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

Washington now has a state dinosaur - the Suciasaurus rex

Saturday, May 6, 2023

Gov. Jay Inslee signs a bill proclaiming Suciasaurus rex as Washington’s official state dinosaur.

A large, two-legged, meat-eating therapod once roamed Washington state, as paleontologists discovered in 2012.

Paleontologists at the Burke with dinosaur bone found in Washington state
Photo courtesy Burke Museum

They found a partial thigh bone for a dinosaur similar to but smaller than a Tyrannosaurus on the shores of Sucia Island State Park.

The Burke Museum reported that "The fossil is a partial left thigh bone of a theropod dinosaur, the group of two-legged, meat-eating dinosaurs that includes Velociraptor, Tyrannosaurus rex and modern birds. It was found along the shores of Sucia Island State Park in the San Juan Islands.

"The fossil is approximately 80 million years old and is from the Late Cretaceous period. During that time, the rocks that today form Sucia Island were likely further south. How much further south is a topic of scientific debate, with locations ranging between present day Baja California, Mexico, and northern California. Earthquakes and other geologic forces that constantly reshape our planet moved the rocks north to their present-day location."

A decade later, a class project to teach kids how a bill becomes a law led to Gov. Jay Inslee signing a bill to proclaim the Suciasaurus rex as Washington’s official state dinosaur

Students from Elmhurst Elementary in Tacoma engaged their legislator Rep. Melanie Morgan to introduce the bill - both the students and Rep. Morgan were present for the signing.


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Secret Gardens of Lake Forest Park

By Beth Weir

The title of the annual tour around the gardens in Lake Forest Park includes a word that intrigues: secret. 

Tucked inside the dictionary definition is the austere notion that something is to be kept hidden.

Of course, keeping anything secret is almost impossible. Buddha recognized this when he stated that three things cannot long stay hidden: the sun, the moon and the truth. 

The organizers of the Garden Tour would add gardens to Buddha’s list.

The gardens on the Lake Forest Park Tour are secret, only in the sense they are in private hands and not completely visible from the street. 

The people who have loved and tended them have done so largely hidden, in ‘secrecy’ perhaps. 

But, as proven by the generosity of the gardeners in opening up their yards for the public to enjoy, they are not of a mind to keep them secret. 

Those of us who cannot think of life without plants, soil, flowers, and trees are grateful. We have a rare chance to peek at wonders the sun, rain and someone with dirty nails can create.

June 17, 2023 visitors will have a chance to see six ‘Secret’ gardens on the Lake Forest Park Tour. 

As is always the case they vary so everyone can find a garden, a plant vignette, a placement of flowers and art, a particular tree that make the heart beat faster. Here and there, someone looking about may find a little garden secret revealed that will simply delight.

Some examples of what is in store will help. This year a big, beautiful yard is sheltered by arborvitae and junipers that give the area privacy. Within are a variety of maples and vegetables, not to mention a cutting garden. 

Yet other gardens are eclectic with planting islands that host perennials and repurposed art. An English country garden will surely bring forth some sighs, particularly when viewed from the bottom of the driveway.

These are the kind of secrets, once revealed, that make a person, even one who does not like to garden, feel that body and soul are one.

We invite you to visit the 2023 Secret Garden Tour in Lake Forest Park, June 17, 9am - 3pm, to view our ‘secret’ delights. 

Discount tickets online at LfpGardenTour.com and in person at Wild Birds LFP, Third Place Books LFP and Sky Nursery Shoreline.


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Tips for living with coyotes

Tuesday, April 25, 2023

This coyote ate the nuts that Gloria Z. Nagler put out for birds. 
She reports that the coyote liked them so much it is considering going vegan!
In Shoreline and Lake Forest Park, you can expect that every wooded hillside or green space will have a coyote den. 

The only incident I am aware of was a coyote family which attacked and killed a domestic sheep in LFP. 

It came after a different LFP resident was feeding dog food to the coyotes - teaching them not to fear humans.

The universal reaction from residents spotting a coyote is to grab a camera and get a picture.

Following is information from the Department of Fish and Wildlife

--Diane Hettrick

Tips for living with coyotes

Coyotes (Canis latrans) are present across nearly all of Washington state, from the shrubsteppe to the alpine, as well as many urban and suburban areas. 

They are common in many larger, wooded green spaces and parks within cities including Shoreline and Lake Forest Park.

You may hear coyotes more frequently than you see them, especially when they have pups. Juvenile coyotes are often heard in summer, trying out their voices. Coyote sightings often increase in winter when they are more active, or in late-winter and spring when they may have dens and pups to care for.

