Subject: [Tweeters] Nisqually NWR 5/18/2006
Date: May 18 21:37:17 2006
From: Scrubjay323 at aol.com - Scrubjay323 at aol.com


Tweets,

Today 10 of us enjoyed a morning walk at Nisqually NWR. Water levels are low
or none existent near the parking lot and waterfowl are just about all gone,
except out near the sound.

We started at the visitor center where we observed our first GREEN HERON.
Later we saw a second one on the way back from McAllister Creek. We also had
nesting CLIFF SWALLOWS, BARN SWALLOWS and a nesting ROBIN at the overlook
behind the visitor center. WOOD DUCKS were also present there.

We had a pair of CINNAMON TEAL and a female HOODED MERGANSER in the wetland
out near McAllister Creek, and saw our first CEDAR WAXWING in the same area.
YELLOW WARBLERS were common, as were COMMON YELLOWTHROAT.

Other warblers seen were ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER and YELLOW RUMPED WARBLERS.
There were too many COWBIRDS to suit me, but such is life.

WE had our first WILLOW FLYCATCHER of the year today as well as our first
BAND-TAILED PIGEON. Both were out near the ring dike.

Raptors were scarce, with only BALD EAGLE being seen near the nest across
McAllister Creek. We did find a BROWN CREEPER nest and a DOWNEY WOODPECKER nest
hole.

All in all we had 44 species for the day with BAND-TAILED PIGEON, CEDAR
WAXWING, ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER, and WILLOW FLYCATCHER being new for the year.
Our yearly total in now 116 species.

Until next week.....

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

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