Tweets,

Today 32 of us enjoyed a cold but productive day at Nisqually. It was 28
degrees at the start but there was no wind and the sun came out. we had a
14.2 high tide at 11:35 so lots of water on the surge plain.

Highlights included a 5 WOODPECKER day and lots of raptors. We started with
a PILIATED WOODPECKER off the visitor center viewing platform and went from
there. There was a FLICKER and DOWNY WOODPECKER in the riparian area across
from the visitor center and then we saw a couple of RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKERS
in the orchard eating apples. n the way back in along the Nisqually side we
picked up a HAIRY WOODPECKER, DOWNY WOODPECKER, and another RED-BREASTED
SAPSUCKER in close proximity to each other affording great comparative
views.

A VIRGINIA RAIL was heard and briefly seen in the cattails near the start
of the estuary boardwalk and there were several GREATER YELLOWLEGS on the
surge plain near the dike.

Raptors seen included SHARP-SHINNED HAWK, BALD EAGLE, RED-TAILED HAWK,
AMERICAN KESTRAL, and PEREGRINE FALCON. Needless to say the passerines and
waterfowl were nervous.

We had a couple of COMMON RAVENS fly over but not much else unusual. For
the day I had 47 species and still have 145 for the year.

Mammals seen included COYOTE, BLACK-TAILED DEER, GRAY SQUIRREL, and SEA
LION.

Until next week, Merry Christmas to all.....

Phil Kelley
scrubjay323 at gmail.com
Lacey, WA
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