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

For the Birds: Hummers in Fall Mode

Monday, September 2, 2024

Male Rufus Hummingbird passing through
By Christine Southwick

Gone are the lazy days of summer where two or three hummingbirds could sip at the feeder at the same time.

Male Anna’s Hummingbirds are aggressively guarding their chosen feeders again, after being mostly low-key during the hot summer, letting females and juvies drink a while before running them off.

Male Anna's Hummingbird by Craig Kerns
Note how only part of gorget is reflecting
that gorgeous rose color
This is a sign that the season is really changing toward fall—maybe even a time to think about how you are going to keep hummingbird feeders liquid in the winter. 

Cold weather feeding is more important than feeding them during the summer - but summer feeding is so fun to watch.

We have Anna’s Hummingbirds all year long - they have adapted to our many flowering plants, tiny bugs, and our usually mild winters. 

The males are now claiming feeders for their winter feeding, only letting others feed if there are two or more feeders a distance apart so that male has to fly back and forth to defend them all, thus allowing the females to sneak in while he is at the other feeder.

Female Rufus by Craig Kerns
rusty looking sides with white-ish neck margin
You might be seeing (and hearing) Rufus Hummingbirds as they pass through on their way southward. 

Their tails make kind of a toy-boat vibration noise, whereas the Anna’s are detected by their buzzy song.

Male Rufus are dramatic with their rufus sides, bronze gorget and black-tipped tail feathers. 

They are often not seen as they only stop for a quick power drink then fly on. 

The female and juvies are less dramatic with only a little rufus on their sides and will often stay at a good feeder for a week or so, stocking up on needed fuel before continuing to travel southward.

Female Anna's by Craig Kerns

Right now it may be hard to tell the Anna’s females from the Rufus females. 

Here’s what I do. First, I watch my feeders as much as possible. I look for rusty sides - the Anna’s only have grayish green sides. 

 I also look for a thin white margin around their necks - Anna’s females don’t have that margin - their necks are gray green like most of their body.

Hummingbirds have iridescent feathers (mostly in their gorgets) which reflect the sun. 

Gorgets can boldly shine or look black depending on where you are in relation to sunlight bouncing off those feathers. 

That’s why a courting male will face the female with the sun on his throat so that she can see his gorgeousness.

Read previous For The Birds articles here



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"For the Birds" Concert September 22, 2024 (but not OUR For the Birds)

Monday, August 26, 2024


"For the Birds" Concert, for members of the general public, will be held at Edmonds United Methodist Church Sanctuary on Sunday, September 22, 2024 from 4:00 to 5:30pm. 828 Caspers St, Edmonds WA 

This concert is hosted by Interfaith Climate Action and it is more than just a concert. The performance engages the power of artistic expression -- live music, spoken words, images, and poetry - to connect audiences deeply and emotionally to the scientific realities of climate change.

Ultimately a story of hope, individuals leave the performance feeling empowered to take meaningful action. 

Why Birds? Birds are a part of our daily life experience, and an inspiring connection to the natural world. But climate change is having a significant and alarming impact on many bird species, and this should be a wake-up call for all of us.

Tickets are $10 and $20, children under 12 are free as are students in environmental clubs and climate committees in area middle and high schools. We are in the process of securing child care for children too young to enjoy the performance.

Purchase tickets here  

Various individuals and organizations are being approached for donations in order to keep the prices low so everyone can attend. The performers are the Nelda Swiggett Band, well known in Seattle. Nelda is the composer and her quintet will be performing this debut concert.


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U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Healy arrives in Seattle following scientific research, onboard fire

Sunday, August 25, 2024

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Healy (WAGB 20) arrives in Seattle
Photo courtesy USCG Pacific Area

SEATTLE — U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Healy (WAGB 20) arrived in Seattle Friday, August 23, 2024 after conducting scientific research in the Pacific sector of the Arctic Ocean in support of the Arctic Observing Network, funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). 