Coyotes are most active at night and during the early-morning and evening hours. 

Their diet is diverse and adaptable to what’s around, including everything from rabbits and small rodents to garbage, birdseed, and fruit from trees.

Coyotes can also benefit humans and ecosystems by helping control populations of mice, rats, voles, moles, and rabbits.

Urban coyotes are a good reminder to keep a close eye on children, chickens and other domestic animals, and small pets or to keep them inside or in an outbuilding if unsupervised. Visit our coyote webpage or keep reading for tips to avoid conflicts with coyotes.

To minimize the risk, keep cats inside, keep dogs leashed, avoid early morning and late evening walks with your pet in areas where coyotes are known to be, and generally keep an eye on children and pets.

Never run away from a coyote! Make loud noises, wave sticks, squirt it with a hose, or otherwise “haze” the coyote if it approaches. Stand tall, stare into the eyes of the coyote and shout at it. You also can throw something at it.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) asks not to receive reports of coyotes going about their normal business, as this is a common species and we prioritize reports of species of greatest conservation need.

If residents witness a coyote attack on supervised pets (such as leashed dogs) or backyard chickens and other fowl, or other aggressive behavior, they are encouraged to report it to WDFW biologists and enforcement officers at: wdfw.wa.gov/get-involved/report-observations

In the event of an immediate public safety issue, wildlife violation, or an injured or dangerous animal, call the WDFW Enforcement office at 360–902–2936 or email enforcement-web@dfw.wa.gov

Due to WDFW’s need to focus on fish and wildlife species of conservation concern, in most cases when coyote management is required in urban or suburban areas that management is contracted by the city, town or private landowners to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Wildlife Services.

More information on living with coyotes is available at: wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/species/canis-latrans#conflict

--Information from Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife


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Contest: submit artwork representative of Puget Sound birds - the harassers, the dive-bombers, the beggars and stealers

Monday, April 17, 2023

Puget Sound area artists are invited to submit original artwork representative of Puget Sound bird life to be used on the 2023 Puget Sound Bird Fest poster for promotion of the event taking place Sept. 9-10 in Edmonds.

A $350 prize sponsored by Edmonds Arts Festival Foundation will be awarded to the winner.

The theme is Bold, Brash, and Loud Birds – birds that command our attention not necessarily by their appearance, but by their behavior. These are the harassers, the dive-bombers, the beggars and stealers, bullies and squawkers — boisterous birds that cause a ruckus.

The poster format is 11 inches by 17 inches, portrait orientation and entries must be received by June 23, 2023. No photography or digital art will be accepted. Entrants must be 18 years or older and are limited to one entry per person. More information and entry form available at www.pugetsoundbirdfest.org or email jennifer.leach@edmondswa.gov


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Graphite Arts Center Workshops and Classes April, May and June 2023

Saturday, April 15, 2023

Graphite Arts Center in Edmonds announces upcoming workshops and classes.

For more information and to register visit graphite-edmonds.org

Kids Classes

Put a Bird on It!
Instructor: Sarah Crumb | sarahcrumbart.com
1 session | Friday, April 14 | 10am-12pm
1 session | Friday, May 5 | 10am-12pm
$55 | All supplies provided 
For students grades 3rd-12th

Learn simple techniques and tips to improve your bird drawing skills. 

We will follow John Muir Laws sketching methods and work from bird photos provided by Sarah. 

Adding color to your birds is optional, but encouraged!

All Age Classes

Play with Clay
Instructor: Julie Perrine | facebook.com/JuliePerrinePottery
2 sessions | Fridays, April 28 & May 12 | 1:30pm-3:30pm
$105 + $10 supply fee payable to instructor | For ages 10 and up

Unleash your imagination and abilities as an artist and be amazed at what you can create! Different handbuilding techniques will be taught including rolling, pinching and coiling. Session one we will make our clay art. Session two we will glaze & decorate our pieces.

Adult Classes

Collage Open Studio
Hosted by Julie, Sarah and Lisa
1 session | Friday, May 5 | 5:00pm-8:00pm
$40 | All supplies provided | Adults: All levels

Celebrate World Collage Day with us by spending a fun, creative evening experimenting with collage and learning from each other. This is an open studio with minimal instruction. No experience required!

Painting with the Masters
Van Gogh | Instructor: Johanne Friedrichs | johannefriedrichsart.com
4 sessions | Thursdays June 22, 29, July 6 and 13 | 6:30pm-9:00pm
$298 | Student provides their own supplies | Adults: Beginning & Intermediate levels

Students will work from a master painting by Van Gogh to learn techniques including drawing, composition, color theory and brush stroke methods. Supply list provided by instructor. Includes an optional Wednesday, July 19th make-up session.

