Showing posts sorted by relevance for query ronald bog. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query ronald bog. Sort by date Show all posts

Photo: Ducks at Ronald Bog

Saturday, December 31, 2016

Ducks at Ronald Bog
Photo by Wayne Pridemore

Now that it's illegal to feed ducks and geese, their numbers are sustainable, and it's a treat to see them (instead of a mess that someone has to clean up).

These beauties are at Ronald Bog, where Wayne Pridemore shot this lovely photo with the misty background.

Shoreline and Lake Forest Park are full of wild critters - you just have to be there at the right time to see them.



Read more...

Bog Watcher: Blue heron at Ronald Bog

Thursday, March 26, 2020

Photo by Martin DeGrazia

Blue heron at Ronald Bog, photographed by Bog Watcher and Otter Whisperer Martin DeGrazia.




Read more...

Festival at the Bog on September 15

Sunday, September 2, 2012

Festival knitters at a weekly session at Haggen's Cafe
On September 15th, 2012, from 1-5pm, the Meridian Park Neighborhood will celebrate at Ronald Bog Park with the first ever SummerSet Arts Festival. This free event invites all ages to participate in several fun and artistic activities including: live music, dance and drumming performances, fun kids activities, and art making stations. There will also be park and arboretum tours as well as a sculpture exhibition. Volunteers have restored Ronald Bog Park (175th and Meridian in Shoreline) over the summer and the SummerSet Arts Festival will celebrate their ongoing success within the park and community.

Local resident and artist Cynthia Knox is pioneering the festival with the approval of the Shoreline Parks Board. Artist Meghan Lancaster will create a Disappearing Artwork sculpture from natural materials found within the park that will remain until they naturally disintegrate. During the festival she will guide visitors to complete this sculpture. The Unearth Collective will also create a site-specific piece that will remain in the park. Glass and light sculptor Carol Milne will create a piece to be viewed across the park lake on the distant shore. 

Mary Coss working on her shell
Seattle artist and advocate for community art Mary Coss will be installing a giant conch shell on a floating pier in the bog. The shell will have a soundtrack so visitors can also experience her sculpture through music and poetry. She is “committed to placemaking as a way to humanize the built environment. Art can be a vehicle to transform a community, and when done in collaboration with good design, it can contribute to a community with a soul. My experience integrating artwork into the urban setting has made apparent to me the impact of art on neighborhoods and the people who live there, I believe in its value.”

The Shoreline Children’s Center is creating a labyrinth installation as well as a clay turtle mandala. A hands-on art table will keep kids busy making kites and other crafts. Performing artists will bring music and entertainment. Among them, local Shoreline resident Brittain Barber will lead a jazz duo and resident Elena DeLisle-Perry will provide bluegrass and old-time music including a square dance.

Spreading the word and keeping the community involved, Cynthia Knox continues to bring a community art-making table to different locations and events in the Shoreline area during the summer. The pieces created at the art-making table, like tree socks, will be featured in the festival. The SummerSet Arts Festival has found tremendous support; it has received a Shoreline Dept. of Neighborhoods mini-grant through the Meridian Park Neighborhood Association. The City of Shoreline and the Shoreline-Lake Forest Parks Arts Council are co-sponsoring this exciting summer event. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and a picnic and plan to spend a wonderful afternoon in the park!


Read more...

Baby otters at Ronald Bog

Monday, November 30, 2020

When you have the feeling you are being watched. There are two kits in this photo.
Photo by Martin DeGrazia

A mother otter has been making appearances around Ronald Bog with her two kits. It's more than a little challenging to get all three in the same photo, but Martin DeGrazia aka Bog Whisperer is working on it.

Freshwater otters are different from the seagoing kind but they have been known to share territory. Photo by Martin DeGrazia

Seems like the only time they are all in frame is when they are swimming in the Bog. You get to see a nose and occasionally some teeth.

