Tweets,

Unlike Michael Hobbs at Marymoor yesterday we had a beautiful day at
Nisqually today...sunshine and almost no wind. A bit cool but so what? 10 of us
enjoyed a great walk that included many raptors and loads of waterfowl.

Highlights included a MERLIN perched just inside the closed gate at
McAllister Creek and great views of the adult WHITE-TAILED KITE out behind the ring
dike. We also saw BALD EAGLES, a SHARP-SHINNED HAWK, a COOPER'S HAWK, a
PEREGRINE FALCON, and several RED-TAILED HAWKS and NORTHERN HARRIERS. The 3 of us
who opted to walk around the riparian area opposite the visitor center at the
end of the day were treated to excellent views of a SHORT-EARED OWL as it
cruised over the field. This was shortly before Joe Higbee saw the owl and got
his photo. A great way to finish the day.

Waterfowl were very common with MALLARDS, PINTAIL, and CACKLING GEESE
leading the way number wise. Nothing unusual, except were there was no water a
month ago there is now plenty of water. So much so that there is water with no
waterfowl on it. Quite a change in a short period of time.

Song birds were not in the number I would have expected but we did see the
usual suspects. Perhaps the recent weather scattered the flocks. We did have
LINCOLN'S SPARROW and FOX SPARROW on the way out to McAllister Creek.

All told we had 50 species for the day but nothing new for the year.
Mammals seen included 3 RIVER OTTER at McAllister Creek and a couple of EASTERN
GRAY SQUIRRELS.

Until next week when we will walk Wednesday due to Thursday being
Thanksgiving Day and I do the cooking.....

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