Tweets,

Today 30 of us enjoyed a productive walk at Nisqually. We had some
fog, but mostly high overcast. We has a 4.0 low tide at 12:11 so there
was lots of mud and little water.

Highlights included WHITE-THROATED SPARROW, SHORT-EARED OWL, and
VIRGINIA RAILS.

The WHITE-THROATED SPARROW was in the play area near the Education
Center and provided good looks for everyone. VIRGINIA RAILS were seen
or heard along the boardwalk to the twin barns, 2 at the bridge toward
the twin barns and 2 along the estuary dike.

The highlight of the day was the SHORT-EARED OWL. It was first spotted
on a small bush out in the reclamation area when it took off and
hunted the area, flying back and forth just above ground level for
several minutes. It was quite a show and everyone got great looks.

Out in the reclamation area were several WESTERN MEADOWLARKS and our
resident AMERICAN KESTREL. We also had both male and female NORTHERN
HARRIERS working the area.

For the day I had 51 species and now have 122 for the year.

Be advised that they are replacing a bridge on the estuary boardwalk
and they expect it to be closed this weekend while they drive pilings.

Until next week....

Phil Kelley
scrubjay323 at gmail.com
Lacey, WA