Saturday, October 24, 2020

Sgt. Pepper

Toward the end of September, I decided to take an early morning walk to Foster Island. I must have I walked right under this owl without even noticing it. I was nearly a hundred yards away when Ginger, my daughter's dog, pulled at the leash. 

Ginger is generally quite aware of any canine competition. I looked back fully expecting to see a well-rested dog dragging another bleary-eyed soul toward the morning light. The sun was struggling to assume its full responsibilities. However, the trail was empty of humans and dogs
The shadowy shape on the ground looked duck-sized and given the proximity to the shore waterfowl seemed like a reasonable assumption. When the shapeshifted, my assumption shattered.

It was a Barred Owl on the ground. In the past, I have only seen Adult owls on the ground when securing food or water. Looking through my camera lens helped me to investigate the situation from a respectful distance. I was surprised by the apparent absence of any prey.

The owl was alert. It was carefully watching for any nearby movement. Its intensity implied that the previous night's hunting was not fully successful.

It seemed to be picking at a twig on the ground. As people approached it flew back to the tree. After they passed it returned to the ground. Like me, no one else noticed the owl - even though it was sitting just a few feet above their heads. It returned to the tree.

As the sun fought through the cottonwoods a shaft of light lit up the foliage below the owl.

The owl remained intently focused. It reminded me of a person staring into a campfire.

Again, the owl returned to the shaded ground. Its colors were a surprisingly similar match to the leaf litter, gravel, and twigs.

After the owl left, I inspected the spots where it landed. There was no obvious sign of food.

When an Eastern Gray Squirrel worked its way through willows along the shore, the owl gave chase, apparently, still hungry. The squirrel was much too quick, especially given the owl's obvious, daylit approach. Ultimately, the owl gave up and disappeared into denser vegetation. Its early morning hunger reinforced the idea that it was a young, inexperienced hunter.

A couple of weeks later, near the end of an October day, I found a solitary owl watching a field of grass just south of Foster Island Road. I cannot prove it is the same owl but the location and behavior make it seem likely. Barred Owls are territorial and they do not generally migrate. So the odds of seeing the same owl, or at least the same pair, in the same area are pretty good.

Ginger and I stood silent and still at the far edge of the grass for at least a half-hour. The owl noticed us once.

It quickly resumed searching the grass and the trees for something tasty to eat.

Searching the trees overhead seems like a poor hunting strategy. (On the other hand, when sitting out in the open it may be a very good defensive strategy. I have seen Bald Eagles and Ravens stalking or chasing Barred Owls and we have both in the area. Plus, Great Horned Owls reportedly eat them as well.)

Adult Barred Owls tend to stay undercover and to focus on what is below them. They often sit near the water's edge as darkness falls. They wait patiently for a small creature to reveal itself. Then, when the prey looks the other way the owl spreads its wings and silently descends. If this owl spotted viable prey overhead in the trees the odds of success would quickly diminish while the owl attempted to gain the necessary elevation. The smaller creature would be likely to notice its approach and easily scamper away to safety.

This week, I have seen and heard the owl twice more. Each time toward the end of the day. I am assuming it is the same bird in part because I have yet to hear an answering call. I suspect it is trying to stake out its first territory and hoping to attract a viable mate.

The first evening, when I heard it call it was doing the complete Barred Owl statement, e.g. "Who cooks for you?, Who cooks for you?" Sadly, for the owl, the only answer I heard was from a young girl out for a walk with her parents.

The next evening the calls I heard were much shorter. I do not know why? However, I still did not hear a reply. 

If you happen to walk through the north end of the Arboretum, especially toward the end of the day, please listen for the call of the Barred Owl. In particular, listen for a reply. It will be curious to see who is the first to hear two owls calling from different directions in the north end of the Arboretum.

I believe this photo was taken just as the owl called out. Its mouth is apparently open, Curiously, even though there is a dark patch in the feathers they still hide the mouth from view. It is a bit harder to see in the video below but it still seems like the open mouth remains hidden whenever the owl calls out. This is a new observation for me.


I hope this owl refines its hunting technique before winter arrives and food gets even harder to find. If it succeeds then by spring it may even attract a mate. Currently, it reminds me of the title to an old Beatles' song, "Sgt. Pepper and the Lonely Hearts Club."

Have a great day on Union Bay...where nature lives in the city and Black Birders are welcome!

