Striking

A Great Blue Heron is a magnificent creature. This late March photo shows an adult in its best breeding plumage  The long sharp bill is bright yellow. On the head, the contrast between the dark blue and the white is strikingly crisp. The dark plumes behind the head are nearly as long as the bill. The plumes on the back are relaxed and apparent but not on display. Those on the chest are mostly hidden due to the angle.

In this June photo, the plumes on the chest are more obvious. Less striking is the fact that this bird's bill has lost a lot of its yellow luster. The need to attract a mate has passed and most likely this bird was focused on finding food to feed its young.

In this August photo, we see a juvenile bird that is significantly different from an adult. For example, the top of the head is grey and lacks the vivid contrasting stripes we saw in the adults.

On the body and neck, we see tufts of white feathering, some of which it is probably losing as it molts toward maturity. Slightly less obvious signs of youth are the rusty-pinkish tips to the wing coverts displayed along the bird's side. The side of the neck is somewhat mottled and there may be just a tiny hint of ornamental plumes on the back of the head. There are no obvious plumes on the body. Although, some of the loose-looking white feathers, on the chest or lower neck, might be plumes just beginning to grow.

Here is an August comparison that shows two herons practicing a breeding dance. The bird on the left is holding up its nearly adult-like plumes on its back and chest while the more immature bird on the right is probably wishing it had plumes to display.

This January photo shows two adults, with plumes partially erect, doing a more appropriately timed breeding dance. 

This late October photo shows a mature Great Blue Heron with an obvious difference from the adult in the very first photo. If you don't see the difference don't despair. It will be explained later.

In the air, Great Blue Herons are not so strikingly beautiful. Their slow wingbeats, skinny legs, long necks, and larger wingspans make them cumbersome and slow. Once airborne, they are best described as steady.

I have watched a Great Blue Heron make a half-mile loop, with the only apparent goal being to gain altitude. It returned to almost exactly the point where it started, but instead of being just barely above the water, it was high enough to pass over the cottonwood trees along the shore.

Surprisingly, east of the Rocky Mountains Great Blue Herons are migratory. Click Here to see the ebird animation of sightings that reveals their migration. Locally, the numbers of Great Blue Herons seem to increase during Spring, however, actual migration is not obvious. 

The view from below is not particularly elegant or striking. 

Despite the obvious effort involved in flight, I believe our Union-Bay-foraging Great Blue Herons apparently nested near the Ballard Locks this year. They are known to fly several miles between their nests and their primary foraging spots. This Spring I consistently watched them coming and going from that direction.

A few years ago a small colony nested on the UW Campus. However, after Bald Eagles raided the site the Great Blue Herons have not returned. The colony near the Locks is larger, presumably older, and most likely somewhat safer due to its size.

By the way, the primary difference between the March and October mature Great Blue Heron's was the upper half of the bill, and a bit of the forehead, which were both grey colored in the Fall photo.

Earlier this month, this Heron took a sip of water then, like a duck, lifted its bill above its head to let the water run down its throat.

When hunting Great Blue Herons are also slow and steady. 

When they see a creature of interest they slowly pull back their heads, forming a tight "S" with their necks. The tension, pressure, and focus increase... 

...until it is strikingly relieved.

In this instance, the fish, frog, or polliwog evaded the initial lunge. 

For a second or so, the Heron swished its head about in the water chasing its prey.

Sadly, at least for the Heron, the prey escaped.

If you would like to see an actual catch of a fish you can Click Here and visit a much earlier post that shows success. (It also may be interesting to compare how my photography and writing have changed since 2014.)

Afterward, it shook its head and sent water flying off its beak.

Ultimately, it raised all the feathers along its neck and shook its body in much the same fashion as a dog when it comes out of the water. I find it amazing that creatures so different can share behaviors that are so obviously similar.

Personally, I find Great Blue Herons strikingly beautiful when standing, hunting, and doing their mating dances. However, their ability to fly almost seems like it was an afterthought in nature's design process.

Maybe that is why seeing them in trees always feels a bit surprising.

By the way, speaking of Great Blue Herons in trees their nesting process is also curiously unique. You can see for yourself in a 2019 post by Clicking Here.

