Showing posts with label wildlife. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wildlife. Show all posts

Sunflower Seed Café

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

Photo by Lee Wolfe

A Shoreline sunflower garden is attracting a local clientele.

Photo by Lee Wolfe

A beautiful Steller's Jay got up close to get to the seeds.


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Bobcat in North Seattle

Sunday, July 28, 2024

Healthy bobcat sauntering through a Pinehurst yard
Photo by Keri B

By Diane Hettrick

A bobcat was casually strolling around north Seattle in the Pinehurst neighborhood around 8th NE.

It was in a backyard on NE 123rd, then seen near the pea patch at the Jackson golf course. The day before these sightings it was walking across a fence at 5th NE and NE 120th.

A Community Science Specialist at the Woodland Park Zoo thought it looked like a very healthy bobcat. The zoo has a 2021 video of a bobcat in the Pinehurst area, so this one is not the first in this neighborhood.  

Bobcats have been seen in Shoreline and Lake Forest Park but they usually stay out of sight and avoid humans. This one is unusual in being out during the daytime.

Bobcats are not aggressive toward humans but it is not a good idea to tempt them with your cats and small dogs. 

The Woodland Park Zoo maintains a web-based carnivore reporting site – Carnivore Spotter – which allows residents of greater Seattle to report sightings of carnivore species:
  • Black Bear
  • Bobcat
  • Cougar / Mountain Lion
  • Coyote
  • Opossum
  • Raccoon
  • River Otter
  • Red Fox
Carnivore Spotter launched in August 2019 and Washington state residents logged more than 6,500 observations of local carnivores in the first two years!

I lived here for 20 years before I found out there were coyotes in the neighborhood. Now they are out in the open everywhere - including a trail across my back yard. 

I've been collecting photos of these carnivores and the only one on the list that completely surprises me is the red fox.

The bears don't stay here - they just run through. There are a couple of cougars in the densely wooded areas - Lake Forest Park, The Highlands. Opossums and raccoons are everywhere but they stay out of sight unless you feed your pets outside (or leave an uncovered  compost bucket on your porch).

River otters used to be elusive but not so much these days - and they have been reported in Ronald Bog, Echo Lake, and McAleer Creek. I'm still waiting for a photo from one of the Twin Ponds.

Not carnivores, but deer seem to live in every green space and occasionally wander through neighborhoods in Ridgecrest and Innis Arden. We have both mountain beavers and beavers. Also hares, Grey squirrels, Douglas squirrels, rats, mice, shrews, moles.

I've heard it said that a successful wildlife population is one that you never see. Ours may be out in the open because of habitat loss due to human encroachment on their territory - or possibly because they no longer fear humans - not a good thing.

Whatever you do, do not feed wildlife, either on purpose or by accident. Consider keeping your pets inside so they don't become a meal for a coyote.


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Gloria Nagler: Different but alike

Tuesday, July 16, 2024

"Snowflake" photo copyright Gloria Z. Nagler

Despite the difference in the portion of white displayed, both the Douglas' Squirrel and Dark-eyed Junco in these images, taken in our yard, are leucistic.

Leucistic Junko
Photo copyright Gloria Z. Nagler

Not albino, because, e.g., their eyes are not affected. 

The internet tells me its a partial or total loss of pigmentation. 

I've seen a number of leucistic birds, but only ever this one leucistic squirrel (whom we call Snowflake:).

--Gloria Z. Nagler

  

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Letter to the Editor: Don't feed the raccoons

Wednesday, July 3, 2024

To the Editor:

Our dog was attacked by two raccoons as we left our condo last night. We spent till 2:00am at the pet emergency center.

For anyone out there who thinks that feeding raccoons helps anything, please stop. Every single expert says do not feed wild raccoons.

Our neighbor has been consistently feeding the raccoons all around our unit. The population exploded to 9 with 5 cubs, and the neighbor refused to believe that it could become a problem, in spite of what everyone with knowledge says about it.

This family of nine raccoons came to consider our property a part of their den, apparently. They became extremely territorial and aggressive towards us.

If you want to keep a healthy environment for pets, people, and raccoons: NEVER FEED WILD RACCOONS

It will lead to a raft of painful problems.

Our dog has 4 - 5 puncture wounds and a laceration that needed to be stitched. He's doing okay. It could have been much worse. 

Luckily I was following close behind my partner as she left with the dog, and I followed up, kicking the raccoons as hard as I could to get them to leave. It was a wild attack, probably lasted 45 seconds, but it seemed like an hour. I could see that my partner and the dog were losing their battle with the two raccoons. Thank God I was there to kick them.

