#Billy Frank Jr Nisqually NWR

[madmenbirds-blog]

Northern Harrier

Olympia, WA (Nisqually NWR)

[usfwspacific]

Proposal Would Increase Access Opportunities at 10 National Wildlife Refuges and National Fish Hatcheries in the Pacific Northwest

Furthering the Trump Administration’s efforts to increase access to public lands, U.S. Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt announced a proposal for new or expanded hunting and fishing opportunities at 74 national wildlife refuges and 15 national fish hatcheries managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) across more than 1.4 million acres. 

 Ten of those national wildlife refuges and national fish hatcheries are in the Pacific Northwest.

“President Trump is committed to expanding public access on public lands, and this proposal is executing on that directive by opening and increasing more access to hunting and fishing by the Fish and Wildlife Service at more stations and across more acres than ever before,” said Secretary Bernhardt. “Hunting and fishing are more than just traditional pastimes as they are also vital to the conservation of our lands and waters, our outdoor recreation economy, and our American way of life. These refuges and hatcheries provide incredible opportunities for sportsmen and women and their families across the country to pass on a fishing and hunting heritage to future generations and connect with wildlife.”

The proposal would increase the number of units in the Service’s National Wildlife Refuge System where the public may hunt from 377 to 382, and the number where fishing would be permitted would be increased from 312 to 316. The proposal would also formally open lands on 15 hatcheries of the National Fish Hatchery System to hunting or sport fishing for the first time.

The following are proposed new or expanded hunting and/or sport fishing opportunities in the Service’s Pacific Region:

Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge in Idaho: Open big game hunting (elk) for the first time on 300 acres already open to other hunting. Expand existing sport fishing by extending the boating season.

Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon: Expand existing sport fishing to new areas.

McKay Creek National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon: Open mourning dove, wild turkey and big game (elk, white-tailed deer and mule deer) hunting for the first time on 620 acres already open to other hunting.

Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon: Open sport fishing for the first time on acres already open to other activities.

Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge in Washington: Expand existing waterfowl hunting to 1,142 new acres.

Entiat National Fish Hatchery in Washington: Formally open to sport fishing for the first time.

Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery in Washington: Formally open to sport fishing for the first time.

Little White Salmon National Fish Hatchery in Washington: Formally open to sport fishing for the first time.

San Juan Islands National Wildlife Refuge in Washington: Open sport fishing for the first time on acres already open to other activities.

Spring Creek National Fish Hatchery in Washington: Formally open to sport fishing for the first time.

The proposal also outlines a comprehensive revision and simplification of all refuge-specific hunting and fishing regulations in all 50 states to more closely match state regulations while continuing to ensure safe and compatible opportunities. The Service worked closely with the states in preparing the proposed rule.

“Well managed hunting and fishing are the backbone of conservation in this country, but inconsistent or overly complex regulations can act as a disincentive,” said Service Principal Deputy Director Margaret Everson. “By aligning our refuge regulations with our state partners, we are reducing confusion and the regulatory burden on the American public, helping ensure the tradition and benefits of hunting and fishing can continue.”

New proposed refuge opportunities include the opening of Green Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Wisconsin to hunting and fishing for the first time and the opening of Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge in Wyoming to deer and elk hunting for the first time on lands already open to other hunting.

Learn more about the Big Six uses of National Wildlife Refuges

Read about the important role of hunting and fishing in the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation

Proposed expansions of refuge opportunities include the opening of new acres at St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge in Florida to existing upland and big game hunting, and, at Great River National Wildlife Refuge in Illinois and Missouri, the expansion of season dates, times and methods for existing deer, turkey and other upland game hunting to align with state seasons.

Proposed changes at hatcheries include the formal opening of lands on Leadville National Fish Hatchery in Colorado to migratory game bird, upland game and big game hunting, and the formal opening of lands on Iron River National Fish Hatchery in Wisconsin to migratory game bird, upland game and big game hunting. Inks Dam National Fish Hatchery in Texas and Little White Salmon National Fish Hatchery in Washington are proposing to formally open their lands to sport fishing. An update to hatchery regulations is also included in the proposed rule.

