Nestless

On Tuesday, Marsha and Monty sat on the top of this University of Washington Sequoia tree, directly north of their Montlake Cut nest site. The fact that their nest disappeared did not seem to concern them.

Last May the nest was quite substantial. It lasted through the Spring and Summer, while they successfully raised their young. 

However last Saturday, my friend Jerry pointed out that the nest was gone. In the last month we have had some windy days. Most likely the remnants of the nest are mixed in among the branches of the tree, and the many wind-blown fallen branches on the ground. 

Click Here to read how an earlier than normal Fall wind can be hard on trees.

When the wind blows hard, Bald Eagles can simply spread their wings and gain lift immediately. They may be our only bird species that appears to enjoy a blustery day. 

Still, the loss of their of nest is no small thing. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife website says that Bald Eagles' nests are usually 4 to 5 feet in diameter and 2 to 4 feet deep. Over time, since Bald Eagles normally add-on every year, they can become huge - a thousand pounds or more. (Click Here and read the tenth paragraph to be stunned by the largest nest ever.)

Monty and Marsha are not the only Bald Eagles who face challenges around Union Bay. 

Talia and Russ, who nest on the north side in the old Talaris property, have construction and development headed their way. Click Here to read more about this situation.

Eva and Albert, who nest to the south in Broadmoor, had no young last Spring for the first time in years. I am hoping this year their previous productivity returns. The next few photos provide a hint of hope for them.

On Wednesday, this young eagle was perched on the Cottonwood tree on the north end of Foster Island. It is a great place for eagles to survey Union Bay while hunting for fish or waterfowl. 

Before maturing, establishing a territory and mating, young Bald Eagles tend to roam about looking for food anywhere they can get it. Reaching maturity and gaining a pure white head and tail usually happens in their fourth or fifth year.

After a few minutes, the young eagle looked over its shoulder and lifted its wings. (This particular tree has historically been inside the northern boundary of Eva and Albert's territory.)

The white spots on the wings and body along with dark spots on the head and tail are hints that this bird is not fully mature. The shadowy dark eye stripes make me think it might be around three years old.

Albert, the male from the Broadmoor nest, flew in from the south with a full head of steam. He tucked his wings and dived toward the intruder.

The young bird turned tail and headed north as fast as possible. Here the dark edging on the tail is visible as well as the white spots on the wing.

The last I saw they were almost across the bay and closing in on Laurelhurst. Defending your territory is a critical first step toward having food for your young in the Spring.

Earlier in the month I watched an opposite example. This young eagle was perched in the same tree. At that point in the Fall it may have been difficult for the Broadmoor eagles to monitor the tree because of all the leaves.

The lucky young bird flew east from Foster Island and snagged a fish from Union Bay without Eva or Albert noticing. Still, it is encouraging that they are currently present and defending their territory.

Last Sunday, the day after Jerry mentioned that Marsha and Monty's Montlake Cut nest was gone, I went to check on the situation. When a nest falls I always get the question, will they abandon their territory? I was reassured to find Marsha in the tree sitting directly above the nest site.

I don't know if you noticed in the earlier presentation of this photo, but the few "remaining" branches in the crotch of the tree are actually somewhat fresh. They still had leaves attached. It seems to me, that only Monty and Marsha could have placed fresh branches at this location in their nest tree. This, along with Marsha's presence, was very calming. Besides, this is not their first rebuild. 

This is the same nest site in November of 2019 after the previous nest fell.

This is the site in January of 2020...

...and here it is March of 2020 when actual nesting began.

They appear to still be committed to both their territory and their chosen nest site. If you are interested in following their nest-building progress, the nest location is in the first tree south of the totem pole at the southeast corner of Montlake Cut. Both of which are south of the new viewing platform. 

In December of 2018, it was possible to see them breaking upper branches off the Cottonwoods on the north side of Montlake Cut and carrying them over to the nest site on the south side. This photo was taken during their first rebuild.

