There were not many cars in the parking lot when we arrived on this very cold day! The ponds had a thin layer of ice so the only ducks seen were a few mallards in the open waters of the pond behind the visitor center. It was high tide so there were many teal, mallards, and widgeons in the waters as we walked along the dike to the boardwalk. We saw 4 eagles, 2 heron, a peregrine falcon, and a kestrel. As we were returning to the parking lot, we saw an otter walking on the ice in the pond. It soon went into the water so we did not get a picture, but it was fun to see. We waited awhile to see if the otter would reappear. Just as we were starting to leave it poked it's head above the water just below where we were standing! Even more fun!

Very nice walk if you've never been. A long boardwalk over a huge estuary. Not many birds today, but we were there mid-day. But, we saw some herons, who are always fun to watch hunting their prey.

When I was little I visited the refuge with my Grandma a few times; I hardly recognized it! They have done quite a bit of work restoring it the past 10 years. On a sunny Saturday we headed down around noon, and it seemed like everyone else had the same idea. The parking lot was nearly full! Plenty of people enjoying the boardwalk, and there were several photographers there with their long lens and tripods, hoping to catch some good wildlife. There is plenty to see along the boardwalk, and if you continue further past the twin barns, you end up walking along a boardwalk suspended over the water (or tide flats, when the tide is out). Because it's hunting season, a short portion of the boardwalk is closed off, but this only cuts off about half a mile. We saw plenty of heron and ducks, beaver prints, and learned lots reading the educational plaques along the way. Definitely a relaxing stroll, and I'll for sure be back to see it change with the seasons!

Went out about 2-3 hours before high tide. The last 200-yards or so is closed now due to hunting. A very good cool fall day for a walk.