Hi Tweeters,

Early this afternoon, my wife and I hiked out to McAlister Creek at Nisqually NWR. In a vernal pond just passed the parking lot while walking to the creek (on the left) we saw 3 Black-necked Stilts. In addition, there were a small number of Greater Yellowlegs, 1 Lesser Yellowlegs, a small flock of Western Sandpipers, and a couple of Dunlin. I don't remember ever seeing so many shorebirds so close to the Visitor Center. The refuge was extremely birdy; in addition to the shorebirds, there were Common Yellowthroats everywhere, several Wilson's Warblers, and a smaller number of Yellow and Orange-crowned Warblers. I also spotted 1 Lincoln's Sparrow. Among the ducks were at least 5 pairs of Cinnamon Teals. We also spotted an adult Bald Eagle sitting on the nest on the ridge across from the creek. Marsh Wrens and Yellow-rumped Warblers were everywhere. And this was only on the short walk to the creek and back. Also on the way to the creek, on the right side not far from t!
he Visi
tor Center, numerous willows had very recently been chewed down by beavers. When we looked out at the pond on the back side of the Visitor Center, we could see a new beaver dam under construction. Early and late visitors to the refuge might be able to watch them constructing the dam if they're lucky.

Good birding,

Lonnie Somer
Olympia, WA
wheelermombi at comcast.net