Tweets,

Today 14 of us enjoyed a great day at Nisqually. The weather was perfect
and what we didn't have in numbers we had in quality.

We had several good sightings that included BULLOCK'S ODIOLE, BLUE-WINGED
TEAL, SPOTTED SANDPIPER, SORA, GREAT HORNED OWL, and WILSON'S PHALAROPE.

Most of the action was out inside the new dike near the new boardwalk. We
spotted the SPOTTED SANDPIPERS foraging outside the new dike as we headed
out toward the new boardwalk. They were at the base of a couple of the
snags working the weeds.

Inside the dike at the first pond we initially got a glimpse of a pair of
PHALAROPES before the flew off. When we returned they had also returned
and we watched them forage along the shore before the roosted a bit and then
mated. Could be a nest on the refuge soon. Out near the construction site
we saw both CINNAMON TEAL and a pair of BLUE-WINGED TEAL. While watching
the TEAL I spotted a SORA that worked the area for several minutes giving
everyone great views.

In the riparian areas we were treated to views of a female BULLOCK'S ORIOLE
working in the blackberry between the twin barns and the Nisqually River
side. Right at the Nisqually River side there was a juvenile GREAT HORNED
OWL on a bare branch of a big leaf maple right over the trail. From the
amount of white wash it has been there for some time. Reports had it there
since the weekend.

Other than that nothing real unusual, but it was a good day with a total of
43 species. We are still at 125 species for the year.

Mammals seen were BLACK-TAILED DEER and RACOON meandering down the trail
trying to ignore us.

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

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