Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge — Friday, Mar. 29, 2013

Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area

I enjoyed reading Tami Asars’ WTA signpost blog, “Nature on Trail”, especially after hiking the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge 4 mile trail system and seeing so much great wildlife. On the Twin Barns Loop Trail we saw a turtle and Bullfrogs sunning, a pair of Hooded Mergansers in full courtship display, with the male’s crest raised and spread like a Peacock tail. Male and Female Bewick's Wrens were observed building their nest in the base/trunk of a cottonwood tree. From the Twin Barns observation platform we observed a pair of Northern Harriers hunting together, and a Mink both in and out of the water. Along the Nisqually Estuary Trail we saw and heard a Sandhill crane, and the smaller Cackling Canada Geese that were feeding along side the full size Canada Geese. Side by side you could really see the difference between the two related varieties of geese. Northern Shovelers and Green-winged Teals were observed along this trail. This hike is a good choice for families including infants in stroller. Bring a pair of binoculars so you can get a better look at the birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians that inhabit the Nisqually River Delta.