Scatter Creek Field Trip (6/9/05) Highlights

Scatter Creek and the Mima Mounds are near Olympia, Washington. Both the North and South Units were birded. Wilson's Warblers were numerous at the North along with Cassin's Vireo, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Hairy Woodpecker, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Winter Wren, Purple Finch, Savannah and Chipping Sparrow, Common Yellowthroat, Bullock's Oriole, Black-headed Grosbeak, American Goldfinch, and Western Tanager. Flycatchers included Willow, Pacific-slope and Western Wood-peewee.

While waiting to the see the Black-throated Gray Warbler at the North Unit, an immature Gray Jay come in close and a nearby Mourning Dove was heard calling. A Chukar strutted about, possibly celebrating it's freedom from the fall/winter hunters.

The highlight at the South Unit included the young American Kestrel retrieving a mouse from the adult male at the nest hole in a dead snag. A Polyphemus Moth in the hand added to the day's experiences. Wildflowers, Garter snakes, bunnies, and a young Coyote caught our attention, too. On the drive between Units, a Western Scrub-jay gave us good looks as it perched in a tree, on a house roof, and also walked in the road.

A side-trip to the Mima Mounds was a first for many of the participants. There were 12 birders and 54 species sighted.