tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75630960343542845422024-03-14T08:19:54.970-07:00Wild WhidbeyCelebrating Our Wildlife and the People Who Love ThemDan Pedersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394699068556538583noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7563096034354284542.post-64682936301028396072012-06-01T19:56:00.005-07:002012-06-01T19:56:59.319-07:00Please Wing It Over to a New Blog<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgkvP35PLRgDopoeJDq8twhfurkEoedkzhKLckIOh_-VUFGto39Vm1LKR-KmXBybc6aQWv3GR4Ig-q6K8HdOEWK7iBdy05GB55QVNGHkJeHo5Y2XRIRzmLP5uG96EwjNXRZkVyehVXDIg/s1600/IMG_3670_2_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgkvP35PLRgDopoeJDq8twhfurkEoedkzhKLckIOh_-VUFGto39Vm1LKR-KmXBybc6aQWv3GR4Ig-q6K8HdOEWK7iBdy05GB55QVNGHkJeHo5Y2XRIRzmLP5uG96EwjNXRZkVyehVXDIg/s320/IMG_3670_2_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Follow me - the Black-headed Grosbeak.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i>Wild Whidbey, </i>the nature blog, is on break. But it's not a very big break, because I'm blogging like crazy about nature on a new blog called <a href="http://pedersenwrites.blogspot.com/2012/06/part-8-matching-wits-with-drunk.html"><i>Off the Rails</i>.</a><br />
<br />
Please wing it over there with me and subscribe to <a href="http://pedersenwrites.blogspot.com/2012/06/part-8-matching-wits-with-drunk.html"><i>Off the Rails</i>.</a> Just click on the blog name<i> </i>to make the jump. Then, when you get there, subscribe if you'd like to continue to receive my posts.<br />
<br />
I started the new blog because I'm dealing this summer with some health issues. To get the whole story you'll need to go back to Part 1, which I posted in <a href="http://pedersenwrites.blogspot.com/2012/06/part-8-matching-wits-with-drunk.html"><i>Off the Rails</i></a> in April.<br />
<br />
I wanted the flexibility to include a bit about health, writing, dogs and other topics from time to time, but didn't feel they really fit the mission of Wild Whidbey. Thanks for staying with me.Dan Pedersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394699068556538583noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7563096034354284542.post-44537802333129490812012-04-25T14:19:00.000-07:002012-04-25T15:52:11.773-07:00Hey, what gives? A bouncing baby?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-8rfBDMI73LPoqD_0qpgPd6xQeFDxjRXII2VdEGaAyE6s39eXzJ43sOWzprXxEiPv9UpffR9U_gKrxao98Xsse1V6Yu9jXqTEhL3QN1b55MIG8l_2GbrWrKkSsp8H_C1jc2ubBvn3Bks/s1600/IMG_2961.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-8rfBDMI73LPoqD_0qpgPd6xQeFDxjRXII2VdEGaAyE6s39eXzJ43sOWzprXxEiPv9UpffR9U_gKrxao98Xsse1V6Yu9jXqTEhL3QN1b55MIG8l_2GbrWrKkSsp8H_C1jc2ubBvn3Bks/s320/IMG_2961.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liz Junior? Who the heck are you?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For years Sue and I have shared our south-facing deck with a Northern Alligator Lizard we named "Lizzy." My first clue of trouble in paradise was a blood-curdling scream when Sue reached into the front flower box on a lazy summer day and came face-to-face with Lizzy. <br />
<br />
Since then, we've come to terms with that. Now, we think of Lizzy as an old friend. Anyone who can survive the winter out there deserves a little respect. We know when and where to expect her, so the element of surprise has eased a bit.<br />
<br />
The "alligator" is the only variety of lizard we have on Whidbey. It runs about 6 - 8 inches in length, lives in the woods and eats mostly small insects. It is a true reptile, not to be confused with our more common salamanders, which are amphibians.<br />
<br />
Lately, we've been seeing Lizzy every afternoon in the hot spot by the front door, hiding under UPS deliveries or wedged between our two floor mats. Sunday I went to show Lizzy to some guests but she was missing. And even though Monday was another gorgeous, hot day on the front deck, Lizzy again was a no-show. No sign Tuesday, either. I was starting to worry.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9i3PY9VqA8fkCRvBoTXrwDUc6wNgw8xy-RRM2GraCEIEy8tXiBelzeDGdHrAwPi2D7x7fmMuITtQIgTIFgrrnuoluU0INKuGhMxJS2Op_Z36vyWec1FPDizjN6W6oyALI-2_f8s1k8UY/s1600/IMG_6738_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9i3PY9VqA8fkCRvBoTXrwDUc6wNgw8xy-RRM2GraCEIEy8tXiBelzeDGdHrAwPi2D7x7fmMuITtQIgTIFgrrnuoluU0INKuGhMxJS2Op_Z36vyWec1FPDizjN6W6oyALI-2_f8s1k8UY/s320/IMG_6738_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lizzy - sleek, lustrous, stealthy. And motherly?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So imagine my joy this afternoon when I checked the front mat and found an alligator lizard. But it wasn't Lizzy! It was somebody else, just about half Lizzy's size, curled up and looking stupefied.<br />
<br />
Right away I jumped to the conclusion this was Son of Liz, or Liz Junior. I assumed Lizzy had been holed up somewhere the last three days, giving birth.<br />
<br />
But Sue's quick online research doesn't support that. If Lizzy is pregnant, she should carry her young all summer, not deliver in April. And the babies should be a lot smaller than Liz Junior. <br />
<br />
So what's the story here? We just don't know, but we'll be watching.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Dan Pedersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394699068556538583noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7563096034354284542.post-88800585152776121752012-03-24T08:25:00.000-07:002012-03-24T11:48:21.770-07:00Wildlife opened my eyes to the Land Trust's mission “That’s a baby great horned owl,” my friend Craig Johnson said of the
image I’d just emailed him. “These beautiful owls are breeding in
your woods because you have good, healthy habitat. They’ll help keep
down the rodents in your garden.”<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1J0vbVKg2kjJnuyTd74W7D31CSkhRwiH1BtV3fWlhGCrVXg_LYKdNjzwMpm1Wsm1UQGSNDwxJn-bzuEfj5mllSH_s3WN-aLaM_2KxrlWxw0NEzrwJgZDupVLeLoQcla-tTgF_cr_ya90/s1600/Bubba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1J0vbVKg2kjJnuyTd74W7D31CSkhRwiH1BtV3fWlhGCrVXg_LYKdNjzwMpm1Wsm1UQGSNDwxJn-bzuEfj5mllSH_s3WN-aLaM_2KxrlWxw0NEzrwJgZDupVLeLoQcla-tTgF_cr_ya90/s400/Bubba.jpg" width="308" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bubba kept us entertained all spring.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I hadn’t thought much about owls or even seen very many, though we
often enjoyed their conversations in the evening and pre-dawn. I just
thought the roly-poly, little guy perched on our blueberry cage was
kinda cute and goofy. He was back in the same spot the next day,
yawning, pacing, grooming his toes, and sleeping with one eye open.<br />
<br />
Sue and I named the baby “Bubba” and watched him squawk and scream
for dinner all spring. “Great horned owls take months to learn to hunt,”
Craig said. We watched Bubba’s soft profile turn sharper as he caught
slow-moving insects on the ground and gained the confidence to hunt
small rodents from higher and higher perches. Bubba and his parents grew
tolerant of me and my camera, letting me approach as often as I liked.<br />
<br />
As Sue and I became better observers, we delighted in the other
newborns in our woods: woodpeckers, coyotes, hawks, deer, raccoons,
songbirds, rabbits, squirrels, bats, lizards, snakes, butterflies, and
frogs. We were astounded to learn we had flying squirrels but had never
seen them because they fly at night. We became attuned to the birds’
voices, and the more we opened our eyes and ears, the more joy we took
in them. We learned that the same individual hummingbirds migrate back
to our yard every spring, and started taking special pains to keep our
hummingbird feeder fresh and clean.<br />
<br />
