The parking lot at the visitor center was open at 2pm, despite the ongoing furlough, and almost full. The restrooms were open as well.

Walked out to the boardwalk. Only the last few hundred feet were closed for the season.

The tide was going out, and there were plenty of ducks, bald eagles, herons and other birds, as well as some seals.

There were a lot of people out and about, but the trails are all double-wide, so there was no congestion.

Over 30 mature and juvenile bald eagles perched on shoreline trees. Stunning! Always a surprise to see which birds are out.

Lovely day for a walk on the boardwalks. Got here around 11:30 and parking lot was pretty full, but not bad. We decided to hit the boardwalks which were a little slippery. Lots of families out enjoying the day, some doing family photo shoots. Saw lots of ducks, sea gulls, a couple of herons and a few bald eagles. When the golden hour was approaching a number of photographers were out hoping to catch a few good shots. This is the first time we've been here, would be nice to come back in spring to see it green. Oh the last 700 ft of the mile long boardwalk is closed until the end of January due to hunting just fyi.

Decided to meet my daughter for lunch (in Portland) which meant I had time for 2 wildlife areas in one day. 

I stopped at Nisqually on my way down. It was beautiful and sunny in the morning.  Not too many birds. Could have been the wind. Watch your step on the boardwalks. They’re a little slippery. 

On my way home I stopped at Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge.  Compared to the overflowing parking lot at Nisqually, I was happy to see 2 cars at Ridgefield. Immediately I heard what sounded like a big goose party. I wasn’t able to get close enough to the water to get a good look but I was able to zoom in and see that it was actually a Swan party. They honked the whole time I was there. 

If you’re a tree lover, you should make your way here. The Oak trees are incredible. Also spotted here- birds, mushrooms, frogs.