Healy’s crew and embarked researchers conducted more than 150 conductivity, temperature, and depth (CTD) casts to investigate the circulation and properties of the water, monitored for signs of harmful algal blooms, and collected observations on marine mammals and birds in the Bering, Chukchi, and Beaufort Seas.

It takes 14 crew members to handle the buoy
Photo courtesy USCG Pacific Area

Additionally, two subsurface moorings were deployed that are equipped with multiple sensors collecting oceanographic data on the physical, chemical, and biological state of the Arctic Ocean. This year’s work builds on more than two decades of research to improve understanding of the Pacific Arctic ecosystem in a changing climate.

On July 25, 2024, while underway in the vicinity of Banks Island, Northwest Territories, Canada, Healy experienced an electrical fire on a transformer impacting one of the ship’s two main propulsion motors. The crew swiftly extinguished the fire with no personnel casualties. 

Healy’s crew and contractors restored power to the affected motor. However, out of abundance of caution, the cutter returned to Seattle to ensure all redundant systems are fully operational before returning to the Arctic.

“Healy’s crew and scientific researchers completed valuable data collection throughout the Bering Sea and the eastern Beaufort Sea in support of the Arctic Observing Network,” said Capt. Michele Schallip, Healy’s commanding officer. 
“While transiting to a collection site, we suffered a fire on a transformer. I am immensely proud of the crew for quickly extinguishing the fire and limiting damage to that equipment. In the Arctic, there are few rescue resources, and ice-covered waters make it difficult for rescue assets. 
"Crews operating in polar waters must be well-trained for emergency response, and responsible operation includes addressing any system degradation on a vessel before continuing operation in the high latitudes.”

Polar bear on roadside ice
Photo courtesy USCG Pacific

Healy is the United States' largest polar icebreaker and the Coast Guard’s only icebreaker designed and equipped with scientific instrumentation by the NSF to support Arctic research. The platform is ideally specialized for scientific missions, providing access to the most remote reaches of the Arctic Ocean. Healy is designed to break 4.5 feet of ice continuously at three knots and can operate in temperatures as low as -50 degrees Fahrenheit.


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Echo Lake Closed due to Algae Bloom

Thursday, August 22, 2024

File photo from previous algae bloom in Echo Lake
Photo by Ann Michel

Echo Lake is to remain closed due to high fecal bacteria levels. 

The City recommends that people and pets do not swim, wade, fish, or engage in other activities that would cause contact with water. 

Please do not allow pets to drink the lake water. For water quality updates, visit www.shorelinewa.gov/waterquality and kingcounty.gov/swimbeach.

The City will continue to monitor and sample the lake weekly for both bacteria and algae concentrations and we are working with King County Public Health to reopen the lake as soon as it is safe to do so.

As a general reminder, please help us prevent high fecal bacteria levels by:
  • Keeping dogs on leash and picking up pet waste.
  • Not feeding water birds in the area. Ducks & geese poop where they are fed and, when fed on the beach, their droppings can cause fecal bacteria levels to spike.
The previously scheduled cattail pulling parties have been cancelled.


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Designing the Northwest Garden - free class from North City Water September 18, 2024

Wednesday, August 21, 2024

Whether you are starting with a bare yard or trying to give your existing landscape a northwest vibe, this class has all sorts of advice and tips for you.

Designing the Northwest Garden
Wednesday, September 18, 2024
6:30–8:00 pm
at North City Water District
1519 NE 177th Street in Shoreline
FREE

Northwest native plants—ranging from vine maple, flowering currants, oregon grape, and salal, to sword ferns, oxalis, and wild strawberries—require less care and are amazing for attracting wildlife, birds, and pollinators. This class will focus on sustainable landscapes that are people and wildlife friendly, and help you learn how to "plan it before you plant it."

Class is free, but you must register to attend.

Contact in advance by email to customerservice@northcitywater.org or call the office at 206-362-8100.