Three at once! Photo by Martin DeGrazia

There's a mom and baby in Echo Lake, as well. Probably in their other locations - Twin Ponds, McAleer Creek - but they have not yet posed for the camera.



Read more...

Sundown at Ronald Bog

Friday, September 3, 2021

 
Photo by Martin DeGrazia

Ronald Bog is a contrast in light and shadow as the sun sets in a multicolored tapestry. In this view the Bog looks as if it has been unchanged for centuries, but it actually has a somewhat sordid past.


However, anyone can change their ways, so we will view the Bog as it is today, not what it used to be.

--DKH



Read more...

Day of Caring at Ronald Bog

Monday, November 9, 2009

On the Day of Making a Difference 19 members of the Meridian Park Neighborhood and the Aurora Nazarene Church met at Ronald Bog and planted 145 plants.

The plants were purchased with money from the Neighborhood Mini-Grants from the City of Shoreline.

It was not all work. There was a snack break mid-morning with cocoa, apple cider, tea and coffee and cookies.

Later Chef Norm arrived with a large pot of chili.

Everyone had a good time and there are a lot of plants to benefit the Bog. The new park benches which were purchased with money from the grant were also in place for everyone to enjoy.

Read more...

Eagle landing at Ronald Bog

Monday, April 20, 2020

Photo by Martin DeGrazia

This image of an eagle landing at Ronald Bog was captured by Bog Watcher Martin DeGrazia.




Read more...

Water plants at Ronald Bog

Thursday, September 10, 2020



Photos by Hitomi Dames

Hitomi usually spends her time fighting through the brambles at Twin Ponds, but decided to stop by Ronald Bog when she heard that it was open.



She identified the green plants in the Bog as Myriophyllum and said they are all over the edge of the water.


The heron looks very much at home standing in the water and the dragonfly appears to prefer dead leaves.





Read more...

Photo: Otter at Ronald Bog

Sunday, November 24, 2019

Photo by Martin De Grazia

Otters are shy and elusive. They frolic at dawn and live in burrows with underwater entrances. Seeing them is a rare thing.

Except for Martin De Grazia. He has spent so much time photographing wildlife at Ronald Bog that the otters have apparently accepted him as one of their own.

It's the only explanation for the dozen photos that De Grazia just got of the Bog otters.

--Diane Hettrick




Read more...

Bog Whisperer: Where's Waldo (otter)?

Sunday, November 20, 2022

 
Photo by Martin De Grazia

A random pile of old logs and brush at water's edge at Ronald Bog. But wait! Wild creatures are there, checking out the photographer. Can you find them both?

Ronald Bog park entrance is on N 175th St between Meridian and I-5.




Read more...

Green heron at Ronald Bog

Monday, September 6, 2021

Photo by Martin DeGrazia

Ronald Bog has a lot of creatures - all of whom seem to have coped with the refurbishing of the park at the north end. Turtles, otters, crayfish (invasive and native), ducks, geese, eagles, hawks, and this green heron - who really is green.

Martin DeGrazia has photographed them all. He has a particular talent for getting elusive creatures like the otters to pose for him. I call him the Bog Whisperer.

--Diane Hettrick


 

Read more...

Photo: Denizens of Ronald Bog

Sunday, February 18, 2018

Photo by Martin DeGrazia

This moment of cuteness is brought to you by Bog dweller Martin DeGrazia, who knows all the denizens of Ronald Bog on a first name basis. I think this little one is flirting with him - note the saucy angle of the head.
DKH



Read more...

Bog Whisperer: New visitor to the area - a Green-Winged Teal duck

Friday, February 25, 2022

A pair of green-winged Teal ducks at Ronald Bog
Photo by Martin DeGrazia
The ducks are Green-Winged Teals. I don't think I have ever come across one of these before. If I had known what I was photographing I would have taken more pictures of them.

