Field Trip 2 - Seattle Naturalists Intro Natural World Course - Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge

Field trip: Introduction to the Natural World Course

Field Trip 2 - Seattle Naturalists Intro Natural World Course - Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge

Let's go birding! We will focus on honing your skills in using binoculars and the Merlin app to maximize viewing, identifying and enjoying our beautiful area birds. The boardwalk and riparian areas attract various woodland, waterfowl and raptors. We will be looking and listening for both migratory and resident birds in breeding plumage as they seek potential mates and set up territories for nesting.

  • Easy
  • Easy
  • Mileage: 4.0 mi
  • Pace: 1.0 mph

Expect to spend 3 to 4  hours wandering the trails, looking for birds and listening to their calls. We will practice looking at key characteristics like shape, size, color patterns, and behaviors. The Merlin App will be helpful in identifying species and a bird book either hard copy or as an app will give more information.  

Pre trip Assignments There are a couple of tasks to complete prior to this field trip.

-Set your binoculars to your face and vision. These are simple adjustments that really help improve your viewing. There are a few YouTube videos that can help you set your binoculars. I like this one  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_Su5b1cNpU&t=203s

-Download the FREE Merlin App to your phone or tablet. Be sure to add the US: West Coast bird pack while you have a good connection to WiFi. These are large files that take a while to download.

Trip Info

After introductions we will discuss using the bird apps, Merlin & eBird in the field. After our discussion expect to spend approximately 3 hours wandering the trails, looking for birds and listening to their calls and song. We will practice looking at key bird characteristics like shape, size, color patterns, sound and behaviors and use the Merlin app and or bird guidebook to identify the species. 

 

 

We'll meet at 8:00 a.m.; the specific location will be sent to registered participants three days prior to the field trip.

Route/Place

Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge


Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

Bring binoculars. Bring your smartphone or tablet with the Merlin App and have the Pacific Bird Pack loaded. 

If you don't have binoculars, email the trip leader to see if they might be able to bring an extra pair.

Trip Reports