Showing posts sorted by relevance for query for the birds. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query for the birds. Sort by date Show all posts

Shoreline Area Wildlife: Gulls

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

PAWS provides regular posts about wild animals commonly found in the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park area. Each post gives facts on the species’ natural behavior, as well as how to avoid and resolve common problems with the animals.

Photo courtesy PAWS
Natural behavior

Gulls, often referred to as "seagulls," are a group of birds belonging to the family Laridae. According to Seattle Audubon's Bird Web, "The family Laridae is made up of birds closely associated with water. Distributed throughout the world, representatives of this family nest on every continent, including Antarctica.

Clutch size is generally small, varying from one to four eggs. Both parents incubate the eggs and help feed the young. The young typically hatch covered with down and stay in the nest for a few days, after which they leave the nest but stay nearby. Most, especially in Washington, raise a single brood a year. This group is known for its elaborate displays in the air and on the ground."

There are more than a dozen gull species in Washington State. They are especially numerous on the outer coast and on the shores of Puget Sound, but many can be found further inland on lakes, ponds and along rivers.

Gull diets vary, but fish, crustaceans, mollusks, other aquatic invertebrates and dead animals comprise a large part of the diet of most species. Many gull species are very tolerant of human activity and congregate in large numbers on pilings, breakwaters, roofs of buildings, and other human-created structures near water.

Solving and preventing conflicts

Photo by Shane Adams
Most conflicts with gulls involve their roosting where they are not wanted. Gulls are relatively large birds and their droppings are not insignificant. Even a few gulls perching regularly on the roof of a house can add a layer of undesirable whitewash to the roof in a fairly short period of time.

Gulls are also very vocal, and when gathered in large numbers they are capable of disturbing the sleep, or general peace and quiet for humans.

Eliminate roosting sites

Photo by Chas Redmond
The most effective way to avoid conflicts with gulls is to eliminate roosting sites, or make your property unappealing to the birds. If your property is near the water, this can be a challenge.

  • If the birds are simply using the peak of a roof, deterrents such as bird spikes can be installed to make the perch less desirable.
  • If they are utilizing an area that is too extensive to be covered by spikes, try visual deterrents, sonic emitters or other annoyance tactics such as spraying the birds with a hose when they try to land.
  • CAUTION: Avoid using gels or other sticky and tacky products that are advertised as bird repellents. More often than not, the birds do not see these greasy substances until they land on them. PAWS receives birds every year who suffer tremendously because their feathers have become coated after landing in these substances.
Do not attract gulls

Photo from Creative Commons
In addition to eliminating roosting sites, don't intentionally or unintentionally attract gulls.
  • Never purposely feed gulls. Putting out bread, French fries or other human foods for gulls is not only unhealthy for the birds, but it attracts them in large numbers. Birds who get used to being fed in an area will frequent that area, likely roosting on nearby roofs or structures.
  • Deny gulls access to unnatural food sources on your property, such as your garbage. Gulls do not generally knock over garbage cans, but they may pick through an uncovered can or take advantage of a can that has been knocked over by a dog or other animal.
  • Secure trash can lids further with a bungee cord or chain, or store in a locked shed.
  • Do not put food of any kind in open compost piles.
  • Bury food in an underground composter or put it into a lidded worm box (read more about composting from Seattle Tilth).
If you or a neighbor have questions or a current problem with wildlife, please call the staff at PAWS Wildlife Center at 425-412-4040. PAWS helps resolve conflicts with wild animals and also rehabilitates injured and orphaned wildlife found by the public.

--PAWS Wildlife Center Staff | wildlife@paws.org

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Shorewood boys’ basketball season ends with 59-54 tournament loss to Meadowdale

Friday, February 18, 2011

The Shorewood boys’ basketball season came to an end Wednesday with a 59-54 loss to Meadowdale in a Northwest District 3A tournament game on the Mavericks’ home court.
 
The Thunderbirds finished their season with an 11-12 record after going 7-7 in Wesco 3A play.
 
Our NewsPartner, The Seattle Times lists 6-8 sophomore center Josh Hawkinson as the team’s leading scorer with an average of 12.0 points per game for 22 reported games.
 
Meadowdale (12-11 overall, 8-6 Wesco 3A) will meet Mountlake Terrace (12-11 overall, 9-5 Wesco 3A) for the District’s No. 3 berth in State-3A-tournament play in a 6 p.m. Saturday game at Mountlake Terrace High School.
 
Meadowdale and Mountlake Terrace will meet for third place in the District tournament Saturday just before the District championship game between Glacier Peak (20-3, 14-0 Wesco 3A) and Mount Vernon (13-9, 6-7 Northwest 3A-2A-1A). Glacier Peak, Mount Vernon and the winner of the third-place game will advance to the regional round of State-3A-tournament play Feb 25-26.
 
In Shorewood’s 59-54 loss to Meadowdale, the Thunderbirds led 29-28 at halftime, but the Mavericks outscored them by three points in the third quarter and three more in the fourth. Semir Kadiric led the T-birds with 15 points; Hawkinson scored 14; and Taylor Freeman added 10. 

