Date: 1/16/26 12:46 pm From: Denis DeSilvis via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM) Eagle's Pride Golf Course (GC) monthly bird walk - 1-15-2026
Tweeters,
An overcast and mild (46-49degF) day with a bit of a breeze at times, which made it cool when we first met during the JBLM Eagle's Pride GC birdwalk. Birding started light for most of the way for the baker's dozen of us until the very end, when we scored a diverse mixed flock consisting of both chickadees, Hairy Woodpecker, Brown Creeper, Golden-crowned Kinglets, and others, including a well-viewed HUTTON'S VIREO, for which we have an excellent photo (thanks, Bruce!). Otherwise, a nice flock of American Wigeon (25) at the 9th hole pond, and a dozen Bufflehead at Hodge Lake. Rounding out the waterfowl were a couple of Mallards, a flyover of 44 Cackling geese, and a gorgeous male Hooded Merganser (the latter at the maintenance pond).
American Robins (2) were way down in numbers, and no Varied Thrushes, the latter being what seems typical thus far this winter throughout the Puget lowlands.
The JBLM Eagle's Pride GC birders meet the third Thursday of each month at 9:00AM from November to February. (Meeting time is 8:00AM March-October.) The starting point is the Driving Range building, Eagle's Pride Golf Course, I-5 Exit 116, Mounts Road Exit. (Turn left immediately after entering the parking lot to take the road leading to the driving range building.) Upcoming walks include the following:
* February 19
* March 19
* April 16
Everyone is welcome!
From the eBirdPNW report:
29 species
Cackling Goose 44
American Wigeon 25 All at the 9th hole pond.
Mallard 2
Bufflehead 15 3 at the 9th hole pond and 12 at Hodge Lake.
Hooded Merganser 1 At the maintenance pond.
Mourning Dove 5
Anna's Hummingbird 4
Red-breasted Sapsucker 1
Downy Woodpecker 1
Hairy Woodpecker 2
Pileated Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 3
Hutton's Vireo 1 In a mixed flock in the Douglas-firs across the road from the maintenance pond.
Steller's Jay 1
California Scrub-Jay 1 Sounding off repeatedly from the top of a willow at the maintenance pond.