About The Presenter

Greg Rabourn’s passion for native plants collided with his dislike of mowing many years ago. He has been practicing and promoting native plant and low maintenance landscaping techniques ever since. 

Greg was a weekly guest for the Greendays Gardening Panel, on KUOW, 94.9 FM. He was also co-host of KCTV's natural yard care TV show. 

Greg currently works for King County's Department of Natural Resources and Parks as a Community Stewardship Specialist and Project Program Manager for Watershed Stewardship.

Learn More about Native Gardening


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Backyard Birds: Fence sitter

Photo by Lee Wolfe

This little one enjoyed a convenient perch for reaching the blossoms. Hummingbirds have been very busy in our garden recently.

--Lee Wolfe


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For the Birds: Help Your Local Birds

Wednesday, August 7, 2024

Black-capped Chickadee really into its cooling bath.
Photo by Craig Kerns

By Christine Southwick

Water is probably the most important item you can provide - clean and cool in the summer, liquid in the winter. Water can be as simple as a large dish, or it can become a dramatic yard feature. Running water, like a fountain or mini stream will draw in more resident birds and even migrants flying over, needing a refreshing stop.

Black-headed Grosbeak, male
Photo by Craig Kerns
Plant trees and native bushes for food, roosting, and hiding places for most of our local birds. 

Keep large trees (dead trees made-into-snags are vital for larger cavity birds) for nesting sites, and plant native serviceberry trees and/or crabapple trees, or other fruiting native trees like Indian Plum and bushes like Snowberries. 

By planting native vegetation, local insects, which birds need to survive, will be found and controlled by our native birds. Birds are great pollinators which help fruits and even flowers.

Think about creating your yard as a Certified Wildlife Habitat to help compensate for major habitat loss—the most dangerous cause of loss of birds—both in numbers and in species.

Golden-crowned Kinglet juvie note the gape coloring
Photo by Craig Kerns

If you have insects that are eating some of your plants too fast, spray them off with water, hand pick, or buy beneficial insects, and attract more insect-eating birds into your yard with water and habitat. That will make both you and local birds happy.

Pesticides kill an estimated 72 million birds each year! So don’t use pesticides. They aren’t good for birds, kids, dogs, cats, or the environment.

Western Tanager, breeding male just passing through, stopping for a much needed drink
Photo by Craig Kerns
And please, watch for cats. Spray them with water if they come into your yard. They will learn to go elsewhere, at least when they see you.

Cats are an invasive species which kill approximately 2.4 billion birds EACH year!

As a cat owner, I love my cat(s). Most cats will easily adjust to watching birds through windows, and chatter away and swish their tails. I had one cat that really wanted outside. I built a successful small enclosed outside area with a cat door access so it could go in and out of the house unassisted. 

My cats and I are happy and the birds are safe. So, for the few cats that insist on going outside, that is a do-able solution that also keeps cats safe from our neighborhood coyotes, cat fights, and being hit by cars. (There are fancy catios available if you prefer.)

Seed and suet also help birds and make bird watching a delight. Suet can be used all year around and helps provide protein when the bugs are sparse—especially welcome while hungry fledglings are learning to hunt bugs.

Previous For the Birds columns here


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For the Birds: House Finch or Purple Finch?

Monday, July 8, 2024

House Finch pair note white on wings
Photo by Chris Southwick
By Christine Southwick

So you have a reddish bird on your feeder. What is it?

In our area it will be either a House Finch or a Purple Finch (Cassin’s Finches are higher up in the mountains).

Firstly, both birds are reddish tinted—to my eye there is no purple in a Purple Finch—raspberry coloring yes, but definitely not purple.

The house finch, especially in early spring can be bright red, and can be easily confused with the Purple Finch at first glance.

Lucky for us there are some distinct differences.

House Finch males have brownish wings with white wing bars and no red on their shoulders or wing edges. (Note: depending on food, some House Finches can be orangish, but that is not common.) House Finches of both sexes have streaking from their breast all the way to their tail.

