Thanks to everyone who gave us great info on Nisqually! Although Dave and I dipped on the Pileated Woodpecker (we're sure we heard them, and certainly saw signs of them), we saw a total of 34 species, so were very pleased. Best was seeing a juvenile Bald Eagle being chased by 2 adults along the Nisqually River. The juvenile escaped by flying right above us, landing on a tree limb, and proceeding to munch on the salmon it had! The 2 adults flew into a nearby tree and watched. Very fun to see. Didn't see the Swamp Sparrow, but was pleased to see a Marsh Wren, which I don't see often. Other birds seen weren't out of the ordinary, but included No. Shovelers, Pintails, Mergansers (both common and hooded), Ring-necked ducks, and the Eurasian Wigeon. Also saw a nice little flock of Golden-crowned sparrows, a pair of Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Brown Creepers, Bushtits, Belted Kingfisher, and Yellow-rumped Warblers. A Kestrel was flying from snag-to-snag along the delta behind the twin barns. It was good to see the refuge so birdy during winter. Nisqually is a gorgeous place and the renovations are worth seeing.

Pat Grainger
Port Townsend
paq at olypen.com