Subject: [Tweeters] Nisqually NWR 7/23/08
Date: Jul 23 16:44:22 2008
From: Scrubjay323 at aol.com - Scrubjay323 at aol.com


Tweets,

Today 8 of us walked Nisqually under overcast shies and in cool
temperatures. There was little breeze and the birds cooperated for the most part.

Nothing special but we did see a nice variety of birds starting at the
observation deck at the visitor center. While we scanned the pond we were treated
to a flock of BUSHTITS foraging through the area and we had RUFOUS
HUMMINGBIRD make a brief appearance. We also saw MALLARDS, WOOD DUCK, and a
PIED-BILLED GREBE, as well as RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS and COMMON YELLOWTHROAT. We also
had 4 SWALLOW species there, missing only the ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW.

We did several family groups feeding and frolicking in the riparian area
including WILLOW FLYCATCHERS. YELLOW WARBLERS, and BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEES.

All told we saw 45 species with nothing new for the year.

Mammals seen included MINK, COTTONTAIL RABBITT, and EASTERN GRAY SQUIRREL.

Construction has started on the new inner levee, but all the trails are open
for now and should be for there foreseeable future. Right now the work is
being done near the access road. I'm guessing that most of the ponds have been
dried up to facilitate construction between the visitor center and
McAllister Creek.

No much in shorebirds or wading birds on the refuge right now.

I'll be out of town the next couple of weeks so Eric Slagle or Dave
Richardson will lead the walks.



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



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