Purple Finch pair note clear belly on female.
Photo by Chris Southwick
Purple Hinch males have a delightful raspberry red coloring over most of their body, except for their clear white underbellies. 

Their wings have a brownish undertone, but the raspberry wing bars and edges dominate. 

Their bellies, and those of the females are clear white, without streaking. Both House Finches and Purple Finches have reddish coloring on their tails.

One of the easiest physical differences is that Purple Finches have an exaggerated eyebrow—white on the female, raspberry on the male-just lighter than the rest of his head.

Females of both finches are brownish with no red at all. The best way to tell the adult female Purple Finch from the adult female Purple Finch is to look for that eyebrow. Purple Finches have shorter tails than House Finches, but that usually doesn’t help me.

House Finch female Photo by Craig Kerns
Not all brown-colored finches in the summer are females. 

Young males of both House Finches and Purple Finches are without any red until their second year, when they molt into their adult plumage.

For me, the easiest way to identify Purple Finches is to hear them singing their rich melodious song that end with clear notes. 

The House Finch’s song usually ends more quickly and with muted notes. 

Purple Finches appear chunkier that the House Finches which often appear thinner. 

Then I look for those other diagnostic clues.

Male Purple Finch note eyebrow
Photo by Chris Southwick
Enjoy these year-round birds. Often you will have only a couple of Purple Finches, but if you have House Finches there will usually be several.

Purple and House Finches nest in trees, usually evergreen, but do not use nest boxes. 

Their favorite birdseed is sunflower seeds—with or without shells. Water, especially this hot summer, will help bring them in.


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Gloria's Birds: Darn GPS messed up again!, said the junco

Tuesday, June 11, 2024

 
Photo copyright Gloria Z. Nagler

Gotta hightail it to the next block...

(Dark-eyed Junco late for his appointment:)

--Gloria Z. Nagler



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For the Birds: Bugs Beware – Nuthatches on Duty

Sunday, June 9, 2024

Nuthatch on fountain. Photo by Christine Southwick

By Christine Southwick

If you see an energetic small bluish bird with a black eyestripe zig-zagging headfirst down your trees, your trees are being gleaned of bugs and protected by Red-breasted Nuthatches.

Red-breasted Nuthatches eat beetles, spiders, ants, caterpillars, earwigs, and other tasties and feed these to their nestlings. They actively devour spruce budworm. These delightful birds readily come to feeders for peanuts, sunflower seeds and suet. In the winter they also eat conifer seeds, and any of those seeds/peanuts that they cached earlier.

Note: The theme for this year’s International Migratory Day is “Protect Insects - Protect Birds”.

Photo by Christine Southwick
These nuthatches build their nests in softer wood, especially in dead or dying trees, trees with dead tops or even just a softer space under a dying branch. They prefer conifer forests. They especially like cottonwood and alder that are near pines, firs, or cedars.

It is unusual for a non-woodpecker to excavate a nest hole, but both the female and male Red-breasted Nuthatches do this excavating. After they have lined the nest, they smear pine resin around their entrance hole, a unique practice to deter predators. The parents fly directly into the hole to avoid that goo.

Both feed their young 18-21 days in the nest, and then for two weeks after they fledge. She may have up to eight eggs and stays silent while on the eggs. The male feeds her while she is on the nest.

When these nestlings fledge you can track where they are by their loud tin-horn sounding “Yank, Yank.” Red-Breasted Nuthatches don’t have a song per se, their contact calls resemble something like a tin horn, which makes them easy to locate.

Nuthatch photo by Christine Southwick

They prefer to make their own nest holes, but they occasionally use nest boxes. They are fussy about sizing and aging (a preferred nest box mimics their deep, often 8-inch cavity) so it is better to put a nestbox up over the winter, which also offers shelter for local birds.

Save snag trees for the birds. Loss of habitat includes suitable trees for all kinds of cavity nesters.

When you hear their “Yank, yank” calls, especially if a brood has fledged, look for these delightful birds learning to use your suet.


