Tweets,

Yesterday 23 of us enjoyed a great day at Nisqually. The weather was
great and the birds cooperated. I guess they enjoyed the break in the weather
as much as we did. It was good to be back.

Highlights were many and included a probable RED KNOT as well as the GREAT
EGRET (several times), 2 VIRGINIA RAILS, and several PEREGRINE FALCON
interactions.

First, the RED KNOT. It was seen about 11:00 or so out in the restoration
area about the middle of the new dike. It was everything from a DOWITCHER
(bill too short), BLACK BELLIED PLOVER (bill too long and slightly
decurved), WILLET (too small and no underwing markings when it flew). Most of us
studied the bird as it feed along the edge of the mudflats about 75 yards
out, near some GREEN WINGED TEAL. It was a plump bird with greenish yellow
legs, a medium short black bill that drooped at the tip, grayish back and
white underside with minimal streaking on the flanks. It had no eye ring but
had a white supercilium that extended well beyond the eye. There was a
black eye line. No one had a cameras that would reach the bird but Shep had a
passerby with a long lens get a couple of photos that hopefully will solve
the mystery. Hopefully we will hear more from Shep in the near future.

The GREAT EGRET made several appearances during the day. First it flew up
the Nisqually Valley as we started out from the parking lot. Later it
showed out in the restoration area and later it made several flybys as we
studied the RED KNOT.

We also so more GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE on the refuge than I have ever
seen before. While looking at a flock of 6 on the ground another 150+ flew
onto the refuge. WOW! Quite a sight. They joined hundreds of CACLERS
and some CANADAS on the refuge. We did observe 1 ALEUTIAN subspecies of the
CACKLING GOOSE from the twin barns observation deck.

The PEREGRINE FALCON began the day interacting with a RED TIALED HAWK and
immature BALD EAGLE. Later it stooped and caught a GREEN WINGED TEAL then
sat there and enjoyed its breakfast. Later 2 PEREGRINE FALCONS flew over
the refuge and did a talon grab.

The 2 VIRGINIA RAILS were on the mud flat at the turn off to the twin
barns. they were actively feeding and stayed in the open for several minutes.
Upon returning from the twin barns they were observed again.

We had a three falcon day MERLIN and AMERICAN KESTRAL being seen.

All told we saw 62 species for the day with the RED KNOT and GREAT EGRET
being new for the year.

Mammals seen were HARBOR SEAL and a family of 4 RACCOONS on the pond at the
visitor canter. There also was a WESTERN PAINTED TURTLE sunning itself
behind the visitor center at 1:00 as I completed the walk.

Until next week....

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