Tweeters:



Eleven of us enjoyed a dry and productive day of birding at the Nisqually refuge.? It started out with lots of activity at the visitor center overlook.?? Sightings here included several immature BALD EAGLES in the fir tree, which is usually reserved for the PEREGRINE FALCON (it was there later).? Ducks sighted here?were:? BUFFLEHEAD, AMERICAN WIGEON, HOODED MERGANSER, and RING-NECKED.? A DOWNY WOODPECKER also showed up.



As we started the walk to McAllister Creek a flock of DUNLIN were feeding in the large pond area.? There were also NORTHERN SHOVELER, NORTHERN PINTAIL, GREEN-WINGED TEAL, and a large flock of CACKLING GEESE in this pond.? Sightings on this part of the walk included several additional BALD EAGLES, NORTHERN HARRIER and RED-TAILED HAWK.? At McAllister Creek there were two HORNED GREBE, a PIED-BILLED GREBE, COMMON MERGANSER and COMMON GOLDENEYE.? We spotted an adult NORTHERN SHRIKE on our return.



The boardwalk to the twin barns yielded a small flock of GOLDFINCH and?DARK-EYED JUNCO.? AN EURASIAN WIGEON was spotted from the twin barn viewing deck.? Just before the river overlook we came to a mixed flock of both KINGLETS, BLACK-CAPPED and CHESTNUT-BACKED CHICKADEES, and BROWN CREEPER.? A PILEATED WOODPECKER was also nearby and gave?us great views.



The walk past the river overlook and to the gate was productive too.?? Sightings included GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE, PURPLE FINCH, PINE SISKIN, RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER and NORTHERN FLICKER.? A VARIED THRUSH and WINTER WREN were also seen.?



Total species for the day:? 55???



Eric Slagle, Olympia

hannaslagle at comcast.net