Tweets,

Today 16 of us enjoyed a glorious day at Nisqually. We had a high tide at
8:34 am at 11.9 feet and it brought shorebirds in for close looks. The
tide was falling by the time we got out to the new dike bet we did pretty well.

Shorebirds seen included GREATER YELLOWLEGS, LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER,
WILSON'S SNIPE, KILLDEER, SEMIPALMATER PLOVER, LEAST SANDPIPER, and SPOTTED
SANDPIPER. All of these were out near the start of the new boardwalk in the
restoration area. We also had CASPIAN TERNS working that area.

Other highlights included a couple of mixed flocks of warblers that
included YELLOW, WILSON'S and BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS. It appears to be a
pre migration gathering of birds getting ready to head south. We also had
WARBLING VIREO, BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE and BUSHTITS.

On the pond behind the visitor center we saw WOOD DUCKS and an AMERICAN
BITTERN. We saw another BITTERN inside the dike near the start of the new
dike. A BULLOCK'S ORIOLE made a brief appearance across the pond from the
visitor center.

Fresh water levels are very low with most waterfowl gone or hiding in the
cattails.

Mammals seen were a BLACK-TAILED DOE and 2 fawns and a family of 3 RACOON
kits with their mother along the slough near the hummingbird sign along the
Nisqually side.

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

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