Our NewsPartner, MyEdmonds News said this:

“Great penetration in the second half was critical to the Meadowdale Mavericks’ success vs. a tough Shorewood Thunderbirds team in a loser-out 3A District 1 playoff game Wednesday. The last time the two teams met, Shorewood scored a buzzer beater to win 53-52.
“The first quarter set the tone for the very back-and-forth game. Though there were turnovers, there weren’t many breakaways – or easy layups — for either side, and the players had to fight tooth-and-nail to get baskets. Taylor Freeman of the T-Birds was putting on a display early, scoring eight of Shorewood’s 16 first-quarter points, including two three-pointers. Thanks to Freeman, the T-Birds jumped out to a 16-9 lead on a 9-0 run. Then the Mavs had a 7-0 run of their own to tie the game at 16 at the end of the quarter. Three of those points came on a buzzer-beating three.
   

“The Mavs couldn’t sustain the momentum through the second period. After the T-Birds missed three shots, they got four offensive rebounds in a row until Peter Berquist finally hit a layin. While the Mavs got breakaways, they weren’t often able to finish. Meadowdale also shot just 20 percent (5 for 25) from the three-point line. They were down 29-28 at halftime.
 

“After being down 29-28 at halftime, Meadowdale started heating up in the third quarter. Dooley began scoring consistently after only getting two points in the first, and the entire offense followed suit. The Mavs would take a 41-39 lead to the fourth though. 
"In the fourth, the Mavs continued to apply pressure to the T-Birds, who weren’t hitting the big shots. With 1:06 left, Meadowdale was up by one and Dooley took it to the hoop, getting fouled and converting a three-point play. Earlier in the season, the Mavs would have problems with free throw shots, but not in this game. Linton would make three of four late in the game to help seal the victory.”
At Meadowdale 59, Shorewood 54
Shorewood      16 13 10 15 — 54
 
Meadowdale   16 12 13 18 — 59

Shorewood Scoring
Points
Ben Andrews
6
Peter Berquist
6
Duncan Hendrickson
2
Semir Kadiric
15
Josh Hawkinson
14
Taylor Freeman
10
Anxhelous Pere
1
Gage Carroll
0

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Shorewood defense shuts down Shorecrest’s vaunted passing attack - claims Rotary Cup and a 3-1 record

Sunday, September 23, 2018

Shorewood celebrates their Rotary Cup win
Photo by Lisa Hirohata


2018 Rotary Cup
Shorewood District Stadium, Friday, September 21, 2018
As of Game Final - record for next week:
Shorecrest (3-1 Overall / 2-1 WesCo South)
Shorewood (3-1 Overall / 2-1 WesCo South)


Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
F
Shorecrest
0
0
0
0
0
Shorewood
0
7
7
10
24

By Aaron Bert

It proved to be everything a rivalry game should be. The cheers of the crowds. The thumping of the bass drums. Parents in school gear and students with faces painted.

As the savory smell of popcorn wafted through the crowd - it all came together into a culmination of excitement and anticipation of what the night would hold. And the night turned out to be everything the Shorewood Thunderbirds had worked for and hoped it would be - a huge ‘W’ when the final whistle was blown and grasping the Shoreline Rotary Cup for the first time in three years.

The game was closer than the final score would seem - with a tight defensive battle seesawing back and forth through the end of the first half until it began to break for Shorewood.

Shorecrest entered the game at 3-0 led by junior quarterback Eladio Fountain (6’2/240) who had administered an accurate and potent passing attack through the first 3 games of the year. The feeling seemed to be Shorewood would be an obstacle, but would not stand in the way from the Scots starting 4-0.

King 5 Games of the Week cameras
Photo by Rob Oxford


The Thunderbirds of Shorewood had other plans for the evening and powered by the bright Friday night lights, and the cameras of King 5’s Game of the Week - sought to prove their 2-1 record was not a fluke. (See the Game of the Week segment here)

Shorewood and Shorecrest both showed strength in defense during the first half. Each team struggled to find an offensive rhythm and to move the ball down the field. Shorecrest had a few promising drives with the help of short runs by #22 senior running back Cyris Filoteo (5’3/147) but the Shorewood defense made him pay for each yard.

Shorecrest began to put together a promising drive at the end of the first half - with Fountain finding his receivers within the Shorewood zone and a score looked imminent. Dropping back with 6 seconds left on the game clock, Fountain faced pressure from the Shorewood defensive line, stepped to his left and lofted a bomb down the field.

#2 Jaro Rouse streaks up the sideline
Photo by Lisa Hirohata


As the ball sailed - #2 senior strong safety Jaro Rouse (6’2/185) streaked out of center field and snatched the ball from the outstretched arms of the Shorecrest receiver and he was off for a 60 yard scamper down the right sideline, easily outpacing the Shorecrest offense, who looked stunned by the speed of the Shorewood free safety. Time expired and Shorewood was up 7-0 at half and took a tremendous momentum boost into the locker room. 

The Shorewood defense holds against the Shorecrest run
Photo by Lisa Hirohata


The Shorewood defense came up big again in the 3rd quarter, at the 2:34 mark, as senior #53 Tres Zeigler, (5’10/215) who anchors the offensive line at center and moved to outside linebacker on defense, came up with a huge interception of a Fountain pass on the Shorewood 15, returning the ball to the 27.