Monty and Marsha came to Union Bay and began building their first nest in 2017. Here are links to a few highlights from all their nesting adventures:

• April 2018 - The First Nest
• July 2018 - Nest Troubles
• August 2018 - Leaving Home
• November 2018 - Freedom
• July 2019 - A Fire Truck Adventure
• July 2020 - A Normal Fledging
• July 2021 - First  Flight

Have a good 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. (When native 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.

Click Here to access a King County publication that explains the best placement for a wide variety of native plants. It looks extremely helpful.

Also, my friend Tom Brown pointed out that the application named 'Wildflower Search' is very 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. 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.

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

In the area below it is my intention to display at least one photo each week to help challenge us to know the difference between native and non-native lifeforms. 

This is a plant that is native to Union Bay. Can you guess which plant it is?

Scroll down for the answer.

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

Snowberry - When the berries are present, often long into winter, this plant is easy to identify. However, once the berries have fallen, the leaves can be curiously-shaped (both lobed and not lobed) and not so easy to identify. Even though many birds are not very interested in the fruit, other animals enjoy them.

For those of you who have been noticing my attempts to merge photos this is another example. The first photo focused on the leaf on the left while the second focused on the berries on the right. By merging the two photos I ended up with two separate areas in focus. It is kind of funny how having two different focus points plays with the depth perception. 

The tiny missing square in the upper left is a hint that I moved slightly while taking the two photos.

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

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

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

A Final Photo:

One of my favorite old photos from 2018.

The Frenzied Feast

In the Fall, when the fruit of the Sorbus trees is ripe, the American Robins invade the trees and consume vast quantities. They seem to avoid the darker, overly ripe options. Taking flight while powered by fermented fruit would probably lead to broken wings or worse.

I suspect the consistent faint-white edging on the reddish-orange breast of this bird indicates it is a first-year bird. Earlier in the year, its breast would have been covered with spots. As Winter approaches it must look and behave like an adult to survive. The parental delivery of food has most certainly stopped.

The supply of Sorbus fruit, from multiple species of trees originating all over the world, made the Arboretum a magnet for American Robins this week. 

Often, Robins will swallow multiple pieces of fruit before quickly retiring to a nearby conifer where they can sit, safely hidden, while they process their plunder. Sometimes they take one more for the road.

With a flock of birds each operating on their own digestive schedule, they could be seen coming and going from multiple directions all at the same time - a furious Fall frenzy of feeding. 

This is further enhanced by the occasional Robin who is apparently offended by a family member landing too close to "their" fruit. The two birds leave the tree with the offended individual in hot pursuit. The effort seems totally futile as neither bird is feeding during the chase, although it usually ends quickly. These skirmishes seem to be more about some misconstrued concept of honor than fruit.

The fruit is so abundant that the Robins can afford to be picky. This particular piece of fruit was evidently not quite ripe enough. The Robin appeared to test the firmness once or twice before giving it a final squeeze. Pinching with just the tips of its bill caused the fruit to 'leap' away from the bird. The avian version of spitting it out.

The rejected fruit can be seen falling towards the ground. It is just above the branch and directly in front of the vertical bud. Comparing this photo to the previous one makes it a bit more obvious.

Here is a different example of the same behavior. The photo captures the moment just before gravity takes over.

American Robins are members of the Thrush family. The pattern of color on Robins is unique among Thrush. However their shape seems consistent among all four species that can be found in our area. The size of the Robins, and to some extent their colors, are most similar to that of the Varied Thrush.

Varied Thrush also feed in the Sorbus. However they are shyer and less plentiful than their cousins, the Robins. Binoculars would be very helpful when looking to differentiate these two different species of Thrush.

This time of year you are more likely to hear the "chuck, chuck, chuck" of a Varied Thrush's call rather than their eerie early-morning, Spring song, which sounds kind of like a referee's whistle. 

The black on this bird's face, and the black stripe across the chest, indicate it is a male.