Larry


Going Native:

Without a well-funded Environmental Protection Agency, it falls to each of us to be ever more vigilant in protecting our local environments. Native plants and trees encourage the largest diversity of lifeforms because of their long intertwined history with our local environment and native creatures. I have been told that even the microbes in the soil are native to each local landscape. I hope we can inspire ourselves, our neighbors, and local businesses to respect native flora and to support native wildlife at every opportunity. I have learned that our most logical approach to native trees and plants (in order of priority) should be to:

1) Learn and leave established native flora undisturbed.
2) Remove invasive species and then wait to see if native plants begin to grow without assistance. (If natives plants start on their own, then these plants or trees are likely the most appropriate flora for the habitat.)
3) Scatter seeds from nearby native plants in a similar habitat.
4) If you feel you must add a new plant then select a native plant while considering how the plant fits with the specific habitat and understanding the plant's logical place in the normal succession of native plants.

My intention in my weekly post is to include at least one photo each week and visually challenge us to know the difference between native and non-native lifeforms. 

By the way, my friend Tom Brown pointed out that the application named 'Wildflower Search' is extremely helpful. Click on the highlighted link to see for yourself.











What species of fern is this? Is it native to the PNW?

Here is a second more distant view - in case it helps. These ferns can be seen in the Arboretum along the Loop Trail.


 








Scroll down for the answer.









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Giant Chain FernIt is a native West Coast fern. According to the University of Washington, it is listed as a sensitive plant on the endangered species list. I suggest learning what it looks like just in case you have one growing in your yard. You might want to protect it. Click on the name to visit the UW fact sheet. 

Thank you to Andy Mitton from the Berger Partnership for teaching me about this plant.













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The Email Challenge:


Over the years I have had many readers tell me that Google is no longer sending them email announcements regarding my posts. Even more frustrating when they go to 're-sign-up', hoping that will enable them to once again start receiving the announcements, they get a message which says 'Sorry, you are already signed up.' Google has not responded to my requests for help with this issue. 

My functional workaround is to set up my own email list and each week I manually send out a new post announcement. If you are experiencing the issue and would like to be added to my personal email list please send me an email requesting to be added. Thank you for your patience!


My email address is: LDHubbell@Comcast.Net






One more photo for the persistent.

As the owl moved deeper into the foliage it became progressively more difficult to see.

Sunday, October 18, 2020

The Dark Side

A Varied Thrush feeding on Sorbus in the Arboretum.

This time of year it feels like we are on the dark side of the Sun. In reality, the actual distance is fairly consistent year-round. However, the slope of the Earth's polar axis is angling our hemisphere away from the Sun. The increasing shade will peak on December 21st. During the Winter Solstice, we will experience almost twice as much darkness as light. 

Many of the bird species, that breed around Union Bay, have already headed south. They are chasing the warmth, light, and available food. For those of us left behind, life outdoors is decidedly quieter. There are fewer lifeforms to hear and see. Our skies are grayer, the days are dimmer and the rainfall is more persistent. With the pandemic, plus, the economic and social strife, this may be the most challenging winter of our lives.

Finding a single Varied Thrush feels like a breath of fresh inspiration. Like a sign that life will persist. If we watch closely we will also notice - the hearty, resident, year-round birds who simply shake off the rain, find food and endure. 

Additional inspiration is on its way, there is a steady stream of winter birds who are heading south. They are coming to take advantage of our winter rain. Our rain brings warmth which helps to keep their food free from snow and ice, while our latitude provides just enough daylight to allow them to find the needed nutrition. 

Varied Thrush are shy birds that like to breed in old-growth forests throughout Alaska and Western Canada. In the Fall, some of them return to the Arboretum. Attracted, at least in part, by fruit-bearing trees. They are not alone.

The fruit also attracts American Robins...

...and Cedar Waxwings. The bird on the right is an adult. Its chest is clean and clear without vertical striping. 

In the Fall, chest stripes indicate a waxwing who hatched-out earlier in the current year.

Surprisingly, even fruit specialists, like waxwings, are not one hundred percent frugivorous. Particularly, in Spring they eat insects and no doubt feed them to their young. 

Nonetheless, this time of year waxwings are far more likely to be seen eating fruit. 

The biggest surprise for me this time of year is how many other species of birds can be found in and around the same fruit trees.

While watching the activity in a Sorbus tree a Downy Woodpecker flew in and landed overhead in a neighboring Western Red Cedar. The cedar provided both of us with shelter from the rain. If a Waxwing eats roughly eighty percent vegetation and twenty percent animal matter the Downy is just the opposite. It was apparently mining the moss for virtually invisible insects.

