Almost 5 year old hiked to the viewing platform at the end of the boardwalk and back, a total of 4 miles.

For my husband and me, this was the most wildlife we had ever seen on a trip here! The tide was coming back in and with it, the seals and all the birds. Herons, terns, seagulls, cormorants, were all fishing and crabbing. We saw a bunch of bullfrogs as well as tree frogs! 

Beautiful weather! What a great day!

A very hot day, but I wanted to see high tide. Also, I was hiking alone and feel secure on this trail. A gentleman joined me for half the journey, which was helpful.

Very different birds this time, with extremely active Caspian Terns. Also, for the first time, I saw harbor seals pulled out on one of the islands in the river!

Th walk was a little buggier than two weeks ago, especially when the wind died down. Still, pleasant with lots of good birds.

What a gem this refuge is. How many times have I driven by and passed it up ---too many. On this Father’s Day we arrived at 615 AM, timing our visit to be out over the water at the 8 AM high tide. We barely made it that far in time as there were SO MANY birds along the boardwalk on the Twin Barn Loop Trail. The concert of birdsong made for a serene stroll; especially since there were just a handful of early bird photographers out with us.

Thanks to one who is a frequent flyer here as he pointed out various birds’ hiding spots and shared what he has seen on his many previous visits. We realized it was like a museum, just stop in place and wait for something to fly by! And they did. The boardwalk follows the shore of the pond which also is teeming with life, we enjoyed the Mallard mama and her 6 ducklings plucking breakfast out from under the lily pads in the pond. Did you know that the vocal vibrations of bullfrogs causes ripple rings in the water?  On land we were entertained by two leaping rabbits, dancing to some mysterious beat. Back to the birds-swallows, chickadees, maybe yellow throated thrush, sparrows, and wrens.

Before heading out to the Estuary Boardwalk we stopped at the Twin Barns Observation Platform---be sure and do that too. There you see out toward Puget Sound, the Olympics in the hazy background and lots of birds in the foreground. Barn and Tree Swallows, several Rufous Hummingbirds, and my favorite-Cedar Waxwings!

Now out in the open, on the shade less gravel Estuary Trail we headed to the Estuary Boardwalk---in the distance we could make out Bald Eagles, Blue Herons, and lots of seagulls. But the Red Winged Blackbirds proved to be a distraction in making much progress; and a regal juvenile eagle posing for pictures.

The high tide had peaked but still provided some cool reflection scenes of the graceful boardwalk reaching out a mile into the estuary-very impressive. Swallows were flitting all around, but the gulls and the Caspian Terns were camped on the muddy shores. At the very end Viewing Platform we could now see about 2 dozen Blue Heron on the grassy islands; something spooked them and off they flew with Mt Rainier in the background. Now we could see even more Bald Eagles, and many Juveniles---probably 2 dozen of them. On our way back a Harbor Seal was swimming along heading inland looking for lunch as the tide was rapidly going back out. Right on cue the Caspian Terns were now actively fishing.

Lots of people were out by now enjoying the warm day, this place is perfect for all mobile abilities and all ages. It got pretty hot on the exposed wooden boardwalk and a stop in one of the covered platforms was a relief-bring water and a sunhat! 

We will be back many more times…we need to complete the eastern part of the Twin Barns Loop and check out the two Overlooks we missed, and spend some time in the Visitor Center. One of the naturalists was out front with some hands on displays-looked cool as she was surrounded by little ones.

PS the restrooms are open when the park is open, even though the Visitor Center is closed. 

Check this out before you go!https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Billy_Frank_Jr_Nisqually/

First hike of the year in this NWR - one of my favorites. The bald eagles were quite active, although it was low tide and they did not get too close. There were two adults and two immatures that interacted with them. Light rain part of the time. I can't wait to go back in a few weeks!

I took a nice 4 mile walk at the wildlife refuge after dinner in honor of National Trails Day! As always, the trail is in good shape. Mt. Rainier was out and had a nice lenticular cap. There are a ton of wildflowers blooming right now! I was lucky enough to be there when the tide was coming in, so I saw plenty of Blue Herons and a family of Canada Geese. I haven't had any issues with mosquitos before, but I sure did tonight! It's not an issue when you're in the delta boardwalk area, but when you have to walk back to your car, you'll get eaten alive if you're like me and didn't think about putting bug spray on before leaving the house.