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Attention fishermen: Three nearby lakes stocked with fish

Friday, May 10, 2024

Osprey and salmon photo by Jan Hansen

Perhaps I should say Attention: Fishing birds. All three of these lakes are shallow with many bird nests in the vicinity.

Echo Lake is in Shoreline. Bitter Lake and Haller Lake are just south of us in north Seattle. All three lakes are surrounded by housing, so this could be a boon for lakeside residents with fishing poles.

Each has a small public access area but no boat launch.

Bitter Lake (King County) May 7, 2024 - 1500 Rainbow @ 0.4lbs


Echo Lake (King County) May 7, 2024 - 1000 Rainbow @ 0.4lbs


Haller Lake (King County) May 7, 2024 - 1300 Rainbow @ 0.4lbs


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For the Birds: Yellow Birds - Oh So Pretty!

Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Orange-crowned Warbler
Phoro by Dan Streiffert

By Christine Southwick

How many local insect-eating yellow birds can you identify?

Townsend's Warbler
Photo by Craig Kerns
Townsend's Warbler can be found here all year. They prefer evergreen forests, but in winter will use deciduous forests as well. Birdbaths and suet will draw them into your yard.

Yellow-Rumped Warbler can be found all year long, though less common here in the summer since they go north to breed. They love to eat bugs in flowering trees.

Orange-crowned Warbler—olive yellowish green above with yellow below, with a small erectable orange crown on males. Found here from late March thru usually September.

Wilson’s Warbler usually arrive here about April and leave September-ish. They prefer willow and alder stands in dense moist areas. Fountains and bird baths will likely lure them into your yard.

Wilson's Warbler
Photo by Elaine Chuang
Western Tanager
fly through our area during migration in late April-May. The breeding males have bright red heads, and brilliant yellow with back wings. 

They usually perch in trees with yellow tints (like willows) during migration which makes them hard to see. 

They can be found locally in high forested areas of Washington, especially in Ponderosa-pine and Douglas-fir forests (like Roslyn). 

The sound of fountains often attracts them to yards while migrating.

American Goldfinch are mainly in our area from May through Oct, with some wintering flocks staying and searching for local food. Basically seed-eaters, these finches prefer open areas, and will not come to feeders under branches. They use thistle down to line their nests so nest later than all our other local birds,

Yellow Warbler, male,
Photo by Tony Varela
Yellow Warbler
arrive here in May and are usually gone by September. They are most often found in deciduous habitat near streams. Running water could attract them to your yard.

Pine Siskin intermittently can be here all year long, often in numbers. They are finches with narrow bills, and yellow streaks on flanks and tails.

Evening Grosbeak can be seen intermittently all year. They arrive at feeders in numbers, with the males being a bright yellow and black, the females being brownish gray with a dark head and yellow underwing coloring. They love spruce budworm. Their large bills are indeed gross beaks.

Golden-crowned Kinglet a small yellow-tinged, fluttering insect-eating bird frequently near human habitat. Usually high in the canopies during the summer they come down lower during the winter when they may join mixed flocks.

Common Yellowthroat can be heard (witchity, witchity), and maybe seen, in wet marshy areas from early April through September.

Save birds by saving insects!

Previous columns by Christine Southwick can be viewed here.



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Two gems of the Echo Lake Neighborhood on display Saturday April 27, 2024: Densmore Pathway and Echo Lake

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Entrance to the Densmore Pathway
Photo by Jeanne Monger

You could potentially get to both events on Saturday April 27, 2024 as the Echo Lake Neighborhood celebrates Earth Day by showing the work that has been done for two of its green spaces.

Saturday, April 27, 10am, at Densmore Pathway (NE 188th between Ashworth and Densmore) Marla Tullio will lead a walking tour, discussing the "Birds and plants of Shoreline's Densmore Pathway".

The Pathway is a reclaimed space, formerly a neglected Right Of Way, which because of the work of many near neighbors, has been turned into a peaceful walk from Ashworth to Densmore.