Name withheld (but known to Editor)
Shoreline


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Gloria's Critters: Just chillin'

Tuesday, June 18, 2024

 
Photo copyright Gloria Z. Nagler

Just chillin', photog. What're you up to?


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Gloria Nagler: The Steller's Jay (you can see her to the left of Ruby) and I were amazed to see Ruby at such an altitude

Sunday, June 2, 2024

Photo copyright Gloria Z. Nagler

So I grabbed a different lens and took a closer look…

Photo copyright Gloria Z. Nagler

(I guess I knew raccoons climbed trees, but somehow was shocked at how very high she had gone! Seems like mammals should be closer to ground level:):)

--Gloria Z. Nagler


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Gloria's Critters: I know I hid that pecan right about here, said Snowflake

Friday, May 24, 2024

 
Photo copyright Gloria Z. Nagler

'll bet some conniving Gray Squirrel nabbed it!'

(Snowflake is a gorgeous leucistic Douglas Squirrel, no friend of the Grays;)

--Gloria Z. Nagler


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Gloria's Critters: Snowflake on the lookout for pecan pickpockets...

Tuesday, May 14, 2024

Photo copyright Gloria Z. Nagler

(Our neighborhood leucistic Douglas Squirrel, Snowflake)

--Gloria Z. Nagler


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A tribute to Shug

Friday, May 10, 2024

 

Thanks to Deb Todd for this tribute to our adventurous zebra.


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More about our zebra

Sunday, May 5, 2024

Shug being held outside of King county, awaiting transfer to Montana
Photo courtesy RASKC

A wayward zebra that captured the hearts of people all over Washington and the world will soon be on her way to her intended home of Montana after being successfully captured on Friday evening.

"Sugar," also known as "Shug," was rescued in the Riverbend area southeast of the city of North Bend, Washington just after 7pm Friday. She had been on the run for nearly six days in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains after escaping from a trailer on Sunday. 

Shug and three other zebras were being transported to their new home when an apparent problem with the trailer they were being hauled in forced the owner to pull off Interstate 90 at North Bend. When the owner checked the trailer, the zebras bolted. Three of the zebras were quickly rounded up and continued on their way to Montana, but Shug evaded rescuers until Friday.

"We'd like to thank everyone who assisted us in this successful effort by calling in sightings and sharing information on the zebra's location," said Capt. Tim Anderson, operations manager for Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC). "Our community in King County really came together to help Shug, and we wouldn't have been able to do our work without their support."

"The four wayward zebras were embraced by our community the moment they jumped off the trailer at exit 32. I am honored to have had the opportunity to witness Sugar's safe recovery this weekend," said Mary Miller, mayor of North Bend. 

"Watching the coordinated effort to corral and secure the last remaining zebra was a quiet, calm, and very slow process. I am thrilled to be able to say firsthand that it was absolutely successful."

"It was a privilege to be part of the successful rescue of this now-famous zebra," said RASKC Animal Control Sgt. Samantha Moore, who was on scene Friday night as Shug was corralled. "Seeing her safely loaded into a trailer and on her way home is the best outcome we could have hoped for, and exactly what I wanted to see as an animal control officer."

It took about three hours for rescuers to round up the zebra and get it loaded into a trailer for transport. Sgt. Moore was able to do a quick examination before the zebra was hauled off the property in unincorporated King County where she was captured. Shug appeared to be in reasonably good health after her nearly week-long wander through the woods. It is not known whether the zebra's owner has arranged for a full veterinary examination.

RASKC is still in the initial phase of its investigation into the escape and capture of the four zebras. It may be several weeks before that investigation is finished. Citations or fines could be levied on the owner, but those decisions will have to wait until the investigation is complete.

The owner has been in contact with RASKC from her home in Montana during the course of the search for the zebra. She is now working with people in Washington state to house the animal until it can be taken to its intended destination. Out of concern for privacy and the zebra's well-being, RASKC is not releasing the exact location where the zebra is being held, but it is not in King County.


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Last of 4 zebras safely captured near North Bend

Saturday, May 4, 2024

Shug's adventure has ended
Photo courtesy Regional Animal Services of King County

According to an account in the blog of the Regional Animal Services of King County, which had been leading the search, the last of four escaped zebras has been captured and will soon be on her way home to Montana.

Her name is Shug and she is in good shape after her week-long adventure exploring the forests around North Bend.

She was part of a dazzle of zebras the owner was transporting from Winlock, Washington to Anaconda, Montana. The owner stopped just off I-90 in the North Bend area to fix a problem with the trailer when all four animals bolted.