#4 David Snell looks downfield for a receiver
Photo by Lisa Hirohata


Zeigler and his teammates were ecstatic - and the defense denied Shorecrest again in the red zone. Two plays later, senior #4 David Snell (6’3/175) hit a streaking senior, #5, Joseph Williamson (5’9/165) for a 73 yard touchdown pass, and Williamson went untouched into the end zone and Shorewood went up 14-0.

After holding Shorecrest on downs at the end of the 3rd quarter, Shorewood took over on their own 26 and began to move down the field. Facing a 4th and 12 - Shorewood lined up for a punt, but Coach Brandon Torrey went to his bag of tricks and senior #22 Kaden Graves (6’3/225) took the direct snap and hit junior #12 Spencer Osborn (6’1/165) in the right flat and a first down, keeping the Shorewood drive alive.

#7 Senior Skyler Hammer trips up the Shorecrest runner
Photo by Lisa Hirohata


Shorecrest held and Shorewood lined up for a 35 yard field goal on the Shorecrest 21. And, due to the fact Shorewood has found an absolute gem in first year kicker, junior #18 Alex Lim (5’8/140) easily booted a 35 yard field goal and Shorewood began to pound the final nails into this game, 17-0. 

And the Shorewood fans went wild!
Photo by Lisa Hirohata


With 1:37 left to play, Shorewood sacked Fountain on 4th and 18 and took over on the Shorecrest 45. Senior #3 Robert Banks (5’8/160), who had been bottled up for most of the night, took his 15th handoff and broke over right guard for a 45 yard touchdown. A fitting end to a well fought and well played game by both teams.

A few observations:
  • Shorewood’s secondary is a definite strength. Cornerback Spencer Osborn is an absolute monster on the corner, using sound technique and strength to shut down passing lanes and leveling hard hits on run support. Coupled with senior cornerback Skyler Hammer, Jaro Rouse, and junior Kody Carpenter - Shorewood might just have its own Legion of Boom.
  • After getting shredded last week by the running attack of Snohomish, the Shorewood front 7 showed a better nose for the ball this week. On most run plays, Shorecrest runners were hit within 1 to 2 yards of the line of scrimmage and often in the backfield.
  • Senior quarterback David Snell is coming into his own - once again, although not lighting up the passing attack this week, he demonstrated a sound maturity and did not try to force the ball when a play was not there.
  • Shorewood had no turnovers.
  • Shorewood played a complete game, on all three fronts. Playing all four quarters has often provided difficult in the past for the T-birds - but Coach Torrey has been preaching completeness in effort and it definitely showed this week.
  • The last time Shorewood started 3-1 was in 2002 when the team finished 6-4 and made its last trip to the play-offs. 
  • 2002 was also the last time Shorewood recorded two shutouts in a season.
  • In four games, Shorewood has now scored more points than it did in all of the 2016 season.
King 5's Chris Egan revs up the crowd for the BIG GAME
segment broadcast Friday night. Voting determines which
game is featured - and it's usually the Rotary Cup.
Photo by Lisa Hirohata


Shorewood plays next Friday night in Everett against the Everett Seagulls (1-3 Overall / 1-2 WesCo South) and Shorecrest squares off against Snohomish (2-2 Overall / 2-0 WesCo South). This season is shaping up to be an interesting one, as the league's eminent powers find the standings reversed with Edmonds-Woodway and Meadowdale looking up at Shorewood and Shorecrest sitting atop the standings.



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Garden Guy: Climate Ready landscape plants

Monday, October 16, 2023

By Bruce Bennett

Gardeners who have read this column for a while have seen me write about the proper watering of their gardens and landscapes. Yet, the right irrigation schedule can be a bit costly with the arrival of each public utility bill. The last three years have given us some of the increasingly hottest weather on record and forecasts for the next decade really don’t provide us much hope for the cooler, ‘normal’ weather cycles. 


There must be a better way, right? How about we take the next logical step in landscape development for a present and future that includes the issue of global warming in our part of the world? Let’s look at some existing plants that are being trialed as horticultural candidates which are up to the challenges of heat and drought.

For the past two years your Garden Guy has been part of an evaluation process of some fifteen different types of plants which may benefit our area’s gardens. 

The UW Botanical Gardens joined a multi-year endeavor initially begun by the University of California-Davis California Center for Urban Horticulture and is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 

The expanded trials now include garden plots at the UC-Davis, the University of Washington Botanical Gardens, the South Coast Research and Extension Center, the University of Arizona, Utah State University, Oregon State University and the North Willamette Research and Extension Center.

These Landscape Irrigation Trials are a longitudinal research project will help identify some of the best water-wise plants for our region. The findings will help the live-goods trade and gardeners in the Puget Sound make smart plant choices for the hotter, drier summers climate scientists predict for the years ahead. 

From the ranks of the wholesale nursery industry, garden centers, Certified Master Gardeners from King County, etc. evaluators will rate some 350 plants in terms of their foliage, flowering, pest tolerance/disease resistance, vigor and overall appearance (AKA, the “WOW factor”). 