All classes are held at Graphite Arts Center located at 202 Main Street in Edmonds. Graphite is the home of Art Start Northwest, a non-for-profit organization founded in 2015 with the mission to make art more accessible to people of all ages.


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Sword ferns off to a beautiful start at Darnell Park

Wednesday, April 12, 2023

Photo by Rusty McTaggert
Kaleidoscope Lead/Darnell Park Lead
Beautiful, and also a tenacious slope stabilizer that provides cover for birds and mammals. 

Consult the Washington Native Plant Society or The Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast for the ethnobotany of sword ferns.

Darnell Park borders the Interurban Trail at 1125 N 165th St, Shoreline, WA 98133



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For the Birds: We know we used your Mother’s Day fuchsia last year,

Friday, April 7, 2023

Photo by Christine Southwick

...but we needed to set up housekeeping now.

Oregon Juncos move in with For the Birds columnist Christine Southwick.




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For the Birds: Baby birds are emerging

Sunday, April 2, 2023

Bewick's Wren fledgling. Photo by Elaine Chuang
By Christine Southwick

Baby birds are hatching — Spotted Towhees and Anna’s Hummingbird young have been spotted in my yard, which means Dark-eyed Juncos and Bewick’s Wrens are close behind. 

These are the first breeders, others will follow; Song Sparrows, chickadees, Flickers, Downy, Hairy, and Pileated Woodpeckers, White-crowned Sparrows, finches, and American Robins to name a few.

Nestlings and fledglings need our help — don’t poison them with herbicides such as Round-up which get on their parents’ feet and get brought into the nests and cause them to die.

Bushtit looking for bugs to feed nestlings.
Photo by Elaine Chuang
American Robins are in sharp decline
, and one major cause is the poisoning of their lawns and the worms they eat.

Spraying bugs also kills birds. Parent birds feed their hatchlings a solid diet of bugs. 

Caterpillars, gnats, aphids, spiders, mosquitos, and bugs in leaf litter are the babies’ food. 

There aren’t any fruits to eat until later in the season, so if the bugs are poisoned, then birds perish.

Rufous Hummingbird on nest.
Photo by Doug Parrott
Native plants and trees help provide the bugs birds need and recognize
. More shrubs and less lawn provide cover for the safety of birds, especially fledglings. 

As you start cleaning up your yard, look for ground nests before whacking and mowing weedy areas.

If you find a baby bird on the ground, and it has feathers, it is a fledgling, and doesn’t need your help – its parents are nearby ready to nurture it. 

Keep dogs and cats away from it, and it will survive. 

Many ground birds leave the nest before they can fly — they scurry in different directions to enhance their chances of survival — nests can provide a quick and tasty meal for raccoons and other hungry creatures.

Dark-eyed Junco nest in fuschia.
Photo by Christine Southwick
Here is a yes/no link to determine if the baby bird you found needs your help.

https://www.pugetsoundbirds.org/baby-bird-advice 

Let our local birds take care of the bugs. Smile as a new generation of birds prospers with your help.

---
Note: I carefully watered around the nest in the fuschia. Three juncos. 

Locally if you see a bird flying into your hanging basket, a junco probably has a nest inside. They usually hatch in two weeks, and leave the nest two weeks later.


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April author events at Third Place Books

Friday, March 31, 2023

Photo by Steven H. Robinson
Third Place Books 
Lake Forest Park
April 2023 EVENTS

Please note: all times below are Pacific Time.
 
Both virtual and in-person events require registration in advance. Unless ticketed, events are free and open to the public. See thirdplacebooks.com for details.
 
() – denotes ticketed event
() – denotes event for children or middle grade readers

 

Tuesday, April 4 at 7pm (Third Place Books Lake Forest Park)
Elana K. Arnold and Martha Brockenbrough
Harriet Spies and To Catch a Thief
It’s a joint book launch! In Elana K. Arnold’s Harriet Spies, the unforgettable star of Just Harriet returns for another mystery on Marble Island. In Martha Brockenbrough’s latest middle grade novel, To Catch a Thief, a thief steals Urchin Beach’s precious dragonfly staff, which is the source of all its good fortune and the most important part of the upcoming Dragonfly Day Festival.
    
Monday, April 10 at 7pm (Third Place Books Lake Forest Park)
Sisters in Crime Night
Hosted by Marty Wingate
We’re pleased to welcome this long-standing Lake Forest Park writing group, Sisters in Crime, for an evening of readings from group members. Readers will include Catherine Linka, Joyce Yarrow, Jeanne Matthews, Alice K. Boatwright, Cynthia Baxter (Cynthia Blair), Curt Colbert, and Kate B. Jackson.
 
