did have a good day however seeing a total of 68 species.

Highlights of the day were an AMERICAN BITTERN fly around on the trial to
McAllister Creek, two male BULLOCK'S ORIOLES in the trees near the gate at
McAllister Creek, WESTERN TANAGERS along the boardwalk on the Nisqually River
side, and a calling BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK near where the tanagers were.

It seems like everything is mated up now and proceeding into nesting season,
There were several pair of BLUE-WINGED TEAL and CINNAMON TEAL in the pond on
the right on the way to McAllister Creek. ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS, YELLOW
WARBLERS, WILSON'S WARBLERS, and WARBLING VIREO were fairly common as were
YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS.

We had all 5 SWALLOW species as well as PURPLE MARTINS flying up McAllister
Creek. There were several GREATER YELLOWLEGS, a KILLDEER, and a small flock
of WESTERN SANDPIPERS out toward the sound. The BALD EAGLES were sitting on the
nest and/or flying back and forth with food or remodeling supplies. There
were also several BALD EAGLES out on the flats. The GREAT BLUE HERON rookery
was peaceful when we went by.

Mammals seen included MUSKRAT, BLACK-TAILED DEER, EASTERN GRAY SQUIRREL,
HARBOR SEAL, and LONG-TAILED WEASEL. We also saw a couple of RED-EARED SLIDERS
sunning themselves on logs at waters edge.

New for the year were BULLOCK'S ORIOLE, WESTERN TANAGER, and BLACK-HEADED
GROSBEAK. Total species for the year is 116.

Well, it's off to the Shorebird Festival. Until next week when we walk the
shorter route...

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