The plants which thrive best with the lowest amount of irrigation will be classified as the “winners”, so to speak. And, those that do best under low-water conditions will be recommended to the green industry and northwest gardeners, similar to the suggestions from the Great Plant Picks program through the UW’s Center for Urban Horticulture.

As this is only the UW’s second year participating in these trials, there is not, as yet, a list of drought-tolerant plants for the Northwest to recommend. You can, however, visit the UC-Davis website 

Remember to select plants to research for your landscapes which grow well in our US Hardiness Zones (Zones 7 and 8). From these past two years of trials (and 20-years of hands-on experience), the Garden Guy has come away with a short list of his own favorites from the trials. Among these full-sun (6+ hours/day) loving candidates for your consideration are:

Chaste Tree
Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus) ‘Blue Diddley’ is a dwarf (6’ x 5’) version of the straight species which can grow quite large (18’ x 15’). 

As a Mediterranean native, Vitex has proven to be extremely drought tolerant. This compact, intensely colored, freely blooming shrub could become a very popular landscape plant in many different spaces.

‘Blue Diddley’ could find a space in a mixed border or on a sunny condo deck. It would also be a great alternative to those who want the ‘look’ of the invasive Buddleia (Butterfly Bush) in their yards.

Crape Myrtle
Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) ‘Center Stage Red’ is another great color counterpoint in the landscape. In late summer this 12’ x 10’ small tree/large shrub commands the spotlight with its deep burgundy -to-black leaves and red flowers.

It naturally grows with a narrow, space-saving habit and needs minimal pruning. 

If you find the leaves on your Redbud or Japanese Snowbell crisping during our increasing heat domes, a Crape Myrtle just might be the new urban setting tree for your yard. 

An added bonus these plants offer is their disease and deer resistance. They should be used more often.

Maiden grass
Maiden Grass (Miscanthus sinensis) ‘Bandwith’ is the new gold (banded) standard in a dwarf (3’ x 3’) Miscanthus. 

This compact Maiden Grass has green foliage with pronounced yellow banding. The habit is solidly upright like 'Zebrinus’ but stands half the height. Bandwidth flowers late in the season and adds extra interest to fading gardens. It makes a great landscape accent or a ‘thriller’ in containers. 

Miscanthus is versatile from a design standpoint; it can be used as a single specimen, for mass plantings or screening or in large containers. 

Even though it dies back in early winter, it will provide a buff-colored presence of winter interest which birds will enjoy for the seeds provided the homeowner for the vertical visual show.

Nine bark
Nine Bark (Physocarpus opulifolius) ‘Little Devil’, (4’ x 3’) with its upright spreading habit, fine-texture and really dark foliage sets it apart from the many greens of the landscape and provide a nice contrast and can replace thorny barberries in the yard. 

This less-than-thirsty shrub is definitely easy-care and requires little, if any, pruning. 

Additionally, it is virtually free from pest and disease issues and adapts well to wet or dry soil. Clusters of small purplish-white flowers bloom in June that contrast nicely with the burgundy foliage.

Rosa
Rose (Rosa x) ‘Oso Easy ‘Urban Legend’ is a true-red excellent carpet rose (2’ x 3’) that blooms from early summer until hard frost and without trimming and deadheading, no less. 

The glossy green leaves seem to be pretty resistant and usually have no need for fungicides. This plant’s size and rigor make it an excellent candidate as a ground cover, edging or sunny spot that could use a bit more summer color. 

As with all of the plants on my list, once established, they require far less water than others in their taxa. I’d recommend an application of a granular fertilizer in spring and pruning in early spring.

Nine Bark blooms
A few other trial recommendations for you to consider include Bluebeard (Caryopteris x clandonensi), Buxus ‘Little Missy’, California Lilac (Ceanothus thyrsiflorus) ‘Victoria’, Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus) ‘Summertime Blue’, Cotoneaster x suesicus ‘Emerald Beauty’, Nine Bark (Physocarpus opulifolius ) ‘Diablo’, Rose ‘Blushing Drift’ and Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) ‘Pink Chiffon’. 

Check out some of these drought-tolerant plants and win on several fronts; hold onto a bit more of your public utilities dollars, have a better looking yard and save some time watering your yards (I try to help out where I can). 

 Happy gardening all!

Bruce Bennett, Garden Guy
Contributing garden columnist, Bruce Bennett, is a Washington State University Certified Master Gardener, public speaker and Seattle-area garden designer. 

If you have questions concerning this article, have questions concerning your garden or want to suggest a topic for a future column, contact Bruce at gardenguy4u@gmail.com.

See his previous columns here

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Community collaboration saves 94 mature trees along Dayton Ave N

Sunday, November 14, 2021

Trees on Dayton were marked for removal.
Photo by Jamie Holter looking south.
How WSDOT, the City of Shoreline, and Save Shoreline Trees worked together to preserve trees

By Melody Fosmore, CoChair, Save Shoreline Trees

It started in early 2019 with a few neighbors who attended an open house at the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Regional Headquarters in Shoreline to learn about its impending $46.5 million remodeling project.

