Tweets,

Yesterday 25+ of us converged on Nisqually NWR for the monthly bird
survey. We separated into 4 teams and covered all the refuge including areas
normally closed to the public, one of which was boat access.

The team I led did the usual walk. Others did the south dike and the new
boardwalk. Highlight were many as the birds cooperated.

The day started with an AMERICAN BITTERN in front of the viewing platform
at the visitor center. We all got good looks as it consumed a large water
bug of some kind. It did not go down easy. Also seen there were AMERICAN
WIGEON, RING NECKED DUCKS, CANADA GEESE, RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS, BALD EAGLE, and
GOLDFINCH.

Other waterfowl seen included NORTHERN PINTAIL, NORTHERN SHOVELER,
GREEN-WINGED TEAL, EURASIAN WIGEON, HOODED and COMMON MERGANSER, COMMON GOLDENEYE,
LESSER SCAUP, BUFFLEHEAD, COOT, and CACKLING GEESE. We also saw a
PIED-BILLED GREBE out near the start of the new boardwalk.

Folks out on the boat added SURF SCOTER, HORNED GREEBE, COMMON and
YELLOW-BILLED LOON, BRANT, and GREATER SCAUP

Raptors were scarce as the tide was in when we started. We only had 1
RED-TAILED HAWK and no NORTHERN HARRIERS. We did see BALD EAGLE, PEREGRINE
FALCON and AMERICAN KESTRAL. There was an adult NORTHERN SHRIKE out in the
restoration area.

Shorebirds seen included KILLDEER, DUNLIN and GREATER YELLOWLEGS. The GREAT
EGRET joined us about 11:00 and provided good views for all. No yellow on
the legs at all.

The south dike crew added TREE and BARN SWALLOWS to the list. All told we
had 63 species for the day with 8 of those coming from outside the usually
open area.

Mammals seen included HARBOR SEAL and CALIFORNIA SEA LION in the Nisqually
River.

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

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