Near the malus, where I spotted the American Robins, there were a surprising number of other visitors. 

A Dark-eyed Junco searched the ground for food.

A Song Sparrow landed on an inner branch, apparently more interested in what it might find in the lichen and moss.

Steller's Jays consistently visited the area. As mentioned in the post, Steller's Delight, I have seen them collecting and eating acorns but I have yet to see one eating fruit. 

Curiously, I did watch one fly into the middle of a Malus tree. The tree was densely packed with fruit, robins, and waxwings. The jay descended in hops via the inner branches. Finally, it disappeared into the snowberries - surrounding the base of the tree. After a few minutes, it hopped back up and into view before taking to the air. 

If this had happened during Spring I might have suspected it was taking food to its young or raiding the nest of a vertically-challenged bird. It makes me wonder, What was it doing? Could it have been searching for fallen fruit on the ground?
 
American Crows often passed overhead, cawing loudly. However, so far, I have never seen them eating fruit. Given the wide variety of foods they consume, their avoidance of fruit seems very surprising.

I have seen Northern Flickers eating fruit, but maybe it is their last resort. This bird totally ignored the crabapples, apparently, there must still be some ants to be found. 

A Chickadee that visited the malus also appeared hesitant to settle for fruit.

A Red-breasted Nuthatch worked its way down one of the trunks.

With its head-down approach, it appeared to be totally focused, on finding a crevice to hide a fall seed for winter consumption.

Particularly refreshing was watching a Bushtit in the malus. I have never seen or even imagined a Bushtit eating fruit. They prefer small creatures. However, from what I have read, they do eat some vegetation.

In this case, the Bushtit was looking all around.

Logically, I would suspect it was scanning... 

...for small creatures to consume.

Although, for a moment it appeared to be considering the fruit.

The little bird sat for an uncommonly long time.

Maybe it was carefully considering what the waxwings and the robins were consuming.

It appeared to take a close look at the fruit before giving up and flying away.

The most consistent behavior I noticed in the last week is whenever the frugivores are harvesting fruit other species tend to gather around. I suspect they congregate because it is safer. The more eyes and ears that are watching and listening for danger the less likely it is that a predator can successfully sneak up on any individual. 

Plus, their diversity almost certainly helps. A Dark-eyed Junco has a better chance of seeing a predator approaching at ground level, the Cedar Waxwings and the American Robins are more likely to notice one flying overhead, and the Red-breasted Nuthatch is well placed to see one climbing up the trunk of a tree. A mixed flock, with its diversity of skills and abilities, seems clearly safer than one bird or even a single species by itself.

I think the same is true for humans. We are stronger in our diversity. We are safer when we use our unique skills and abilities to watch out for each other. This winter will no doubt be dark and challenging. However, the best way to improve our odds is by working together.

Have a great day on Union Bay...where nature lives in the city and Black Birders are welcome!

Larry


Going Native:

Without a well-funded Environmental Protection Agency, it falls to each of us to be ever more vigilant in protecting our local environments. Native plants and trees encourage the largest diversity of lifeforms because of their long intertwined history with our local environment and native creatures. I have been told that even the microbes in the soil are native to each local landscape. I hope we can inspire ourselves, our neighbors, and local businesses to respect native flora and to support native wildlife at every opportunity. I have learned that our most logical approach to native trees and plants (in order of priority) should be to:

1) Learn and leave established native flora undisturbed.
2) Remove invasive species and then wait to see if native plants begin to grow without assistance. (If natives plants start on their own, then these plants or trees are likely the most appropriate flora for the habitat.)
3) Scatter seeds from nearby native plants in a similar habitat.
4) If you feel you must add a new plant then select a native plant while considering how the plant fits with the specific habitat and understanding the plant's logical place in the normal succession of native plants.

My intention in my weekly post is to include at least one photo each week and visually challenge us to know the difference between native and non-native lifeforms. 

By the way, my friend Tom Brown pointed out that the application named 'Wildflower Search' is extremely helpful. Click on the highlighted link to see for yourself.









What species of native PNW tree is this? Here are two additional hints. a) The needles can occasionally be over 2 inches long. However, the needles in this photo probably averaged about one inch in length and were divided into two sets on each side of the twig.

b) The bark is usually no more than 2 inches thick.



 








Scroll down for the answer.









