Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge — Friday, Sep. 14, 2018

Because the pup was in for minor surgery today, mom and I took the opportunity to do a “no dogs allowed” hike.  We rolled in a little after noon to find an almost completely full parking lot, which included an Olympia School District school bus.  Right away we saw four birds or the mechanized variety.  Additionally, we saw four deer, countless double breasted cormorants, seagulls, common mergansers, herons, a peregrine falcon which caught a fish, warblers, and possibly a plover (although it doesn’t appear to be in their range).  A number of folks previously had seen a whimbrel over the past few days, but we didn’t see it.  (FYI- The farthest reaches of the boardwalk are open through Oct 13, at which time it is closed due to bird hunting.)  All in all a great outing!