--Martin DeGrazia

Green-Winged Teal duck at Ronald Bog
Photo by Martin DeGrazia

The green is vivid on the male. I went through my photos and I've never heard of these before. I found a few other unpublished photos of unusual ducks, which I will start publishing. We have a lot of the brown ducks and the wood ducks.

I saw duck decoys long before I ever saw a photo of an actual wood duck. I was shocked. I had always assumed that the lurid coloring was some fetish that duck hunters used to lure ducks and not a representation of an actual bird.

--Diane Hettrick



Read more...

Ronald Bog: the eagle and the otter

Thursday, December 23, 2021

 
Photo by Martin DeGrazia

Checking in at Ronald Bog. 

Martin DeGrazia reports that "Two of my favorite visitors have come by in the last week. The eagle and the otter."

Photo by Martin DeGrazia

Your editor keeps wanting to sing "The Holly and the Ivy." Maybe someone can write new words to the song.

Thank you Susan Prince for this poem!

Sung to the tune of, "The Holly and the Ivy"

The eagle and the otter,
Made their presence known.
Of all the creatures in the bog,
the eagle bears the crown.

Anyone else?


Read more...

Adventurous geese leave Ronald Bog

Friday, June 4, 2021

Photo by Janet Way

Why did the goose cross the road? 

Why did this entire goose family leave their home at Ronald Bog and cross busy Meridian to end up on the sidewalk in front of Meridian Park School?

Photo by Janet Way

They managed to pick a time when traffic lights stopped most traffic and other drivers stopped to let them cross (and take photos - thank you!).

We don't know if they decided to stay there or if they made the dangerous trip back to the Bog.



Read more...

Ronald Bog work party Saturday, February 25

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Blackberry vine. Photo by Fastily.
Wikimedia Commons
Ronald Bog Park, 2301 N. 175th St, Shoreline 98133, Saturday, February 25 and April 28, 9am-noon

Volunteers continue to remove the blackberries and other invasive plants around the bog. This is part of an ongoing effort to restore the park and create great views of the water. 

Bring your friends and enjoy the pleasure of improving our park. Please bring gloves if you have them. Meet at the pony statues on N 175th. Treats provided.**

For information call Dick Decker 206-542-1552.

** Participants under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Participants 14-18 must have a permission form signed by a parent or guardian. 



Read more...

Notes from Shoreline Council meeting Feb 1, 2021

Thursday, February 4, 2021

Pam Cross, reporter
Shoreline City Council Meeting for
February 1, 2021
Notes by Pam Cross

Mayor Hall called the remote meeting to order at 7:00pm.

All Councilmembers were present.

Proclamation
I, Will Hall, Mayor of the City of Shoreline, on behalf of the Shoreline City Council, do hereby proclaim February 2021 as BLACK HISTORY MONTH and encourage all residents to learn more about the history, contributions, and achievements of Black people past and present.

Report of the City Manager, Debbie Tarry



Our region, consisting of King, Snohomish and Pierce Counties, has moved to Phase 2 of the Healthy Washington Plan. That means there are a few more activities we can participate in and some restaurants can allow indoor dining.

Continued access to tennis/pickleball courts is dependent on users following the social distancing and mask wearing requirements.

We still need to meet 3 of the 4 criteria in order to remain in Phase 2, so people need to be diligent in adhering to the restrictions so we don’t see an acceleration in cases and don’t go back to Phase 1.


Please continue to protect our community and help us stay in Stage 2 by taking the following preventative measures:
  • Wear a face covering, especially indoors in public settings regardless of the distance between people.
  • Wash or sanitize your hands regularly.
  • Maintain six (6) feet of distance, indoors and outdoors.
  • Get tested at the first sign of illness. And then stay home. Do not go to work or to stores if you’re not feeling well.
  • It is safest to stay at home.

COVID-19 VACCINE
Although there is information available on Shoreline’s website, people are encouraged to go to CovidVaccineWA.org for the most up-to date information on eligibility and locations providing vaccines.

