Hi Tweeters,

I walked the Nisqually loop this afternoon. Among the species seen were: 1 Red-necked Phalarope in winter plumage, 3 Green Herons (2 of which raised their cranial feathers at me), 1 A. Bittern, Hutton's Vireo, W. Wood Pewee, Willow Flycatcher, Bald Eagle (between 4 & 7), Red-tailed Hawk, Northern Harrier, large number of Western Sandpipers, Greater Yellowlegs, at least 1 Lesser Yellowlegs, Long-billed Dowitcher, Pied-billed Grebe (including a very cute chick), Wilson's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Rufous Hummingbird, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, and several of the more common species. Lot's of young-uns around. I particularly like the adolescent A. Robins with the spots on their chests. I also spotted 2 Musk Rats and 2 young Raccoons as well. It seemed very birdy for this time of the year.

May the force be with you,

Lonnie Somer
Olympia, WA
wheelermombi at comcast.net