Hi Tweets,

20 of us enjoyed a breezy spring morning at the refuge with partly cloudy
skies and temperatures in the high 50's degrees Fahrenheit. The morning
chorus was at it's height and many chicks were around to be enjoyed.

Meeting at the Visitor Center Pond Overlook at 8 am, our initial species
included Peregrine Falcon, Common Merganser, Cedar Waxwing, Bullock's
Oriole, Wood Duck, Red-winged Blackbird, Barn Swallow, Cliff Swallow,
Violet-green Swallow, Purple Finch, and Yellow Warbler. The center is a
great place to observe Barn and Cliff Swallows nesting.

Around the parking lot and the flooded fields adjacent to the access road we
saw American Goldfinch, Savannah Sparrow, Common Yellowthroat, Mallard, Tree
Swallow, Brown-headed Cowbird, Swainson's Thrush, Anna's Hummingbird, Vac's
Swift, Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, Dwell, Northern Flicker, and
Spotted Sandpiper. The water level in the flooded fields is controlled by
the refuge and these fields are intentionally drying up for passerines in
the summer. Overall water fowl numbers are low in comparison to winter,
however the number and diversity of breeding pairs seems good and there is
lots to observe from the Access Road, Twin Barns Overlook and New Dike. The
Bald Eagle nest best observed from the access road just south of the old
McAllister Creek Road gate is scoped in a topped Douglas Fir directly across
from McAllister Creek. The nest is 15 feet down from the top of the tree on
the right side with a dark juvenile eagle on the nest. Many Caspian Terns
were observed flying up and down McAllister Creek.

On the west side of the Twin Barns Boardwalk Loop Trail we added
Yellow-headed Blackbird, Hooded Merganser, Rufous Hummingbird, Warbling
Vireo, Brown Creeper, Western Tanager, Golden-crowned Sparrow, Black-capped
Chickadee, Willow Flycatcher, and Western Wood-Pewee. Wilson's Snipe was
heard winnowing, and seen several hundred feet high flying up and down in a
roller coast like pattern over the fields. Although difficult to find with
the spring foliage, the Rufous Hummingbird nests we've been monitoring all
have chicks with their little needle like bills protruding from the tiny
lichen nests.

At the Twin Barns Overlook, we saw Purple Martin, American Green-winged
Teal, Blue-winged Teal, Killdeer and Canada Goose. This overlook continues
to be a wonderful spot for observing the entire refuge as you have great
line of sight to the fields, the inside of the new dike, and the restored
riparian area. Barn Owl feathers were studied at the cut-off, a deceased
emaciated young Barn Owl was discovered last week and evaluated by refuge
biologists.

Along the north part of the Twin Barns Boardwalk Loop Trail we observed
Bewick's Wren, Wilson's Warbler, and Spotted Towhee. We had many great
looks at Swainson's Thrush which were actively singing and observing our
group. From the Nisqually River Overlook we saw Red-Tailed Hawk and
additional Bald Eagle.

Out on the New Dike, we were treated to lots of great views of waterfowl
with chicks, including baby Canada Geese, Mallards and Hooded Mergansers.
We added a pair of Ruddy Duck in breeding or alternate plumage, and from
the first observation shelter of the New Boardwalk three Whimbrel flew in
and foraged from the marsh plain adjacent to Shannon Slough. Dave
Richardson reported seeing a Great Egret from the terminal observation
shelter of the New Boardwalk. On our return to the Visitor Center, we heard
Red-breasted Nuthatch which is a uncommon visitor to the refuge.

Overall a great day of birding with 62 species seen and a total of 136
species for the year. Mammals seen included Cotton-tailed Rabbit and
Columbian Black-tailed Deer.

Until next week, good birding!

Shep Thorp
Browns Point
sthorp at theaec.com
253-370-3742
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