Three were captured and continued their journey, but Shug roamed the Cascade foothills for nearly a week, causing an international sensation and inspiring hundreds of memes placing her in various unlikely locations such as school bus stops with children.


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It's True - zebras are loose on I-90

Monday, April 29, 2024

Photo courtesy Washington State Patrol

State Trooper Rick Johnson posted this photo of zebras on I-90.

He said "This is a first for me and all patrol troopers involved. 

"Four zebras that were being transported got loose when the driver stopped to secure the trailer. He was going eastbound on I-90 to exit 32. 

"The community has come together to help. One cornered, 3 outstanding."

Update: 

Trooper Rick Johnson
@wspd2pio
#ZebraUpdate.  The 4th zebra is still on the loose. This is being handled by the King County Regional Animal Services. More updates when I get them!  Keep an eye out for a Zebra!!


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Favorite Tree: "Eagle tree" falls at Ronald Bog

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

The "Eagle Tree" standing tall in 2008

Story and photos by Martin DeGrazie

It seems everyone in their life has a favorite tree. As a kid our family had a beautiful large Rainier cherry tree that adorned our front yard.

The tree was visibly leaning. 

As an adult my favorite tree lived across Ronald Bog from us. I learned to look at the tree as soon as I came out of our back door, sometimes missing the eagle right above my head in my own yard. 

I frequently took pictures of the tree, especially when I could capture its reflection in the still waters. 

Eagles built a nest but didn't stay

Birds would always flock to this tree. In 2023 I had mixed emotions when the Eagles started to build a nest in it. I considered purchasing a better camera to take pictures of baby eaglets but I was concerned for the other wildlife on Ronald Bog. I love all the critters in the water and did not want to see them disappear. 

Alas, my concerns were unfounded, as the eagles abandoned the nest. Canadian geese would enter the nest every now and then. This spring they were up there so much, I was afraid they would sit on eggs up there themselves. 

The tree is now lying in the water

This past weekend while I was out of town this beautiful tree fell into the water. 

I can't tell you how many times I looked over there and wondered if it was leaning more. We've had three trees fall into the water from our lot on the other side of Ronald Bog.

The stump was shattered

The silver lining is the tree in the water is a nice landing spot for other critters in the bog. Eagles, otters, turtles and other animals will all use it. But, I will miss it. 

I haven't been to that side of the bog in a long time and I am really impressed at all the new growth trees. They have really shot up. I expect we will see much more wildlife at Ronald Bog in the coming years. The end of an era, but a new one is on the way.


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Monday, April 1, 2024 - Sasquatch sighting in Lake Forest Park

Friday, April 5, 2024

Photos by Tara S.

On Monday, April 1, 2024 Lake Forest Park resident Tara S. (she prefers to remain anonymous) was startled to see a strange creature in her forested back yard.

Quickly grabbing her phone, she was able to get two photos of the creature as it traveled across her property.

Lake Forest Park is known for the variety of its wildlife, but this is the first Sasquatch sighting. Residents are advised to be on the lookout. Sasquatch travel great distances and could be anywhere now.

--Diane Hettrick

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Washington Department of Ecology and Coast Guard respond to sunken vessel in Lake Union

Tuesday, April 2, 2024

Sunken tugboat in Lake Union
Photo courtesy Dept Ecology
SEATTLE, WA – The Coast Guard and Washington Department of Ecology continue their response Monday to a sunken tugboat in Lake Union in Seattle, Washington.

The vessel, a tugboat converted into a residence, partially sank Saturday afternoon.

Red-dyed diesel escaped from the vessel into Lake Union. There were reportedly no people aboard the vessel at the time of the sinking.

Responders from the City of Seattle and the Washington Department of Ecology placed boom around the vessel to contain the spill. A response contractor was hired to clean up the spill and salvage the vessel. 

Contractors have pumped off 400 gallons of oily water from the vessel’s tanks and cabin and removed fuel from inside the boom surrounding the vessel as well.

Professional wildlife response efforts are underway. Responders with Focus Wildlife have found several oiled birds and are taking steps to recover those animals for treatment. 

Responders are on scene assessing further risk to animals in the area. If you see oiled wildlife, report it at 1-800-22BIRDS. Do not to attempt to rescue oiled birds or other wildlife on your own.

Oil spill responders are investigating sheens reported in other parts of Lake Union. Anyone may report a spill or potential spilled material to 1-800-OILS-911.

The cause of the incident is under investigation.