We realized how poor our lives would be without wildlife, including the long-lived orcas and gray whales that visit our shores every year, and the salmon that are our icon. All wildlife need healthy habitat, and if we don't consciously preserve a place for them to live, we will carelessly destroy it - and them. <br />
<br />
We knew we were not alone in these feelings and discovered that many
of our friends belonged to the Whidbey Camano Land Trust. They shared a
passion and sensitivity that inspired us. I don’t remember even
discussing with Sue whether to join; we just did. The Land Trust was
where we belonged, and we’ve been members for many years now. Nothing
makes us prouder than to be among Land Trust people, our most cherished
friends and neighbors, at the summer picnic or on a land tour.<br />
<br />
Decades from now, if Bubba’s offspring still live and breed in our
woods, we will know we were good stewards. We are committed to this work
not only for Bubba’s sake, but for those future generations of humans
who will spend the best years of their lives finding peace, rejuvenation
and inspiration right here at home.<br />
<br />
<i>Note: The woods are alive right now with returning Rufous Hummingbirds, baby owls, newborn woodpeckers and the din of chirping! Courtship is under way in a big way and it's a marvelous time. I published this piece originally on a blog of Whidbey Camano Land Trust that is no longer maintained. Rediscovering it the other day, I realized the sentiments remain more true than ever. </i>Dan Pedersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394699068556538583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7563096034354284542.post-81538239882168209002012-03-01T18:06:00.000-08:002012-03-02T08:32:45.848-08:00Saving a spot for wildlife<style>
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Like many people I did not move to Whidbey Island for the
wildlife. But in time I discovered they defined my quality of life. Deer,
coyotes, orcas, Redtail-hawks, gray whales, woodpeckers, owls and native chipmunks are
why I live here. They bring me immense joy and peace. </div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd0WuiZuC-wxiTOWzdLz0jUYPHc3GiPeFNYGtYkBbaD4EKZma6sTWLQ98Qk97IMazxnzIAHkU9WPlSTuO6Z_AL__EUpHzLr_OE_kjC4erhCFfmi_VL24r1314uA30mpc7sS6NneRKNFfo/s1600/IMG_7499.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd0WuiZuC-wxiTOWzdLz0jUYPHc3GiPeFNYGtYkBbaD4EKZma6sTWLQ98Qk97IMazxnzIAHkU9WPlSTuO6Z_AL__EUpHzLr_OE_kjC4erhCFfmi_VL24r1314uA30mpc7sS6NneRKNFfo/s320/IMG_7499.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Craig Johnson photographed this Double-crested Cormorant.</td></tr>
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I watch and listen constantly. The
more closely I pay attention, the more I learn about the animals' activities around me, and how they adapt, live and hunt. I’ve even come to value
bats, snakes, lizards, butterflies and other creatures easily overlooked but
no less wondrous. How did that happen?</div>
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I appreciate being part of a community that understands and shares
this love of nature. Not surprisingly, I developed friendships with others who feel the same way and whose passion adds to my enjoyment. Many of the people I most admire are members of <a href="http://www.wclt.org/">Whidbey Camano Land Trust</a>. </div>
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A few years ago I made thank you calls to some of these
people for their gifts to the Land Trust. I had many touching and humbling
conversations. Some were people of means; others had little but shared what
they could because they know habitat is important. Land is our greatest legacy to
future generations and to the wildlife we love.</div>
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The Land Trust's 2011 annual report is just off the press and once again it puts the
spotlight on wildlife that benefit from the many forests, farms, lagoons,
beaches and other areas the Land Trust helps preserve as wildlife-friendly
habitat.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIAVr6iYBC2SntO2EecldPk_Son6aArasUuuSq8RNlJrDgNtLpgZ_pSIl4v1Rf5wCi_SXAU9miI0LG4eRyABCuo1VSECmzVDXZFzA-iYr0Yjn3yGfJHHM2rsqjH6LcIZ7mq933ypNfSms/s1600/IMG_7500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIAVr6iYBC2SntO2EecldPk_Son6aArasUuuSq8RNlJrDgNtLpgZ_pSIl4v1Rf5wCi_SXAU9miI0LG4eRyABCuo1VSECmzVDXZFzA-iYr0Yjn3yGfJHHM2rsqjH6LcIZ7mq933ypNfSms/s320/IMG_7500.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This coyote and I watched each other while I snapped photos.</td></tr>
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Many of the images in this year’s report were taken by my good
friend, <a href="http://www.pugetsoundbackyardbirds.com/">Craig Johnson</a>, including the Double-Crested Cormorant on the front
cover. He also photographed the Northern Harrier, Great-blue Heron and Douglas
Squirrel on the inside. I’m proud
to share space in the publication with him. A young coyote I photographed a few
months ago appears on the back cover.
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The Land Trust’s mission is: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">To protect the islands’ most important natural habitats, scenic vistas
and working farms and forests in partnership with landowners and our island
communities.</i></div>
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Even in this slow economy, the Land Trust in 2011 scored
many land-protection victories. They secured conservation easements on two key
properties protecting 97 acres of prime farmland in Ebey’s Reserve and received
a donation of 16 acres of privately-owned tidelands on North Whidbey, giving
the public access to 2.2 miles of west-side beach. They also earned
accreditation from the National Land Trust Alliance. This is an extraordinary
distinction awarded so far to only 158 of the 1,700 land trusts in the nation. </div>
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To all of you readers who are members of the Land Trust, thank
you. If you are not a member,
please consider making a gift and becoming one. Just open this link and click on "Donate." <a href="http://www.wclt.org/">http://www.wclt.org/</a></div>Dan Pedersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394699068556538583noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7563096034354284542.post-30187463717747377092011-12-09T05:39:00.000-08:002011-12-10T19:02:03.016-08:00Living with bats on Whidbey Island<style>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Plucking a tiny, female bat from the main entrance to
Langley Library on Thanksgiving Day, Sarah Schmidt was relaxed.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> “I never had that fear of bats,” she explained over lunch. “My mother didn’t teach
me to be afraid. She just thought all wildlife was cool.”</span></div>
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<i><u><b>Note: Schmidt is a
bat biologist. She and her husband, Bill Rick, both have been immunized against
rabies. No one should touch or handle a bat unless they
have been trained and immunized. </b></u></i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxmC5IRbehWCYIDZHQrocxLNkVsHFvDmyarKQXwh81UHw6wP0E8Y20h1ToX0eUxjtlkPwsAMWBigdV0sQ7ZiuXrj5aZ6NazpiceqGvmUB_ahxQyD1tz89NaTI0PFdKycAyvY22KaiUPuM/s1600/16_California-myotis-closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxmC5IRbehWCYIDZHQrocxLNkVsHFvDmyarKQXwh81UHw6wP0E8Y20h1ToX0eUxjtlkPwsAMWBigdV0sQ7ZiuXrj5aZ6NazpiceqGvmUB_ahxQyD1tz89NaTI0PFdKycAyvY22KaiUPuM/s400/16_California-myotis-closeup.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Bat Girl," the Langley Library bat. Never touch unless vaccinated. c 2011 Bill Rick</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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The Langley bat rescue was a 15-minute blip in Schmidt’s
Thanksgiving Day. Schmidt bagged the tiny
mammal in a research pouch, hung the bag in a box and put the box in the trunk of her car.