“The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies is delighted by this announcement of a continuing commitment by the Department of the Interior to expanded access for regulated hunting and angling, on National Wildlife Refuges, in partnership with state fish and wildlife agencies,” stated Ed Carter, President of the Association and Executive Director of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. He added, “We need to get people outside to enjoy the lands and waters, and fish and wildlife resources, of our great nation. This is an important step in that direction!”

“The announcement today by Secretary Bernhardt is incredibly welcome news and builds off great progress in increasing access to refuge lands the last two years,” said John Devney, Senior Vice President, Delta Waterfowl. “Duck hunters have been leaders in investing in the refuge system and this action will provide them with new access and opportunities. We are sincerely grateful to Secretary Bernhardt and the Fish and Wildlife Service staff who have worked hard to create these new opportunities for hunters.”

“The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation applauds Secretary Bernhardt for his efforts to expand hunting and fishing opportunities within the National Wildlife Refuge System,” said Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation President Jeff Crane. “This announcement builds off momentum generated over the last few years through Interior Secretarial Orders, and advances recent recommendations submitted by the Hunting and Shooting Sports Conservation Council to increase hunter and angler access to federal lands and waters, including the Refuge System.”

Hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities contributed more than $156 billion in economic activity in communities across the United States in 2016, according to the Service’s National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, published every five years. More than 101 million Americans — 40 percent of the U.S. population age 16 and older — pursue wildlife-related recreation, including hunting and fishing.

The Service will seek comments from the public on the proposed rule for 45 days, beginning with publication in the Federal Register in coming days. The notice will be available at http://www.regulations.gov, Docket Number: FWS-HQ-NWRS-2019-0040, and will include details on how to submit your comments. An interim copy of the proposed rule is now available.

The Service intends to finalize the proposed changes in time for the upcoming 2019-2020 hunting seasons.

A complete list of all refuges and hatcheries in the proposal is available in the proposed rule and online.

For more than 145 years, the National Fish Hatchery System has worked collaboratively with tribes, states, landowners, partners and stakeholders to promote and maintain healthy, self-sustaining populations of fish and other aquatic species. There are 70 national fish hatcheries visited by more than two million people each year. Hatcheries offer opportunities for viewing the operations and learning about fish, as well as activities such as fishing, hunting, hiking, sightseeing, nature study, birdwatching and photography.

The Refuge System is an unparalleled network of 567 national wildlife refuges and 38 wetland management districts. There is a national wildlife refuge within an hour’s drive of most major metropolitan areas. More than 55 million Americans visit refuges every year. National wildlife refuges provide vital habitat for thousands of species and access to world-class recreation, from fishing, hunting and boating to nature watching, photography and environmental education.

Under the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, the Service permits hunting and fishing along with four other types of wildlife-dependent recreation, including wildlife photography, environmental education, wildlife observation and interpretation, when they are compatible with an individual refuge’s purpose and mission. Hunting, within specified limits, is currently permitted on 340 wildlife refuges and 37 wetland management districts. Fishing is currently permitted on 278 wildlife refuges and 34 wetland management districts.

The Service manages hunting and fishing programs to ensure sustainable wildlife populations while also offering other wildlife-dependent recreation on public lands.

[buckle4up]

Sandpiper

Sandpiper at Billy Frank Jr Nisqually NWR © Louise Buckles 2018

[maritimeorca]

eBird Report - Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR, Feb 18, 2019

Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR, Thurston, Washington, US Feb 18, 2019 7:17 AM - 11:06 AM

Protocol: Traveling

6.38 mile(s)

Comments:     Equipment: Camera with telephoto lens

Additional sightings: Gray Squirrel, Harbor Seal

44 species (+3 other taxa)