Thursday, April 13 at 6pm (Third Place Books Lake Forest Park)
Angie Thomas with Christine Day
Nic Blake and the Remarkables: The Manifestor Prophecy
Internationally bestselling superstar author Angie Thomas makes her middle grade debut with the launch of a new fantasy trilogy inspired by African American history and folklore, a story that Rick Riordan calls "one of those rare books that will instantly become the best friend you didn’t know you needed." Christine Day, the author of I Can Make This Promise and The Sea in Winter, joins in conversation. Tickets required. See thirdplacebooks.com for details.
  
Monday, April 17 at 6:30pm (Third Place Books Lake Forest Park)
Local Author Open Mic
Calling all local writers and poets! Come share your work and develop your craft with other local authors on the third Monday of every month. For consignment requests, see thirdplacebooks.com for details.
  
Tuesday, April 18 at 7pm (Third Place Books Lake Forest Park)
Susan Meissner with Kate Quinn
Only the Beautiful
Meissner’s latest historical novel is a heartrending story about a young mother’s fight to keep her daughter and the winds of fortune that tear them apart. Kate Quinn, author of The Diamond Eye, joins in conversation.

 

Thursday, April 20 at 7pm (Third Place Books Lake Forest Park)
Jeannette Walls
Hang the Moon: A Novel
The author of the bestselling memoir The Glass Castle returns with a new novel, about an indomitable young woman in Virginia during Prohibition. You will fall in love with Sallie Kincaid, a feisty and fearless, terrified and damaged young woman who refuses to be corralled.
 
Saturday, April 22 at 11am (Third Place Books Lake Forest Park)
Storytime with Katherine Roy
Making More: How Life Begins
Join us for storytime! Lucid, informed, and illuminated by beautiful paintings, Making More weaves a story that seamlessly explains life’s most fundamental process, answers children’s questions, and provides an essential tool for parents, caregivers, and educators.
  
Tuesday, April 25 at 7pm (Third Place Books Lake Forest Park)
David Nikki Crouse
Trouble Will Save You: Three Novellas
In these three deeply observed novellas, the award-winning author and director of the Creative Writing Program MFA at UW dramatizes the lives of women living in Interior Alaska. Each novella acts as an extended meditation on grief, loss, and the nature of imagination.
 
Wednesday, April 26 at 7pm (Third Place Books Lake Forest Park)
Gretchen Rubin with Jon Mooallem
Life in Five Senses: How Exploring the Senses Got Me Out of My Head and Into the World 
One of today's foremost observers of the condition of happiness, and host of the popular podcast Happier with Gretchen Rubin, discusses her layered story of discovery filled with profound insights and practical suggestions about how to heighten our senses and use our powers of perception to live richer lives. New York Times Magazine writer at large Jon Mooallem joins in conversation. Tickets required. See thirdplacebooks.com for details.
 
Thursday, April 27 at 7pm (Third Place Books Lake Forest Park)
Tove Danovich with Kelly Jones
Under the Henfluence: Inside the World of Backyard Chickens and the People Who Love Them
Since first domesticating the chicken thousands of years ago, humans have become exceptionally adept at raising them for food. Yet most people rarely interact with chickens or know much about them. Culture reporter Tove Danovich explores the lives of these quirky, mysterious birds. Kelly Jones, author of Unusual Chickens, joins in conversation.
 
Saturday, April 29 at 11am (Third Place Books Lake Forest Park)
Storytime with Kobi Yamada
The popular children’s book author of many inspiring gift books—including Noticing, Feeling Grateful, Maybe, and Finding Muchness—joins us for a special Independent Bookstore Day reading and craft extravaganza for kids.
 
Saturday, April 29 (All locations)
INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORE DAY!
Come celebrate your neighborhood bookstore at our favorite annual event! In addition to participating in the Seattle Bookstore Day Challenge, visit your favorite Third Place Books locale to win prizes, browse staff picks by local authors, and make your own TPB bookmark.

Third Place Books is located on the upper level of Town Center in Lake Forest Park, intersection of Bothell and Ballinger Way.


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"Mountains, Birds, and Dinosaurs" – Philharmonia Northwest Presents Children's Concert with KING FM's Lisa Bergman

Friday, March 17, 2023

KING FM announcer Lisa Bergman joins Philharmonia Northwest and Music Director Julia Tai for one of the orchestra’s most beloved traditions: their annual Children’s Concert.

