Subject: [Tweeters] Nisqually NWR 2/1/12
Date: Feb 2 08:05:49 2012
From: Scrubjay323 at aol.com - Scrubjay323 at aol.com


Tweets,

Yesterday 14 of us had a great walk at Nisqually! The day started cool
and overcast but got sunny and warm by 11:00. Hunting season is over so the
McAllister Creek boardwalk is open to the end.....which is were se spotted
the SNOWY OWL.

Other highlights included the GREAT EGRET and good views of an AMERICAN
BITTERN. Also, HOODED MERGANSERS were seen mating. I guess spring is not
far away.

The boardwalk between the twin barns and the Nisqually River side and along
the Nisqually River side remains closed for clean up/repair. Hopefully
that will be open soon. The trail on the Nisqually River side is open.

The GREAT EGRET was first seen roosting in the trees south of the freeway
and later flew along McAllister Creek toward the sound. The AMERICAN
BITTERN flushed along the new dike trail and landed near Shannon Slough where it
afforded nice views.

The SNOWY OWL was spotted next to a root wad toward the mouth of the
Nisqually. It was moving around quite a bit and eventually jumped onto the root
wad and preened. Not sure if it was finishing breakfast when we first saw
it but once it got on the root wad it settled down.

Other highlights included a nice mixed flock near the picnic area by the
twin barns that included both KINGLETS, BROWN CREEPER, BLACK-CAPPED and
CHESTNUT-BACKED CHICKADEE, and a TOWNSEND'S WARBLER, as well as YELLOW-RUMPED
WARBLERS.

For the day I saw 49 species. Mammals seen were COLUMBIAN BLACK-TAILED
DEER, HARBOR SEALS, and EASTERN GRAY SQUIRRELS.

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


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