April 1st Nisqually Estuary. Sea Level
11:00 AM
Weather: Cloudy. Strong guests of wind from North.
Habitat: Grassy Marsh land. Further from Sound we find more treas, as we move towarss the sea it turns to grasses. Several creeks flowing towards tidal flats.
As we return to sea level we are once again confronted with an abundance of Himalayan Black Berries. Sword ferns are still present but less so then at pack forest. Great deal of birds in the area. Of note were owls and hawks which could be seen in the medium height branches. 2-3 Eagles were also observed circling the area and landing in trees to the south west. Several types of water fowl could be seen such as mallards which would eat by dipping their heads in the water and swimming in circles, as well as Canadian Geese which tended to be seen on the banks near the water in areas that also featured ducks. Finches and robins as well as other unidentified birds were also observed moving quickly between trees. Nearer to the edge were an abundance of young big leaf maples, cat tails, and the occasional painted turtle.
Species List:
Salix
Acer macrophyllum
Typha latifolia
Branta Canadensis
Bubo virginianus
Buteo jamaicensis
Chrysemys picta bellii
Haliaeetus leucocephalus
Thin tree growing out of shallow water estuary, closer to the land side then the sea side. Small oval leaves and long light green combs that grow upwards.
Second most common bird observed in the wildlife refuge. Saw 3-4 groups consisting of 2-4 geese. Alone when on land, typically seen with groups of ducks while in water.
Observed 2 young Budo virginianus in lower branches of tree roughly 40 meters from path at about noon.
Difficult to see in picture but believe to be a juvenile red tail hawk. Found sitting in low branches. Brown with white blotches.Distinct white V coming down from neck towards belly.
Fairly common around banks of slower moving to stagnant sections of estuary. Tend to be found in patches.
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