This year’s program, titled Mountains, Birds, and Dinosaurs, takes place Sunday March 26, 2023 at 2pm at the Shorecrest Performing Arts Center in Shoreline, 15343 25th Ave NE, Shoreline, WA 98155.

Bergman will narrate The Mountain That Loved a Bird, a piece by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Caroline Shaw based on the children’s book by author Alice McLerran and illustrator Eric Carle. 

This beloved story balances messages about friendship and renewal, but also loss and trying to hold onto things that will inevitably change.

The program also includes Night on Bald Mountain by Modest Mussorgsky, an ode to Russian folklore and literature, and well-known for its appearance in Disney’s Fantasia; and music from John Williams’ score to Jurassic Park, a favorite among film buffs and dinosaur fans of all ages.

Lisa Bergman
Bergman, also an acclaimed pianist and teacher, is a veteran radio broadcaster, best known for hosting KING FM’s Explore Music series as well as her decade-long tenure at Leavenworth’s KOHO FM. 

Her past appearances as narrator with Philharmonia Northwest include their 2017 performance of Peter and the Wolf, as well as the 2021 world premiere of The Goose Egg by Seattle composer Angelique Poteat.

Tickets are available online at philharmonianw.org – $30 adult, $20 for seniors/students, and $10 children under 18. They will also be for sale at the box office.

This is the fifth of six concerts in Philharmonia Northwest’s 2022-23 season. The final concert, Perspectives: FaurĂ© and Hagen – a collaboration with Kirkland Choral Society – will take place April 23 at Edmonds Center for the Arts. (Please note, this concert has been rescheduled from April 22-23 at Bastyr University)



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Garden Guy: New plants for 2023 to start dreaming about now

Monday, March 13, 2023

Bruce Bennett, Garden Guy
By Bruce Bennett

New plants are usually improvements on existing plants and offer better disease resistance, or more flowers or larger leaves, or……Well, you get the picture.
 
Sometimes it’s just a new color or a different size. New plants aren’t always better, but, to a gardener, they are always exciting and noteworthy. 

As in past several years, I offer readers a very short list of plant introductions that I’ve seen at test sites, growers’ fields and nurseries, not to mention the Northwest Flower and Garden Festival, plants which will begin to show-up at local garden centers. 

The problem with most ‘new introduction’ lists is the plants may be just coming on the market and finding them is a catch-as-catch-can situation. If nothing else, gardening teaches someone new to the hobby and adventure the development and virtues of patience. 

Gardeners not only experience the ‘thrill-of-the-hunt,’ if they wait long enough, they also experience the thrill of ‘saving a buck.’ The $50 daylily I just had to have from a specialty hybridizer eventually appeared on a Flower World display table at $15. It was definitely a case of instant gratification over-powering my economic common sense (and, yes, it was worth it). 

Whether or not I buy, it’s always fun to see what plant breeders have come up with and imagine where I would place it in my yard or a client’s.

During my travels, I look for plants that have more than just one reason to purchase them

A long bloom time is great, but I’d also want, drought-tolerance, or new colors or evergreen status. Considering what plants, especially new ones, cost these days, I want as many enhancements as can be added. 

So, for your general consideration, here's my thumbnail list of new plant introductions with multiple notable attributes, from the major plant groups of trees, shrubs, perennials and, even, an annual which may pique your developing horticultural interest…..

As trees have a longer development phase, not as many new stars reach the marketplace each year as do, say, annuals. However, that doesn’t mean there are no new candidates. 

New specimens that have caught my eye include….

Crabapple
I thoroughly like crabapple trees in the landscape.
They are of a size that is appropriate for most yards and street sides and are moderately fast growers. This year, Malus transitoria ‘Royal Raindrops’ joins the family. This crabapple has multiple aspects about it to like. The first is deep purple cutleaf foliage that does not move to a green coloration during the season. 

For those who eschew the use of chemicals in the yard, this sweetie has superior disease resistance to rust, mildew, etc. Like most established crabapples, ‘Royal Raindrops’ is drought tolerant. With our summers, that is a good thing. The value-added elements of this tree bookmark the growing season. Spring brings with it eye-popping magenta pink blooms that cover the tree. Autumn brings with it little red apples. 

As the fruit are just ¼” in size, birds will love them and will provide homeowners with a month or two of avian aerial aerobics as the birds devour the seasonal morsels. The two- and four-footed members of the family enough the free show for weeks on end. 

Honorable Mentions go to: Birch ‘Emerald Flare’, Parrotia ‘Golden Bell Tower’ and Cercis ‘Black Pearl.’

