Tweeters-



Nineteen of us enjoyed another great morning on the refuge.? While it remained somewhat foggy early and the sun never broke through, spring was definitely?in the air.? Two Mute Swans were on the large fresh water pond at the entrance to the refuge.? We speculated that the pair may?have been the Swans that had been on Capital Lake?recently, and?were on the move as a result of?the draining and tidal flooding of Capital Lake associated with the snail infestation problem.



The walk started with an American Bittern right under the deck at the visitor center, and included a second one just off the boardwalk on the way to the Twin Barns.? There was also a small flock of Dunlin and?a mixed flock of Tree and Violet-Green? Swallows as we started down the boardwalk.? Other highlights on the way to the barns included a pair of Bewick's Wrens, Winter Wren, Red-breasted Sapsucker, and Golden-crowned Kinglet.



A Peregrine? Falcon was in one of the snags as we came to the twin barn overlook.? An American?Kestrel was?in the same area outside the dike that we have seen it in for the past several weeks.? ?Lincoln and Golden-Crowned Sparrows were also?sighted just off the overlook.? Sightings at the river overlook included Common? Mergansers and Common Goldeneye.



The most exciting highlight was finally?seeing the Great Horned Owl.? It was sitting in last year's nest?tree right near the nest cavity.? We got excellent looks!? This tree had fallen earlier this year and is now leaning against another tree.? We are all hoping that there are owlets in the nest, but only time will tell.? Stay tuned.



The?dike walk included a number of sightings, including Marsh Wren, American Coot, Lesser Scaup and Downy Woodpecker (thanks to Matt's great hearing and spotting).



We ran into a mixed flock on the way back to the visitor center that included another Downy, Hairy Woodpecker, Yellow-rumped Warbler and Chestnut-Backed Chickadee.



The number of ducks and geese continues to be?down from recent weeks.? Northern Shoveler was the most prevalent duck species.? Raptor numbers?are also down.? We sighted three Red-tailed Hawks, four Bald Eagles and no Northern Harrier.



Total Species:? 51



Until next week when Phil Kelly will be back to lead the walk.



Eric Slagle, Olympia

hannaslagle at comcast.net