Subject: [Tweeters] Nisqually NWR 1/27/10
Date: Jan 27 21:11:40 2010
From: Scrubjay323 at aol.com - Scrubjay323 at aol.com


Tweets,

Today 17 of us enjoyed a great walk at Nisqually. It started in fog and
we ended up in some sun. It was chilly and some of the birds remained
hunkered down all day. Still, it was a good day.

Highlights included great views at GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE and a very
cooperative AMERICAN BITTERN. We ended the day with good views of a
COOPER'S HAWK just off the parking lot.

Six GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE were just off the road to the twin barns
and allowed us great views from about 40 feet away as they foraged in the
grass. Two of them were larger and darker than the others and appeared to be
"Tiaga" subspecies. Several of our camera buffs got good photos of them.

The BITTERN was right under our nose at the freshwater wetland overlook and
was missed by most of us until Rika (sp?) asked if we wanted to see
something good. This bird was no more than 10 feet from us for the next 15
minutes or so. We all watched as it foraged, swaying its body back and forth
while keeping its head still. Lots of discussion on the "dance".

As the fog lifted we got some good looks at waterfowl and raptors. Ducks
included an EURASIAN WIGEON, a female RUDY DUCK, and both HOODED and COMMON
MERGANSERS. We also saw COMMON GOLDENEYE on the freshwater pond inside
the new dike.

Raptors included BALD EAGLE, RED-TAILED HAWK, NORTHERN HARRIER, a male
AMERICAN KESTRAL, and the afore mentioned COOPER'S HAWK. We also saw a
NORTHERN SHRIKE out near the gate on the new dike.

A VIRGINIA RAIL was seen by some of the group near the twin barns overlook
and there were a few DUNLIN out behind the barns.

All told we saw 49 species for the day giving us 67 species for the year.

Mammals seen were EASTERN GRAY SQUIRREL, COLUMBIAN BLACK-TAILED DEER , and
CALIFORNIA SEA LION.

Until next week when Eric Slagle will lead the walk in my absence.....

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