 Cackling Goose  400

Canada Goose  9

Northern Shoveler 33

Gadwall  5

American Wigeon 140

Mallard  52

Northern Pintail 17

Green-winged Teal 42

Ring-necked Duck  7

Bufflehead  22

Common Goldeneye  9

Hooded Merganser  4

Common Merganser  3

Red-breasted Merganser 2

Killdeer  2     Heard

Least Sandpiper  10

peep sp.  50

Greater Yellowlegs 4

Mew Gull  20

Ring-billed Gull  3

Western/Glaucous-winged Gull  3

Double-crested Cormorant 1

Great Blue Heron  4

Northern Harrier  1

Bald Eagle  8

Red-tailed Hawk  1

Belted Kingfisher 1

Downy Woodpecker  1

Hairy Woodpecker  1

Northern Flicker  2

Steller's Jay 1     Heard

American/Northwestern Crow  100

Black-capped Chickadee 1

Pacific Wren  1

Bewick's Wren  1

Golden-crowned Kinglet 2

Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1

Varied Thrush 1     Heard

American Robin  5

European Starling 20

Fox Sparrow  1

Dark-eyed Junco  2

Golden-crowned Sparrow 5

Song Sparrow  3

Spotted Towhee  1

Western Meadowlark 2

Red-winged Blackbird 2

 View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S52901273

 This report was generated automatically by eBird v3

[stopandseethenature-blog]

Great blue herron... As we were walking on the boardwalk we passed this herron having a seriously hard time choking down this fish... He tried just about every way possible, it was funny to watch 😂 I didn't know if he actually ever swallowed it... As we walked out the tide turned and started coming in. So if you notice that branch there above and behind the herron... Swipe left... That is the branch he's sitting on in this picture when we passed him on the way back on the boardwalk and saw him again. I was surprised how fast it was all covered in water. 🌊🌊🌊 . . . . . #herron #blueherron #sushi #pugetsound #washington #WAnderland #goexplorewander #goforawalk #govisitawildliferefuge #nationalwildliferefuge #naturephotography #oregonphotographer #pnwlife #pnwlove #pacificwonderland #tide #shorebirds #lifeofbirds #birdphotography #bigbird #nwr #wanderlust #wildlife_shots #wildlifeaddict #goforawalk #nisquallywildliferefuge (at Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge)

[madmenbirds-blog]

Green-winged Teal (male & female)

Olympia, WA (Nisqually NWR)

[madmenbirds-blog]

Northern Pintail (pair above) & American Wigeon (pair below)

Olympia, WA (Nisqually NWR)

[madmenbirds-blog]

Cackling Goose

Olympia, WA (Nisqually NWR)

[madmenbirds-blog]

Great Horned Owl

Olympia, WA (Nisqually NWR)

Our first owl sighting! A man approached us on our walk (presumably seeing our bins/camera) and let us know that an owl was nearby. We saw a group of people with serious scopes who led us straight to it.

[usfwspacific]

Something for Everyone: Public Lands Provide Myriad Opportunities

By Brent Lawrence / Public Affairs Officer with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Pacific Region in Portland, Oregon

There’s something awe inspiring about public lands. Perhaps it’s the remoteness of it all, thinking that it’s just you and the wildlife. Or perhaps it’s about the connection to the land.

Whatever the reason, public lands are magical for the people who take advantage of everything these places have to offer.

There are hundreds of millions of acres of public lands managed under the umbrella of the Department of Interior. These include the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Wildlife Refuges, and lands managed by the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Reclamation.

Find your local refuge at www.fws.gov/refuges/

On these lands there a multiple wildlife-related uses, including ranging from hunting and fishing to photography, watching wildlife and outdoor education. More than 101.6 million Americans participated in wildlife-related activities in 2016, according to a new report by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 

“Outdoor enthusiasts are an economic force in America, generating an incredible $156 billion economic impact in 2016. Forty percent of the U.S. population participated in wildlife-related activities in 2016,” said Robyn Thorson, the Service’s Pacific Regional Director. “Our public lands play an essential role in outdoor recreation, and our team at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is accelerating efforts to expand hunting, fishing and other opportunities when compatible with wildlife management goals. Sportsmen and anglers play a huge role in the conservation of wildlife and their habitat, so it only makes sense that refuges provide opportunities for folks to get outside to hunt, fish and enjoy myriad other wildlife-related activities on their public lands.”

On the Service’s 568 National Wildlife Refuges, permissible uses are known as “The Big Six.” It calls for refuges to support wildlife-dependent uses involving hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, photography, interpretation, and education, when compatible, as legitimate and appropriate uses.

Regardless of your preferred use, these are incredible public lands. They’re special. They’re unique at part of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation.

And they’re yours.

To celebrate National Wildlife Week, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Pacific Region is highlighting the myriad opportunities on your public lands.

Take a look at how some people use their public lands.

