Posted for Eric Slagle:




Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, March 23, 2006

Thirteen birders enjoyed a mild and dry (yea!!!) morning at the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. The route walked included McAllister Creek, twin barns and ring dike.

Highlights included:

> A great horned owl in the nest tree at the north end of the boardwalk loop near the twin barns. We're looking forward to seeing the youngsters in the near future.
> A Canada goose sitting in the eagle nest at the twin barns.
> An American bittern catching and eating a fish in the ring dike near the photo blind.
> A pair of red-breasted sapsuckers off the river side of the board walk
> The first rufous hummingbirds of the year, near the river over-look.
> And a fly over by a pileated woodpecker at the end of the walk as we looked out from the landing at the visitors center.

We all agreed it was a great day of birding. Total species for the walk was 49.