Looking south on Dayton today. Photo by Melody Fosmore

At the open house, a map showed every tree that surrounded the WSDOT facility on N 160th St, Dayton Ave N and N 155th St was marked with a dark “X”. City representatives at the open house explained that the trees were slated for removal because Shoreline Municipal Code required 8-foot-wide concrete sidewalks and other frontage improvements along the right-of-way streets surrounding WSDOT due to the size of the project. 

In addition to the 8-foot-wide sidewalks, the other frontage improvements included 5-foot amenity strips for signage and landscaping, and parallel parking along Dayton Ave N. These improvements necessitated the removal of the trees. 

The iconic trees surrounding WSDOT are 75-150 years old (estimated) and a remnant of a much larger urban forest. These trees work together to stay strong during high winds; they provide shade for humans and a resting place for migrating birds and, through their root system, cleanse stormwater runoff that feeds the Boeing Creek watershed. The prospect of losing them was heartbreaking.

The new sidewalk and the trees that were saved.
Photo by Melody Fosmore

After the open house, one of the neighbors posted the news on social media. A solid core of community support emerged and Save Shoreline Trees was founded. In its first three months, Save Shoreline Trees held rallies, sent more than 300 letters and emails to the City, and attended City Council meetings to speak for these trees. 

A concerned family installed a large banner sign posted in front of a home that alerted the community in detail of the plans. This same family made 'save me' signs and wrapped them around the trees on Dayton Ave N, providing a compelling and daily reminder to pedestrians and car drivers of what was at stake. 

In January 2020, a pivotal Save Shoreline Trees community meeting hosted representatives from WSDOT and the City, along with more than 50 community members who shared ideas for saving these trees. We all asked if there were alternative sidewalk options. 

WSDOT and Abbott Construction leadership took the suggestions and in the following months, submitted several revisions to the frontage improvement plan, including alternative sidewalk proposals.

New sidewalk on shallow footings. 
Photo by Melody Fosmore

The City of Shoreline agreed to extend the required ROW permit deadline so WSDOT could continue their interior remodeling work while creating a new plan for the alternative sidewalks. The City also agreed to waive street parking and landscaping, but continued to maintain the 8-foot-wide sidewalk requirement. 

As the process slowly moved along, Save Shoreline Trees kept making weekly public statements to the City Council about the WSDOT project and maintained communication with both the City and WSDOT for updates. Save Shoreline Trees kept the public and supporters informed of the progress.

WSDOT’s research finally resulted in a “Memorandum of Understanding” with the City that the trees on Dayton Ave N and N 155th were effectively doing the work (and had been for decades) to filter stormwater so a proposed underground stormwater system was not needed and an alternative sidewalk plan could work, thereby saving most of the trees. 

Trees and PermaTrak® photo by Melody Fosmore

Even more significant, Chris Lee, Senior Project Manager with the project contractor, Abbott Construction, went a step further and found a product based in North Carolina, used primarily in the south and east coasts for park pathways and hiking trails, called the PermaTrak® system. This system would work as an alternative sidewalk for Dayton Ave N. 

Since the shipping costs to Seattle would have been astronomical, Chris Lee worked behind the scenes with Olympian Precast Inc, a concrete pre-cast company in Redmond and ‘brokered’ a deal with PermaTrak® to have the sidewalk pieces made in the Seattle area, which not only made the alternative sidewalk more affordable, but would also give PermaTrak® a manufacturing presence in the Northwest. By using a local manufacturer, they also avoided the environmental and economic impact of trucking the concrete plus the wages for manufacturing workers and material suppliers stayed here in Washington.

Another important note is the overall costs of this frontage improvement. There were two very expensive costs that were avoided by using the PermaTrak® solution. One was the cost of paying a “fee in lieu” for each of the trees to be removed, which the City requires when a tree is removed and no replacement tree is scheduled to be planted. 

Another was the cost of moving all the utilities to the middle of the street which would have shut down this busy arterial for several weeks. The net result, after taking in the avoided costs, was the PermaTrak® system costs less than the original plan and the trees were allowed to stay.

After more than a year of research, planning, and permit revisions, the permit was approved with WSDOT’s new plan which included an elevated PermaTrak® sidewalk on Dayton Avenue N. In addition, the relocation of the sidewalk on N 155th St saved trees. 

34 mature trees were cut down on N 160th St.
Photo by Melody Fosmore

However, the City did not approve WSDOT’s recommendation for a 6-foot-wide sidewalk along N 160th St, so 34 mature trees were cut down on August 9, 2021.

As a result of this collaboration, WSDOT’s Chris Linden and the HQ Capital Facilities office has been nominated for the Annual WSDOT Environmental Award. 

When asked about the point where things changed the most, Chris said, “the advocacy and tenacity of Save Shoreline Trees made a huge difference in the outcome of this project. Yes, the design and outcome are driven by costs just like any other project, however in this instance the players of this multi-leg stool all wanted to save the trees. Everyone just had to work harder to get to the solution.”

This collective effort by Save Shoreline Trees, WSDOT, Abbott Construction and the City of Shoreline shows the value of community collaboration with an aligned focus on environmental goals. This WSDOT project outcome is an excellent example of a positive collaboration between a state, a city, private, and community organizations. 

