Bonnie Wood – December 15, 2020
Much beloved by Thurston County residents seeking Rough-Skinned Newts, Wood Ducks, and birdsong, McLane Creek’s paths and boardwalks wend through diverse second-growth forest and along the edge of a beaver pond. A visit in the winter offers an advantage because deciduous trees are bare and you may locate birds more easily than in summer’s thick canopy. On the other hand, winter’s cold keeps birds relatively quiet and hidden.
There are a variety of walking options here. There is a 1.1 mile loop around the beaver pond which can be shortened by taking the old railroad grade trail which cuts through the middle of the park. You can also extend your walk by heading up into Capitol State Forest (not shown on map but clearly marked on the eastern side of the small northern pond), adding approximately 1.7 miles in another loop. The habitat is drier and more open in that area so brings the possibility of different birds.
In mid-December, we arrived at the parking lot and immediately heard overwintering Red-winged Blackbirds calling. A Pacific Wren chipped at us and a Spotted Towhee whined. In the pond, Mallards, Lesser Scaup, Bufflehead, and several Gadwall glided across the still water in the sun’s warmth. Bald Eagles flew over the pond.
Entering the forest, we immediately smelled rotting fish, despite the cold air. Chum salmon, dead and alive, were numerous from the creek’s viewing platforms. Bald Eagles were calling to each other in the forest.
Chickadees, juncoes, Golden-crowned Kinglets, crows, and Stellar’s Jays were busy, if not always easy to spot. A Marsh Wren rasped at us from rushes along the pond. A Belted Kingfisher hunted from perches in the pond.
Boardwalks can be slippery when wet. Walk with care.
Directions: From any direction, head west on Route 101 and exit at Mud Bay Road. Turn left off the ramp and left again at the next light, Delphi Road. Follow Delphi for approximately three miles until you see a fairly inconspicuous brown sign signaling the turn for McLane on the right. Alternatively, you may turn right onto Delphi from Black Lake Boulevard in Tumwater, in which case the turn for McLane Creek Nature Trail will be on the left.
A Discover Pass is required to park. There are toilets off the parking lot; one was open mid-December.
Photos by Bonnie Wood
BEFORE YOU GO:
Before heading off for a birding adventure, here are some things to consider –
1. It’s always best to have a partner with you – both to maximize the joy and to minimize the risks. BHAS cannot ensure that these locations are totally safe.
2. Don’t forget to bring your mask and hand sanitizer. Have your mask handy and put it on when passing another person not in your party.
3. Leave valuables at home.
4. Check the weather and the bird reports before heading out. An easy way to check what birds have been seen is through Birder’s Dashboard http://birdingwashington.info/dashboard/. It is a simple way to research a species, place, or checklist.
