Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge — Monday, Feb. 19, 2024

The wetland and sound boardwalks were in great condition, as was the wide trail connecting them.

What a day for birding! It was a chilly day (around the 40s) with pouring rain until about 2pm. We arrived just after it had cleared up.

Here are some highlights:

-Near the barn at the end of the wetland boardwalk, there is a tree with an eagles’ nest. Fellow birders let us know they’ve been nesting there year after year. In the tree, we saw two adults and three juveniles who appear to be sticking around with their parents until they’re ready for life on their own.
-Waterfowl!!! We heard migrating cackling geese as soon as we arrived and noted their higher-pitched call than Canada geese. A helpful sign on the boardwalk educated us on the difference. I was overjoyed to see and learn to distinguish 8 different species of duck: Widgeon, shoveler, pintail, ring-necked, bufflehead, goldeneye, and good ole mallards
-saw three different species of woodpecker on the same cluster of trees: downy, hairy, and red-breasted sapsucker
-multiple species of gull + greater yellow legs out on the mud flats
-the frogs were calling everywhere, and I was able to spot just one of the elusive little guys
-a fellow hiker let us know there were some hauled-out seals visible from the end of the boardwalk. By the time we got there, just one mottled gray seal was visible, just chilling on the grass.

The sun came out in full force on the Tacoma narrows bridge before setting and leaving the trail in darkness. We saw numerous rabbits and even a bat, which was a surprise for February.

What a joyful hike. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys birding or loves seeing wildlife.

All photos by Christopher Atherly.