Tweets,

13 of us enjoyed a slow, quiet walk at Nisqually on Wednesday. Well, it
really wasn't quiet as construction was going full blast as they get ready to
breech the dike later this month. It was really quiet birdwise, probably
the slowest day of the year.

And we moved slowly as we were doing a "before breeching bird survey" to be
compared with a later survey after the dike is breeched. Probably should
have done it sooner but, oh well.

Highlights of the day included a flyover WESTERN SCRUB JAY along the
boardwalk to the twin barns. We also saw a STELLER'S JAY and had lots of CROWS,
so the corvid family was well represented.

Another highlight was a small flock of 9 VAUX SWIFT just off the parking
lot. They were along not mixed in with swallows as we usually see them.

We had MALLARDS and WOOD DUCKS, and the CANADA GOOSE population continues
to grow. What was in the twenties a couple of weeks ago in now 130 or so.
Can't wait until the ponds fill up with water.

Swallow and warblers were conspicuous by the absence. Just a few BARN and
TREE SWALLOWS and only COMMON YELLOWTHROAT around.

All told we saw 30 species with the VAUX SWIFT being new for the year.

Mammals seen were EASTERN GRAY SQUIRREL and BLACK-TAILED DEER.

Until next week.....



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