Tweets,

Yesterday 16 of us enjoyed the first weekly Nisqually walk of 2011.
Despite predictions of rain all day we stayed dry. The tide was in and falling
during our walk so waterfowl were scattered and there was still ice on some
of the freshwater ponds so that made things worse.

Highlights included GREAT HORNED OWL, VIRGINIA RAIL, the lingering HERMIT
THRUSH, and the EURASIAN WIGEON on the pond behind the visitor center.

All the highlight birds were seen in the usual areas where they have been
seen for the last couple of weeks. The VIRGINIA RAIL in the marsh to your
right as you turn toward the twin barns off the main boardwalk and the HERMIT
THRUSH in the slough opposite the Nisqually River overlook. The GREAT
HORNED OWL remains inside the boardwalk about 150 yards north of the bench
near the hummingbird sign on the Nisqually side.

The new boardwalk in still not open and no projected opening date is
known. The contractor is still working on some issues, although no one was
working yesterday. When the issues are resolved then we will be able to access
McAllister Creek and the Sound.

All told we saw 54 species for the day with everything being new for the
year. ;-}

Mammals seen were HARBOR SEAL and CALIFORNIA SEA LION, both in the
Nisqually River.

Until next week when we do a refuge wide bird survey (weather
permitting)....

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