PROPOSITION 1 PRESENTATIONS
Proposition 1 for park improvements and park land acquisition will appear on the April 27 ballot. There will be factual community presentations beginning Feb 2.

Presentations will be conducted via Zoom. For more information about Proposition 1 and to get the Zoom link for the meeting go to shorelinewa.gov/prop1
Note: the remaining dates are:
  • Tuesday, February 9, 12 pm
  • Thursday, February 11, 7 pm
  • Tuesday, February 16, 7 pm
  • Thursday, February 18, 7 pm
  • Wednesday, February 24, 7 pm

Public Reminders
The Planning Commission will hold a remote meeting on Thursday Feb 4 at 7:00pm regarding the Department of Commerce Growth Management Act Briefing and the 2021 Comprehensive Plan Docket

Council Reports
Deputy Mayor Scully, standing in for Mayor Hall, met remotely with Representative Jayapal who shared with him and other elected officials what’s going on in D.C., mostly regarding Coronavirus relief. The attendees were able to express their needs and concerns.

Public Comment
Kathleen Russell, Shoreline, Save Shoreline Trees
addressed Agenda item 8a, the N 175th project, and requested the City consider saving significant trees the entire length of 175th.

Theresa LaCroix, Director of the LFP/Shoreline Senior Center
expressed her heartfelt thanks to the City, Council and residents for continuing support

Jackie Kurle, Shoreline
spoke about ensuring adequate protections around the new enhanced shelter for both the shelter residents and the neighbors

Christiano Steele, Shoreline grocery worker-
would like Council to pass $4 hazard pay for Shoreline grocery workers until a State initiative hopefully offers this.

Approval of the Agenda
Agenda adopted by unanimous consent.

Approval of the Consent Calendar
Consent Calendar approved unanimously by roll call vote.


Study Item 8(a) Discussion of the Preferred Concept for the 175th Street (Stone Avenue N to I-5) Project


The staff report was presented by
Tricia Juhnke, City Engineer
Leif Johansen, Capital Project Manager

Staff is seeking Council’s support of the Preferred Design concept. In conjunction with this, staff is looking for direction on the recommendation to include undergrounding of existing overhead utilities as part of the preferred concept.

The design team used the public’s feedback from Phase 2 to develop a preferred concept.

Shared-use path concept A
A main concern was bikes sharing the same paths as pedestrians, especially eastbound bicyclists as they head downhill while mixing with walkers and children at Meridian Park Elementary.
On the other hand, there were positive comments about encouraging families to bike out of the roadway.

Buffered bike lanes concept B
The primary concern was that even with a buffer, there was too much exposure to traffic for bikes.
There was a lot of positive feedback for separating pedestrians from bikes.

Over 50% of users rated Shared-use path as “just right; over 60% of users rated Buffered bike lanes as “just right.”

For both concepts there was concern that the corridor was too wide, and too costly.

Using these results, we have created a Hybrid Concept.


From Stone Ave N (Trader Joe’s) to Wallingford Ave N (Meridian Elementary School)

Additionally, staff propose extending the corridor about 120’ west from Stone to Midvale, in order to provide a bike connection to the Interurban Trail.


Wallingford Ave N (Meridian Elementary) to Meridian Ave N (Ronald Bog)

Both concepts attempt to protect existing street trees.
The median will be hardscaped to avoid maintenance issues.

At the intersection of 175th and Meridian both a roundabout and a signalized intersection were considered. The area is too small for a good roundabout. The signalized concept improves operations, limits impact to Ronald Bog and accommodates bike lanes on Meridian. The signalized intersection eliminates the need to purchase parks property, has a lower capital cost, and lower risk (problems with permitting in sensitive environmental area with unstable peat).This concept was preferred by 70% of users.


Signalized Intersection

The final distance is from Meridian to the I-5 Interchange.


