Tweets,

Yesterday 25 of us enjoyed a good walk at Nisqually. It was less active
than I expected, but productive none the less. We had a 10.30 high tide at
10.18 so there was still lots of water out in the estuary.

Things have really grown and leafed out in the last couple of weeks and
there is lots of growth on the pond behind the visitor center so
waterfowling was poor.

The highlight of the day was viewing two of the three GREAT HORNED OWL
chicks. They have moved from the nest site to the stand of big leaf
maples east of the visitor center. They are still inside the boardwalk
about 200 yards from the visitor center near just before the woodland trail.

We also found a BULLOCK'S ORIOLE nest in a lone cottonwood tree between the
parking lot and the access road near the education center. There is some
blue twine in the nest. but the nest is well hidden near the top of the
tree.

As the tide dropped GULLS, DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS, and GREAT BLUE HERON
lined up to feed as their prey became concentrated in the narrowing
channels. There were 36 GBHs in one line waiting for the dinner bell to
ring.

Eric spotted a WHITE PELICAN flying over the refuge but it flew off before
I got to the twin barns viewing platform to see it.

Jon Anderson walked the estuary boardwalk so he may report other sightings
that I missed.

We did have a good day with flycatchers, with several WESTERN WOOD-PEEWEES
and WILLOW FLYCATCHERS being seen and heard. I also had my FOY KILLDEER on
the refuge.

For the day I had 40 species and now have 112 for the year. Mammals seen
were BEAVER, GRAY SQUIRREL, and lots of COTTONTAILED RABBITS.

Until next week.....

Phil Kelley
scrubjay323 at gmail.com
Lacey, WA