With the PermaTrak® option now locally available, the City has a new resource for capital projects and sidewalk designs.

Ongoing development, along with climate crisis, are detrimental to all mature conifers and native trees. More than ever, we ALL need to work together to save our environment during this climate crisis. 

Saving the Dayton Ave N tall mature trees positively affects the lives and health of our community. Most of the time, we don’t appreciate what these magnificent trees do for us every day, however if these trees had all been cut down, the effect would have been felt for generations to come.

Save Shoreline Trees continues to advocate for tall mature conifers. To learn more about its strategies and activities, visit www.saveshorelinetrees.com


Updated to PermaTrak® and added link http://permatrak.com/



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For the birds: Birds Need Special Habitats

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Snow Geese landing
Photo by Doug Parrott

Birds Need Special Habitats
by Christine Southwick

Birds need good nutrient-rich feeding spots. For most water birds, these areas are flat areas that collect water during part to all of the year. These are the types of land that are easily and frequently filled in and made into parking lots. Since habitat loss is the number one cause of avian deaths and species decline, there needs to be a way to protect these areas important to birds.

Long eared owl
Photo by Doug Parrott

Did you know that Washington State has 74 designated Important Bird Areas? These aren’t large areas of land, most are quite small and may be a combination of public and privately owned, but these parcels are vital to migrating and/or specialized birds.

Important Bird Areas (IBA’s) are areas that have been determined to provide essential habitat for breeding, wintering, and/or migrating birds. To be accepted as an IBA the site must be of unique importance for one or more species of bird. There are three classifications of IBA’s—State, Continental, or Global.

Thirteen of Washington’s Important Bird Areas have been designated as being of “Global Importance”.

Of these thirteen, ten are here in western Washington, and all these areas are vital to birds that need water. Three are needed for the listed Marbled Murrelet; and two areas are used by 90% of the Snow Geese coming from Wrangle Island in Russia. These Snow Geese stop in the Skagit Bay area during their winter migration, with 60% staying here all winter.

Bald eagle
Photo by Doug Parrott

Anywhere there are large quantities of birds, there are predators who feast on these flocks. Since the Skagit area also has great habitat for shorebirds and other wintering flocks, there are lots of raptors that can be seen: Bald Eagles, Peregrines, Harriers, American Kestrals, Merlins, Long-eared and Short-eared Owls, and an occasional Prairie Falcon, or Gyrfalcon all visit this area known for good hunting. And duck and goose hunting season ended Jan 25th.

If you drive up to the Skagit-Fir Island area, be safe and thoughtful. Pull over, off the road. Use your car as a “Blind”, if possible, so as not to disturb the flocks. Every time flocks are startled and forced to fly these birds burn much needed energy. Some farmers have agreed to plant winter crops for the geese. Don’t walk on property without permission—unless marked as “Public”, all property is privately owned.

Now is a good time to go see wintering flocks.


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Help count birds for science during Audubon’s Annual Christmas Bird Count

Saturday, December 10, 2016

Portions of Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, and Kenmore
are in the Edmonds Bird Count circle

The National Audubon Society invites birdwatchers and people with backyard bird feeders to participate in the longest-running citizen science survey - the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count (CBC). On Saturday, December 17, birders and nature enthusiasts will take part in this tradition, many rising before dawn to participate.

“This year Pilchuck Audubon is making a special effort to count birds visiting yard bird feeders,” says Rick Taylor, a volunteer with Pilchuck Audubon. “Recent research has highlighted the importance of suburban habitats and the surprising diversity of bird species that make use of our suburban yards and greenbelts.”

Birders of all ages are welcome to contribute to this fun, nationwide citizen science project, which provides ornithologists with a crucial snapshot of our native bird populations during the winter months.

The Edmonds / South Snohomish County CBC is performed in a count circle with a diameter of 15 miles that is centered near Martha Lake in Lynnwood. This circle covers central to south Snohomish county, as well as Kenmore, the northern half of Lake Forest Park, and part of north central Shoreline.

In last year’s CBC, people watched their feeders at 37 locations in South Snohomish County and Northern King County. They reported the only White-throated Sparrows in the circle, and accounted for 64% of the Townsend’s Warblers, and 43% of the Anna’s Hummingbirds observed. Collectively, they observed 48 species and 1,880 individual birds. Complete results of last year’s Edmonds CBC can be found on the Pilchuck Audubon Website here.

To participate by counting birds in your yard and feeders, first confirm that you live within the Edmonds count circle, using this map. (Shown above) Click on the link and when the map is displayed, enter Edmonds in the search box in the upper-right-hand corner of the page. Then zoom in or out until you see the whole circle. Verify that your home is located within it.

You will also need to follow specific counting directions which, along with additional general information about the Edmonds CBC, can be found on Pilchuck Audubon’s website at: Detailed Instructions for Home Counters. You can also contact Rick Taylor at 425-214-2764) or Bob Schmidt at 425-273-1579.

Each year, the National Audubon Christmas Bird Count mobilizes over 72,000 volunteer bird counters in more than 2,500 locations across the Western Hemisphere. The Audubon Christmas Bird Count utilizes the power of volunteers to track the health of bird populations at a scale that scientists could never accomplish alone. Data compiled in South Snohomish and Northern King County area will record every individual bird and bird species seen in a specified area, contributing to a vast citizen science network that continues a tradition stretching back more than 100 years.