Undergrounding Utilities


The preliminary estimate of undergrounding utilities is a wide range because we are so far out from construction. The design phase may continue into 2023. We are at only 10% of the design phase. As we move towards 30% we’ll have a much better idea of what the cost will be and the ultimate impact to ratepayers.

This project meets the undergrounding criteria. It meets City code, is eligible for the City Light Franchise agreement, and is of sufficient size.

Staff recommends moving forward to 30% design and then reevaluating and developing a better cost estimate for undergrounding.

DISCUSSION

Why should we put bike lanes here? It’s between light rail stations and a busy road.
Reply: there isn’t a good off-corridor bike route between 175th and 185th that goes from Meridian to Midvale.

Should we be discussing the speed limit at this time?
Reply: reducing speed limit won’t change the design on this corridor.

Are buses still running along there? Are the stops still planned to be in the same locations?
Reply: we are working with Metro. Yes, buses are still planned plus maybe a new route on Meridian. Metro prefers not to have pull-outs. They prefer lane stops and plan to keep the stop on 175th where there is a bus shelter.

Hybrid concept with shared lanes while bikers are going uphill and then a buffered lane downhill is a great idea.

The Roundabout would require purchase of parkland. There is no mention of parkland purchase for the signalized intersection. Where will we find the roadway width for the 15’ shared use plan on the Southside of 175th between Meridian and I-5?
Reply: this area is part of the WSDOT coordination. Will have a better idea as we progress. We don’t know at this point but it’s likely some land will have to be purchased.

So either option, we’ll have to purchase some land?
Reply: yes

Roundabouts move a lot more traffic through. I realize the area is difficult to fit a roundabout because of right-of-way concerns and so forth. What kind of a trade off are we making with a signalized intersection as respects traffic capacity?
Reply: The more we worked on this project, the more similar these two options became. There is very little difference in capacity. This location has signals and they would still be there anyway.

Did you also model the AM and PM traffic volumes?
Reply: Yes we did. There was no significant difference.

Don’t think this project needs undergrounding. Since it’s not scheduled for re-development some of the benefits don’t apply here. The parcels that will be affected are the school and the park. In Seattle the city pays for undergrounding, but in Shoreline our residents pay for undergrounding. It’s not fair that Seattle City Light singles us out. Cost of undergrounding is a concern.
Reply: there will still be a cost to relocate the utilities overhead. The cost to underground them is in addition to the cost of relocating the utilities overhead. (About $5.7M for just over 3,000 linear feet of the $43M estimate). It is this additional amount that would be paid by the rate payers.

Everybody in Shoreline will pay. Projects are listed on the utility bill. The first one doesn’t sunset until 2032. Assume we add for 175th. And then we add again for 185th. Then another. This is going to add up.
Reply: Yes. The increase applies citywide.

Is there another project that might come up where we’ll be looking at undergrounding and might regret adding it here?
Reply: For 145th Council decided to not underground. On 185th I don’t think we have a recommendation yet. All new sidewalk projects might add undergrounding.

Have you sought public input on undergrounding?
Reply: not yet.

The segment from Meridian to I-5 stops at I-5 and does not go under it. We’re going to have a Trail Along the Rail and that would make a connection to it. Also the underpass needs some pedestrian safety.
Reply: we will be looking at possible ways to get pedestrians better access under I-5. It’s a challenge because the area is tight.

The staff report states $6M for right of way acquisition. Is this just for easements? Or purchase of some property outright?
Reply: It is possible 4 parcels will be purchased outright. Plus there will be a whole lot of easements.

Where the bus stop is on 175th by the Bog, could we put walkway from Meridian going behind that bus stop so people walking down the sidewalk don’t have to go through the folks waiting at the bus stop? It would just go along the sidewalk (not over Ronald Bog) and create kind of a boardwalk look.
Reply: the sidewalk is already cantilevered because of the bog. That would be very challenging.

We need to save all the trees we can, especially the mature evergreens. The non-native street trees can be replaced by adding native street trees, rather than going to great lengths to save an individual tree (except mature evergreens).

