Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge — Saturday, Dec. 29, 2007

Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area

My friend Kirstin treated me to a visit to the Nisqually National WLR, a place I had always been curious about, but sadly had never taken the time to visit. I'll certainly be back. The long loop is on a seasonal closure until Jan 27th. However, the shorter loop is open and if you're lucky like we were, you'll enjoy the sea lion on the Nisqually River - he was surfacing and puffing spray up into the air. Quite wonderful to listen to the huffing and see the spray shoot up. He was rolling and playing as well. Bald eagles sitting in a tree surveying their hunting grounds and making the squawking geese nervous and fluttery. The Nisqually WLR is chock-full of gorgeous wetlands and golden grasses - the cloudy day made the color of the mosses and golden grasses pop. Interepretive signs help identify the birds. This place is loved; even in the cold, icy rain, lots of folks came out here today. A wonderful place; I will go back and enjoy the full 5.5 mile loop later this winter. The loop re-opens January 27th. [url=http://www.fws.gov/Nisqually/default.html]Here's the website to browse. [/url]