Spring is here. Eaglets will soon emerge from their nest. Southern migrants have returned. Together with the residents, songs fill the air. Billy Frank Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is an ideal place to see a variety of birds. Salt and freshwater wetlands, forests and fields offer different habitats in close proximity, resulting in an abundance of wildlife.

We’ll meet at the far parking lot at 9:00 am and hike leisurely for 2½ - 3 hours. We’ll identify birds by sight and sound. Bring binoculars, camera. Afterwards, we’ll have a bag lunch at the visitor center benches, by a large pond. Come for one or both. The entrance fee is $3.00 per four adults. Children under 16 years of age have free admission. The follow pass holders will admit you and three other adults for free: America the Beautiful Annual Pass, Lifetime Senior Pass (formerly Golden Age), Annual Senior Pass, Lifetime Access Pass (for those with disabilities), Annual Military Pass, and Gold Star Families with Vouchers.

The walk will be led by Barak Gale and Cindy Levy. Barak will share some passages of Perek Shira along the way. Cindy will have bird books and the Merlin app which identifies birds by sight, song and call. Barak served 7 years on the Board of the Washington Wilderness Coalition. Cindy is a former wildlife biologist with the US Fish and Wildlife Service in Lacey, during which time she did field studies and worked to protect ecosystems. Both Cindy and Barak love wilderness, and deeply understand the importance of connecting with nature for our physical, mental, and soulful health.

Midrash Koheleth Rabah 7:13:
“Upon creating the first human
beings, God guided them around
the Garden of Eden, saying:
“Look at my creations! See how
beautiful and perfect they are! I
created everything for you. Make
sure you don’t ruin or destroy
MY world. If you do, there will
be no one to repair.”

Photos by Barak
Billy Frank Jr Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
January 23, 2023