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“The bat was absolutely beautiful,” said librarian, Jamie
Whitaker. “It was so tiny I thought she was a moth at first.” Whitaker dubbed it Bat
Girl and praised Schmidt and the all-volunteer organization, <a href="http://www.batsnorthwest.org/index.html">Bats Northwest</a>, of
Lynnwood for responding so fast to her call for help. Knowing Schmidt lives on Whidbey, a wildlife rehabilitator with Bats Northwest asked her to follow up.</div>
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With good intentions for the bat as well as public safety, Schmidt and her husband left the bat in their parked car in Langley while they traveled with friends to dinner in Seattle. They picked up the car and the bat that evening before returning
to Coupeville. The next day Schmidt and Rick purchased meal worms,
warmed up Bat Girl, fed her and released her to the shelter of their own bat
house, where she regrouped for a time before flying away.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRl3cRifCqjbelJ4he9kjtoXigAQqTNpR-0hBy11vyEVpjmmfiLefJgjwTuWgcMKetLbBgsXL1cmFbedUs9FMBOHFXuRVF4Q19pBpLlpl6Jb-fXttpSIip3N2h8cDTg_vTbnfImzXIxns/s1600/Sarah+Schmidt+portrait.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRl3cRifCqjbelJ4he9kjtoXigAQqTNpR-0hBy11vyEVpjmmfiLefJgjwTuWgcMKetLbBgsXL1cmFbedUs9FMBOHFXuRVF4Q19pBpLlpl6Jb-fXttpSIip3N2h8cDTg_vTbnfImzXIxns/s320/Sarah+Schmidt+portrait.jpg" width="259" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah Schmidt. Photo by Dan Pedersen</td></tr>
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In hindsight, Schmidt regrets relocating the bat so far away from the library grounds. Bats are territorial and do not venture far when foraging. After consulting biologists at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), she believes she should have released the bat to a nearby tree or bat house (if available) on the library grounds. As with other protected or orphaned wildlife, if an animal is to be removed from the premises, state law requires involving a wildlife rehabber (as she did) or nuisance wildlife control operator with proper WDFW permits. </div>
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Schmidt admits most people want nothing to do with bats. They swoop erratically at dusk, often closeby, and are hard to see. Their erratic flight may be partly because they are scooping up insects with their wings and funneling them to their mouths! They use ultrasound pulses to detect flying prey and catch them in pitch darkness. The sophisticated capabilities of these tiny mammals is simply mind-boggling.</div>
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During the day they will often roost on houses, sheltering in crevices behind loose shingles or gutters. Schmidt once pulled a rolled-up
carpet from the rafters of her carport and watched a bat fall out, seemingly dead but actually hibernating. After several minutes it flew away. A sleeping bat can take some time to awaken if it has entered torpor, a condition in which the animal lowers its body temperature, heart rate and breathing rate, thus reducing its caloric needs.</div>
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Unfounded myths persist, Schmidt concedes. One of the most upsetting is the one about
bats being blind and getting tangled in people’s hair. They aren’t blind and
don’t go for the hair, though they may fly close to a person in pursuit of mosquitoes or other flying insects. Most Whidbey Islanders will never encounter a bat unless
it flies into their house through an open window or door, probably about dusk,
setting off panic and confusion. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiURV2ehcL81paY7Jy0gcdAX0QhtkJj-uQWI3bPi9C1FbJSErqm455_6T5Yfe69wWQg0ebqu0IqN__xZlnb_hk85HX6aBtvDzHrirVRf7E0oOlp9MGnemrKCPTBYCCOg57txEsUcqBHSOg/s1600/18_California-myotis.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiURV2ehcL81paY7Jy0gcdAX0QhtkJj-uQWI3bPi9C1FbJSErqm455_6T5Yfe69wWQg0ebqu0IqN__xZlnb_hk85HX6aBtvDzHrirVRf7E0oOlp9MGnemrKCPTBYCCOg57txEsUcqBHSOg/s320/18_California-myotis.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Bat Girl" head-on. Note her thumbs (like claws). c 2011 Bill Rick</td></tr>
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Many people associate bats with rabies. That is prudent
because a scratch or bite from an infected bat can transmit rabies and it’s fatal in humans once
symptoms appear. At that point
it’s too late for vaccine. This is why it is critical to immunize cats and
dogs, who are more likely to contact a wild mammal with rabies and spread the disease to
humans.</div>
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<u><i><b>It is important to repeat that no one should ever touch or handle a bat unless they have been immunized against rabies</b></i></u>.<u><i><b> Sarah Schmidt, seen handling a bat in these photos, has been vaccinated and is a trained bat biologist.</b></i></u></div>
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The vast majority of bats are not infected, Schmidt
emphasizes. The suspicious behavior that sometimes triggers worries might
actually be normal for a healthy bat. On the other hand, a bat that can be approached easily by humans is more likely than others to be infected, and may bite if touched. "If you refrain from touching or handling a bat or any other wild animal, there is little chance of being bitten," Schmidt says. "Teach children never to handle any wild animal."</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ4X6F9XcK6qF7m2XGzlyGwad33LpBhUOrJvGTcbaGn-Qwoc35_eCj_KF0LUv6EYaFiURK7aB9d_W0gbygaoxAajQTKvENlVVjMCIJxWMwffrvjf8nGcQgdHFNCr8uxBCu_aOt8hktPFo/s1600/IMG_2657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ4X6F9XcK6qF7m2XGzlyGwad33LpBhUOrJvGTcbaGn-Qwoc35_eCj_KF0LUv6EYaFiURK7aB9d_W0gbygaoxAajQTKvENlVVjMCIJxWMwffrvjf8nGcQgdHFNCr8uxBCu_aOt8hktPFo/s400/IMG_2657.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To "Bat Girl" this may have looked like "Bat Cave."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When a bat swoops into a house it will typically fly for a few minutes, then land and go
into torpor to rest, lowering its body temperature and heart rate. Guidance on how to capture and remove
a sleeping bat may be found on the Internet. I learned this from my savvy wife, Sue, when we had our own
close encounter. She had the
composure to confine the bat to a closed room while we Googled for help. The bat was asleep the next time we inched
open the door. We put on gloves and transferred the animal to a large, open-mouthed can for removal, without touching it. This technique involves sliding a thin piece of cardboard under the bat while the can is inverted over it. </div>
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The bat that caused the Thanksgiving stir in Langley had
been roosting for two days in plain sight on a south-facing wall by the library
doors. Librarians were concerned it might come to harm, especially if someone
interfered. They e-mailed Bats
Northwest for advice and Schmidt, under the guidance of a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, came to the rescue.</div>
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Roosting on an outside wall in cold weather
is not necessarily unusual for the tiny California Myotis bat, Schmidt
said. “This species will do that.
I’ve had four or five California Myotis rescues and all were just plunked on an
outside wall. The bat found a spot that was comfortable and went to sleep. She
seemed fine when she warmed up.”</div>
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Schmidt believes the library entrance, which is sheltered by a
porch roof, may have looked to the bat like an open-mouthed cave.</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoA-NHuRhzjbulHMUQQPhd8QTMHLOvMqiekrXfgrTzyhtgBSUi-0gTqdW49fHhyphenhyphenuBl6czguOUI6skEpCkc_KE7IN52toeSxZKrhF0za7kXfnzDz8tKye_kkQ1O4_TETn3Seiz3dw1hHj0/s1600/IMG_9001_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoA-NHuRhzjbulHMUQQPhd8QTMHLOvMqiekrXfgrTzyhtgBSUi-0gTqdW49fHhyphenhyphenuBl6czguOUI6skEpCkc_KE7IN52toeSxZKrhF0za7kXfnzDz8tKye_kkQ1O4_TETn3Seiz3dw1hHj0/s320/IMG_9001_2.jpg" width="316" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The locked bat cave near Deception Pass. Dan Pedersen photo </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Schmidt explains her fascination with bats originated in
Arizona in the early 1990s. A long-time birder, she knew little about bats, the
nocturnal, flying mammals more closely related to humans than to rodents, with
which they are often compared.</div>
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While working for the US Forest Service in Arizona she
attended a three-day workshop on endangered, small mammals of the national
forests. Two of the three days were devoted to bats, of which 28 species live
in Arizona. </div>
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On Whidbey we have about half-a-dozen, with the Little
Brown Myotis and Big Brown Bat most common, followed by several tiny species
of myotis including the California Myotis that Schmidt rescued on Thanksgiving Day. Just across the water on Fidalgo Island another species, the Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat,
lives in an old rock-quarry cave overlooking Deception Pass. The cave is sealed
against human intruders by a locked, barred grill that allows bats to pass.</div>
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Back to Arizona . . .</div>
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“I put on a glove and they handed me this bat, a Mexican
Freetailed Bat, and I looked at its face. It was like a cross between a puppy and
a monkey.” Bats have backward-facing knees, she pointed out. “So when they walk they look like a
spider or crab. Most people have never seen a bat crawl. I became completely
captivated with this whole group of animals I knew so little about.”</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigWIN3bv1A11rMUlLsvQgzDTunlqN3RPDl4jFT6Rpjo0tpdgU90_6Vj7MVeDE-VLXSBTdGnodYjylpQBSMNdZQGEOWjjUSx5RxBpRz54ftpdIFZwPDv0Yo-zpfEaYS3C8PjZ1QVUk_J-Y/s1600/IMG_1852-dorsal.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigWIN3bv1A11rMUlLsvQgzDTunlqN3RPDl4jFT6Rpjo0tpdgU90_6Vj7MVeDE-VLXSBTdGnodYjylpQBSMNdZQGEOWjjUSx5RxBpRz54ftpdIFZwPDv0Yo-zpfEaYS3C8PjZ1QVUk_J-Y/s320/IMG_1852-dorsal.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bat's four fingers support the wing. c 2011 Bill Rick</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Schmidt’s future husband, Bill, also was captivated. They met when the
Everett resident showed up at another Arizona bat workshop a year later to learn more about bat detectors, electronic devices that pick up the ultrasound pulses bats
emit when hunting. Today, Bill
teaches at Oak Harbor High School.</div>
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To learn more about bats, watch for Schmidt’s popular classes
and talks or invite her to lunch as I did. </div>
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She teaches about bats from time to time at WSU Extension’s
Sound Waters University, held on the first Saturday of February, and in the
summertime at South Whidbey State Park.
