Hi Tweets,

Sixteen of us had slow, but fun day at the refuge with cloudy skies,
temperatures in the 60's degrees Fahrenheit, and a high 12' tide at 7:31am.

At the entrance gate Western Scrub Jay, Greater Yellowlegs, and Killdeer
were seen. Starting out at the visitor center at 8am, we observed Bald
Eagle, Belted Kingfisher, Common Yellowthroat and Bewick's Wren.

Scanning the fields south and west of the Access Road, we picked up
Black-capped Chickadee, Glaucous-winged Gull, Mallard, Savannah Sparrow,
Barn Swallow, Violet-green Swallow, Red-tailed Hawk, Red-winged Blackbird,
Yellow Warbler, Swainson's Thrush, and were buzzed by a hummer.

On the Twin Barns Boardwalk Loop Trail we had great looks of Hooded
Merganser, a juvenile American Coot and additional Wood Ducks in the pond.
We also saw Hairy Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Song Sparrow, Brown Creeper
and a single Western Wood Pewee. At the Twin Barns Overlook we picked up
American Goldfinch, Lincoln Sparrow and Great Blue Heron.

Starting out on the New Dike, some of our group observed 2 Sandhill Cranes
fly over. Many waterfowl are returning and can be scoped just north of the
riparian restoration, most males are in eclipse so there are many "large
brown jobs" to sort through, namely Mallard, American Wigeon, Green-winged
Teal, Northern Pintail, Gadwall, and Northern Shoveler. We also had nice
viewing of Western Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, Ring-billed Gull, and a
Northern Harrier.

On the new Estuarine Boardwalk Trail, we saw Double-crested Cormorant,
American Pipit, and had great looks at a juvenile Whimbrel with a plain
white belly.

Cedar Waxwings were seen at the Nisqually River Overlook, and Vaux's Swifts
from the parking lot. 52 species for the day with 160 species for the year.

Mammals seen included Columbian Black-tailed Deer, Raccoon, and Eastern Gray
Squirrel.

Until next time, good birding!

Shep Thorp,
Browns Point
253-370-3742
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