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Grand Fir: A large native tree that can grow in shade west of the Cascades and in moist valleys further to the east e.g. in Idaho.











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The Email Challenge:


Over the years I have had many readers tell me that Google is no longer sending them email announcements regarding my posts. Even more frustrating when they go to 're-sign-up', hoping that will enable them to once again start receiving the announcements, they get a message which says 'Sorry, you are already signed up.' Google has not responded to my requests for help with this issue. 

My functional workaround is to set up my own email list and each week I manually send out a new post announcement. If you are experiencing the issue and would like to be added to my personal email list please send me an email requesting to be added. Thank you for your patience!


My email address is: LDHubbell@Comcast.Net






One more photo for the persistent.

Sunday, October 11, 2020

Pacificus Borealis Occidens

Do you know this bird and plant?

In 2017, the Loop Trail in the Washington Park Arboretum was completed. As part of the project the upper portion of the Arboretum Creek channel was improved, native Pacific Northwest (PNW) plants were added along the shores, and pedestrian bridges were built where the Loop Trail crossed the stream. I certainly hope you have had a chance to visit and experience these wonderful improvements. 

For example, this native Black Twinberry was planted along the stream in 2017. In the past, I have seldom seen native Rufous Hummingbirds in the Arboretum. However, this Spring, 2020, I was incredibly excited to find this one feeding on this flowering Twinberry, next to Arboretum Creek.

Since native creatures are already familiar with native flora they are attracted by them. Plus, native life tends to co-exist with a wider variety of lifeforms as compared to invasive creatures or plants. As a result, to maximize diversity and help the ecosystem to flourish native PNW lifeforms are a top priority. 

While the Loop Trail project was underway, my friend, and fellow Master Birder, Dave Galvin and I realized that additional improvements were still needed to help the area around the creek to flourish. The stream needed, and needs, year-round water flow. (The upper portion stops flowing in the summer. The water in the stagnant pools becomes too warm to support native fish. The lack of fish explains why fish-eating birds cannot be found along the creek.) Additional native plants will also help to draw a much wider variety of creatures. Plus, removing the lower portion of the stream from the currently stifling culvert will allow a wider variety of aquatic life to enter the creek from Union Bay. 

Note: Thank you to the Washington Park Staff who continue to negotiate with the Washington State Department of Transportation to have the culvert removed. This is expected to happen on or before the new 520 freeway is completed.

With help from many sources, Dave and I started the local non-profit, Friends of Arboretum Creek. Our initial focus has been on returning additional clean, year-round flow to the stream. This year the design options to accomplish this goal are beginning to be evaluated thanks to a grant from the King County Waterworks program (more about how you can help below). Also, Dave has worked, tirelessly, to secure a Seattle Neighborhood Matching Fund grant which is helping to envision a truly flourishing Arboretum Creek.

The exceptional local artist and illustrator, Gail Wong, has been hired. With guidance from Arboretum Staff (Thank You to Ray, Wendy, and Amanda.) potential planting improvements are beginning to be visualized as well as some of the lifeforms they are expected to attract. This sketch is just a step along the way to one of Gail's full-color illustrations. 

One of the goals for Friends of Arboretum Creek is to help us all learn to identify both native and invasive flora and fauna. This post, will allow you to demonstrate or improve your knowledge. 

Since the names of lifeforms sometimes giveaway their heritage numbers and scientific names are being used to initially identify the flora and fauna in the following photos. You might take a sheet of paper, write down one through twenty-four, and then add whether that life form is native or invasive. You could also write in their common names if you know them. Otherwise, a key will be provided below with the numbers, eco-status, and common names. Good Luck!

1. Oemleria cerasiformis

2. Trachemys scripta elegans

3. Geranium robertianum

4. Pseudacris regilla

5. Sturnus vulgaris

6. Lithobates catesbeianus

7. The Fish - Misgurnus anguillicaudatus
8. The Bird - Podilymbus podiceps

9. Megaceryle alcyon

10. The Fish - Cyprinus carpio
11. The Bird -  Butorides virescens
12. The Plant - Nymphaea odorata

13. The Plant - Taraxacum officinale 
14. The Butterfly - Pieris rapae

15. The Bird - Setophaga townsendi
16. The Tree - Thuja plicata

17. Lonicera ciliosa

18. Aesculus hippocastanum

19. Rubus armeniacus

20. Acer circinatum

21. Sidalcea hendersonii

22. Sambucus racemosa

23. Libellula forensis

24. Mahonia aquifolium

A special, Thank you!, to Dennis Paulson who has taught me (and probably many of you) about the majority of these lifeforms.