In the category of new shrubs, you can usually find something interesting to grace an underused spot in the landscape. For this year, what has spoken to me ……

Daphnes
Daphnes are always a value-added inclusion to an area near the front door or along a walkway.
 

The mid-winter fragrance of winter daphne is not to be missed. The same can be said for the spring-blooming cousins. 

In this case, the winter variety, Daphne odora ‘Perfume Princess’ is the one I came across. This long-blooming cultivar, with purplish buds and clusters of soft pink flowers, is a winner. 

Expect the traditional intoxicating daphne fragrance but with distinct citrus undertones. The Princess grows to about 3’ tall and as wide. Honorable Mentions include: Hibiscus ‘Valentine’s Crush’ (Rose Mallow), Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Cherry-Go-Round’ and Ilex verticulata ‘Gold Winterberry’

In the world of new Perennials, among the many that caught my eye……

Salvia greggli
Salvia greggii ‘Ultra Violet’ is a new hybrid western sage
that is more cold hardy than the standards. 

It is also more compact than so many of the S. greggii that are on the market. It has iridescent, deep purple flowers that add a pop of color to the yard, especially in ta late summer garden. 

It starts blooming in July and will continue through autumn. This 18” x 24” sage is a top perennial for dry sites, establishes easily and is both rabbit and deer resistant. Watch as it attracts bees, butterflies and other pollinators. 

Honorable Mentions include: Euphorbia x ‘Miner’s Merlot’, Veronica prostrata (Creeping Speedwell) ‘Aztec Gold’ and Sedum ‘Little Shine.’

Finally, in the Annuals category, ……..

Rex Begonia
Jurassic Heartbeat
I am not a gardener who usually has an interest in annuals, but I couldn’t resist adding this Rex Begonia ‘Jurassic Heartbeat’ because…. well, just look at it! Whether on a shelf in the house or in a shady outdoor container, this amazing plant will be a ‘WOW’ moment for any who see it

There are so many plants which will be vying for your attention at garden centers and nurseries this year. Remember to look past the first visual impression they give you. What other value-added qualities can they provide to you, the landscape and/or the beneficial insects who inhabit your yard? 

A bit of observation and Google research will help to provide you with the best bang for your horticultural buck. 

Happy gardening! If you have a question about this column or your own landscape, or care to suggest a topic to be discussed, contact Master Gardener, Bruce Bennett, at gardenguy4u@gmail.com.



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Gloria's Birds: Identified my first Barrow's Goldeneye the other day on Lake Washington (which, for this photog, counts as a banner day:)

Sunday, March 12, 2023

Photo copyright Gloria Z. Nagler

These two are a female and male taking off. 

Photo copyright Gloria Z. Nagler

Startling here is how the couple synchronizes their wing positions!

Photo copyright Gloria Z. Nagler

ID stuff: He has more white markings, and an all-black beak. Hers is orange!



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Worm moon and the end of winter

Friday, March 10, 2023

Worm moon photo by Lee Wolfe

This was the Worm Moon on Tuesday morning, March 7, 2023.

“The Worm Moon is the moon for March, and for some, it takes its name from the fact that earthworms begin to reappear around this time of year, bringing birds back out to feed. It signals the end of winter and the start of regrowth in nature.”

Photographer Lee Wolfe says "I’m all for the end of winter!" So say we all.



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Climate Action Shoreline: Interview with a Local Naturalist

By Diane Lobaugh

I love being involved in my neighborhood and city. There are so many good people that live and work and are growing up here. A city or community flourishes with good folks in government, but also with a lot of people, of all ages and backgrounds, that look out for their neighborhoods, schools, trees, people, streams, gardens, and wildlife.

This month I interviewed a wonderful woman who lives here in Shoreline, whose life is discovering and teaching about our natural world.


Julie Luthy photo by Diane Lobaugh

Meet Julie Luthy
. Julie has always been a naturalist and shares her love of the outdoors with people all around her. I met Julie through a mutual friend who knew about her work in our community. Julie became part of Climate Action Shoreline and helped write our brochure on daily climate actions.

“I encourage people to go outside and slow down, looking and listening carefully. Nature is dynamic and to notice the changes is a gift we give ourselves and to those we share it with.”

What lives in a tide pool?
Photo by Julie Luthy
Julie was born and raised in Wisconsin. She worked for nature centers, national parks and forests in Washington, Wisconsin, Hawaii, New Mexico, and Alaska. 

She moved to Washington State to work in Olympic National Park and attend WWU where she received a master’s degree in environmental education. She fell in love with the Northwest and has built her life here.