I’m proud to call her a long-time friend. Together we authored <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Getting to the Water’s Edge</i> for WSU
Extension in 2006. And when I wrote my own book, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.whidbeywriter.com/wispbook.html">Whidbey Island’s Special Places,</a> </i>a few years later I interviewed
her for a very thoughtful chapter on Double Bluff Beach.</div>
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Schmidt explains herself well in one sentence. “I love every bug, bird, snake and
bat.”<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> </i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Look for Schmidt's bat class at <a href="http://beachwatchers.net/soundwaters/">Sound Waters,</a> Sat., Feb. 4th</b></span></div>
<b><span style="font-size: small;">Schmidt will teach her popular bat class Saturday, Feb. 4, at <a href="http://www.beachwatchers.wsu.edu/island/soundwaters/2012.htm">Sound Waters University</a>, to be held at South Whidbey High School. The class list is released in December. Registration begins in early January and Schmidt's class is likely to fill fast. For additional photos and captions by Sarah Schmidt and Bill Rick, please see their <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53613381@N06/sets/72157628153744035/">images on Flickr.</a></span></b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">What to do if you contact a bat</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;">If you believe you have come into contact with a bat, call your local health department. Rabies vaccine is effective in preventing the disease if administered quickly after exposure to a rabid animal. The vaccination has been simplified and no longer requires a lengthy series of shots as it did in the past. Four shots are administered over two weeks, usually in the upper arm. More information: <a href="http://www.batcon.org/">http://www.batcon.org/ </a></span></b></div>
</div>Dan Pedersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394699068556538583noreply@blogger.com6Whidbey Island, Washington, USA47.9982761 -122.439502647.6582726 -123.0712166 48.3382796 -121.8077886tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7563096034354284542.post-45268590909193028272011-12-07T06:47:00.001-08:002011-12-07T10:03:12.942-08:00Make my day, Short-eared Owl<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMcHiP269pRtvoqurlZ8P0LBvRZ3Tm4w5VEL5SgxP-fe6tCKI9EfpjJarvY_UUKtkAWIg0yR5vtKEgW5wISR2OIoNm3aHfSwhFFocimPMQseIMu1R12gpudHtBC96YigMO5QbLV4thZEM/s1600/IMG_2664_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMcHiP269pRtvoqurlZ8P0LBvRZ3Tm4w5VEL5SgxP-fe6tCKI9EfpjJarvY_UUKtkAWIg0yR5vtKEgW5wISR2OIoNm3aHfSwhFFocimPMQseIMu1R12gpudHtBC96YigMO5QbLV4thZEM/s400/IMG_2664_2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cruising down the beach. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The light was bad, the day was blah, I was cold, the place was dead, nothing was flying and I was out of time. I had been walking quietly along the backshore at Keystone Spit with my camera and was going to write off the day as birdless.<br />
<br />
In fact I had just turned back toward my car when this Short-eared Owl took wing in front of me. I snapped many blurry images while the lone focal-point of my telephoto scanned the empty, white sky, trying to lock onto the bird.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG5xV88KCmtQcjMXCKDz4zVfk7fiJ_DsoV7MfP6-YX9p1IDyKsC-Z_x8zs7msYrbEQbNZsmIQxQT3q1IVv2CK35xMpkdWyc04NrZo9BhY2MwkOO5HJt8NSUiQ_5E0oOIID_ntjQzCzmiw/s1600/IMG_2679.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG5xV88KCmtQcjMXCKDz4zVfk7fiJ_DsoV7MfP6-YX9p1IDyKsC-Z_x8zs7msYrbEQbNZsmIQxQT3q1IVv2CK35xMpkdWyc04NrZo9BhY2MwkOO5HJt8NSUiQ_5E0oOIID_ntjQzCzmiw/s320/IMG_2679.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watching me. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Short-eared Owls are a special treat. In my forest setting at home I see only Great-horned Owls and Barred Owls. My only Short-eared sightings have been at Keystone. <br />
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I was on my way to seven hours of meetings in Coupeville and had left home a few minutes early to swing past this area on the long-shot chance I might stumble upon a migrating Snowy Owl.<br />
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Short-eared Owls are right at home in the wide-open landscape around the Keystone Ferry Terminal. They favor open grasslands where they can fly low and hunt rodents, particularly voles. These owls will hunt not only at night but also during the day. This one seemed to favor the beach and certainly was not sleeping.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyR-0usQjBd4ylr8FlPmgwmY95Hd_FbZBeHEcoVvA7RoJidkay_64eRJT0cn_32YQznt4VTftRLQFqHBbi2ydt_jK5SR3GGg9lhAKMk2V91o3u0iG3Nc94pwaFc5RivQvx4tZPWuArvSw/s1600/IMG_2700_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyR-0usQjBd4ylr8FlPmgwmY95Hd_FbZBeHEcoVvA7RoJidkay_64eRJT0cn_32YQznt4VTftRLQFqHBbi2ydt_jK5SR3GGg9lhAKMk2V91o3u0iG3Nc94pwaFc5RivQvx4tZPWuArvSw/s320/IMG_2700_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still watching me through the tall grass. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As always, the challenge when photographing birds is not to disturb or stress them. This one never took its eye off me, so I kept my distance. There were no memorable images from this outing, but simply seeing the owl made my day.<br />
<br />
It kept me smiling and happy through seven hours of meetings in hard, straight-backed chairs.<br />
<br />Dan Pedersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394699068556538583noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7563096034354284542.post-30230106421347294372011-11-12T05:28:00.001-08:002011-11-12T09:02:00.682-08:00Hunting for what really matters<style>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD0ImLo8-MoSnR-o1O7wgbhdiHY9snqvunUxuNgBsWgeRmjOSatDhDJ4DOYng5BAF9HLmY88WOpg1H1qIYEGx2o9-ZkJrY3gERbg66AjkyZk_HyK2BEkuGAI79UkIe07zQY0ko6uCf63s/s1600/Harrier+female.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD0ImLo8-MoSnR-o1O7wgbhdiHY9snqvunUxuNgBsWgeRmjOSatDhDJ4DOYng5BAF9HLmY88WOpg1H1qIYEGx2o9-ZkJrY3gERbg66AjkyZk_HyK2BEkuGAI79UkIe07zQY0ko6uCf63s/s320/Harrier+female.jpg" width="320" /></a>Watching this female Northern Harrier at Crockett Lake
the other day I couldn’t stop thinking about why I am so happy.</div>
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It’s because I love living so close to nature. The harrier glides effortlessly over the marsh, studying everything that moves. Watching such a specialized hunter relaxes and fascinates
me. It reminds me that we have
much in common with our wild cousins. We all have a niche to fill and need wholesome places to live and hunt. We have a new generation to raise. To survive, we must adapt and learn, pick our battles and focus on what really matters.
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But everything comes with tradeoffs. The price of a rural, island lifestyle is that
we don’t have as much convenience – or stress -- as we did where we came from. Prices are a little higher but the
payback is priceless. That, to me, is "what really matters."</div>
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We locals love to say we support our small-town shops. They provide jobs and tax revenue to strengthen
our local economy. They are a big
part of what makes our communities distinctive, charming and vibrant. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOrx6kJF7Zbrqgr1TeKXkMfDQKGQEyQi9Tuo5HUSOMmunAaZJDeBbIWCIjmbDRFtbrYAy-LFZwy3STdMoZauUcHjMW118XauLoIUlbq2pYPjmEktFghDxksGbjcOOuAfGjVAVMQEPF4TU/s1600/Northern+Harrier+-+female+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOrx6kJF7Zbrqgr1TeKXkMfDQKGQEyQi9Tuo5HUSOMmunAaZJDeBbIWCIjmbDRFtbrYAy-LFZwy3STdMoZauUcHjMW118XauLoIUlbq2pYPjmEktFghDxksGbjcOOuAfGjVAVMQEPF4TU/s320/Northern+Harrier+-+female+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a>So I was horrified when a friend told me of
this conversation she overheard the other day in a local shop.</div>
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“I’m thinking about ordering this book,” a customer asked the
bookshop owner. “Can you beat Amazon’s price?”</div>
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“Oh hi, Sis!” the owner said. (Yes, it really was the owner’s sister.) “Let me check.” A moment later the owner explained, “I’ll be
glad to order it for you but it’ll be about $2 more.”</div>
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<br /></div>
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“Oh, don’t bother,” her sister said. “I’ll order it from
Amazon.”</div>
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<br /></div>
