An enthusiastic group of 10 birders on an SAS field trip enjoyed
incredible weather and fantastic birds at Nisqually today. The morning
started off below freezing, with frost making board walks a little
slippery but the sun eventually warmed all.

Several large flocks of Cackling Geese greeted our arrival and more flew
in during the day. Only a handful of Greater White-fronted Geese were
seen, however. Raptors included several Bald Eagle and Red-tailed Hawk,
a couple of Northern Harrier, a perched Peregrine Falcon giving great
views, and a fly-by Merlin.

The previously reported Great Egret was visible for long periods, at one
time flying right towards our group, to rave reviews. Shorebirds, on the
other hand, were tough as most were at such distance to make ID
difficult, but did include many Western Sandpiper and several Dunlin.
Large flocks of Killdeer were seen in several locations and a small
group of Semipalmated Plover were adjacent the boardwalk after the tide
came in. Duck diversity was not in evidence, at least when we were
there, with the only large groups containing Northern Pintail and
Green-winged Teal. A few Northern Shoveler and American Wigeon completed
the category.

Many bright Savannah Sparrows competed for attention as did the dozen or
more Western Meadowlark. But, these were surpassed by the 50 or 60
(maybe double that number) American Pipit, feeding on the exposed mud
almost wherever we looked. The ponds near the visitor center were mostly
quiet, save for the ever-present starlings, but one last look produced a
showy American Bittern who alternately posed in typical rail fashion or
stalked meaningfully, out in plain view.

For the day, 57 species and a fun outing with new friends.
Scott Ramos
Seattle