Trip Report
Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge - Naturalist Trip
Five of us enjoyed fabulous birding weather with 51 species of birds, a deer, rabbits, frogs, and more. Great views of Hooded Mergansers, Pileated Woodpeckers, over 500 cackling geese, and nesting tree swallows, among the wonderful memorable moments.
Courtenay Schurman
- Fri, Apr 18, 2025
- Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
- Naturalist & Day Hiking
- Successful
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- Road suitable for all vehicles
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Five hikers from Seattle and Olympia Mountaineers branches, led by Bob Keranen, enjoyed a 4.5-hour bird-filled morning (3.83 miles) that began at 7:10 a.m. We had a leisurely and bird-centric trip. The restrooms were open and stocked, and at that time, the parking lot had plenty of spaces, but at 11:40, when we got done, cars were waiting for any vacant spots.
Lots of school groups were coming in as we were leaving. It's truly wonderful to see youth excited about using binoculars. Start them young!
No parking pass is required, but you can buy a $3 day parking pass; a national parks pass will also do. I had zero traffic heading down from Seattle at 6 a.m. and moderate traffic headed through JBLM and Tacoma around noon.
The boardwalk and paths are in great condition, and the birds are abundant. As a group, we heard or saw 51 species (252 photos) with a possible pheasant as the 52nd. We got great looks at over 500 honking, flying, cackling geese that flushed when an eagle flew overhead, and 17 greater white-fronted geese right near the path. I also enjoyed the marsh wrens singing and collecting cattail nesting material.
We enjoyed the riparian forest where two hooded mergansers, a band-tailed pigeon, and both a downy and pileated woodpecker came to show off. Other wonderful moments included wood ducks, nesting tree swallows, a bald eagle perched on the pergola, and several shorebirds near the boardwalk.
I'd been looking forward to this trip for several weeks as co-leader, and the five of us had a lovely time. Our novice birder spotted a white-tailed deer that crossed right in front of us over the boardwalk, and I had my 400mm lens at the ready. We also saw a pair of harbor seals, several rabbits, a river otter, and a frog. Bonus!