Tammy Black of Salem, Oregon

Tammy is a regular user of Oregon’s public lands. With 97 percent of the Willamette Valley privately owned, however, her favorite local spots for a hike are Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge and Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge.

“It is super important to have public lands available. Being able to have the freedom and flexibility to hike and to be out in nature is vital to my regular health and activity,” she said. “We’re so fortunate that we have so many spots in Oregon such as the National Wildlife Refuges, particularly when the Willamette Valley is mostly privately owned. I’m going to Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge today with a friend of mine. She was looking for a place to take some photos and for a quiet walk, so I told her I’d introduce her to Ankeny.”

Tammy also watched the total solar eclipse from Baskett Slough Refuge. Read more about that incredible experience at http://bit.ly/OutshineTheEclipse

Andrew McKean of Glasgow, Montana

It’s an understatement to say that Andrew hunts. As editor of Outdoor Life magazine, he has traveled and hunted all across the world. However, his “home” is Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge and the public lands in central Montana.

“I live in an extremely rural area, five hours to the nearest airport and about the same distance to the nearest Costco. But because I'm surrounded by public land, including the glorious Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge, I consider everything I really need to be close at hand," Andrew said.

In his article about his epic public land elk hunt in the Missouri Breaks, Andrew wrote:

“I can hunt anywhere in the world, but I keep coming back to the Breaks, usually with my bow and almost always alone. My solitude owes to the remote roughness of the country. … My visitation frequency owes to its proximity; if I leave my house at noon, I can be deep in the Breaks by mid-afternoon. And my fidelity stems from its public ownership. My hunting homeland is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Bureau of Land Management, so I don’t have to ask anyone for permission to visit.

“The ownership – most of my hunting area is on the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge – comes with some restrictions. I cannot possess any rock, artifact, or shed antler I find here. I can’t drive off roads. And because elk permits are issued by draw, I don’t draw an archery bull tag every year. But when I do, I save vacation time and gather gear. My goal is to hike into the heart of the Breaks and camp alone for as long as a week while I hunt elk. Any elk. I’d love to hold out for a mature bull, but I’ll take any cow, calf, or meat bull that gives me a decent shot. This isn’t a trophy hunt; it’s about making meat and reveling in the weird wildness of the Breaks.”

Read Andrew’s whole story at http://bit.ly/AndrewAndTheBreaks

Wil Warren of Portland, Oregon

Wil’s passion is teaching fishing to kids. By partnering with Tualatin National Wildlife Refuge and Ridgefield Refuge, Wil’s goal is to give urban kids the opportunity to go from a simple first cast to a lifetime of angle.

“On the weekends, (my dad) would take me out fishing and that was my time to connect with him,” Wil said. “He would tell me stories and taught me how to fish. … I always wanted to be like him, so here I am giving back what was given to me. We’re introducing youth to fishing (at Tualatin Bird Fest). Are they really fishing? No, but they’re getting the experience of learning of how to use a rod and reel. We hope they get hooked on the outdoor experience and fishing.”

Wil says fishing offers two important things to kids: an opportunity to experience nature, and a diversion from the academic and social pressure that builds on kids and families.

“Smelling the fresh air, seeing the birds fly, the ripples on the water, even the flies … there’s just something about getting outdoors,” Wil said. “You get away from the internet, the television and smart phones. Getting outdoors lets the mind relax. Not just for the children, but for the parents as well.”

To read more about the role our refuges plan in teaching kids about fishing and other outdoor activities, visit http://bit.ly/WishToFish

Rachel Marlowe of Tumwater, Washington

Rachel is an amateur photographer. She got her first point-and-shoot camera five years ago, and it caused her to see nature in a new way. About 2 ½ years ago, she got her first DSL camera, and the shutterbug bit her.

“I really got into wildlife photography,” Rachel said. “I do a lot at (Billy Frank Jr.) Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge and McClain Creek nature trail. This year I’ve been hiking some more public lands in the mountains.

“For me, it’s very important to have public land available. Animals and nature are a big part of who I am, and how I was brought up. Having access to a place such as Nisqually is just amazing. It can be totally quiet and peaceful day one day and you focus on the plants or trees, and the next day there are eagles, deer and finches all around you. For people who like photograph nature, it is important to have those things available.”