A meandering gravel pathway lined with a variety of plants, art pieces peek through the grasses and hang overhead.

A bench, little free library, and kiosk mark the entrance on Ashworth, almost hidden behind the rain gardens which line the street. Meet there at 10an.

Parking is on-street and very limited; please be mindful of neighbors' driveways.

View from Echo Lake Park
Photo by Gidget Terpstra

Saturday, April 27, 11am, at Echo Lake Park 19901 Ashworth Ave N, Ann Michel will discuss the “Flora, Fauna and Rainwater: The Future of Echo Lake”.

ELNA volunteers have been monitoring the health of the lake and working to keep the park groomed for 25 years. Ann and the Friends of Echo Lake are working intensively to keep the lake healthy and replace invasive plants with native species.

Meet by the lake while Ann shares her extensive knowledge of this small gem.

After either event, if you wish to participate in the BioBlitz after the presentation, full information is here. Registration is encouraged but not required.


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Favorite Tree: "Eagle tree" falls at Ronald Bog

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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Echo Lake Neighborhood celebrates Earth Day with five events over three days

Friday, April 12, 2024

The Echo Lake Neighborhood Association (ELNA) is going all out for Earth Day. 

They have cancelled their usual 3rd Tuesday Zoom meeting this month.

Instead, for this year’s Earth Day weekend, ELNA is hosting five interactive events, each consisting of a featured speaker followed by a "Bioblitz" gathering.

A Bioblitz? What’s that?

A bioblitz is a communal citizen-science effort to record as many species within a designated location and time period as possible. The first BioBlitz was held in Washington, D.C. in 1996. Approximately 1000 species were identified at this first event.

Download the iNaturalist app (not the Seek option; 'Connect with Nature' on iPhone) to your phone (you can do that now) and set up an account if you do not already have one. Our local events are part of the "City Nature Challenge 2024 - Seattle-Tacoma" project. (There are helpful hints on the Registration page)

When you are in one of the parks choose a plant and take a photo, following instructions on the app. 

The schedule is as follows:

Friday, April 26, 11am, at Shoreline Park, 9030 1st Ave NE

Joy Wood of Green Shoreline Partnership,
"Forest Health and Ecological Restoration"

Saturday, April 27, 10am, at Densmore Pathway (188th between Ashworth and Densmore)

Marla Tullio, 
"Birds and plants of Shoreline's Densmore Pathway"

Saturday, April 27, 11am, at Echo Lake Park 19901 Ashworth Ave N

Ann Michel, 
“Flora, Fauna and Rainwater: the Future of Echo Lake”

Sunday, April 28, 10am, at Shoreline Park, 9030 1st Ave NE

Sara Cammeresi, 
"Native and Invasive Plants at Shoreline Park"

Sunday, April 28, 1:30pm at Midvale Gardens (southeast of 192nd & Midvale)

Derek Creisler,
"Workshop on Weeds - the Midvale Gardens project, its history, and where do we go from here"


In addition:
  • Light refreshments will be available
  • Rain - cancels / does not cancel please check each event listing for details in the link below
  • Everyone is welcome
Benefits:
  • An after-covid in-person community gathering with no covid threat due to it being held outdoors
  • A reason to get outdoors, connect with nature, and connect with members of our local community
  • Learn about plants and animals in our local community
  • Work in pairs, in small groups, or individually to gather photos (a wonderful way for a family to spend time together)
  • Differently-abled (wheelchair, walkers, etc.) individuals can participate as the activity is not athletic. All locations are near paved city trails and have paved trails within the site (Densmore Pathway has a gravel path).
  • You will be helping to create records of the biodiversity in our area
Register and get more information here

We look forward to celebrating Earth Day weekend with our community at these events!


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For the Birds: Happy Morning Chorus

Sunday, April 7, 2024

Communal bathing

Story and photos by Christine Southwick

American Robins start singing their lovely cheery songs just before dawn and can be seen running across lawns and curbs, suddenly stopping and tilting their heads looking for their tasty worm meals.

