Subject: [Tweeters] Nisqually NWR 11/24/10
Date: Nov 24 21:00:17 2010
From: Scrubjay323 at aol.com - Scrubjay323 at aol.com


Tweets,

Today 6 of us bundled up and walked Nisqually on a clear, cold day. It
was about 22 degrees when we started at 8:00 and there wasn't much open
water. It was quiet at the start but things picked up as the day went on.

Highlights included a SHORT-EARED OWL, 2 PEREGRINE FALCONS, and several
VARIED THRUSH.

We saw VARIED THRUSH in several locations including several along the
boardwalk on the way to the twin barns. They were associating with ROBINS but
were more plentiful than I have ever seen at Nisqually before. We saw more
along the boardwalk on the Nisqually side on the way back in.

The 2 PEREGRINE FALCONS were flying together toward the visitor center as
we headed out the new dike. I know that there are multiple FALCONS that live
on the refuge this time of year, but it is the first time I've seen 2 of
them together.

The SHORT-EARED OWL flushed from the tall grass along side the new dike as
we headed toward McAllister Creek. It flew out toward the Sound and was
harassed by some gulls that it flew over. It eventually landed on a low
clump of brush well out into the reclamation area where it was visible by
scope.

All told we saw 49 species with nothing new for the year. We are still at
143 species for the year. Mammals seen were HARBOR SEAL and EASTERN GRAY
SQUIRREL.

Until next week when Shep and Eric will lead in my absence....

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