A brief trip to Nisqually Saturday afternoon yielded proof positive that
shorebird migration is underway.??Inside the new dike trail beyond the twin
barns is one little pond, which is very popular.? Along with three each
Killdeer, Long-billed Dowitcher and Least Sandpiper, we saw one adult Western
Sandpiper and one good surprise:? a beautifully patterned juvenile Red-necked
Phalarope!? When the peeps flew off from some unseen threat, the phalarope
remained content to swim and spin near the middle of the grassy pool.? Also
present were a few adolescent Cinnamon Teal.?

Along the western boardwalk, we were treated to an Orange-crowned Warbler
tending hatchlings (a second brood?) in a red-twig dogwood just beyond the
railing.? Alerted by the cries of hungry chicks as the parent approached the
nest, we paused to watch Mom/Dad feed them, then carry droppings off to dump
into the pond.
I?ll be curious to see how the newly salted area beyond the new dike trail
regenerates.? For now, it looks utterly dead except for a few areas high enough
to keep the existing grasses? toes salt-free.? The only birds I saw on that side
were a pack of Canada Geese, some Rock Pigeons, and one frenetic Spotted
Sandpiper.
?
Jeff Bryant
Seattle
jbryant_68ATyahooDOTcom