Brenda and Keith Krejci, somewhere on public land

Keith and Brenda Krejci have lived in their motor home and traveled the country since November 2005. Along the way, they volunteer at National Wildlife Refuges, Bureau of Land Management, and state parks. They have volunteered across the Pacific Northwest, including the last four years at two Oregon National Wildlife Refuges – Bandon Marsh and Oregon Islands.

“When we decided to retire to a motor home, we knew we wanted to do something other than just travel, spend time in RV parks, and visit attractions. Both Brenda and I were always interested in learning more about wildlife, birds, and history, but work, family, and life in general never gave us the time.  And so we decided to give volunteering at try.

“Since (our first experience at Metcalf NWR in Montana), we’ve volunteered at other U.S. Fish & Wildlife locations, Oregon and Washington State Parks, The Nature Conservancy, and the Bureau of Land Management. With very few exceptions, we’ve been welcomed, appreciated, and best of all, educated in a new facet of nature. We’ve become proficient birders, versed in the history of the fisheries of the Western U.S., and amateur naturalists. We’ve led wildlife and nature walks, given evening programs on seals and sea lions, and guided people at Pacific tide pools. But most of all, we’ve had the opportunity to teach children about the wonders of nature as Junior Ranger program hosts.”

In 2016, dedicated U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service volunteers in the Pacific Region gave an incredible 230,919 hours of their time to conservation. That is the equivalent of 28,864 eight-hour work days!

To volunteer, contact your local National Wildlife Refuge or Fish and Aquatic Conservation station or hatchery. You can also email our regional volunteer coordinator Chelsea McKinney at Chelsea_McKinney@fws.gov for more information.

Read more about Keith and Brenda at http://bit.ly/KeithAndBrenda, or more about volunteering at http://bit.ly/FWSvolunteers.

Brogan Madden of Corvallis, Oregon

His smile seems to be as broad as the Willamette Valley, and he flashes it no matter if he’s showing you his latest wildlife photo or his compound bow. Brogan, 13 years old, harvested his first deer with a bow on a recent hunt at Finley National Wildlife Refuge.

“Getting on public lands is a good way to spend time with my family and enjoy the outdoors,” Brogan said. “It’s fun looking at the animals and learning more about them. It’s about seeing them all and everything that’s going on in nature. It makes me happy they let us hunt there. A lot of places won’t let us hunt.”

Brogan’s step-dad, Jeremiah Maghan, noted that public lands are essential to his family time.

“It is extremely important. There’s no other place to go,” Jeremiah said. “This lets you get the kids out of the house and enjoying the outdoors. It’s the greatest thing to see these young kids out there. Being outside in nature builds confidence and self-esteem, and it builds knowledge of the outdoors.”

Peter Pearsall of Newport, Oregon

Peter spends much of his time on public lands. He has worked and volunteered for the Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex for the past 2 ½ years, providing many fabulous photographs of wildlife, the refuges (such as Siletz National Wildlife Refuge above) and other public lands.

For him, it’s a way of life.

“I use the Oregon State Parks all along the 320 odd miles of the coast. There are hundreds of parks, refuges and waysides that offer spectacular photo opportunities. You can see the surf, the beach, storms rolling in and the sunsets. Plus on the coastal rocks, which are part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge, it’s an incredible opportunity to see the seabirds,” Peter said.

“Every day I end up on some stretch of public land. It is part of what makes the state an amazing place to live and visit. It’s a great example of conservation.”

To see some of Peter’s favorite public land photos and to get some photography tips, go to http://bit.ly/NWRphotography

Rita Poe and Nancy Zingheim of Chimacum, Washington

Rita Poe knew a lot about public lands before she died on Nov. 16, 2015. Nancy Zingheim, on the other hand, knew nothing about these national treasures.

However, their uncommon relationship and Nancy’s role as Rita’s executor after her death put Nancy on an amazing journey that taught her about National Wildlife Refuges and other public lands.

Rita left almost everything – nearly $800,000 – to eight National Wildlife Refuges and four parks across the West. That gift started Nancy on a path that culminated with a 4,000-mile “trip of a lifetime” during which she learned about wild spaces and public lands, and what made them meaningful to Rita.

“She made me realize that we live in nature and there are animals all around us,” Nancy said. “How often do we take time to sit and watch them? I never stopped to realize the little things like when the birds arrive. I do stop and watch the animals now. … Your refuges are quiet and peaceful. If you’ve never been, you should go to a refuge and spend some time there for Rita.”

