Tweets,

Spring has finally arrived! 14 of us enjoyed a great walk at Nisqually
yesterday under sunny skies with a bit of a chill breeze. Even the birds are
seeing spring in the air.

We had several firsts of the year including COMMON YELLOWTHROAT, SAVANAH
SPARROW, WESTERN SANDPIPER, and CLIFF SWALLOW. Next week should be
great...assuming the refuge will be open.

Once again waterfowl numbers was down but we had great diversity including
EURASIAN WIGEON, CINNAMON TEAL, LESSER and GREATER SCAUP, and BLACK BRANT.
GREEN-WINGED TEAL were mating and the usual ducks were present. Something
spooked a large flock of geese just south of the refuge and many CACKLING
GEESE flew into the refuge but about 100 SNOW GEESE rose but settled back
down outside the refuge. The GREAT EGRET is still hanging around and was
seen flying up McAllister Creek.

The GREAT HORNED OWL adult was seen with 1 if the owlets up above and to
the left of the nest hole. We did not observe the second owlet but it was
reported that it was seen below and to the right of the nest hole appearing
wet and very annoyed. It may have fallen out of the nest and was wet from all
the rain.

We had BALD EAGLES, NORTHEN HARRIERS, RED-TAILED HAWKS, and a pair of
AMERICAN KESTRAL about, more raptors then we usually see. All were out in the
restoration area.

All told we had 60 species for the day and now have 101 species for the
year.

Mammals seen were EASTERN GRAY SQUIRREL, COLUMBIAN BLACK-TAILED DEER , and
a family of RACCOONS across the pond from the visitor center.

Until next week when we walk the new boardwalk......we hope.

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