Subject: [Tweeters] Nisqually NWR 3/7/12
Date: Mar 10 09:38:06 2012
From: Scrubjay323 at aol.com - Scrubjay323 at aol.com


Tweets,

On Wednesday 30 or so of us enjoyed a great day at Nisqually. It was
clear and cold to start but warmed up quickly. The tide was way out with a 4.0
low at 11:02.

Highlights of the day included the GREAT HORNED OWLS. the first SWALLOWS
of the year and lots of pairing up.

Waterfowl numbers are down but there was a lot of pair bonding going on.
CANADA GEESE are getting territorial and HOODED MERGANSERS were paired up.
Other waterfowl were separating from the flocks also.

The GREAT HORNED OWLS were first seen inside the boardwalk near the twin
barns turn off. One juvenile and both adults were spotted there. The other
juvenile was seen later a bit deeper in the woods in the same general
area. They seem to be moving about quit a bit lately but should be in the area
for a couple more weeks.

The first of the year TREE SWALLOWS were seen flying over the files next to
the parking lot and both TREE and VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS were seen behind
the twin barns. The TREE SWALLOWS were actively checking out the nest
boxes.

The GREAT EGRET continues out near McAllister Creek and continues to have
run ins with the GREAT BLUE HERONS who occasionally run him (it?) off its
spot.

There was a RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER working the trees near the riparian
trail turn off.

For the day we had 49 species and now I have 79 species for the year.

Mammal highlights included a RIVER OTTER in the slough behind the twin
barns overlook that left the water and waddled around the nearest barn. Not
nearly as graceful on land as in the water. Also seen were EASTERN GRAY
SQUIRREL and COLUMBIAN BLACK-TAILED DEER.

Until next week when we do the monthly survey....



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