When I'm at Nisqually I see dozens of long lens photographers taking long, long, shots of waterfowl.? Why not come on down to Capitol Lake in downtown Olympia.? The lake is teeming with birds that are a lot closer and won't require so much, if any, cropping. ? Between the lower lake, where the dam is, and the middle lake south of the RR tracks to the I-5 bridge, there were easily 5000+ birds on today's menu.? Huge numbers have ridden the recent storms southward and the population changes from day to day as more come and go. ? No swans or egrets today but somewhere between the lake and side ponds are almost all the waterfowl you'll see at the NWR and many will be closer. ? The dabbling ducks tend to swim right along the edges but there are always divers mixed in too.? Great views for non-photographers and great photo-ops even with a good point and shoot.? Today there was a single, absolutely beautiful, little Bonaparte's? gull feeding right along
the edge between the dam and where the tents are set up.? I reached for my point and shoot and discovered that I'd set it out but left it at home.? I seldom see other birders and never see anyone taking pictures.? Feel free to come on down to where the birds are.?? If you have the time to scope them all out there is no telling what will turn up.? Parking is free along Deshutes Parkway and in the Marathon Park parking lot.? Meters are fee on weekends and holidays. ? The paths are wide, flat and handicapped accessible.


Ray Holden
Olympia, WA

Life is for the birds.