Tweets,

Yesterday 16 of us spent a chilly, damp morning at Nisqually. It never
really rained but it was never quite dry either. We had a 12.3 high tide at
2:20 Pm which none of us were around for.

Highlights included a cooperative RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER and an AMERICAN
BITTERN we had out in the open.

Since the weather has warmed a bit most of the ponds were open water but
waterfowl numbers continue to be way down, with the exception of CACKLING
GEESE, which continue in large numbers. We did see all three MERGANSERS as
well as MALLARDS, NORTHERN PINTAIL, SHOVLERS. GREEN-WINGED TEAL, and AMERICAN
WIGEON, just not in great numbers.

A pair of HOODED MERGANSERS gave a great look as the swam by the freshwater
wetlands overlook. We found RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS out on McAllister
Creek and had COMMON MERGANSERS on the Nisqually River from the overlook
there.

The RED-BREASTER SAPSUCKER was working the burnt tree just tot he left of
the freshwater overlook and stayed there for some time allowing everyone
good looks. It was still in the are when we moved on. There was a nice
mixed flock of passerines in that area also.

We saw the BITTERN on the outside of the new dike as we were heading out to
the start of the boardwalk. It was working the grass bank looking for
something to eat. We never saw it catch anything but it was still there on
our return trip. Not much cover but it didn't seem to mind.

The early crew dipped on the BARN OWLS and didn't hear a GREAT HORNED OWL
so we had an owlless day. Maybe next week will be better.

For the day we had 44 species and I'm up to 56 for the year. The only
mammals we saw were a couple of BLACK-TAILED DEER.

Until next week.....

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