I’m wondering about the visibility of the new pedestrian crossing at 175th and Ashworth (east of Stone). Also, it’s in the middle of a long hill where drivers don’t expect a crossing.
Reply: It will probably have a beacon for visibility and there will be the refuge in the middle of 175th where people can stop before continuing across. The existing crossing at Wallingford will also be upgraded.

Speed limits are aligned with design speed and both of those should align with the target speed. The speed limit is currently 35mph. There are few driveways and no parking. Is physical design of the current road consistent with 35mph? Would this design change that?
Reply: What you look at is a sight distance. We learned there is a surplus of sight distance for 35mph. There aren’t any modifications we plan to do that would affect the design speed of the road. It is designed for an excess of speed over the current posted speed limit.

What would be changed if we designed the corridor for 30mph?
Reply: we will look into it and advise.

What is the minimum width allowed for travel lane at 30mph?
Reply: we’ve reduced some to 10’ but Metro requires wider lanes for the lanes they use.

If designed for Metro, then the driver of a vehicle will feel comfortable speeding. There is nothing to encourage drivers to slow down. In fact, drivers may feel like they can go faster.
Reply: We have reduced interior lanes to 10’ (the minimum), and Metro let us go down to 11’. We can also look at other traffic calming tools but putting in trees and amenities in the amenity zones makes the space seem smaller so people drive slower than if it’s a wide 4 lanes with nothing in the middle.

Guidance: Should staff proceed to 30% design with undergrounding so we can refine our estimate? We have to do it now, because we can’t add it in later. We’re not sure of the cost for design up to 30% because we don’t know what kind of problems the bog will cause.

There was general consensus that this would be money well spent because Councilmembers need additional information before making a decision.


Study Item 8(b) Discussion of Ordinance No. 897 - Amending Shoreline Municipal Code Section 20.50.620, Aurora Square Community Renewal Sign Standards

Nora Gierloff, AICP, Planning Manager, made the presentation


This is about a 70 acre area with Aurora Square (renamed Shoreline Place), the old Sears store, the WSDOT offices and the NW School for Deaf Children, as well as the Alexan Apartments. Locations outside of Shoreline Place are not required to advertise Shoreline Place on their monument signs.

By better addressing the signage needs of businesses, these amendments will support the planned redevelopment of Shoreline Place into a vibrant, mixed-use town center for the City.


We looked at general changes to the sign code such as content neutral language, specified size, type and number of signs, and clarification of sign area calculation. Additionally no business can be listed on a new freestanding sign until any old freestanding sign listing that business is removed or brought into compliance. The $100/day penalty for not installing new signs by September 1, 2017 has been removed.


We also wanted to allow unique or sculptural signs, subject to administrative design review.

Monument signs, located at or slightly above the ground, allow visibility as the tree canopy grows. Pylon signs become lost in the tree growth and lose their visibility.

Due to the size of the property and number of tenants, space for more tenants is allowed.

Retail leasing signs will be allowed due to the many available spaces and the multiple owners of the site.

Allow 1 sign per 250’ of street frontage up to a maximum of 3 signs per parcel per street. Signs must be 100’ apart on same parcel, or 50’ apart from a sign on a neighboring parcel.



Deletion of changeable electronic pylon signs was requested in keeping with the planned pedestrian mixed-use environment. Reduce the percentage of pylon sign area advertising Shoreline Place vs. tenants from 25% to 15%.

Increase in height for the pylon signs from 25’ to 35’ so the existing sign structure can be reused. The current pylon signs are about 35’. There are also allocations for pylon signs which will result in the same number (4) as currently exist but allows more flexibility for their placement.

Since there will be ground floor retail with apartments above, there will be additional sign allowance for ground floor storefronts in addition to the wall signs for apartments.

Ground floor walls without entrances can have signs if they put in windows, landscaping or architectural detailing.

