Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge — Sunday, Jun. 17, 2018

What a gem this refuge is. How many times have I driven by and passed it up ---too many. On this Father’s Day we arrived at 615 AM, timing our visit to be out over the water at the 8 AM high tide. We barely made it that far in time as there were SO MANY birds along the boardwalk on the Twin Barn Loop Trail. The concert of birdsong made for a serene stroll; especially since there were just a handful of early bird photographers out with us.

Thanks to one who is a frequent flyer here as he pointed out various birds’ hiding spots and shared what he has seen on his many previous visits. We realized it was like a museum, just stop in place and wait for something to fly by! And they did. The boardwalk follows the shore of the pond which also is teeming with life, we enjoyed the Mallard mama and her 6 ducklings plucking breakfast out from under the lily pads in the pond. Did you know that the vocal vibrations of bullfrogs causes ripple rings in the water?  On land we were entertained by two leaping rabbits, dancing to some mysterious beat. Back to the birds-swallows, chickadees, maybe yellow throated thrush, sparrows, and wrens.

Before heading out to the Estuary Boardwalk we stopped at the Twin Barns Observation Platform---be sure and do that too. There you see out toward Puget Sound, the Olympics in the hazy background and lots of birds in the foreground. Barn and Tree Swallows, several Rufous Hummingbirds, and my favorite-Cedar Waxwings!

Now out in the open, on the shade less gravel Estuary Trail we headed to the Estuary Boardwalk---in the distance we could make out Bald Eagles, Blue Herons, and lots of seagulls. But the Red Winged Blackbirds proved to be a distraction in making much progress; and a regal juvenile eagle posing for pictures.

The high tide had peaked but still provided some cool reflection scenes of the graceful boardwalk reaching out a mile into the estuary-very impressive. Swallows were flitting all around, but the gulls and the Caspian Terns were camped on the muddy shores. At the very end Viewing Platform we could now see about 2 dozen Blue Heron on the grassy islands; something spooked them and off they flew with Mt Rainier in the background. Now we could see even more Bald Eagles, and many Juveniles---probably 2 dozen of them. On our way back a Harbor Seal was swimming along heading inland looking for lunch as the tide was rapidly going back out. Right on cue the Caspian Terns were now actively fishing.

Lots of people were out by now enjoying the warm day, this place is perfect for all mobile abilities and all ages. It got pretty hot on the exposed wooden boardwalk and a stop in one of the covered platforms was a relief-bring water and a sunhat! 

We will be back many more times…we need to complete the eastern part of the Twin Barns Loop and check out the two Overlooks we missed, and spend some time in the Visitor Center. One of the naturalists was out front with some hands on displays-looked cool as she was surrounded by little ones.

PS the restrooms are open when the park is open, even though the Visitor Center is closed. 

Check this out before you go!https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Billy_Frank_Jr_Nisqually/