The gray-brown stripes on the chest and head show this is a female Varied Thrush.

A black head on an American Robin indicates it is a male.

While a grey-brown head indicates a female. However lighting makes a difference. Given the position on the branch, I suspect this may be the same bird in both this and the previous photo. 

In any case, the very first photo in this post depicts a male American Robin, since the black on the head is clearly different from the color on the bird's back.

On Wednesday, as I walked through the Sorbus, everything was curiously quiet. I wondered where the Robins and Varied Thrush had gone. There was still plenty of fruit hanging on the trees. As I walked further south, I started occasionally hearing and seeing Robins in the shadows among more tightly packed conifers and Big-leaf Maples.

Not long after, I heard the "kek, kek, kek" of a Cooper's Hawk. Even with the clear sound of the call, it took a while to zero in and find the source.

A Cooper's Hawk is a 'crow-sized' predator that would love to have a Thrush for lunch. It was very alert and clearly watching for prey.

I followed it from one tree to the next as it hunted its way back toward the Sorbus trees.

When it spotted an appropriately sized bird in flight, most likely an American Robin, the Hawk gave chase and disappeared to the north. Maybe those futile flights, inspired by the Sorbus berries, actually serve a useful purpose for the Robins. Possibly, they keep them in shape so they have a shot at escaping from predators.

With the Cooper's Hawk gone and the Robins well hidden I walked back to the Sorbus trees, which were still virtually empty of birds. The concept 'Safety First' may not have originated with humans.

Then, suddenly to my astonishment, a flock of Robins descended out of the conifers and began consuming the Sorbus berries again. With no Hawk to fear, and with the heavy rains heading our way, there was no time to lose. The Robins returned to their frenzied feast.

The last and most elusive Thrush that I have found eating Sorbus fruit is the Hermit Thrush. It is more similar in size to a Song Sparrow than a Robin, and at the slightest noise it will disappear. Given its retiring nature, the name seems like a perfect fit.

Because of its diminutive size, it apparently cannot easily consume most of the Sorbus fruit found in the Arboretum. So, they normally only feed on the few Sorbus trees which have exceptionally small fruit and are close to dense undergrowth where they can quickly hide.

Technically, from the front, I cannot tell a Hermit Thrush from a .Swainson's Thrush. (If you follow the highlighted links to All About Birds you can see that the Hermit Thrush has a slightly reddish-brown tail and the Swainson's Thrush has a basic brown tail - the exact same color as its back.) On every occasion, when I have been able to see the tail clearly, I have only found Hermit Thrush in the Arboretum.

Although the angle and the light often leave me with an inconclusive identification. 

I am certainly looking forward to someday securing photographic proof of a Swainson's Thrush in the Arboretum.

Have a great day on Union Bay...where nature lives in the city and Black Birder's 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 native 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.

Click Here to access a King County publication that explains the best placement for a wide variety of native plants. It looks extremely helpful.

Also, my friend Tom Brown pointed out that the application named 'Wildflower Search' is very 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. 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.

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

In the area below it is my intention to display at least one photo each week to help challenge us to know the difference between native and non-native lifeforms. 

This week we have five photos of ferns. They are all native to our area. Your challenge this week is to match the names with the correct photos. The ferns are:

A) Giant Chain Fern

B) Licorice Fern

C) Sword Fern

D) Maidenhair Fern

E) Lady Fern

1)

2)

3)

4)

5)

Scroll down for the answer.

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

1 - D Western Maidenhair Fern

2 - A Giant Chain Fern

3 - E Lady Fern

4 - B Licorice Fern

5 - C Western Sword Fern

There is additional information attached to each highlighted link. I hope you enjoyed the Quiz!

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

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

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

A Final Photo:

Yesterday, after the rainfall raised the water level in Arboretum Creek three more inches, this (presumed) Hermit Thrush was sitting happily between two Sorbus trees and apparently enjoying the rain break.

