Since the 5.5 miles of dike surrounding the estuary is due to be permanently closed, and removed, around April 22 this is a good time to get an easy and fun hike in one last time. There were only a few small muddy spots but lots of birds. Highlights included a Great Blue Heron feeding highly successfully within ten feet of us near the photo blind, multiple bald eagles, and hundreds of small and large Canadian geese landing and taking off at once (especially when a bald eagle would circle too near). On Saturday, April 18th many special events in anticipation of the closing are planned - check the website. Bring binoculars.

We took the 5.5 mile Brown Farm Dike Trail. It takes about 2 hours walking. We didn't take any Binoculars or spotting scopes. But we still met 2 Great Blue Heron, 2 Hawks(They are on the tall tree, difficult to tell by eyes),1 American Coot, one lovelt Pileated Woodpecker,some American Crow, and lots of Canada Goose, Wood Duck. Mallard,Bushtit. That's lots fun even we don't know much about the birds. mongie from mongie.info

Once again great hiking with my amazing friend Annie. Not sure what I would do without her always lending a hand with my camera, case, jacket, lunch, umbrella, etc. We explored the Wildlife refuge this morning arrived in the parking lot a bit before 8:00 AM. Deposited our $3 and were off to see some critters. It was raining a bit when we started but after 15 minutes it stopped. We saw a big group of bird watchers counting species, they were very excited to be here. The trail is 5 miles and all flat. We observed TONS birds of all shapes, colors, sizes, 2 river otters, 1 squirrel, & 1 deer. We wandered through swampy areas, beside river, ocean, boardwalks, twin barns were so cool, and the trees in this area are huge. Amazing quiet place and not too many people at all today. We were done before noon and decided to head to Tolmie state park and do the 2 mile loop hike there. The afternoon ended with no rain and it even felt warm for a bit as we took in the beach views before heading home. Great day in Olympia 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]

The Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is a wonderful place to visit any time of year. I go there often to get away from dogs, joggers and bikers. I also go there to photograph the abundant birds and wildlife. Visitors must keep in mind that this is a wildlife refuge. No dogs are allowed and any activity that will disturb the wildlife is also banned. It's a place to go and walk slowly, and take in the quiet surroundings. The trails are broad and flat and there are boardwalks in some areas. The trip to the Twin Barns can be especially rewarding around this time of year when the swallows are nesting. It's a great place to visit if you want peace and quiet.