Birding 101: Getting Started Birding With Seattle-Area Kids
Photo:
Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. Credit: Jim Culp/Flickr CC
South Sound-area birding spots
Another river delta rich with bird life, this one south of Seattle, is the Billy Frank, Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, a short hop off Interstate 5 between Tacoma and Olympia. Unlike the sprawling Skagit, this area packs a complete ecosystem within an easily traversable (and wheelchair-accessible) system of boardwalk and earthen dike trails, a flat and easy hike for little legs. Start at the visitor center to pick up a bird list and map.
The best time to see birds at Nisqually is within two hours on either side of high tide, so check the tides before your visit. Even if your timing isn’t optimal for seeing birds, the boardwalk and flat trail through the flooded delta is a beautiful walk. You might see something unexpected; I once spotted mermaid-like harbor seals in the river, far from Puget Sound. There is a $3 fee per four adults for the day. Children age 16 and under are free (and note that dogs are not allowed).