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Oscar the river otter enjoys a fish fillet off a dock in Lake Washington

Monday, March 4, 2024

Photo copyright Gloria Z. Nagler

(when he realized photog would post this on social media, he blew a raspberry:)

--Gloria Z. Nagler


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Invasion of the bunnies at the Miyawaki Forest

Saturday, February 3, 2024

THE RABBITS ARE COMING! 


MFF volunteers putting up de-fences

By Bruce Scholten & Martha Young-Scholten
Photos by Shoreline Miyawaki Forest Friends (MFF)

Ground Hog Day? Forget it. Top concern at Shoreline Heritage Museum’s Miyawaki Forest is not the desultory ground hog. It’s rabbits! Any gardener who’s had the horror of seeing bright red tulips gnawed to sad green stalks can empathize.

On December 9, 2023, hundreds of volunteers braved rain on Planting Day, on the ca. 3200 square foot Miyawaki Forest (MF) adjacent to the Museum. Passersby on 185th Street near Fred Meyer saw new paths twisting through replanted indigenous flora and fauna.

Hoping that fences will keep the bunnies out
Now the Forest faces an existential threat. Bunnies! 

Solution? The Fence!

Marla Tullio is a hard-working Miyawaki Forest Friend (MFF).

She described a veritable rabbit horde: ‘We've had rabbits feasting on the forest, snacking on young sapling bark and severing delicate shoots, bark and branches.’

At first it seemed individual tree guards made from hardware cloth might offer protection, but said Marla, 

Girdling
‘We soon realized the damage required a 3 foot high chicken wire or poultry fence, zip tied along the bottom and tied at posts…’

Protecting a few saplings was insufficient. They needed, ‘A fence around the entire forest! But we did create a few “gates” for access.’

Marla explained, ‘Rabbits chew the outer layer of sapling bark.

"Usually, the plant survives as long as chewing hasn’t completely encircled the trunk (girdling), cutting the flow of water and nutrients to the upper plant.


Angled cut was made by a bunny
"Photos show how rabbits also chomp the stem off with an angled cut that looks like the plant was cut with pruners!

"Most of the red cedar saplings (a bunny favorite) took the hardest chomps with branches completely cut off.

"So, we’ll watch for new shoots, but these might need replacing.

The evidence: Bunny poop!
"The photos from the last few days indicate clear evidence of bunny poop!’

Shoreline Historical Museum and Miyawaki Forest organizers and friends invite the public to witness the Bunny War.

Fast growth is expected in Spring 2024.

Come to see for yourself!

Miyawaki Forest is adjacent to Shoreline Historical Museum, N 185th and Linden Ave N, Shoreline.




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Governor directs Fish and Wildlife to create a rulemaking process for a decision to destroy a wolf

Sunday, January 21, 2024

A state trail camera captures a gray wolf roaming in Washington state. 
Photo courtesy state Department of Fish and Wildlife

By state estimates, there are only about 216 state-endangered gray wolves left in Washington. Wolves hunt to survive, and they occasionally hunt and kill livestock. In cases where ranchers report wolves chronically harming livestock despite preventions, state officials have lethally removed 53 wolves since 2012.

Fortunately, the need for removal has fallen year after year thanks to protocol introduced by the state Wolf Advisory Group. Wolf-livestock conflicts have fallen, lethal removals have fallen, livestock losses have fallen, and wolf populations have improved.

But the determination to destroy a wolf is still a matter of protocol rather than a matter of rule, so last Friday Gov. Jay Inslee directed the state Department of Fish and Wildlife to begin a rulemaking process to create a more formal and consistent review process before a decision is made to destroy a wolf, and to maintain continuity of that process.

Read more:

Gray wolf (WDFW)
Gray wolf conservation and management (WDFW)


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Wildlife in Ridgecrest

Wednesday, January 10, 2024

Photo by Seattle Poppy
Ok it's not really. Seattle Poppy says it is a little ceramic bunny which has been snuggling up to this tree for at least a year.

Speaking of bunnies - what happened to ours?

The coyotes couldn't have eaten them all. 

Do they hibernate?

-Diane Hettrick


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Animals In Winter Workshop for ages 6-12 at Richmond Beach Library

Monday, January 8, 2024

Animals in Winter workshop
Animals In Winter Workshop, Ages 6 to 12.
Please register here

Saturday, January 20, 2024 from 11:00am – 12:00pm at the Richmond Beach Library 19601 21st Ave NW, Shoreline WA 98177

Have you ever wondered where turtles go in the winter? Or why some animals migrate, and some hibernate? 

Learn about the unique strategies animals use to survive during the winter season. 

The workshop will include guided science activities and a small wet felted project. 

Presented by Pacific Northwest Biology and sponsored by the Friends of the Richmond Beach Library.


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