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Please think about the implications of this on several levels.<br />
<br />
To get into the right mental frame for some clear thinking, may I suggest an hour with the harriers at Crockett Lake?</div>
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</div>Dan Pedersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394699068556538583noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7563096034354284542.post-10867606759914490442011-10-29T13:25:00.000-07:002011-10-29T13:27:15.021-07:00Going out with a bang<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sometimes it is enough just to appreciate what is right outside the door. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidmWVqAREQG-7wQI-9nRdbW3teraj50PfVnkeCXzRrtj8kP7pphyphenhyphenJDtMKqXxKRb7jTkAXKXQcdE0hglZi5x296-Euv7sRJQWhnl75g2jm7gnQKmr5ak8qoi2-QNOUkld7HnZshl1jFqyM/s400/IMG_7293.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vine Maple.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Bi3BbQa8x3YTkEJK2Z08NGN1P11guN0grrWutHKkjHsnf8mJnNjqBVzxw3aXElS2_15j_r1P4j1HiLceYSDqNGGen9v_zAzCVFEx-NAOIpoRuAMsbUedJ3nrBcpd-MuYMw2YnMd2-a4/s1600/IMG_7324_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Bi3BbQa8x3YTkEJK2Z08NGN1P11guN0grrWutHKkjHsnf8mJnNjqBVzxw3aXElS2_15j_r1P4j1HiLceYSDqNGGen9v_zAzCVFEx-NAOIpoRuAMsbUedJ3nrBcpd-MuYMw2YnMd2-a4/s400/IMG_7324_2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pin Oak.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM6c_VLX43m9fsL3a_H22aqcF5ys7-vQqVAJyC4gkO_n4gmaC6ELFUCOEtQLJnxtMRVfn59uUNqw_fNPc0bCBpdHR2ywIJW7z1vLe-Qk8S3qFwvZIbILjswhCSwYA4U4syWNXYBABWlM4/s1600/IMG_7274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM6c_VLX43m9fsL3a_H22aqcF5ys7-vQqVAJyC4gkO_n4gmaC6ELFUCOEtQLJnxtMRVfn59uUNqw_fNPc0bCBpdHR2ywIJW7z1vLe-Qk8S3qFwvZIbILjswhCSwYA4U4syWNXYBABWlM4/s400/IMG_7274.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Katsuras.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi0C9WVMgYx0_5CGwFI2W7r6R0OBW09rqYsLHe6V_jSz7NRuGubCDyr8WufxFhomh_Zbz5ebu6qi1InYouPfolGAqqroPc2PcLqoQxEUVr31DX02qFjbZAOYZSEyvPTX2yAim8icgyq-o/s1600/IMG_7326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi0C9WVMgYx0_5CGwFI2W7r6R0OBW09rqYsLHe6V_jSz7NRuGubCDyr8WufxFhomh_Zbz5ebu6qi1InYouPfolGAqqroPc2PcLqoQxEUVr31DX02qFjbZAOYZSEyvPTX2yAim8icgyq-o/s400/IMG_7326.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fothergilla.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpwwo9_XOeKRNKoDPGmf0xb4nz4numQiF97BEAt17_K3Be5OtnxFEwtt6R39XgMfqTmLf7uB8_4sSbP3uNpkdJBmj-0Y4rb2FM1H1FIP2ISC-gPRDa9d2_PvDuRli3UG27omY0arwQdNc/s1600/IMG_7279_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpwwo9_XOeKRNKoDPGmf0xb4nz4numQiF97BEAt17_K3Be5OtnxFEwtt6R39XgMfqTmLf7uB8_4sSbP3uNpkdJBmj-0Y4rb2FM1H1FIP2ISC-gPRDa9d2_PvDuRli3UG27omY0arwQdNc/s400/IMG_7279_2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">William's Pride apples.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitanH5qERH3j0Wov4mR2TUFokRmANTR2WDdOo3GZGeOHHCDsCVhCUD6d3Jm7Hl5bQNToEBe739660MgtcW95aPMaA5sqdyKprFppfi5WEDmLwtHs57mGFiy_KsTYCpBQs6BW6LS0k9Eq8/s1600/IMG_7316_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitanH5qERH3j0Wov4mR2TUFokRmANTR2WDdOo3GZGeOHHCDsCVhCUD6d3Jm7Hl5bQNToEBe739660MgtcW95aPMaA5sqdyKprFppfi5WEDmLwtHs57mGFiy_KsTYCpBQs6BW6LS0k9Eq8/s400/IMG_7316_2.jpg" width="258" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Japanese Maple. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG3AHg6B96_-k3mxD_NJ8g_PInjanF8zGLd8o7LvE2uqbdpAaByoofr1-muesgp0RAC-VuoM_06mNvWqEK9IZC1-gkyBJXGBUWLfvWSNnRef7tiEJBR2hMpGI0Fi2d6YVdBfqFXf0f04s/s1600/IMG_7278_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG3AHg6B96_-k3mxD_NJ8g_PInjanF8zGLd8o7LvE2uqbdpAaByoofr1-muesgp0RAC-VuoM_06mNvWqEK9IZC1-gkyBJXGBUWLfvWSNnRef7tiEJBR2hMpGI0Fi2d6YVdBfqFXf0f04s/s400/IMG_7278_2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Huckleberries to feed the birds this winter.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilhYL-fLsmfoXRkBxalHiMebNwtFdRkpoGH0vqbaQHjzEHQU3egvQcTiRK6ei5qxmPG84uoQI0L2US2R20BJMgevRted5RDLgTC81rcd32l27J2WDsbPTn8J8-nZhz5XHyYU4HtomqNJU/s1600/IMG_7329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilhYL-fLsmfoXRkBxalHiMebNwtFdRkpoGH0vqbaQHjzEHQU3egvQcTiRK6ei5qxmPG84uoQI0L2US2R20BJMgevRted5RDLgTC81rcd32l27J2WDsbPTn8J8-nZhz5XHyYU4HtomqNJU/s400/IMG_7329.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hydrangea.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy4oLKs7A0_dyNvUWr4g41LeI_G9oI1j6HGjpGZ2t-qJ39mnwgq0L3BXAkEFBQWdw9w0JZqXNKxeUwwx_kxzcBwW6y9jkmIbqRBIDXOU1OY0PMEVZMB9-5CWBrmlZHUX-JNUjn-bcj7l0/s1600/IMG_7317_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy4oLKs7A0_dyNvUWr4g41LeI_G9oI1j6HGjpGZ2t-qJ39mnwgq0L3BXAkEFBQWdw9w0JZqXNKxeUwwx_kxzcBwW6y9jkmIbqRBIDXOU1OY0PMEVZMB9-5CWBrmlZHUX-JNUjn-bcj7l0/s400/IMG_7317_2.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blueberries. We ate all the blue parts. Sorry.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG2USJviokGFZ6kybi-6C4OyzylNEvJh2ZzVXr_C-LpZYODX-LsNpMrjuLZYUEOE5gu_IBxWvEg7lvFk97OCNQymBnZWoXJxe-klUsByIOiOuup4UipWm6muJZHc867qsksoPWZx8JfYE/s1600/IMG_7294.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG2USJviokGFZ6kybi-6C4OyzylNEvJh2ZzVXr_C-LpZYODX-LsNpMrjuLZYUEOE5gu_IBxWvEg7lvFk97OCNQymBnZWoXJxe-klUsByIOiOuup4UipWm6muJZHc867qsksoPWZx8JfYE/s400/IMG_7294.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vine Maple.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVdK4pftjcGK-Ys7U3eThajlZ7KCjIMlh6R40DmRdc-eHLGjFdC1MMZS9go_qEBK0paO-31fEuOPAl-2eVa1V2zVdBp5L9FT-2M6Phg7RwMZEE_noiMSzAWdN5faJyxmZjNc_D3QIlOxU/s1600/IMG_7283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVdK4pftjcGK-Ys7U3eThajlZ7KCjIMlh6R40DmRdc-eHLGjFdC1MMZS9go_qEBK0paO-31fEuOPAl-2eVa1V2zVdBp5L9FT-2M6Phg7RwMZEE_noiMSzAWdN5faJyxmZjNc_D3QIlOxU/s400/IMG_7283.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crabapples - a feast for the birds when the cold weather hits.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaHZ7i9ck9HKrogNyQMrTe9gFsyrFMF3XaEsVNnoE0r8IaRwQjl1Fm0XS9TaGVrU2am1WzqUkTJhUEPG5PNb6TxdUmwLzuhZQvsbpgYK3HsktFnW_nHzgjxkYmC_ADd8ox10GGYLQV4VI/s1600/IMG_7325_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaHZ7i9ck9HKrogNyQMrTe9gFsyrFMF3XaEsVNnoE0r8IaRwQjl1Fm0XS9TaGVrU2am1WzqUkTJhUEPG5PNb6TxdUmwLzuhZQvsbpgYK3HsktFnW_nHzgjxkYmC_ADd8ox10GGYLQV4VI/s400/IMG_7325_2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rose Hips for the birds, deer, squirrels, rabbits and other visitors this winter. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSc0afx8bas2OLZtyy_QhPNw5QpvJY89y-d1pCyNWYZVVhHSgGxzuZIxhhNc-3V89XNmGlKpd092CUuu8fHYDa0TKlKGPlkGZAWCmupfu3tRyMTO3dJGAUCEx1Bc7rvjnNwJ_ai931D5g/s1600/IMG_7318_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSc0afx8bas2OLZtyy_QhPNw5QpvJY89y-d1pCyNWYZVVhHSgGxzuZIxhhNc-3V89XNmGlKpd092CUuu8fHYDa0TKlKGPlkGZAWCmupfu3tRyMTO3dJGAUCEx1Bc7rvjnNwJ_ai931D5g/s320/IMG_7318_2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pin Oak, just because we like it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifx4n68_sBD9csQfyi8dA__QyZz-eu4TgM7IsePGjnrLQWQtJwZy8O_rHYB_jaVkanOBYAa8hZqlL2LQDBHsnTamlmQlTRDJTnEF2D7rMtT-jbavTRfiA5twLZKRTiV1r0l0li8OujMB8/s1600/IMG_7327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifx4n68_sBD9csQfyi8dA__QyZz-eu4TgM7IsePGjnrLQWQtJwZy8O_rHYB_jaVkanOBYAa8hZqlL2LQDBHsnTamlmQlTRDJTnEF2D7rMtT-jbavTRfiA5twLZKRTiV1r0l0li8OujMB8/s320/IMG_7327.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Katsura leaves. The birds will dig under these for winter food.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy-qW1i0uzWPnGPY7vQfefvqIwDl5P_bDJDOQPSYbLGNwsmI05LRZTmNtVNE3WOaSlvVdE0B_n65uEx4yCDPhl4tUoTGxAfpUwQgiTiOehHEH38HtQzVYj2DYLYie7EFNlkURNDpmnMM4/s1600/IMG_1293_2_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy-qW1i0uzWPnGPY7vQfefvqIwDl5P_bDJDOQPSYbLGNwsmI05LRZTmNtVNE3WOaSlvVdE0B_n65uEx4yCDPhl4tUoTGxAfpUwQgiTiOehHEH38HtQzVYj2DYLYie7EFNlkURNDpmnMM4/s320/IMG_1293_2_2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hard times are ahead. Please remember those who struggle.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />Dan Pedersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394699068556538583noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7563096034354284542.post-64312850005959242842011-10-22T15:34:00.000-07:002011-10-24T09:50:20.538-07:00Finding a vision for island living<style>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our vine maple, one of nature's weed trees. </td></tr>
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I love this season of colorful vine maples and ripening huckleberries in our half-wild back yard. We live in a forest setting so you might say the view never changes – just trees and sky.<br />
<br />
But what's changing constantly for Sue and me are the birds and wildlife that come and go all day.<br />
