Habitat Descriptions
A Home for Wildlife
As surrounding wildlife habitat is lost to development, Nisqually National
Wildlife Refuge has become an increasingly important place for wildlife,
especially migratory birds. For some birds, Nisqually Refuge is a place
to feed and rest before continuing on, while for others it is the end
of their season's journey.
A
Protected Estuary
The Nisqually River Delta, a biologically rich and diverse area at the
southern end of Puget Sound, supports a variety of habitats. Here, the
freshwater of the Nisqually River combines with the saltwater of Puget
Sound to form an estuary rich in nutrients and detritus. These nutrients
support a web of sea life - the benefits of which extend throughout Puget
Sound and beyond. Together with McAllister and Red Salmon Creeks, the
Nisqually River forms one of the largest remaining relatively undisturbed
estuaries in Washington. Although most major estuaries in Washington have
been filled, dredged, or developed, the estuary of the Nisqually River
has been set aside especially for wildlife. Waterfowl, shorebirds, raptors,
marsh and water birds...all are attracted to the mosaic of habitats found
on the Nisqually Delta. A five-mile long dike currently separates saltwater
habitats from freshwater habitats and creates a land of diversity for
more than 300 species of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and fish.
By walking the 5-1/2 mile Brown Farm Dike Trail visitors can view a variety
of habitat types and the wildlife that live in them.
Saltmarsh and Open Mudflats
Outside the dike are saltmarshes and open mudflats washed by the changing
tides of Puget Sound. The salty water brings rich nutrients to the variety
of clams, crabs, worms, and shrimp living in the mud, while these creatures
in turn feed shorebirds, gulls, ducks, and herons.
Freshwater
Marsh and Open Grasslands
Inside the dike freshwater marshes and open grasslands provide a quiet
resting and wintering area for up to 20,000 migratory waterfowl. The grasslands
teem with mice and voles, which are a ready meal for hawks, owls, and
coyotes. Thick cattails and sedges surround the freshwater marshes and
give protection to marsh wrens, soras, bitterns, and salamanders.
Riparian
Woodland and Brush Habitats
A walk on the Brown Farm Dike Trail also takes visitors through riparian
woodland and brush habitats. Careful observers may see winter wrens, red-legged
frogs, pileated woodpeckers, and even great horned owls among the large
cottonwood, alder, and big leaf maple trees growing along the Nisqually
River. Along McAllister Creek, crabapples, roses, and blackberries provide
a smorgasbord for songbirds. Watch for evening grosbeaks, cedar waxwings,
and finches.
Nisqually National Wildlife
Refuge is open to the public daily from sunrise to sunset. The trails
are open only for walking; pets are not allowed. Bring your binoculars,
spotting scope, and camera, and enjoy your visit!
Visit the Recreation:
Hiking Trails page for detailed descriptions of the trails and tips
for observing wildlife.
Back to Wildlife & Habitat page