Have a great day on Union Bay...where nature lives in the city!

Larry

Going Native:

Each of us, who breathe the air and drink the local water, needs to watch and protect our local environment. 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.

Also, Jane Lundin has created a small package, with a lot of critical information that looks quite handy, and light, for backpacking in the mountains in Springtime. It is titled, Mountain Wildflowers of Washington.)

Another idea that integrates perfectly with living in harmony with nature is the concept of Forest Gardening. Apparently, Native Americans collected and nurtured dense multi-layered gardens of native herbs, plants, shrubs, and trees that produced food and herbal medicines. Even after 150 years of no maintenance, the gardens are essentially intact and the diversity of life remains significantly higher than in the surrounding forests. Click Here to learn more.

 Is this plant native to Union Bay?

(Thank you to Elaine Chuang for supplying this photo!)

Scroll down for the answer.

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Trailing Blackberry

Yes! It is a native plant. Notice the slight bluish tint to the slender stalk which spreads gently across the ground. 

The Trailing Blackberry is dramatically different than these invasive blackberries. These leap skyward, spread densely, and profusely overshadow almost everything that is unable to move out of the way.

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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. As of 2021, Google has discontinued the service.

In response, I have set up my own email list. With each post, I will manually send out an announcement. If you would like to be added to my personal email list please send me an email requesting to be added. Something like:

                Larry, I want to see more of nature. Please add me to your personal email list. 

Thank you for your patience and interest!

My email address is: LDHubbell@Comcast.Net

*******************

Final photos:

Alula, the small feathers on the upper edge of the wings. Click Here to learn more.

Is this bird a juvenile or an adult?

Juvenile.

Adult.

Squirrels and Owls

Sometimes the momentary beauty of nature is astounding. This Barred Owl reminded me of an elderly grandmother pulling her shawl around her shoulders for warmth while drifting off to sleep in her rocker. 

However, looks can be deceiving. That cute yellow bill is used for tearing flesh and those sharp talons do more than grip branches. 

Here is a photo from a few days earlier that gives a better look at a Barred Owl's talons 

An Eastern Grey Squirrel is a common prey species for a Barred Owl, both here and back east - where both species originated.

When I first saw the owl it flew right over my head and landed on this snag directly in front of me. For a moment, it looked directly east at the nest I had been watching.

It was an Eastern Grey Squirrel nest, which was less than 20 feet from the owl. This squirrel, with a fragmented right ear, had just visited the nest and left. The hole in its ear might very well have been due to a close encounter with a Barred Owl - possibly even this particular one.

The squirrel's tail was missing some of its fur. I had no doubt this was a mature, hard-working squirrel doing its best to enable the next generation.

The Barred Owl moved slightly south, to a more shaded location, and began preening. It seemed oblivious to the nest. On the other hand, maybe it knew that the squirrels were out of reach.

Feathers can deflect water, provide camouflage, retain heat, enable flight (and therefore hunting) while also signaling sexual maturity and health. Plus, they help birds identify fellow members of their own species. For all of these reasons, their feathers need to be functional. Feather maintenance is critical to the owl's survival.

When feathers become ruffled or dirty birds will often grasp a single feather, near the base, and slowly pull it through their bill. This removes any unwanted material and realigns the barbs in the optimal arrangement.

There is often a brief moment before the feather is released and snaps back to its normal location when the individual feather can be clearly photographed in the bill.

I have seen at least two other squirrels in the nest. I believe the sleeping one on the right is fairly young and may not have ever left the nest yet. Eastern Grey Squirrels often have a second brood in August or September. 

The larger squirrel suddenly seemed to awaken. It took a closer look at Ginger, my daughter's dog, and then shoved the smaller squirrel deeper into the nest.

I suspect this one is a second adult - rather than an older sibling.

Walking home yesterday I heard and saw two different Eastern Grey Squirrels sitting in trees and crying "Wah, wah, wah". I suspect they were both young from Spring litters. They were apparently hoping their parents (or possibly a soft-hearted human) would feed them. 

With Barred Owls, Cooper's Hawks, and Common Ravens in the neighborhood, begging loudly does not seem like a successful survival technique.

