Nisqually Wildlife Refuge

A large flock of birds is something you will see but with a closer look here are some of the species you are seeing. The Great Blue Heron is seen many times. Then you will see the more uncommon ones like the Ring Billed Gull and the Double Crested Cormorant.

The wildlife reserve in Nisqually, WA north of Olympia and south of Tacoma is found on an exit from the I 5 highway. The name of the reserve is Billy Frank Jr Nisqually National Wildlife Reserve and you will see that on the exit sign. Run by the US Fish and Wildlife Service it is wonderful park to visit with children and no matter what your age is due to the easy and safe walking trails. Here you will see the Nisqually River Delta flow into Puget Sound. This you will see after walking on a very easy trail that extends to the long river path. Prior to the river path, though, you have the opportunity to see many animals. There I have seen more Pacific Tree Frogs than anywhere else in this state, other frogs, snake and lizard species, beavers, and numerous birds. Then, when you start walking on the river path you will see other species, usually birds, but looking closer you may see some strange tiny species crawling alongside the river. They look like crabs or shrimps but I have not yet identified these. Yes, our summer season is over, but the Billy Frank Jr Nisqually National Wildlife Reserve is still a great place to visit.