1. Indian Plum, Native
2. Red-eared Slider, Invasive
3. Stinky Bob, Invasive
4. Pacific Tree Frog, Native
5. European Starling, Invasive
6. American Bullfrog, Invasive
7. Oriental Weatherfish, Invasive
8. Pied-billed Grebe, Native
9. Belted Kingfisher, Native
10. Common Carp, Invasive
11. Green Heron, Native
12. Fragrant Water Lily, Invasive
13. Common Dandelion, Native
14. Cabbage White, Invasive
15. Townsend's Warbler, Native
16. Western Red Cedar, Native
17. Orange Honeysuckle, Native
18. Horse Chestnut, Invasive*
19. Himalayan Blackberry, Invasive
20. Vine Maple, Native
21. Henderson's Checkermallow, Native
22. Red Elderberry, Native
23. Eight-spotted Skimmer, Native
24. Tall Oregon Grape, Native

* Of all the lifeforms which I labeled invasive, the Horse Chestnut is the most debatable one. Since trees have longer lifespans and are slower to mature than other flora, they are not as quick to invade. For example, the non-native collection trees in the Arboretum are selected and expected to be non-invasive. 


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Virtual Community Meeting

October 15th at 5pm

Goal: to explore flow options for reconnecting Alder, Alley, and Arboretum Creeks.
The possibilities are endless. Your input is desired!

Access Instructions at https://arboretumcreek.wordpress.com

Sponsored by Friends of Arboretum Creek

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In case you are wondering about the title of this post, Pacificus Borealis Occidens - it is Latin for Pacific North West. My belief is that people who choose to live in a place have a responsibility to learn and know the native flora and fauna. Without a fundamental knowledge of the local lifeforms, it is impossible to gauge the impact of one's decisions. Ignorance and indifference to local life leads to "cloned" city-scapes with no obvious connection to the natural world that surrounds and sustains them. Love and appreciation of the local lifeforms will lead to more places like Union Bay!

Have a great day on Union Bay...where nature lives in the city and Black Birders are welcome!

Larry


Going Native:

Without a well-funded Environmental Protection Agency, it falls to each of us to be ever more vigilant in protecting our local environments. Native plants and trees encourage the largest diversity of lifeforms because of their long intertwined history with our local environment and native creatures. I have been told that even the microbes in the soil are native to each local landscape. I hope we can inspire ourselves, our neighbors, and local businesses to respect native flora and to support native wildlife at every opportunity. I have learned that our most logical approach to native trees and plants (in order of priority) should be to:

1) Learn and leave established native flora undisturbed.
2) Remove invasive species and then wait to see if native plants begin to grow without assistance. (If natives plants start on their own, then these plants or trees are likely the most appropriate flora for the habitat.)
3) Scatter seeds from nearby native plants in a similar habitat.
4) If you feel you must add a new plant then select a native plant while considering how the plant fits with the specific habitat and understanding the plant's logical place in the normal succession of native plants.

My intention in my weekly post is to include at least one photo each week and visually challenge us to know the difference between native and non-native lifeforms. 

By the way, my friend Tom Brown pointed out that the application named 'Wildflower Search' is extremely helpful. Click on the highlighted link to see for yourself.










Which species of crayfish is this? Is it native to Union Bay?


 








Scroll down for the answer.









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Signal Crayfish: Yes. It is native to the PNW and Union Bay. This cell phone photo was taken from above Arboretum Creek at the point where it disappears into the underground pipe - below the Wilcox Pedestrian Bridge. Clicking on the name will take you to a very informative pdf which, among other things, explains that the white joint on the claws indicates this crayfish is a native Signal Crayfish. (Brief video below.)










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The Email Challenge:


Over the years I have had many readers tell me that Google is no longer sending them email announcements regarding my posts. Even more frustrating when they go to 're-sign-up', hoping that will enable them to once again start receiving the announcements, they get a message which says 'Sorry, you are already signed up.' Google has not responded to my requests for help with this issue. 

My functional workaround is to set up my own email list and each week I manually send out a new post announcement. If you are experiencing the issue and would like to be added to my personal email list please send me an email requesting to be added. Thank you for your patience!


My email address is: LDHubbell@Comcast.Net





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Signal Crayfish Video: