We spent 5 hours today at Nisqually hoping to see the red-shouldered hawk and bittern which have been seen in the area recently and were able to see both! The hawk was in the far distance and we saw it thanks to a birder/photographer who had been walking with us since we first arrived! Ringed-neck ducks, herons, brown creepers, song sparrows, eagles, grebes, coots, mallards, Northern shovelers and widgeons were some of the other birds seen. Many others were enjoying the beautiful day!

Lots of people enjoying the outdoors on this free entry day. All respectfully social distancing and masking where appropriate. I got there about noon and made a few loops before snagging a parking spot. I am not sure what the lot is like on a non holiday. Seemed to be two large parking lots so maybe just the extra people filled it up this time. Did not see a ton of wildlife but such a beautiful day and area it was still worth it. The boardwalk is closed at about the last 700 feet until mid February. Perfect place for strollers. No pups allowed.

First visit to the Refuge! What a stunning property. The boardwalk feels a lot longer coming back than it seems, so be prepared depending on weather and other conditions. Loved the bird variety and the crowds weren't too heavy given it was a weekend. Will have to return in the summer!

Moody foggy day for our first visit here. Parking lot has room for 100 or so vehicles and was full at 2pm; we snagged a spot from someone who was leaving right as we arrived. We saw a couple eagles, several herons, and a variety of waterfowl.

When you plan this trip seeing a full sun day, make sure your trip won’t be a fog filled day! I was excited for a full sun, easier day of birdwatching, but Seattle’s full sun wasn’t to be found further south.

If you like to bird watch, and take kids on a mild walk over mud flats and see a variety of hawks, waterfowl, and sandpipers, this is a great place. But in the winter, make sure it’s sunny so you get the views of the mtns in the background and Puget sound. The place was a bit dreary… and gray…