<br />
We look up and see deer grazing or a coyote slinking across the yard. We check a certain tree overlooking our orchard and find Bubba, our owl friend, sleeping off a hard night. And we dodge fir cones the squirrels rain down on us as they strip the trees to stockpile reserves for the winter. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiftUvjDemRybGMJNYIiUncInpHtvl2FOvVZ1xRa5qNVZgYXOGMG7L2HVnEsvH0cOyKi_rOWXDpReT03E5qp9BuzDw9xBSbCG8C4vVZWnQ6o0Ka6IPZPr8qD2krdZa7bmjilCfgUXySXs4/s1600/IMG_9438_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiftUvjDemRybGMJNYIiUncInpHtvl2FOvVZ1xRa5qNVZgYXOGMG7L2HVnEsvH0cOyKi_rOWXDpReT03E5qp9BuzDw9xBSbCG8C4vVZWnQ6o0Ka6IPZPr8qD2krdZa7bmjilCfgUXySXs4/s320/IMG_9438_3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Cedar Waxwing brings salal berries to its young in our yard.</td></tr>
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Moving here from the city in the 1980s my intentions for the yard were quite different. My dream was to eradicate the native brush and rotting snags and replace them with a weedless, sterile lawn and the kinds of flowers I’d admired for years in city yards. <br />
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With power tools and poisons, I would conquer every square inch of our yard, rid our view of huckleberries, pave our gravel road and plant a rose garden.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKTEfo9OyGYImwfJG0XaEHr_uIhsvn7gKVt0thIafAgUYx7OX867sEedbdquMhnFg-4xnD1o6TRRz5PQdk3i-yaIIVnvrSovRMxsZ0YnCfW3oHChSxMzcvzQx2zRiCtWS_wV6bGhf2yxE/s1600/IMG_7278_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKTEfo9OyGYImwfJG0XaEHr_uIhsvn7gKVt0thIafAgUYx7OX867sEedbdquMhnFg-4xnD1o6TRRz5PQdk3i-yaIIVnvrSovRMxsZ0YnCfW3oHChSxMzcvzQx2zRiCtWS_wV6bGhf2yxE/s320/IMG_7278_2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This season's huckleberries are plumping up right now.</td></tr>
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I asked a local nursery about chemicals to kill weeds and moss, grow grass, and stamp out fungus and Black Spot. To my surprise, they answered as non-judgmentally as they could that they didn’t carry poisons or encourage their use. </div>
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It took me a long time to get that it isn't a step forward to conquer and replace nature -- just the opposite. Huckleberries and salal are a magnet for the birds and animals that now bring beauty and mystery to our lives every day. These hardy bushes provide shelter to ground-nesting birds, rabbits and voles, which attract other wildlife to our yard to hunt.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicbViwpsZ3G_s1C-C0mdWT8mrknZ3YCgJC9bJ0ScvLL1YtVPz_FM-k14DLhEjd8mOdLsYYvcSb39Fr3NeJqllnWBHMq5dnRk8rFjCd5BJaVX8usrI-ki77YiIuoYcSotdRczHhX_GWrVM/s1600/Sapsucker+on+huckleberry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicbViwpsZ3G_s1C-C0mdWT8mrknZ3YCgJC9bJ0ScvLL1YtVPz_FM-k14DLhEjd8mOdLsYYvcSb39Fr3NeJqllnWBHMq5dnRk8rFjCd5BJaVX8usrI-ki77YiIuoYcSotdRczHhX_GWrVM/s400/Sapsucker+on+huckleberry.jpg" width="311" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Red-breasted Sapsucker eats our huckleberries.</td></tr>
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Some might say an old, rotting snag is ugly, but it’s beautiful if you love the sensational Pileated Woodpeckers that come to jackhammer it. </div>
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Last summer we watched elegant Cedar Waxwings feed their gangly newborns in a tree by our deck. And we delighted when Northern Flickers brought their vulnerable young to peck ants from our crumby lawn, which is riddled with dandelions the rabbits eat. Every winter, our berry-laden bushes attract colorful visitors such as Red-breasted Sapsuckers to brighten the view outside our windows.<br />
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Like many other people, we put out a hummingbird feeder each spring to welcome the tiny Rufous Hummingbirds that migrate thousands of miles to return here -- specific individuals often showing up in the same yards where they were banded in past years! But we don't kid ourselves. We know they aren't here for a few cups of sugar water in a plastic dish. They come in droves for the blossoming salmonberry bushes that grow wild in the woods.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS44T5IFpLKK-tnAgizNx3DZtydy4oE8TVQggFbWylcI0vwBpEEt0ZTr1G189N-vEkRM_RIEGY-njyY0bvM9X0jl72WOe_10J-rW_cqRCE68P6sKlMDI1xVBkFRpsbyz3eIDK_RlbyKhs/s1600/IMG_1123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS44T5IFpLKK-tnAgizNx3DZtydy4oE8TVQggFbWylcI0vwBpEEt0ZTr1G189N-vEkRM_RIEGY-njyY0bvM9X0jl72WOe_10J-rW_cqRCE68P6sKlMDI1xVBkFRpsbyz3eIDK_RlbyKhs/s320/IMG_1123.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This Varied Thrush had a winter feast on our crabapples.</td></tr>
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The wild creatures are a huge part of our quality of life. It's one of the reasons Sue and I support Whidbey Camano Land Trust in their work to preserve farms, forests and other healthy habitat.</div>
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I've gradually learned we don’t have to control everything. Better to leave nature alone as much as reasonably possible so it can create something beautiful. If we interfere too much, we’ll just screw it up and make a poorly-functioning, problematic mess.</div>
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Sue and I were guests recently at the waterfront home of a gracious couple who live on a high bluff overlooking Puget Sound. They watch boats all day. They are enjoying their golden years dining on crabs and salmon they catch from their own boat in front of their own home. It’s the Puget Sound dream!<br />
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What could be healthier than fresh salmon? Well, just not too much, too often, because the flesh might be somewhat toxic. The experts say it's probably safe in moderation, but be careful if you're pregnant or nursing. That's the flip side of the Puget Sound dream. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWf1xa4rBQUJLM-hYkcqCntQd17ikj79jcWsIwoC0jgpjLpV-iW0W2aSKutP_OlE2qBiO_SV1I7pJBofLEKmVclDbr2NC-IiCpkHrHKiSOzj_6Ycd31nmSqHRDCfG7QXnF0y8JNFY1tJg/s1600/IMG_2460_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWf1xa4rBQUJLM-hYkcqCntQd17ikj79jcWsIwoC0jgpjLpV-iW0W2aSKutP_OlE2qBiO_SV1I7pJBofLEKmVclDbr2NC-IiCpkHrHKiSOzj_6Ycd31nmSqHRDCfG7QXnF0y8JNFY1tJg/s320/IMG_2460_2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This handsome young coyote had a sweet tooth for Gravensteins.</td></tr>
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Our friends' view is breathtaking. But as is typical of high-bluff properties, they have a long pipe called a tight-line that carries roof runoff including any moss-killing products down the bluff to the beach, where forage fish lay their eggs. Salmon feed voraciously on those forage fish, to the extent that they hatch and survive.<br />
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This couple’s pride is their perfect front yard, a fairyland of manicured beds, interconnecting lawns, vegetable plots and winding paths. They've cleared the trees and brush and scraped away centuries of ground cover.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMNWpXyUfGoWG_FXqggveItzkGVBvyOqQC2hwKcUJaNpiPLf20wL2CBR13RpgHqGswsTi3wSgFFAHpgO7lvg1YrTcw-Wb7rC8DeBYVkkjA7hX7UfajybGA37F_GTGX59lIZ-mG1Br0vOE/s1600/IMG_0634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMNWpXyUfGoWG_FXqggveItzkGVBvyOqQC2hwKcUJaNpiPLf20wL2CBR13RpgHqGswsTi3wSgFFAHpgO7lvg1YrTcw-Wb7rC8DeBYVkkjA7hX7UfajybGA37F_GTGX59lIZ-mG1Br0vOE/s320/IMG_0634.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Bubba," the Great-horned Owl, is our rodent police.</td></tr>
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Now to their dismay, their new lawn is sprouting buttercups – even after they applied weed-n-feed. Their vision is to gaze at a deep, lush carpet of green, so they asked us about products to kill the broadleafs.</div>
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“It depends on your values and vision,” I blurted, then instantly regretted the edge in my voice. The last thing I wanted to do was attack the wonderland our hosts had worked so hard to create.</div>
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What I wanted to explain is that beauty means different things to different people. I’ve come to believe the most beautiful and joyful thing in my world is to live in a place that is healthy for wildlife and humans. Buttercups aren’t so bad. Weeds grow where we disturb the soil, but not where nature runs the show. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEvLbrdgQsS_XyRsY5954BCGW6dTrRC46gwmpA1GowA012q_uw5exaGcpTNOntEv-vqfNfGQyTRRDoPJKBlWjab-wEanfYlY6-_i8hyphenhyphenCXsojQ-jxOH9bwaUJ0ZpDPgKukf-64gYoo4irA/s1600/IMG_1303_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEvLbrdgQsS_XyRsY5954BCGW6dTrRC46gwmpA1GowA012q_uw5exaGcpTNOntEv-vqfNfGQyTRRDoPJKBlWjab-wEanfYlY6-_i8hyphenhyphenCXsojQ-jxOH9bwaUJ0ZpDPgKukf-64gYoo4irA/s200/IMG_1303_2.JPG" width="196" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even this guy makes us smile.</td></tr>
