Tweets,

Today 13 of us enjoyed a good morning at Nisqually. The weather was good
and the birds cooperated.

The day started with an AMERICAN BITTERN right in front of the viewing
platform at the visitor center and it got better from there. We didn't count
the number of BALD EAGLES as there were so many on the refuge. Other
highlights included a cooperative COOPER'S HAWK and a festival of WOODPECKERS.

As we approached the twin barns overlook a COOPER'S HAWK flew in and landed
in the trees over the sanican affording everyone good looks. A bit later
it landed on the railing of the boardwalk ramp to the observation deck,
posing for some time. It flew off only to return to the railing before flying
around the barns. Quite a show!

In addition to the EAGLES and COOPER'S HAWK we also saw RED-TAILED HAWKS,
NORTHERN HARRIERS, a PEREGRINE FALCON, and an AMERICAN KESTRAL. A NORTHERN
SHRIKE was also out beyond the new dike.

Duck and goose numbers seemed to be a bit lower than usual but most of the
expected species were seen. We did see a couple of GREATER WHITE-FRONTED
GEESE and half a dozen AMERICAN COOTS, more than we have seen recently. We
also had a flyover of 12 TRUMPETER SWANS.

Passerine numbers were low (I think) be we did find one good concentration
of woodpeckers inside the boardwalk on the Nisqually River side. In one
spot we had 2 HAIRY WOODPECKERS, 2 RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKERS and a DOWNEY
WOODPECKER. Not sure what had them all in the same area but we sure enjoyed
the show.

All told we had 49 species for the day.

Mammals seen were EASTERN GRAY SQUIRREL (several), a RIVER OTTER. a very
healthy COYOTE, and both CALIFORNIA SEA LIONS and HARBOR SEALS in the
Nisqually River.

Until next week...

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