Subject: [Tweeters] Nisqually NWR 2/17/16
Date: Feb 17 19:56:34 2016
From: Phil Kelley - scrubjay323 at gmail.com


Tweets,

Today 35 of us enjoyed a great day at Nisqually it was overcast most of the
day but the rain held off until us 5 diehards got to the end of the estuary
boardwalk. Then we had scattered showers on the way back in that provided
us with a double rainbow!

We had a 13.0 high tide at 12:33 so we had lots of water to scan. It was
near 50 degrees and only light breeze so it was a pleasant day.

Highlights included a BEAVER, a BUFFLEHEAD x COMMON GOLDENEYE hybrid, and a
HUTTON VIREO.

The BEAVER was in the pond behind the visitor center at the start and
afforded good looks to all. The HYBRID duck was seen from the viewing
platform at the start of the estuary boardwalk. Unusual looking duck to say
the least. It was quite similar to the one seen in the same area 2 years
ago. I think Shep got some photos and posted them on ebird.

The HUTTON VIREO was outside the boardwalk just short of the picnic area
near the twin barns. It was working the low trees and allowed good looks.
Not nearly as hyper as a RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET.

Other birds of interest were declining numbers of waterfowl with lots of
pairing off. We had 2 pair of HOODED MERGANSERS at the visitor center and
had a couple of male EURASIAN WIGEON, one across from the parking lot and
the other at the end of the estuary boardwalk. We also saw a flock of BLACK
BRANT from the end of the estuary boardwalk.

Raptors seen included several BALD EAGLES, a RED-TAILED HAWK, the lingering
RED-SHOULDERED HAWK, a NORTHERN HARRIER, and a PEREGRINE FALCON and
AMERICAN KESTRAL. The GREAT HORNED OWL continues to sit on her nest but no
young are visible as of yet. Not sure what is going on but she has been on
that nest since the first of the year.

We did see several TREE SWALLOWS and YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS, so Spring
can't be too far off. RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS and SONG SPARROWS were singing
mightily as well.

For the day I had 61 species and now have 80 for the year. Mammals seen
were the BEAVER, a COTTON TAILED RABBIT, and BLACK-TAILED DEER.

Until next week.....

Phil Kelley
scrubjay323 at gmail.com
Lacey, WA
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: http://mailman1.u.washington.edu/pipermail/tweeters/attachments/20160217/caf9d10f/attachment.htm