When you really look at robins, you’ll see that they are pretty birds, with black stripes on a white throat, and white feathers around the eyes. Females are paler than males, and juveniles have spots on their buff breasts.

Juvie learning that leaves aren't food

Robins are one of the first birds most people learn to recognize, and their size is often used as a reference, as in, “Larger than a chickadee, smaller than a robin.”

Even though we see robins all the time, chances are they aren’t the same ones. Most here in the winter go further north to breed, and the ones who breed here probably came from Oregon or California. Even its name, Turdus Migratorius, recognizes this songbird’s short-distance movements. American Robins are members of the Thrush family.

Robins are social and feed in small flocks, with larger flocks at night, and when migrating. In addition to worms, they eat volumes of beetle grubs and caterpillars. Robins watch vigilantly for predators like cats or hawks, and you can often see a robin on guard duty while others are bathing.

Female gathering mud for nest building

The female makes the nest, coating it with mud and grass before laying three to five blue eggs in a tree or under an eave. Jays, crows, squirrels, and in some places, snakes, like their eggs. Both parents loudly and boldly protect their eggs and their fledglings until they can forage on their own. Even so, less than 25 % of each year’s broods survive to see their first November.

The worm that didn't get away

Cats, crows, hawks, window strikes and the pesticides that poison the worms and berries Robins eat, take their tolls. The average lifespan of American Robins is two years, but some have lived to 10-13 years.

Stop using insecticides and harsh fertilizers, provide a shallow birdbath and plant a crabapple or serviceberry tree, and your will be rewarded with these lovely American Robins.

When you hear cheery morning singing, take a minute to watch the early bird running across your lawn, grabbing that early worm. It will bring a smile to your face.


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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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The Secret Gardens of Lake Forest Park Garden Tour and Market returns on Saturday, June 15, 2024

Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Six beautiful, local gardens will open to visitors for the Secret Gardens of LFP tours

Secret Gardens of Lake Forest Park Garden Tour and Market Saturday, June 15, 2024, 9am to 3pm

Buy Tickets now

Amid the shade of old-growth trees and the sunny ridges of its watershed, Lake Forest Park residents incorporate all-weather sculptures, and create havens for chickens, honey bees, children's fairy gardens, native salmon alevin and campfire musicians.

Six private LFP gardens will be open to public view on June 15, 2024 at the 20th Annual Secret Gardens of Lake Forest Park Garden Tour. These properties provide solace and recreation and are cultivated by gifted amateurs and professionals. 

They have much to teach novice and seasoned gardeners -- "I love going to the Secret Gardens of Lake Forest Park," says local resident, Sadie, "“I always get inspiration for new ideas that I want to incorporate into my own yard.”

Detail from one of the Secret Gardens
Maps to the gardens may be bought in exchange for a tour ticket and picked up at the Garden Market, in the LFP Town Center, on the same date. 

Show up at the lower level of the main building from 9am - 3pm, get your map and answers to nettlesome questions from attending WSU Master Gardeners. 

Also available are folks from the Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation, who’ll explain how the neighborhood has managed to preserve the foundational aspects of the city: its forest, parks, and water. 

Consult and purchase garden-related services and goods: landscape professionals, specialty nursery stock, floral bouquets, and handcrafted all-weather art, including glass, stone, and metal work. Then, go explore those gardens!

Gardens can be viewed in any order you choose. Parking will be adjacent and free, and you may hear the sound of live music as you approach. 

Consult the garden owner, or you might overhear the sage observations of members of the Lake Forest Park Garden Club, the 100-yr. old association of neighborhood horticulturists. 

While exact details of these gardens are still a mystery, they’re reputed to vary in size (up to a shy acre), and include open meadows, trees of national registry significance, stone work, kitchen gardens, and of course, the native creeks that define the city.

