I took a quick trip to work on the details of the new birding trail planned
for the Park in 2009. We went to the open water marsh area and the weather
was wonderful.
We saw a Bald Eagle in the snag drying its wings. A Peregrine came in and
there was an aerial altercation, eagle left and falcon landed on an adjacent
snag. A Euarsian Wigeon with mate was observed in courtship. Courtship
display by 3 Hooded Merganser males with a few females looking on was
spectacular. Mallards, Lesser Scaup, Canada Geese, and one Great Blue Heron
were also seen. Later, on the beach, another peregrine flew by.

The marsh is found by going up Stackpole Road off Oysterville Road
toward the Park and Wildlife Refuge. Park in the lot just north of the lion
gate (on your left), just after the State Park sign. Walk around the gate
(legal access to State Park), then go down the road to the water control
structure, about 1/2 mile or less. Wonderful birding here.

Martha Jordan
www.swansociety.org