Spring at Nisqually Wildlife Refuge

Spring teased us again yesterday

with a full day of sun for our walk through

Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge

east of Olympia, WA.

Miles of boardwalks allow human visitors to enjoy the rich river delta while protecting the wildlife habitat. The Nisqually River estuary was restored in 2009 by removing dikes and reconnecting 762 acres with the saltwater tides of the Puget Sound.

Fields, woodland, marshes, mudflats and ponds cover the area and are home (or migratory resting stop) to a large number of birds, fish, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. (I think that covers them all.) 

Above, a still snowy Mt. Rainier rises beyond the trees.

Below, a Great Horned Owl and its baby

perch high above the trail. 

These yellow blooms are perky and cheerful,

but they stink to high heaven.

They're called skunk lillies for good reason.

It's good to look back at this peaceful reflection from yesterday as the hail pounds the deck outside of my window as I type this. Like I said, spring was just teasing us.

Have a colorful day!