Fall Elegance

For most of the year, birds are the primary subjects of my photos, and normally trees play a supporting role. 

In the Fall, the brilliant color of the trees spawns a dramatic change. A change that is especially noticeable in the Arboretum with hundreds of species from all over the world. Instead of searching primarily for birds, I begin looking for the most colorful trees, like this Japanese Maple. After which, I simply hope the birds choose to visit the most colorful trees. 

Sometimes, with the leafless choices they make, I feel like the birds are laughing at me.

This Yellow-rumped Warbler, searching for food among yellow leaves, seemed to tantalize me with the possibility of a truly optimal Fall photo. However, it did not choose to linger or pose as I had hoped.

This Varied Thrush naturally complimented a different set of Autumn colors, plus, it even posed for the photo.

In mid-October, Monty settled onto a branch in the nest tree directly in front of me.

While he ate his lunch, which was a fish, he occasionally stopped. He was apparently checking to make sure he and his food were safe. I have always found it interesting that the bills of mature Bald Eagles are so similar in color to the first yellow leaves on cottonwood trees.

I keep wondering if fall colors create any natural advantages for trees. Click Here to read more about the particular colors associated with specific varieties of trees. Scientists clearly understand how the color changes occur as deciduous trees stop converting sunlight to energy, the green from the chlorophyll disappears, and other colors are revealed, while the trees pull their sugary sap into their roots for safe winter storage. 

Could there be more to the story? Why does a Ginkgo biloba turn so quickly to a nearly perfectly uniform yellow?

Why does the green linger so long in the Cypress?

Why do the leaves of some species skip yellow and go directly to red? 

We can scientifically explain it is because they have more anthocyanins in their leaves and fewer carotenoids. However, that simply explains the how, not the why? What are the benefits to each species of trees for the color components that we perceive as "leftover" when winter approaches?

Why do fruits turn colors, seems like a similar question. 

Since Bushtits eat primarily insects I doubt that they care much about the color of the fruit. 

However, when clumps of Ocean Spray turn brown in late Summer, the Bushtits know it is a good time to inspect them for small insects.

If a Cedar Waxwing could talk I suspect it would say, "When fruit changes color I know it is ripe." 

Among birds, the brightest colors tend to signal that the males are in good health and ready to breed. The mottled male in the foreground is not ready to mate, while the one on the right is fully advertising his readiness.

These birds were part of a dozen Mallards near Foster Island. They were all aligned and focused in the same direction.

They were intently staring at this Raccoon who I suspect was checking for freshwater mollusks beneath this log. When the Raccoon turned tail and disappeared, the Mallards relaxed and resumed their feeding.

Nearby was another male Mallard. This bird was just beginning the conversion from eclipse plumage to breeding plumage. My singular key to identifying its gender was the yellow bill.

Even though Mallards are quite common this may be my best Fall photo. It shows a male in full breeding plumage while surrounded by the reflection of yellow leaves on the water's surface.

This photo of a mottled male Wood Duck who is almost but not quite in breeding plumage, just makes me smile. It looks like he rolled out of bed and left the house without checking the mirror.

We are left to wonder what messages might colorful leaves be sending?

From our perspective we hear, Winter is coming.

My wife, Shelley, suggests, "God may be helping us make an emotional adjustment to the short, gray days of Winter."

I wonder if we were to study the function of these colors in their native ecosystems, might there be something more to learn.

Nonetheless, I am in awe of the colors...

...even though, I do not yet speak the language of trees.

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 native 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. 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.

 Which species of bird is this? Is it native to Union Bay? Is it male or female?

Scroll down for the answer.

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

American Wigeon: Yes, they are native to Union Bay. They are most commonly seen in the colder months and can often be found out in the middle of Union Bay stealing milfoil from the American Coots. The green eyestripe is an obvious indication that this is a male Wigeon.

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

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:

A Common Raven in a Bigleaf Maple...

 

...apparently, eating the moss.