To date over 200 peer-reviewed articles have resulted from analysis done with Christmas Bird Count data. Bird related citizen science efforts are also critical to understanding how birds are responding to a changing climate. This documentation is what enabled Audubon scientists to discover that 314 species of North American birds are threatened by global warming as reported in Audubon’s groundbreaking Birds and Climate Change Study. The tradition of counting birds combined with modern technology and mapping is enabling researchers to make discoveries that were not possible in earlier decades.

The Audubon Christmas Bird Count began in 1900 when Dr. Frank Chapman, founder of Bird‐Lore – which evolved into Audubon magazine – suggested an alternative to the holiday “side hunt,” in which teams competed to see who could shoot the most birds. This program brings out the best in people and they tend to stay involved for the long run. And so the tradition continues.

The National Audubon Society saves birds and their habitats throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education and on‐the‐ground conservation. Audubon's state programs, nature centers, chapters and partners have an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire and unite diverse communities in conservation action. Since 1905, Audubon's vision has been a world in which people and wildlife thrive. Audubon is a nonprofit conservation organization.



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For the Birds: Snowy Owl Facts and Precautions - Interview with Nature and Bird photographer Paul Bannick

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Phone interview with Paul Bannick, Author and Photographer of The Owl and The Woodpecker 11/17/2011, by Christine Southwick

With the reports of sighting along the Washington coast, this year appears to be an irruptive year for the Snowy Owl.

"Snowy Owl Singing in Fog"  Photo: paulbannick.com
Reprinted with permission


Paul, WHERE ARE THESE OWLS COMING FROM AND WHY ARE THEY HERE?

Snowy Owls breed on the Arctic Tundra, but the young disperse widely, so we don’t know if these owls are from Alaska, Canada, or Asia. We do know that they are here in search of food. The most common explanation is that the birds are responding to a fall in lemming populations to the north. The success of the prior year’s breeding owls likely plays a role as well, with many more birds putting pressure on whatever lemming populations remain.

These owls are hungry. The only reason that they fly this far south is to get enough food to survive. They need all the energy and fat that they can acquire. It is important that people, in their enthusiasm to see these magnificent owls, don’t crowd them and cause them to waste valuable calories. Expending energy unproductively can be the margin between surviving or starving.

IS THERE A SPECIFIC AGE OR SEX OF THE SNOWY OWLS THAT FLY SOUTHWARD TO FIND FOOD?

There is a hierarchy in Snowy Owls, with the adult females initially retaining breeding territories, while males and juveniles move south with juvenile males traveling the furthest. Therefore, most of the Snowy Owls who travel down into Washington are juveniles, and the majorities of these are males.

WHAT KINDS OF FOOD ARE THESE OWLS EATING WHILE THEY ARE HERE IN WASHINGTON?

They are eating mostly rodents, and opportune birds. Rodents mostly move at night or dusk, so while the Snowy Owls are in Washington, most are hunting dusk through dawn. Having found an area that sustains it, a Snowy Owl may stay in the area for a while.

HOW WOULD I KNOW IF I AM TOO CLOSE AND CAUSING A SNOWY TO WASTE ENERGY?

These owls live on or near the ground. They need much more distance than other owls because of their exposure. If you are closer than 100 yards (length of a full football field), you may be too close! Half a mile is more ideal. If you see the owl opening its eyes during full daylight, defecating, climbing to a higher perch, or especially flying away from you, you are probably TOO CLOSE. You are causing an owl harm every time it has to launch itself for reasons other than feeding.

WHAT SUGGESTIONS WOULD YOU OFFER PEOPLE TO BE ABLE TO SEE THESE OWLS IN WAYS THAT ARE HEALTHY FOR THE OWLS AND SATISFYING FOR THE VIEWERS?

First and foremost, keep your distance. That means use a scope if at all possible. If you are taking pictures, take advantage of high-powered lenses and tripods and/or digi-scoping . Be prepared to stay in one place for a while.

It is recommended that people wait for a few weeks when they hear about a Snowy Owl in a new location. By late December or January, many of these owls will be in place and settled, and less likely to require that half mile. It may even be able to tolerate a closer approach, especially if you use your car as a blind. Watch for those signs of nervousness, and back away if you are bothering the owl.


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Local soccer teams to square off in season finale Tuesday

Monday, October 22, 2018

Soccer ball
Photo by Wayne Pridemore
Tuesday night, October 23, 2018 at 7pm at Shoreline Stadium, the Shorecrest and Shorewood girls soccer teams square off in the regular season finale.

If ever there was a night for local youth coaches (of both boys and girls teams) from the Hillwood and Shorelake Soccer organizations to bring their teams to a game, this would be it. 

Nearly all the players they’ll be watching are the product of the two programs, and watching the ‘big kids’ play can teach them invaluable soccer techniques as well as great lessons regarding sportsmanship, effort, hustle, and team play. Dry weather is in the forecast.

