Tweets,

15 of us enjoyed a great walk at Nisqually Wednesday. It seemed quiet but
by the end of the day we had 53 species and spent some time on the new
boardwalk. Shep, Matt and Roger got there early to catch the 13+ high tide at
7:30 and saw mostly water but they did have a few species to give us a
heads up on.

Highlights included BAIRD'S SANDPIPER and BANK SWALLOWS. there are a
number of CANADA GEESE and other waterfowl on the refuge even as the water
levels continue low. More shorebirds are showing up as fall migration continues.

Both the BAIRD'S SANDPIPER and the BANK SWALLOWS were seen from the new
boardwalk. The BAIRD'S SANDPIPER was loosely associated with some WESTERN
and LEAST SANDPIPERS, and the BANK SWALLOWS were in a mixed flock of mostly
BARN SWALLOWS with a couple of CLIFF SWALLOWS and VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS
thrown in. We all got good looks at the BANK SWALLOWS as they perched in some
of the small trees near the boardwalk.

We managed to see all three Pigeon species for the day. There was a
MOURNING DOVE near the front gate, and there was a ROCK PIGEON at the twin barns,
as usual. As we were leaving the refuge at 1:30 half a dozen BAND-TAILED
PIGEONS flew over the visitor center and landed in the large fir behind the
pond.

For the day we had 53 species with the BAIRD'S SANDPIPER and the BANK
SWALLOWS being new for the year.

Mammals seen included RACCOON, RIVER OTTER, COLUMBIAN BLACK-TAILED DEER,
and EASTERN GRAY SQUIRREL.

Until next week when Eric and Matt will lead in Shep's and my absence....


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