Tweets,

Today 8 of us enjoyed a great walk in cold, snowy conditions. At least it
didn't snow on us and the sun was out....and so were the birds.

Highlights included a SHORT-EARED OWL and a MERLIN. All told it was a
pretty good day.

The SHORT-EARED OWL flushed from along the trail to McAllister Creek and
flew off toward the sound. We also saw an AMERICAN BITTERN just past the spot
where the owl flushed. Most of the ponds were frozen so the ducks out early
all had their ice skates on.

We spotted the MERLIN while walking along the Nisqually River trail out
toward the ring dike area. We were watching some ROBINS along the side of the
trail and they shot into the woods just as a shadow shot in from behind us.
The MERLIN flew down the trial away from us and disappeared around a bend.

It appears the winter flocks of passerines have dispersed as we never saw
more than a couple of CHICKADEES or KINGLETS together. We did see 2 (a pair?)
of BROWN CREEPERS along the boardwalk near the twin barns.

The BALD EAGLES must have gotten the word that the Skagit is the place to be
because their numbers are way down from last month. RED-TAILS and NORTHERN
HARRIERS are still plentiful and active. And the PEREGRINE FALCON made a
couple of appearances today.

All told we saw 50 species today and have a total of 79 for the year.

Surprisingly, there were no mammals seen today.

Until next week when Eric will lead the walk while I visit my Dad in
Orlando.....

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

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