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Plants need excessive watering when we introduce the wrong ones. Leave nature alone and it will choose the right, drought-tolerant plants. Grass is a good ground cover for septic drain-fields but not much else when you live in a climate of dry summers and moss-promoting winters.</div>
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Of course most people don't have the space to live quite as wild as we do. But even in a built-up neighborhood -- in fact especially there -- why not steer away from chemicals? Keep some natural ground cover and pursue a different vision. Offer the wildlife a sliver of wild habitat, safe food and clean water. If we all do that, our earth and marine waters will be healthier. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrGY6Rhxh5voks4p8Wj2Pdtwqk-VJZkex_HbYr3X-fJvIAdBs0_stlGTwXivmcyOctMLRlsoZDRhICQxR3uS0xY50KSKIyonhdosyxRSdIPwns4KSbBg4P9mGT2vF8Yns6fymUSKvCNDc/s1600/IMG_2289_2_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrGY6Rhxh5voks4p8Wj2Pdtwqk-VJZkex_HbYr3X-fJvIAdBs0_stlGTwXivmcyOctMLRlsoZDRhICQxR3uS0xY50KSKIyonhdosyxRSdIPwns4KSbBg4P9mGT2vF8Yns6fymUSKvCNDc/s400/IMG_2289_2_2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blacktail deer bring quiet grace to our forest setting. </td></tr>
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To me, a few yellow flowers in a lawn aren’t ugly; they’re beautiful. They make a statement about what's really important versus just cosmetic.<br />
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They are a sign the birds can bring their young to eat from that lawn without getting poisoned, and that we aren’t poisoning the ground from which we draw the previously-used water we drink every day of our lives.</div>
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Everything is connected. Beauty is more than skin deep -- much, much more.</div>Dan Pedersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394699068556538583noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7563096034354284542.post-457257389033788612011-10-11T16:00:00.000-07:002011-10-23T10:19:04.244-07:00Face-to-face at high noon<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8a9YEabYhIxoxEywAsabP9RA0Ig-5DAnvujlIXYpbgMQEDX1zJdLttJTAc4Rfi5hgc5-NrSHH2lXe8A8XoLa9Ah2Q04Zy4QxYKBesfe721iEjXi_-J10ybE0XNxfg_et1jzQDHp8yGJ4/s1600/IMG_2455_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8a9YEabYhIxoxEywAsabP9RA0Ig-5DAnvujlIXYpbgMQEDX1zJdLttJTAc4Rfi5hgc5-NrSHH2lXe8A8XoLa9Ah2Q04Zy4QxYKBesfe721iEjXi_-J10ybE0XNxfg_et1jzQDHp8yGJ4/s400/IMG_2455_2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm watching you watch me.</td></tr>
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It's a shock to look up and see a face like this looking back at you. I was working at my desk about noon today when something in the garden crossed my peripheral vision, just outside the window. I shot a few photos through the window and then headed out to investigate. After searching a bit I noticed a handsome set of ears pointed my way from about 20 feet off, behind a clump of salal. The coyote hung around for several portraits, took a couple steps closer to study me, then slid under the garden fence and trotted away.<br />
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Two hours later it was back for another go!<br />
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I love canines and have shared the best years of my life with dogs. But coyotes are a special thrill because they're the wild cousins of our best friend. Dogs cast their lot with mankind thousands of years ago and we've been partners ever since. If you haven't known the love of a dog, you are the poorer.<br />
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Many people are a bit less forgiving of coyotes. They can cause grief for some, but I am drawn to them because they're wily and adaptable enough to go it alone in the world. Man can't control quite everything; thank goodness.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSsYukU0H4xesX6DHwJR7KUFkXfXI13phySCZw-4fdPFYGT4FHBbTyI19GIHRdH2N4YttBjCC0KbVI9j-m1KtYCc3Ih0gp-VkH4WzhyphenhyphenXIEYEZZcygJ7hpLMT-4bQPRf4TWXDFl5gapuIc/s1600/IMG_2442_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSsYukU0H4xesX6DHwJR7KUFkXfXI13phySCZw-4fdPFYGT4FHBbTyI19GIHRdH2N4YttBjCC0KbVI9j-m1KtYCc3Ih0gp-VkH4WzhyphenhyphenXIEYEZZcygJ7hpLMT-4bQPRf4TWXDFl5gapuIc/s320/IMG_2442_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sizing up the garden. </td></tr>
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This young coyote has been hanging around lately. It may be here for the leftover fruit from our apple trees. Coyotes are carnivores and eat mainly voles, insects, reptiles, birds and other small game. And yes, domestic cats. But they are opportunistic and also eat fruit in the autumn.<br />
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I think it's pretty gutsy of this coyote to come inside the perimeter fence of our garden, from which the escape avenues are limited. It must have a good reason to visit twice in one day, in broad daylight, and the reason probably is food.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnHgGPMJpPggpxdf9fl13pcn9n_UbMjvxMTE6I4dSV23goArX4SReYgblNg0_ylR7rDNVxARqXr2LBXc5HJKrMumC591Sa7XXdI070AzgnAjGdSQFpSRLvX_UhS-m9gU08EyoyH7xGXBA/s1600/IMG_7259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnHgGPMJpPggpxdf9fl13pcn9n_UbMjvxMTE6I4dSV23goArX4SReYgblNg0_ylR7rDNVxARqXr2LBXc5HJKrMumC591Sa7XXdI070AzgnAjGdSQFpSRLvX_UhS-m9gU08EyoyH7xGXBA/s200/IMG_7259.jpg" width="164" /></a></div>
But let's make that three visits in 24 hours. Our "security man," Duncan, sleeps in the house. His plush bed at the foot of the stairs provides a clear view of the deck through a glass door, and apparently he sleeps with one eye open. He got us up about 12:00 last night with some fierce barking, which is unheard of. I heard something scamper across the deck. In hindsight, it probably was this same coyote.<br />
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I don't know if our 40-pound Duncan really wants to mix it up with a coyote, but that's what he'd like the coyote to believe. We aren't very eager to encourage a confrontation for either party's sake.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDFV3t_wDpTxOJxZUKtM6uziIi5lkb6bNKUxNKe_Z0PCHwLxHP9yuI9t8bV22AFjJkJxte9tDiXvijUPskzQSrGcSspJH4NvQEoCzoJGRUNvpFgsi_H_i7ar-jZzxZeJFvno4rx3MdS9Q/s1600/IMG_2500_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDFV3t_wDpTxOJxZUKtM6uziIi5lkb6bNKUxNKe_Z0PCHwLxHP9yuI9t8bV22AFjJkJxte9tDiXvijUPskzQSrGcSspJH4NvQEoCzoJGRUNvpFgsi_H_i7ar-jZzxZeJFvno4rx3MdS9Q/s200/IMG_2500_2.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sleeping with one eye open these days.</td></tr>
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In any case, our little sawed-off Border Collie (with the short legs of a Corgi) is walking pretty tall right now. The little dog with a big spirit has found himself a serious job in the household, and that is every dog's dream.Dan Pedersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394699068556538583noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7563096034354284542.post-38640437825045724642011-09-21T09:30:00.000-07:002011-10-23T13:01:00.129-07:00It's not just a game<style>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steller's Jay. Very bright. Very wily. Fast learner. </td></tr>
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Sitting on my friend’s deck the other afternoon it was hard to say who was exploiting whom.</div>
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Craig was tossing peanuts to the Steller’s Jays and I was taking pictures. The bolder birds were picking up nuts and weighing them before putting them down to check the next one. Half-a-dozen nut thieves were lurking on low-hanging branches, poised to swoop down if Bird #1 took its eye off the prize. The challenge for Bird #1 was not to lose the nut it had just checked, in case it was better than the one it was about to pick up.</div>
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Everyone was having a high time – Craig, the Jays, the nut-thieves and me, taking pictures. </div>
