Hi Tweets,

Nine of us enjoyed a less active birding morning, but wonderful fall colors
with low altitude clouds, blustery breezes and occasional sprinkles and sun
breaks. A classic fall day at 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

Matt reported a Barn Owl at the entrance gate prior to many of us arriving.
There were six Deer, like last week, in the orchard along the drive to the
parking lot.

The pond overlook at the Nature Center provided excellent viewing of
American Widgeon, Mallards, Peregrine Falcon and Sharp-shinned Hawk. We
also saw Hooded Merganser, American Crow and European Starling.

Beginning our walk through the parking lot, we saw a Northern Flicker, flock
of Canada Geese fly over, Cedar Waxwings, Rock Pigeons, and a single
Goldfinch. We had terrific close up looks of Ruby-crowned Kinglets, and
were unsuccessful in finding any Hutton?s Vireos. Oddly enough, no
Golden-crowned Kinglets were seen today. And of course there were plenty of
Turdus migratorious.

Looking out over the McAllister Creek dike, we spotted two of nine
Red-tailed Hawk sightings. The first two were typical Red-tails with brown
hoods and streaky bellybands. Along the southwestern boardwalk we had good
looks at Cacklers flying over. We also saw Mallards, Glaucous-winged gull,
and Eric had a quick sighting of a Brown Creeper. Black-capped Chickadees
were heard. Unfortunately, no luck with ?where?s Waldo.? Our elusive
American Bittern was not seen!

The Twin Barns overlook was very productive, especially for raptors. We saw
three falcons, an American Kestrel perched on a post to the south of the
barns, two Peregrine Falcons one perched and the other flying, and a very
fast fly by Merlin. Two adult Bald Eagles flew from the nest tree by the
barns towards McAllister Creek. At least five Red-tailed Hawks, one was
very dark with a dark rufus breast and belly. A single Northern Harrier was
seen very far out towards the sound. Some of the newly constructed fields
to the northeast are filling with water and provided good habitat for
American Widgeon, Mallards, Canada Geese, Cacklers and a couple of Northern
Pintail. We had good looks at Bewick?s Wren, Lincoln Sparrow, Spotted
Towhee, and Golden-crown Sparrow. We also saw a Marsh Wren and some
unidentifiable shorebirds far out.

Along the north and northeastern boardwalk that parallels the Nisqually
River dike, there was little activity. Several Song Sparrows, a few
Golden-crowned sparrows and Cedar Waxwings were seen. A Great Blue Heron
flew overhead on our way to the riparian overlook. We took a walk through
the apple orchard and discovered two apple trees with many Dark-eyed Juncos,
a Bewick?s Wren and Spotted Towhee. Two very light Red-tailed Hawks kept us
double-checking for any possibility of Rough-legged Hawks, which would be
very early to the refuge.

All in all, we saw 31 species of birds, two mammals including the Eastern
Gray Squirrel, a great day for raptors, and fabulous fall colors. Until
next week, when Phil Kelly returns, good birding!

Shep Thorp
Browns Point, Tacoma
sthorp at theaec.com <mailto:sthorp at theaec.com>
253-370-3742