Secret Gardens of Lake Forest Park Garden Tour and Garden Market, Saturday, June 15, 2024, 9am - 3pm

Benefitting:
  • Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation
  • Third Place Commons
  • ShoreLake Arts
  • Lake Forest Park Garden Club
Buy Tickets online starting early May ($20 in advance, $25 day of) or at:

The free LFP Garden Market is located in the lower lobby of LFP Town Center

LFP Garden Market

Tour maps to the garden tour can be picked up at the check-in table at LFP Garden Market
Admission to the Garden Market is free
Saturday, June 15, 2024, 9am to 3pm

Lower level of the Lake Forest Park Town Center 17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park, 98155 (intersection of Bothell Way NE/SR-522 & Ballinger Way NE/SR-104)

Find: professional advice, local environmental and natural resource agencies

Purchase: Secret Garden Tour maps, potted native and cultivated plants, cut flowers, garden art, garden-related crafts,

New and prospective vendors at Garden Market encouraged to email for information here.


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For the Birds: The spiderwebs were deliberate

Monday, February 19, 2024

Hard to get the spider web from toes to nest.
Photo by Jan Hansen

By Diane Hettrick

Remember the charming photos of a hummingbird picking spiderwebs out of her toes?

We thought she had accidentally flown through a web.

Offended hummingbird. Photo by Jan Hansen

She was a little offended at the assumption. 

According to For the Birds columnist Christine Southwick this is a female Anna's Hummingbird, who is in the process of building her nest!

Anna’s Hummingbirds nest starting as early as late December, although as cold as it was I suspect most waited until about now.

The females build a nest for their two small eggs using spider webbing to bind it together and to allow the nest to expand as the nestlings grow.

The whole nest is only about 1 1/2  inches across. 
 
Keep your feeders clean and active and you should see some juveniles in about a month.

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For the Birds: Who’s That Singing in My Yard?

Sunday, February 4, 2024

Resident Bewick's Wren foraging in the snow
Photo by Craig Kerns
By Christine Southwick

If you have a small boisterous brown bird with a white eye line flitting through your shrubs, stopping every so often to belt out lovely warbles, whistles, and trills, you have a Bewick’s Wren. 

He and his mate are probably year-round residents.

Those lively buzzes, trills, warbles and bubbly songs of these wrens bring such joy to my ears.

The male Bewick’s Wren sings to protect his territory, which he takes quite seriously, and to attract a mate. 

This is a full-time effort, especially since he must endeavor to win his mate by melodiously belting out up to 22 different songs in his repertoire, and to keep other males away.

Active nest box near house
Photo by Craig Kerns
Since the majority of these local wrens stay paired they are usually the first perching birds (passerines) in this area to start nesting.

Once he has won the affection of this year’s mate, the male fashions three or four nests full of twigs for the female’s approval. 

These are often in the most unusual places; hose bib covers, boots, corners of carports, all hidden near human habitation. 

Bewick’s Wrens will readily use a nest box near/against your house. They don’t like high-traffic areas and won’t make nests out in the open.

When the female has selected the preferred nest location, she will finish it with feathers, hair, leaves and mosses and a soft warm cup for her eggs.

While the female sits on her 4-6 eggs the male brings food to her, and he helps feed their offspring. The female often has a second brood.

Score a spider
Photo by Craig Kerns
These spunky hyperactive little birds, with their tails cocked over their backs, can be found climbing on branches, skulking in blackberry brambles, sometimes upside down, and investigating the leaves on the ground, looking for their buggy delicacies, especially those tasty spiders.

If you go too close to them while they are searching for food, they will often scold you.

Extermination at your service
Photo by Craig Kerns
Fledgling Bewick’s Wrens are the same size as their parents when they leave their nests, only their tail feathers still need to finish growing. 

Since their eyebrows are rough and uneven these juvies look unkempt until they molt into their adult feathers the next year.

Your yard is being used by one of the best insect and spider eliminators, so don’t use pesticides which will likely kill these delightful super-bug-eaters. 

Let these energetic birds be your bubbly exterminators.



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