In the Pacific Region, Rita donated money to Camas, Malheur and Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuges.

Read the whole amazing story at http://bit.ly/RitaLegacy

Kai Pelizza, Portland, Oregon

Sometimes hunting is just a waiting game. It’s about waiting, watching … and then waiting some more.

That’s how Kai Pelizza’s first hunt at Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge worked out. Kai, accompanied by his father Charlie, was taking part in the youth shotgun hunt for antlerless deer at the refuge in August.

“When we first got there in the afternoon, we couldn’t see any deer or anything from the top of the ridge,” said the 17-year-old high school senior. “There was just a little bit of (deer) sign, so we went back to set up camp. By time sun was going down, we went up on top again and saw the deer everywhere.”

It continued like that for the next three days.

“Each day, they were just out of range, and I couldn’t get a good shot off. Finally, on the last day we were walking back along the treeline and saw her there.”

Kai said it was his first time hunting on a National Wildlife Refuge.

“It was really pretty there,” Kai said. “It’s really good to have such a neat opportunity. Without the public lands, there were be a lot fewer opportunities to hunt.”

One of Kai’s fondest memories, however, won’t be of the deer or the refuge, but the time together with his dad.

“One of the coolest things was having my dad there with me. I enjoyed the father-son time to get out there and be alone with him.”

[usfwspacific]

Karen Yochem: 24-Year Volunteer Has Amazing Commitment to Nisqually NWR

By Brent Lawrence

Our dedicated U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service volunteers in the Pacific Region gave an incredible 230,919 hours of their time to conservation in 2016. That is the equivalent of 28,864 eight-hour work days! These incredible folks deserve a huge thank you and during National Volunteer Week (April 23-29) we are aiming to do just that. This is one of a series of blogs about U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service volunteers. Share your story of service or honor an outstanding volunteer by telling us about it with #iServeBecause on Facebook or Twitter.

From her house on the hillside above Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, Karen Yochem has seen many changes since moving there in 1959. While traffic and development have increased significantly, her amazing views of Mt. Rainier, Puget Sound and the refuge remain the same.

Another thing also has remained remarkably constant for the last 24 years – Karen Yochem.

Every week since 1993, Karen has been making the short drive down the hill to the refuge. Not for a job, but to volunteer. She has put in more than 18,821 volunteer hours at the refuge. That is equivalent to 2,352 eight-hour work days and more than 9 years of full-time work.

Karen is believed to have the third most hours among active volunteers at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Her paycheck comes in the form of smiles of appreciation, watching young faces eager to experience nature, and a huge grateful “family” at the refuge.

“They’ll have to carry me out of here,” Karen says. “It’s such a joy to work here, that’s why I stayed here as long as I have.  It’s been a real joy.  I appreciate being able to be here all these years.”

Karen is every bit as much of a fixture at Nisqually Refuge as the trails and boardwalks, wildlife and water. She is Nisqually.

“I can’t imagine Karen not being a part of this place,” Glynnis Nakai, project leader at Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge Complex, says. “Karen’s longevity is a testament to her invaluable support for who we are and what we do, and she is so dedicated to keeping her schedule as if she were being paid.  In our eyes, she is part of the staff. All our volunteers are dedicated and passionate about the refuge.  But Karen, she is our rock.”

After retiring in 1992, Karen responded to an ad looking for volunteers.  She started as a receptionist and continues to be the first face you see when walking through the door. She also has helped with festivals, the Federal Junior Duck Stamp Program, the Summer Lecture Series, and trail roving. As if that weren’t enough, she has also taken on the membership duties for the Friends of Nisqually NWR Complex.

She started working five days a week, but has scaled back to two days now. “But I’ll come in three or four days if they need me,” Karen says.

“When I retired from the state in 1992, I wanted to keep busy. Not that there’s nothing to do at home, but I wanted to keep busy all the time. I get bored if not,” Karen says. She said that Gene, her husband of 61 years, encourages her to volunteer as long as it makes her happy.

And I can tell from her voice that it certainly does make her happy.

“I like everything here. I love the people. The staff treats me like one of the gang, and there are so many nice volunteers. I have made many good friends here. It’s is a lot of fun. It doesn’t seem like work around here.”