In Washington Julie has worked in city parks and schools. She currently works with preschoolers through 5th graders in and outside of schools. 

She loves leading students on walking field trips so they can learn about their own neighborhoods and can connect with what lives around them, their parks and streams and forests. 

Julie gives her students homework but not a due date. She says: “For the rest of your life I want you to notice plants blooming, worm castings, birds singing.”

Julie also teaches parents and teachers, encouraging us to slow down with children, and to share in their excitement of discovery. This will in turn encourage more close observation and can develop into a lifelong relationship with nature.

Local heron photo by Diane Lobaugh

Julie understands that young people need to feel a connection to the earth before we can ask them to save it. 

She says to let them love it first. And it is not necessary to know the names of everything we see. We can get outside, stop and listen, notice and start asking questions together. Who ate the seeds out of this cone? Who is that singing?

As a scientist Julie asks her students lots of questions and encourages them to notice and think. She asks her youngest students: what do worms, and potato bugs need to survive?

With 5th graders Julie explains the difference between weather and climate. And discusses global climate change, and the science behind it. 

She talks about watershed runoff, the wetlands around us and why we see changes. Julie asks her students what may be causing the changes. Her students work in groups to develop an environmentally friendly community. 

She asks them what they can do, today, to preserve the wetlands or protect the insects or not pollute the air. She also shares the climate action brochure to bring home.

Native Douglas squirrel photo by Julie Lothy
I love thinking about the many lives that Julie has touched, including mine. 

I imagine the circle of preschoolers watching Julie light up as she talks about potato bugs and how snake jaws work and how much she loves a Douglas squirrel that lives in her backyard.

Julie lives not too far from one of her schools, just through the trees. The teacher sometimes tells her students that Julie lives over there, pointing to the trees. 

Julie could read on their faces that they thought maybe she lives in the forest. I think she does… the land, the trees, the air and rain and plants and insects are her neighbors, her home.

Thank you, Julie. I am glad that we will see you in the neighborhood.