Wayfinding (directional) signs require a 25’ setback from the street to avoid clutter and competition with the monument and pylon signs

Temporary signs advertising special events will be limited for less clutter.

Next steps are to identify any Council proposed code changes and return to Council Feb 22. Sign design guidelines for Shoreline placed will be developed later in 2021.

DISCUSSION

This CRA (Community Renewal Area) was put into place in 2012! Wow.

Allowing signage on the backs or sides of buildings on the street is really nice - it prevents a wall of just bricks and dumpsters.

Perimeter lighting is limited. What about holiday lighting?
Reply: It is consistent with the overall sign code for the City.

It can be pretty - or it can be hideous. Best to maintain prohibition of perimeter lighting.

This will come back to Council on consent.

Meeting Adjourned.



Read more...

Ballinger Neighborhood Back in Action

Friday, April 1, 2022

Photo courtesy the Ronald Bog Blog

On Monday, April 4, 2022 at 6:30pm, in honor of Earth Day and the advent of Spring, Ballinger Neighborhood Association will host guest speakers, Brugger's Bog Native Plant Stewards Marla Tullio and Barbara Guthrie. 

They are the leaders of the restoration of our wetland habitat at Brugger's Bog Park being done in partnership with Forterra and Shoreline Green Partnership.

We invite you to come to hear about their important project and learn more about the Earth Day restoration work party at the Bog on April 24.

To join the meeting, go to our new website, https://www.BALNA.org, and add your address to our new email list. Or send an email to ballingerneighborhood@gmail.com. The Zoom meeting ID and password will be sent to you before the meeting.

Already know you would like to pitch in? Register to help now at the Earth Day event on April 24th: https://forterra.org/events/celebrate-earth-day-at-bruggers-bog-in-shoreline/

In other news, BALNA is gearing up for the return of our very popular Friendship Festival in late summer, and we are looking for neighbors interested in helping plan this year's event. Stay tuned!

BALNA Board
Stephanie Angeles, Judy Moore, Londa Jacques, Joyce Lingerfelt


Read more...

Bog Whisperer: Snow birds of Shoreline

Monday, December 5, 2022

Photo by Martin De Grazia
The snow, ice, and cold weather gave Bog Whisperer Martin De Grazia a chance to see the Bog Birds in different ways.

For example, this flock of geese, unconcerned about the snow on their backs - and they're not even Snow Geese!

Photo by Martin De Grazia
The Bog is actually quite shallow and often freezes over in cold weather. The crows don't usually spend time on lakes, so this is a novelty for them (and us!) They seem to be co-existing just fine with the killdeer in the background, who look a little puzzled at the icy footing.

Photo by Martin De Grazia
The heron sits in his usual tree, unperturbed by the snow clinging to the bark. I have to admit that when I first looked at the photo in a thumbnail version, I didn't see the bird. Even now, his feathers look much like the bark of his tree.

Martin says that the otters love the ice, swimming under it and popping up through the thin crust. Their dens have underwater entrances, so they are quite comfortable in this weather.

Ronald Bog is between I-5 and Meridian Ave N, with the entrance to the park on N 175th.

--Diane Hettrick



Read more...

Bog Whisperer - they only come out in the sun

Wednesday, February 16, 2022

Photo by Martin DeGrazia

Aren't bog creatures supposed to come out at night? Maybe they do, but Bog Whisperer Martin DeGrazia was out in the sunshine at Ronald Bog, N 175th and Meridian Ave N.

Photo by Martin DeGrazia

This bog creature looks like he's falling asleep. It was a nice day for a nap on a log. By the way, those are branches, not his tail.

--Diane Hettrick



Read more...
ShorelineAreaNews.com
Facebook: Shoreline Area News
Twitter: @ShorelineArea
Daily Email edition (don't forget to respond to the Follow.it email)

  © Blogger template The Professional Template II by Ourblogtemplates.com 2009

Back to TOP