Still, after 24 years at Nisqually, there’s one thing that surprises Karen: the visitors.

“It’s amazing how many people do come here,” she says. “I see where they all come from, and they leave us little notes and nice things. They’re really a bunch of nice people who come out here. They really enjoy our place. Of course, you can’t help but enjoy it.”

Yes, the views are amazing at Nisqually. And Karen, well, she’s every bit as amazing as the views.

[maritimeorca]

eBird Report - Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR, Feb 17, 2018

Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR, Thurston, Washington, US Feb 17, 2018 9:01 AM - 11:40 AM

Protocol: Traveling

5.23 mile(s)

Comments:     During the Great Backyard Bird Count, I had been prioritizing birding over such activities as actually submitting my checklists. This is why I have been slow to provide these checklists.

 I had some problems with the wind. I couldn't keep my scope very steady, so I likely missed quite a bit during this walk.

 Equipment: Spotting Scope

30 species (+3 other taxa)

 Cackling Goose  23

Canada Goose  34

Northern Shoveler 17

American Wigeon 100

Mallard  53

Northern Pintail 11

Green-winged Teal 43

Ring-necked Duck  4

Bufflehead  11

Hooded Merganser  2

Common Merganser  8

Double-crested Cormorant 2

Great Blue Heron  4

Northern Harrier  2

Bald Eagle  2

American Coot  8

Dunlin  450

Greater Yellowlegs 1

Western/Glaucous-winged Gull  3

gull sp.  10

Northern Flicker  1

Peregrine Falcon  1

American/Northwestern Crow  4

Barn Swallow 8     I didn't have my camera, so I couldn't get any pictures. 6 were on the bushes in front of me, so I got really good looks. I knew there had been sightings in the area, so I didn't take extensive notes. I primarily noted the brown spot on the front of their heads and the forked tails of the swallows that were in flight.

Black-capped Chickadee 2

Bewick's Wren 1     Heard

American Robin  4

European Starling 40

Fox Sparrow  1

Golden-crowned Sparrow 4

Song Sparrow  2

Spotted Towhee  1

Red-winged Blackbird 9

 View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S43074881

 This report was generated automatically by eBird v3

[maritimeorca]

eBird Report - Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR, Feb 20, 2017

Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR, Thurston, Washington, US Feb 20, 2017 7:33 AM - 10:54 AM

Protocol: Traveling

5.62 mile(s)

Comments:     During the Great Backyard Bird Count, I had been prioritizing birding over such activities as actually submitting my checklists. This is why I have been slow to provide these checklists.

I cut some corners and did not recount ducks on the return trip on the boardwalk.

Equipment: Spotting Scope

Additional sightings: Harbor Seals

43 species (+2 other taxa)

 Cackling Goose  30

Canada Goose  11

Gadwall  1

American Wigeon 191

Mallard  63

Northern Shoveler 38

Northern Pintail 37

Green-winged Teal 111

Ring-necked Duck  5

Lesser Scaup  1

Surf Scoter  1

Bufflehead  40

Common Goldeneye 15

Hooded Merganser  2

Common Merganser  2

Red-breasted Merganser 9

Ring-necked Pheasant 1

Red-throated Loon 1

Pied-billed Grebe 3

Double-crested Cormorant 4

Great Blue Heron  4

Bald Eagle  3

Red-tailed Hawk  1

American Coot  15

Killdeer  1     Heard

Greater Yellowlegs 1

Mew Gull  2

Ring-billed Gull  2

Western/Glaucous-winged Gull  1

Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  1

Belted Kingfisher 1

Downy Woodpecker  1

Northern Flicker  1

Peregrine Falcon  1

Northern Shrike  1

American/Northwestern Crow  2

Violet-green Swallow 35     I had my scope focused in a fairly good spot as the swallows flew across the water. I could make out the white going up by the eye.

Black-capped Chickadee 2

Bewick's Wren  1

American Robin  6

European Starling 20

Golden-crowned Sparrow 6

Song Sparrow  2

Spotted Towhee  1

Red-winged Blackbird 2     Heard

 View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S34802579

 This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (/content/nw)

[madmenbirds-blog]

Hairy Woodpecker Olympia, WA (Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR)