Hi Tweeters
For those following the Great Egrets at Nisqually, it is clear that we have two
birds.? Several times this winter there were reports of two birds but no one saw
them side by side, until the last few weeks.? Today our NGS survey of the refuge
found both birds side by side near the new boardwalk.? That has always been the
best place to look although last week at a minus tide one of the birds was seen
way beyond the end of the boardwalk at water's edge, near Nisqually Reach Nature
Center.?Dennis Ellison took photos of both birds and both were closely
scrutinized through scopes.? No yellow legs as of yet.? One?is clearly dark
legged and the other has?lighter legs but hardly yellow.? Another photographer
reported seeing one?carrying off sticks.? Could it be nesting material?

Also new incursions to the refuge are regular sightings of Scrub Jay on the
entry road and several Eurasian Collared Doves, one of which is absolutely
ghostly white, as pure a a ferry tern.? It is not albino because it does have
the dark collar as well as dark eyes.??Summer nesters are plentiful now as well
as returning shorebirds on their way south.? We had 9 Whimbrels working the
McAllister Creek today.? Marian Bailey the wildlife biologist at the refuge
would like all banded shorebirds reported.

Good birding.

Dave Richardson?