Diane Lobaugh (with Julie's help)
~~~
Past Shoreline Area News articles based on the pamphlet from Climate Action Shoreline: Start Over Every Sunday, Fossil Fuel Free Friday, Supportive Saturday, What is Climate?, Thinking about our World Community, Ending war is a climate issue. View them here



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Senate passes Salomon bill to protect marine shoreline habitats

Wednesday, March 8, 2023

Sen. Jesse Salomon
OLYMPIA – Legislation to help protect shoreline habitats in Washington passed the Senate with bipartisan support Tuesday.

Senate Bill 5104, sponsored by Sen. Jesse Salomon (D-32), (and co-sponsored by Sen. Derek Stanford (D-1) directs the state Department of Ecology (DOE) to conduct a survey of Puget Sound marine shorelines using new technology to better determine where to prioritize habitat restoration and protection actions.

By June 30, 2024, the bill requires DOE to conduct and maintain a baseline survey of Puget Sound marine shorelines using new technology to capture 360-degree on-the-water imagery. The on-the-water view would be similar to Google street view, with private information blurred. 

This data will be used to address limitations, help identify restoration sites and structures in bad condition, assist with orca recovery and assess shoreline changes over time.

“Washington is one of the most beautiful states in our nation, and we need to do everything we can to protect our ecosystems. An accurate and up-to-date shoreline survey will help us determine how to prioritize protection and restoration of our shorelines,” Salomon said. 
“We need to address the current information gaps in order to understand where critical habitat exists, where development exists and where restoration needs to happen.”

The survey to document and map existing shoreline conditions, structures and structure conditions must be completed by June 2025. The information from the surveys will be available to the public and incorporated into state geographic information system mapping and updated on a regular two-year cycle. 

The survey includes Puget Sound shorelines and related inland marine waters, including the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Hood Canal and the San Juan Islands.

“We are quickly running out of time in the race to save Puget Sound,” said Amy Carey from Sound Action. 
“Without baseline surveys, recovery and nearshore protection efforts have been missing a critical tool in the fight. This bill will change that, giving shoreline planners, nonprofits and other stakeholders the up-to-date information they need to recover the marine food web — including forage fish, marine birds, salmon and the endangered Southern Resident orcas.”

This bill is now headed to the House for consideration.



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For the Birds: Cold Is Here - Will You Help Our Birds?

Tuesday, March 7, 2023

Black-capped Chickadee keeping warm by
creating an insulating air barrier. Photo by Craig Kerns
By Christine Southwick

Cold and snow are hard on birds, especially since much of their native dense habitats have been destroyed by development, making it hard for them to find shelter, food, and water.

Trees, especially tall evergreens, give them places to hunker down during cold and windy weather. 

Trees are usually the first to feel the cut of progress, followed by diversion of water.

Over three billion birds have vanished in North America, mostly due to habitat loss. 

Habitat can mean the difference between life and death.

If you see a bird all fluffed up, it is trying to stay warm by creating warm air pockets around its body with its feathers.

We need to help birds (and other pollinators and wildlife) by providing food, shelter, and usable water, especially during cold weather.

Varied Thrush getting fast energy from suet.
Photo by Christine Southwick
Suet provides the fastest calories for needed warmth.

Suet and good quality seeds can provide that margin between survival and death.

Feeders offer quick, certain sources of calories, allowing birds to conserve their calories for warmth, not expending energy searching for their next meal.

Watch your feeders for clumping of seeds during damp weather.

If seeds clump, throw the seed out and wash the feeders with 10% bleach, rinse well, and dry before filling (a second feeder would be helpful); during times of fog and heavy moisture only filling feeders half full will help keep the seeds from molding. 

Yes, it’s more work, but the birds are worth it.

Spotted Towhee and Song Sparrow eating seed
below feeder. Photo by Christine Southwick
If you feed hummingbirds, winter is an important time to feed them. 

Anna’s Hummingbirds eat more bugs than any other North American hummingbird, but freezing temperatures kill the bugs, so nectar is very important. 

They need lots of quick energy early in the morning, and late into the evening. 

A feeder heater or an incandescent light near a feeder will allow them to come whenever they want to, especially for a much-needed early visit.

Fox Sparrow using much needed liquid water
maintained by bird bath heater.
 Photo by Christine Southwick
Water is hard to find since so many creeks and rivulets have been buried or diverted into drainpipes.

For liquid water, invest in a birdbath warmer.

Give our birds a fighting chance. 

Create shelter, with evergreen shrubs and trees, and safe places for them to nestle down (Don’t poison their habitat with pesticides).

Provide liquid water and food especially during the winter, and they will reward you with bubbly songs and bug elimination the rest of the year.

Bonus article: A simple 7 ways to help birds www.3billionbirds.org 


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An Afternoon of Poetry and Tea at Dunn Gardens with Seattle-born poet Mary Pinard

Friday, February 24, 2023

Cozy up with a cup of tea for a late winter poetry reading in Ed’s Cottage in Dunn Gardens on Thursday, March 9, 2023 from 1-3pm. 

Dunn Gardens are just south of 145th and west of Greenwood at 13533 Northshire Rd NW, Seattle 98177

We’ll have a fire in the dining room, the tea brewing, and cocoa apple cake for you to enjoy while listening to the poems of Mary Pinard. 

Come early or stay late to see early signs of spring in the Gardens. Poet Mary Pinard is visiting from Boston, where she regularly visits Olmsted parks in the area.

Mary Pinard is the author of two books of poetry, Portal (2014), and Ghost Heart (2022), which won the 2021 Ex Ophidia Press Prize for Poetry. Her play, Heart/Roots County, was published by Volland Press during the summer of 2022. 

Over the last 15 years, she has collaborated with several visual artists and musicians in the Boston area, where her poems have been variously incised in glass (“Fragment House,” Slocum River Reserve, Dartmouth, MA), shaped in wire (“Lineage,” Old Frog Pond Farm, Harvard, MA), adhered to an exhibit wall (“Breaking Prairie,” Hollister Gallery, Babson College), and set to music (“On the Wing: A Celebration of Birds in Words and Music,” performed at several New England venues).

She teaches literature and poetry courses in the Arts and Humanities Division at Babson College, where she has been a member of the faculty since 1990. She was born and raised in Seattle. For more information visit her website: https://marypinard.com/

Cost: Members: $5, Not-yet-members: $10

Information and tickets here: https://dunngardens.org/event/poetry-tea-with-mary-pinard/


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Gloria's Birds: Sometimes only a bite will do,

Monday, February 20, 2023

Photo copyright Gloria Z. Nagler

thought Ted the Trumpeter Swan as he expressed his irritation at Sid for getting too close...
 
Photo copyright Gloria Z. Nagler

(No swans were hurt, and Sid moved on. At Lake Washington the other day.)

--Gloria Z. Nagler


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Gloria Nagler photo featured in The Seattle Times

Thursday, February 16, 2023

Stealth seagull. Photo copyright Gloria Z. Nagler

Not for the first time, a photo by Gloria Nagler has been selected for publication in The Seattle Times Pacific Magazine. 

Readers will know that Gloria's photos of birds and insects and her charming captions appear several times a week on our pages.





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