Tweets,

Today 28 of us enjoyed a relatively quiet walk at Nisqually. We had a high
overcast and almost warm weather with a low tide of 2.3 at 8:15 AM. The
birds seemed to be hiding and tending nests so it wasn't too active.

Highlights included lots of CINNAMON and BLUE-WINGED TEAL, three WHIMBRAL
that provided several views including one really great one, and singing
SWAINSON'S THRUSH.

Along with MALLARDS and GADWALL the TEAL were the most common waterfowl on
the refuge, mostly on the interior ponds. There is little water left
inside the dike as it continues to dry up.

The WHIMBRAL were first seen from the dike well out into the reclamation
area and were later sighted from the new boardwalk. We got our best views on
the return from last viewing platform when the birds were seen close to the
boardwalk near the start of the boardwalk.

The singing SWAINSON'S THRUSH were very common through the riparian areas
of the refuge. Along with YELLOW WARBLERS and ROBINS they dominated the
passerine sightings.

Raptors seen included OSPRAY, BALD EAGLE, RED-TAILED HAWK, and a COOPER'S
HAWK.

There were several WILLOW FLYCATCHERS and a few WESTERN WOOD PEEWEES about.

For the day I had 50 species and now have 121 for the year.

Mammals seen were COTTONTAIL RABBITS and a MUSKRAT.

Until next week when Shep and Eric will lead......


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