The teams come into the game with very similar records. The Scots are 8-3-2 in WesCo action, while the T-Birds are 8-4-1.

Both teams have strong coaches. Mindy Dalziel is at the helm for the Scots, while long-time local coach Gary Harris leads the T-Birds.

Both schools have long, proud, and successful programs, with State Championship banners adorning the walls of both gyms. Michelle Akers, arguably the greatest female American player, was a Scot, while her US National and World Cup Champion teammate Lori Henry (who is a long-time assistant coach for SC) played for the T-Birds. 

Nina Lowe, a two-sport SW State Champion (in soccer and basketball, as well as a former T-Bird girls basketball coach) was on the 1999 championship team, while Scots coach Mindy Dalziel won State in 1992 and 1993 as a player at Shorecrest.

It will be the first meeting of the year between the two teams, and with the District One 3A playoffs starting next weekend, much is at stake.

Those teams ranked in the top six in the complex RPI system earn their way into Districts with a bye into the tournament, while those ranked 7-10 must win a dreaded ‘win-or-go-home’ play-in game that precedes Districts. Both teams have a chance to finish in the top six. A top-four finish earns a team a first-round home game.

The latest RPI rankings can be found HERE.

The outcome of Tuesday’s match will go a long way to determining the final seeding of both teams, as well as deciding if either (or both) teams get a first-round home game next Saturday.

Players to watch - For Shorewood, freshman twin sisters Kaitlyn and Morgan Manalili are very technical ball-handlers with great awareness, along with the ability to create and finish plays. Look for senior defender Hai-Ying Aw to make long throw-ins. Sophomores Grace Kamilla and Shea Mertel both hustle like crazy.

For Shorecrest - Junior Izzy Menning plays with passion and drive. Junior defender Sydney Van Ness is a stud; an anchor on the back line with a big free-kick leg. Junior Sevi Mitsopoulos, back from injury, is a real playmaker. Senior captain Amanda Kagarabi brings great all-around athleticism and leadership qualities to the team, as well as the experience that comes with having been a part of two state champion teams for the Scots, in track and basketball.

Kagarabi, especially, is looking forward to Tuesday’s showdown. 

“I’m so excited for this game. We are all playing for pride, and our games with Shorewood always have a whole ‘nother type of energy. We’re excited to end the regular season on a high note as we prepare for the playoff battle coming up over the next few weeks.”

--Sports Desk



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For the birds: Birds need them - we need them - let’s save the trees

Friday, August 2, 2019

Golden-crowned Kinglet in tree
Photo by Elaine Chuang
By Christine Southwick

All our local birds need trees. Our yard birds are classified as Perching Birds since their feet have evolved to clinging to tree branches.

Most of the birds in our area eat, sleep, and breed in trees. Northern Flickers, Downy, Hairy, and Pileated Woodpeckers, and Red-Breasted Sapsuckers are prime examples.

Did you know that Black-capped and Chestnut-backed chickadees, plus Red-breasted Nuthatches, are just some of the birds that use old woodpecker cavities for their nests

That’s already eight cavity nesters that need good-sized local trees for food, raising their young, and for shelter and sleeping.

Red-breasted Nuthatch high in tree
Photo by Elaine Chuang

All kinds of birds build their nests in our local trees: Robins, Steller’s Jays, Yellow Warblers, et al. 
  • White-crowned Sparrows, Dark-eyed Juncos, and Spotted Towhees use trees as look-out posts from which to watch for predators near their nests.
  • Golden-crowned Kinglets, Yellow-rumped Warblers, Merlins, Band-tailed Pigeons, and many other birds need tall evergreens in which to lay their eggs
  • Red-breasted Nuthatches have been known to build their nests 120 feet high in conifers, Cedar Waxwings and kinglets often nest 60 feet up.
  • Willow Flycatchers, Olive-sided Flycatchers and Pacific Slope Flycatchers pass through our area during northern and southern migrations and use treetops from which to fly out and catch the bugs needed to fuel their journeys.

Birds glean tiny bugs off trees, helping to keep trees healthy. Their lilting songs lift our hearts and reduce our stress levels. Birds and bees help pollinate trees.

Pileated Woodpecker on old tree
Photo by Elaine Chuang


How do we humans benefit from trees? Why should we keep them? 

Trees reduce noise, moderate temperatures, reduce dust and help clean the air. Trees, especially year-round conifers, deflect rain and snow from falling directly to the ground, thereby slowing runoff and diminishing stormwaters and flooding.

Many people don’t know that Shoreline Parks only have 20% of our city’s tree canopy, while 71% of the tree canopy is owned by private homeowners. Therefore, tree-cutting homeowners directly reduce Shoreline’s tree canopy, and affect their related neighborhood.

Red-breasted Sapsucker with sap holes
 (these holes do not hurt trees)
Photo by Elaine Chuang
Trees need to be kept. Thin a tree, don’t cut it down.

If a tree is sick, don’t cut it flush to the ground, leave a ten foot or higher snag. It will cost you less, and the woodpeckers will start using the snag.

Other birds will soon claim the used woodpecker holes.

Give birds places to live and improve our breathing/noise/and climate change issues.

Keep the trees! 
Help save the Birds!



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