We’d heard migration season would be late February and early March so we came back for a visit, but it seems we’re still a little early! Other than our toddler, who was much fussier than usual, today was quieter than our last visit a couple months back. That may have been due to the drizzle and tide being mostly out. Still, we saw herons, eagles, ducks, frogs, and a huge group of seals hanging out on the mudflats, plus various other gulls and such. I’d love to come out here someday at sunrise, without a toddler, and just spend a day watching the animals follow the tides in and out. 

What a beautiful day to get outside! Parking was pretty tight, but there were enough people coming and going that I was to get a spot after circling the parking lot a couple of times. Although the trails were fairy busy, it never felt crowded. The boardwalk through the woods was less slippery than I expected despite still having frost in shaded areas. The wetland areas were mostly frozen over, but the geese and ducks were still out on the ice. As a note, the last 700ft of the estuary boardwalk is still closed for hunting season, but it opening up again on February 2nd! 

I saw quite a few ducks and geese, plus two herons, and at least 8 harbor seals playing in the water! The seals were very lively! They were jumping up and splashing and snorting at each other. It was definitely the highlight of the trip!  

I adore this place, especially in the winter. The waterfowl watching is unparalleled! And the trails and boardwalk are in great shape.

We arrived around 4pm and the main lot had clearly been full earlier (with some folks parking on the grass) but by that time, there were spots available. Bathrooms at the visitor center were open and heated.

We saw widgeons, pintails, mallards, shovelers, greater white fronted geese, greater yellowlegs, bald eagles, an osprey, a golden crowned kinglet (I think?) and more! Rainier was peeking over the hill with beautiful alpenglow.

Beautiful sunny day at Nisqually. The Greater White-Fronted Geese were a rare treat!

Went around 11am and the tide was beginning to recede. It was MLK Jr. Day and the nominal admission fees were waived for the holiday. There were a lot of families with young children out to enjoy the sunny winter day. Saw a lot of ducks, birds of prey, herons, more ducks, and lots of small birds in trees whose names I don’t know. The boardwalk was a little slippery from the first frost of the year, but still very walkable. Nice day to be outside!