Subject: [Tweeters] Nisqually NWR - 7/30/08
Date: Jul 30 19:56:36 2008
From: hannaslagle at comcast.net - hannaslagle at comcast.net
Tweeter's:
Eight of us enjoyed another great morning of birding at the refuge. There was sunshine most of the walk, and while clouds moved in late, there was no rain.
Highlights at the visitor center included PIED-BILLED GREBE, BARN and TREE SWALLOWS, NORTHERN FLICKER, WILLOW FLYCATCHER and YELLOW WARBLER.
There was lots of action on the trail to McAllister Creek. Last week there were a few juveniles, this week they were all over the place, especially SAVNANNAH SPARROWS, COMMON YELLOWTHROATS, RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS, HOUSE FINCHES, several BEWICK'S WRENS, and a RED-TAILED HAWK.
The eagle nest was empty. A RED-TAILED HAWK was on a branch near the nest. CLIFF and VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS were also seen on this part of the walk. We also saw four shore birds: GREATER YELLOWLEGS, KILL DEER, SPOTTED SANDPIPER and SNIPE.
The boardwalk on the way to the twin barns was also active. Highlights included an AMERICAN BITTERN, three RAVENS flying over, an AMERICAN GOLDFINCH sitting on her nest about five feet off the boardwalk, male WOOD DUCK, RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD and WESTERN WOOD -PEWEE.
And then things slowed way down as we walked to the river overlook and on to the ring dike and returned. We only added two species on this part of the walk: BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE and a juvenile GREAT BLUE HERON.
Total species for the day: 44. Next week we plan on walking the full loop.
Construction activities related to restoration of the Nisqually estuary are well underway. To find out more information you can call the refuge anytime at 360-753-9467, and follow the prompts to "Refuge Updates" if you don't get a live person. You can also check the refuge website at fws.gov/nisqually. Go to Events and News button.
Eric Slagle, Olympia
hannaslagle at comcast.net