Hi Tweets,

eight of us enjoyed an overcast morning at the Refuge with temperatures in
the low 60's degrees Fahrenheit, a High 9'3" Tide at 11:43am, and the
clouds burning off by 1pm warming up the end of our walk.

Starting out at the Visitor Center Pond Overlook at 7am, we enjoyed close
up observation of nesting CLIFF SWALLOW and BARN SWALLOW. Two female
RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRDs were feeding just west of the overlook as well several
PURPLE FINCH stopped in the large dead deciduous tree on there way through.
The morning chorus was fabulous.

The west entrance to the Twin Barns Loop Trail is closed to protect the
area around a RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD nest just over the board walk. The
SAVANNAH SPARROW and AMERICAN GOLDFINCH were abundant along the Access Road
and we also had good looks at BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD. A Columbia
Black-tailed Deer was seen as well.

The Orchard provided a good chance to see a family of BLACK-CAPPED
CHICKADEE, CEDAR WAXWINGS, we had quick observations of a pair of
BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS and heard many YELLOW WARBLERS.

Along the south east Twin Barns Loop Trail and Riparian Forest Overlook, we
had very nice looks at SPOTTED TOWHEE, DOWNY WOODPECKER, SONG SPARROW and
SWAINSON'S THRUSH. There were many SWAINSON'S THRUSH and we enjoyed their
singing and many good observations through out the walk. WARBLING VIREO
and BROWN CREEPER were heard. On the east side of the Twin Barns Loop
Trail along the Old Nisqually River Dike we had great looks at WESTERN
WOOD-PEWEE and WOOD DUCK. HAIRY WOODPECKER, NORTHERN FLICKER and
PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER were all heard.

At the Twin Barns Observation Platform we enjoyed many TREE SWALLOW, two
WILLOW FLYCATCHERS and COMMON YELLOWTHROAT. A PEREGRINE FALCON was spotted
just west of the surge plain and several BALD EAGLES were seen. A
Long-tailed Weasel ran about the platform while we rested, possibly looking
for handouts?

On the Nisqually Estuary Trail, new dike, we saw many MARSH WREN, BELTED
KINGFISHER and MALLARD. On our return after the sun began to break through
the clouds, we had very nice looks at a singing LAZULI BUNTING along the
slough just west of the Twin Barns.

Out on the Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk Trail we added CASPIAN TERN,
RING-BILLED GULL, CALIFORNIA GULL, GREAT BLUE HERON, CANADA GOOSE, and
approximately a dozen unidentified peeps. Across McAllister Creek we
observed a Columbia Black-tailed Doe with her two fawns.

A wonderful day overall with many singing birds. 51 Species seen with the
PEREGRINE FALCON, Long-tailed Weasel, and LAZULI BUNTING being a few of the
highlights for the day.

Until next time, good birding!

Shep Thorp
Browns Point
sthorp at theaec.com
253-370-3742
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