When the first one noticed my focus, its survival instinct finally kicked in. It turned and scampered deeper into the foliage. I was left with this momentary view. Eastern Grey Squirrels may not be the most stunning creatures around but they do have moments of intriguing beauty.

Two years ago, in mid-September, I happened across this group of young ones. Can you find the body parts of the three different squirrels in this photo? 

There is the one on the right, with its nose down in the crotch of the tree. One is closer to the middle. We can only see its head presumably peaking out from the nest. The last one  is only partially visible. It is vertically aligned along the left side of the tree trunk and only its hindquarters and tail can be seen.

The young ones zipped back and forth around the tree.

They provided perfect examples of scampering and squirrelly. 

If Ginger and I don't get out for our daily walk, we start feeling a bit squirrelly as well.

In April of 2017, I saw two adults behaving similarly. Although, I suspect their motivation may have been related to reproduction rather than the playful, boundless energy of youth. In either case, squirrels need food to replenish and sustain their energy levels.

Most people associate squirrels with the consumption of seeds and nuts from pine cones and acorns. However, they also consume a wide variety of other foods.

This one is licking sap from wells created by a Red-Breasted Sapsucker.

This one appears to be hanging by its tail while securing and eating Sorbus berries. I suspect its hidden hind feet are actually helping it hold on.

In mid-Winter, this squirrel was eating the core from the blossom of a winter-flowering Camellia.

This one was eating the wing nuts from a Big Leaf Maple tree.

This one consumed a blossom from an introduced, winter-flowering Mahonia.

Before I left the Barred Owl move to a location where it could clearly see the entrance to the squirrel's next. A few hours later it was still sitting in the same spot. However, during the following three or four days I have seen no sign of the owl and only caught occasional glimpses of the squirrels in the nest.

Both creatures have moments of beauty, that we are lucky to enjoy. However, it is wise to remember they are actually involved in an ongoing life-and-death struggle to survive. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife says most squirrels do not make it through the first Winter. However, if they survive they usually live for three to five years. 

Wild creatures will sometimes do surprising things to protect their young. When taking a walk in the park it is in our best interest to be watchful and alert. Paying attention can also be surprisingly interesting and compelling. 

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

Larry

Going Native:

Each of us, who breathe the air and drink the local water, needs to watch and protect our local environment. 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.

Also, Jane Lundin has created a small package, with a lot of critical information that looks quite handy, and light, for backpacking in the mountains in Springtime. It is titled, Mountain Wildflowers of Washington.)

Another idea that integrates perfectly with living in harmony with nature is the concept of Forest Gardening. Apparently, Native Americans collected and nurtured dense multi-layered gardens of native herbs, plants, shrubs, and trees that produced food and herbal medicines. Even after 150 years of no maintenance, the gardens are essentially intact and the diversity of life remains significantly higher than in the surrounding forests. Click Here to learn more.

Did this leaf fall from a tree that is native to Union Bay?

Scroll down for the answer.

****************

Stripebark Maple: Given that the only references I can find online to Acer Grosseri referenced a Snakebark Maple it would not have been fair to ask the name of this tree. However, since the leaf was caught in an invisible spiderweb and it made such a unique photo I still wanted to use it. So, the easier ask was, Does it look like a native leaf?

If you guessed a Paper Birch leaf you get partial credit. It does look similar. 

However, the precise answer is, "No". From what I can see the stem is much too long, and (according to Arno and Hammerly's "Northwest Trees") in Western Washington the Paper Birch was originally only native as far south as Everett, Washington.

*****************

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. Google never responded to my requests for help with this issue. Now, in 2021, the service is being discontinued.

In response, I have set up my own email list. With each post, I will manually send out an announcement. If you would like to be added to my personal email list please send me an email requesting to be added. Something like:

                Larry, I want to see more of nature. Please add me to your personal email list. 

Thank you for your patience and interest!

My email address is: LDHubbell@Comcast.Net

*******************

Final photos:

It is amazing that trees can survive with so many Sapsucker holes.

Reusing an old Northern Flicker nest.

One more bite to help make it through the Winter.