My family was visiting from out of state, and my sister requested a hike with wildlife. Circumstances required we do an afternoon hike, which doesn't leave us as much time as the morning does with the kids' schedules. When thinking "Close to home, lots of wildlife opportunities" I thought Theler Wetlands!
We only did the boardwalk and then just a tiny stretch if trail after it, but we managed to get in 1.29 miles.
The Salmonberry are starting to bloom their flowers, some have VERY tiny green berries starting to form, nothing remotely near ripe yet. There were also skunk cabbage and horsetails (some opened up and some still looking stalky).
We saw several Garter Snakes across from the schoolhouse (or whatever the building is with the grey whale skeleton). We saw one initially and as we observed it, at least 4 total slithered out from the leaves and brush.
Out on the boardwalk there were lots of swallows or swifts soaring around catching their dinner. We heard many birds as we walked, and my sister was very excited to see a Marsh Wren sitting on it's nest. There was also a Canada Goose out in the distance hanging out near the water.
We were disappointed we ran out of time to explore longer, 2 summers ago we also saw herons and a merlin. So there is plenty of opportunities to see birds here. This is another one that we will continue to return to.
I'm doing the 52 Hike Challenge with my kids this year and this is hike #17 for us! My son and I are ahead by 1 but my daughter is behind by 2. Not sure if we'll get her caught up but the year is still young!
Garmin stats for this hike are linked below.
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