Subject: [Tweeters] Nisqually NWR
Date: May 30 16:42:25 2008
From: wheelermombi at comcast.net - wheelermombi at comcast.net


HI Tweeters,

I birded to McAllister Creek and the Nisqually River early this afternoon. As Phil mentioned a couple of days ago, SWAINSON'S THRUSHES and YELLOW WARBLERS were very common. In fact, along the riparian section of the trail near the river, the S. Thrushes were almost as common and visible as the A. Robins. While they wouldn't sing for me in the open, they did their 'whit' call a few times. Also quite common today were small flocks of CEDAR WAXWINGS. Both adult BALD EAGLES were perched on a branch a few feet above their nest on the far side of McAllister Creek with one large immature eagle visible in the nest. Several N. ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS were flying about near the creek, and a couple were perched on twig for some time, allowing for nice viewing. Two TURKEY VULTURES were soaring in the direction of I-5 and one more was above the meadow to the right as one approaches the Twin Barns. A BULLOCK'S ORIOLE was flying about near the turnoff to the Twin Barns. I did not se!
e any B
lue-winged Teal, which was the species that I was actually looking for today.

I also made a quck stop at Luhr Beach by the Nisqually Nature Center. Only one pair of PURPLE MARTINS showed up while I was there. Across the water, 30+ CASPIAN TERNS were diving for fish and putting on quite a show.

Now, after swearing to my wife that I would mow all weekend, I can't get the Baikal Teal out of my mind. Happy wife or life bird...hard choice.

Good birding,

Lonnie Somer
Olympia, WA
wheelermombi at comcast.net