Nature Hike

Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge

Friday afternoon (2.11) Makenna and I set out for a nature hike at Nisqually Wildlife Refuge (12 miles from our home) to see what we could see. As Makenna gets older it becomes more and more apparent that she LOVES the outdoors, especially tree canopies. We first strolled on the boardwalk passing thickets and ponds full of various dabbling ducks, a couple of bald eagles perched high in conifers, various sign of beaver, and small song birds bounding from one hiding place to another. The wooden path lead us to a look out on the banks of the Nisqually River where a harbor seal cruised its current for fish. Makenna also spotted her first belted kingfisher! It was apparent she heard the mighty call of this sporadic shorebird, but then it became quite obvious that she saw it too!! Her gaze and head followed the blue darting bird as it quickly flew by us to a limb bowing over the river. Later in our adventure a bald eagle flew overhead and I pointed up and exclaimed "look Makenna a bald eagle", she took notice at what I was pointing at and kept her eyes fixed on the bird until it flew out of sight. I continue to be amazed and impressed by our little one. Thanks Grandpa for the suggestion of such an incredible place for us to explore. We will definitely make return trips to see what else we can see!