Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, Olympia, Washington: Sunday, April 1, 2012

Location: Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, Olympia, Washington, 98516, United States of America (Lat: 47.071729, Long: -122.717242)

Date: Sunday, April 1

Time: early afternoon

Weather Conditions: temperatures in low-mid 40s (°F), significant cloud cover

Summary of Observations: Trail winded through grasslands, woodlands (specifically, a deciduous riparian forest), and freshwater marshes. Ended with a boardwalk lookout over a tidal estuary. During the first part of the walk (more in the woodlands, nearer to the visitor’s center), observed understory of abundant Sword Ferns, Salal, Indian Plum, Red Flowering Currant, and Salmonberry. Also saw some Snowberry, Kinnikinnick, and Pacific Ninebark. Woodlands comprised of primarily Alders, Cottonwoods, and Big Leaf Maples. Here, saw and heard Song Sparrows, observed a Great Horned Owl in what I think was a Red Alder, and observed a Rufous Hummingbird feeding on Salmonberry. As we moved into the grasslands, observed American Robins and House Finches scavenging. In the marshes, saw many Canada Geese. Also observed what I think was a juvenile Red-Tailed Hawk in the trees above the marshes (I forgot to record which tree it was in). Many cattails in the water. Walking out to the boardwalk, came across a dead salamander. I think it may have been a Long-toed Salamander, but I am uncertain because it seemed to have faded in color. Looking out over the tidal estuary, we observed Great Blue Herons in the water, along with Mallards and more Canada Geese. Also saw a juvenile Bald Eagle fly past.

Questions: Noticed what looked like restoration work in a few locations along the path- wondering what they were planting/protecting?

Species List

1. Populus trichocarpa (Black Cottonwood)
2. Alnus rubra (Red Alder)
3. Acer macrophyllum (Bigleaf Maple)
4. Polystichum munitum (Sword Fern)
5. Ribes sanguineum (Red Flowering Currant)
6. Gaultheria shallon (Salal)
7. Rubus spectabilis (Salmonberry)
8. Oemleria cerasiformis (Indian Plum)
9. Symphoricarpos albus (Snowberry)
10. Physocarpus capitatus (Pacific Ninebark)
11. Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Kinnikinnick)
12. Ardea Herodias (Great Blue Heron)
13. Branta canadensis (Canada Goose)
    
14. Anas platyrhynchos (Mallard )
15. Buteo jamaicensis (Red-tailed Hawk)
16. Bubo virginianus (Great Horned Owl )
17. Selasphoras rufus (Rufous Hummingbird)
18. Turdus migratorius (American Robin)
19. Melospiza melodia (Song Sparrow)
20. Carpodacus mexicanus (House Finch)
21. Ambystoma macrodactylum (Long-toed Salamander) (??)

Posted on Απρίλιος 20, 2012 0818 ΜΜ by sophiejhart