Subject: [Tweeters] Nisqually NWR 12/17/08
Date: Dec 17 18:55:44 2008
From: Scrubjay323 at aol.com - Scrubjay323 at aol.com


Tweets,

It was cold and snowy at Nisqually this morning and Dennis Weeks was the
only other fool out there so we cut the walk short and made it quick.

All the ponds between the visitor center and McAllister Creek were frozen
and it was flood tide at McAllister Creek and the Nisqually River so we didn't
see many waterfowl. We did see both CANADA and CACKLING GEESE, MALLARDS,
AMERICAN WIGEON, a pair of GADWALL, and a couple of GREEN-WINGED TEAL on what
open water we found. We saw COMMON GOLDENEYE and COMMON MERGANZERS on the
Nisqually River.

The only raptors we saw were several NORTHERN HARRIERS and 10 BALD EAGLES,
all near the Nisqually River overlook on both sides of the river. Quite a
sight.

Passerines were a lot smarter than we were and stayed hidden while we were
there. We did manage to see GOLDEN-CROWNED, WHITE-CROWNED and SONG SPARROWS
as well as SPOTTED TOWHEES. We also had a BROWN CREEPER and BEWICK'S WREN in
the woods along the boardwalk.

All told we saw 24 species in our 2 hours out. We didn't see anything new
for the year.

Mammals seen were a healthy looking COYOTE, EASTERN GRAY SQUIRREL, and 3
COLUMBIAN BLACK-TAILED DEER.

Until next week when I hope the weather is better....

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

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