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Getting great close-ups is easy with the new digital SLRs and zoom lenses. Thousands of people are taking up bird photography, amassing big photo collections. For some it is strictly a game with no purpose but to keep score and pile up images. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bird #1 weighing the options.</td></tr>
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That’s sad because even a hobby as “harmless” as photography can do more damage than good if we don’t know or care much about birds. If my only objective is to get a better photo than the next guy, then what’s to stop me from tromping across sensitive wetlands and wildflowers, plowing off the trail, approaching too close to nests, interfering with the young, using an audio device to lure birds from shelter, spreading disease with a dirty feeding station, and stressing and flushing birds into the air? That’s exploitation, and for no better reason than sheer ego.</div>
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Craig offers many ideas to make bird photography more enjoyable and meaningful. Rule 1 is a no-brainer: Love the bird. Here are some more of his thoughtful ideas:</div>
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<li>Learn what birds eat and how they hunt. Learn how they raise their young, where they migrate and what habitat they need.</li>
<li>Take photos that shed light on their behavior and diet.</li>
<li>Share your knowledge and photos with others so they may also learn.</li>
<li>Put your best photos into a presentation and give a talk about birds.</li>
<li>Join your local Audubon chapter.</li>
<li>Let Audubon or other educational groups use your best images.</li>
<li>Take an ornithology class online.</li>
<li>Create bird-friendly wildlife habitat in your yard, with natural foods they like, free of pesticides.</li>
<li>Maintain some brush and wildlife snags.</li>
<li>Support organizations that protect and restore habitat.</li>
<li>Keep bird feeders and bird baths clean.</li>
<li>Keep a respectful distance – don’t stress the birds or any wildlife. </li>
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The more we know, the more we care, and the more fun everything gets. <br />
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<br /></div>Dan Pedersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394699068556538583noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7563096034354284542.post-75176187246528673972011-09-07T08:07:00.000-07:002011-10-29T09:26:21.095-07:00Getting along with the neighbors<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyCa4P3LTpwCHfm_OotTIUDl36dQUG0pmtUw4cY7fb2QtXN-jH6uEKa4zkJV13SwV-lC_fpI0N-ujxelimlGp-kInxBSmj5RV6Kw7AE6Triqvn08o6pY3NRwyA177xxFBDBfSqacbe30Q/s1600/IMG_2289_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyCa4P3LTpwCHfm_OotTIUDl36dQUG0pmtUw4cY7fb2QtXN-jH6uEKa4zkJV13SwV-lC_fpI0N-ujxelimlGp-kInxBSmj5RV6Kw7AE6Triqvn08o6pY3NRwyA177xxFBDBfSqacbe30Q/s400/IMG_2289_2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Deer compete for everything in our yard -- apples, plums, blueberries, raspberries, peas, green beans and pretty much all flowers and vegetation. We've built Fort Knox around the precious blueberries and a token fence around the vegetable garden, but are conceding most of the rest.<br />
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That said, these two young Blacktail bucks are growing on me. They show up every evening around dark and are increasingly at ease with us. They were grazing by the garage the other evening when I hit the remote opener. The door opened with a wrenching screech, but all these guys did was raise their necks calmly and look around.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJKa6-1qGk5HPCi_jdIBfDX1lg2X4y4xkFKjaWuAGRkDoItm1l7Qwab_W3o_kCWuVh7YETjCyJpK69RMKSvL_i4i45TIQDbyc3MO1ddsRPV_9tumml2qgvO9GVfFc0GqXPIvHZB3leF-Y/s1600/IMG_2269_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJKa6-1qGk5HPCi_jdIBfDX1lg2X4y4xkFKjaWuAGRkDoItm1l7Qwab_W3o_kCWuVh7YETjCyJpK69RMKSvL_i4i45TIQDbyc3MO1ddsRPV_9tumml2qgvO9GVfFc0GqXPIvHZB3leF-Y/s320/IMG_2269_2.jpg" width="320" /></a>One thing I've learned from my friend, Craig Johnson, is that all animals have individual personalities and are quite capable of learning and building trust. In any group of animals, a few individuals will stand out as risk-takers and be the first to approach for a reward. Others are especially wary. Given how we humans treat many wild creatures, wariness serves them well and is an obvious survival strategy.<br />
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These two young bucks seem particularly curious and not as wary as most. When I walk toward them with the camera, sometimes they take a step or two toward me. I get the feeling they're studying me as much, or more, than I'm studying them. Craig's phenomenal success at building trust with individual birds, squirrels, raccoons and other wildlife in his yard is a reminder that we share the same space with the animal kingdom. If we like having them around on Whidbey Island, we might try a little tenderness, maintain some habitat for them and do what we can to reduce the stresses. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid-nM05l77MqKyrx5InF4ci5xBS1Y5JvK4aVVy7msgvv4bJx_RXb4zhY8Zum-0XEGLAnp1uLzyM9Eb0WNyrICLCQ-nknqykXbd560148kB3PR3lhQKCfOlZ1kKkqyLveuEriVqYdgiKio/s1600/IMG_2279_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid-nM05l77MqKyrx5InF4ci5xBS1Y5JvK4aVVy7msgvv4bJx_RXb4zhY8Zum-0XEGLAnp1uLzyM9Eb0WNyrICLCQ-nknqykXbd560148kB3PR3lhQKCfOlZ1kKkqyLveuEriVqYdgiKio/s320/IMG_2279_2.jpg" width="320" /></a>Last night Sue and I had just returned from a walk with Duncan when the deer moved in. They romped playfully and groomed each other, helped themselves to a patch of green grass, and stared when I approached with my big camera. <br />
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The two stay close together, their faces sometimes touching or inches apart. I'd been assuming they were siblings but now realize that's unlikely. Black-tailed deer apparently are sociable only within their own sex. Upon reaching maturity at 16 - 18 months, a young buck leaves its family group and sets out to find a male bachelor group. At some point, of course, competitiveness gets a bit serious, but with our two young visitors it's all tenderness and socialization.<br />
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I like that. We're enjoying the neighbors.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZP9GQp7LWP1svzw6H64rJWxmdKDQoUD_7QVxCKk2JxLreTWMzsnPqLWgFJE_yyoDHoySpzVdhQeAtE40bFet6TdyV1QucEBxCl3oYzGUUmVmkeK41P8m1TFFA1cREJkI0pGiVgzpq3QA/s1600/IMG_2281_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZP9GQp7LWP1svzw6H64rJWxmdKDQoUD_7QVxCKk2JxLreTWMzsnPqLWgFJE_yyoDHoySpzVdhQeAtE40bFet6TdyV1QucEBxCl3oYzGUUmVmkeK41P8m1TFFA1cREJkI0pGiVgzpq3QA/s400/IMG_2281_2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Dan Pedersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394699068556538583noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7563096034354284542.post-25755737981166201462011-05-06T19:02:00.000-07:002011-10-30T09:58:40.365-07:00Bird lovers strike it rich with Craig & Joy Johnson’s fourth photo book<style>
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Just when I had given up hope there would be any more books of wild bird photography from Craig and Joy Johnson, they sprang a surprise.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">About half the photographs were taken on Whidbey.</td></tr>
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<i>Our Pacific Northwest Birds and Habitat: Featuring the Puget Sound Area </i>rolled off the press last week at Printing Control in Tukwila. The 100-page, landscape-style volume depicts 196 species. That's 16 more than their previous book. Craig photographed at least half of them on Whidbey Island. </div>
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First copies will start showing up in island shops this weekend, and within days the handsome book will be on sale for $24.95 throughout the Puget Sound area. But you can request an autographed copy now by ordering it right from their website, <a href="http://www.pugetsoundbackyardbirds.com/">http://www.pugetsoundbackyardbirds.com/</a><a href="http://www.pugetsoundbackyardbirds.com/">.</a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At home in their backyard bird sanctuary. <i>Pedersen photo</i></td></tr>
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As with all of Craig and Joy's books, this one will be sold exclusively in independent bookstores, gift shops and wild bird stores -- not box stores, cookie-cutter chains or discount websites. The dollars and sales taxes it generates will go to work directly in the local economy where they are most needed, benefiting the authors, printers and shopkeepers of our island community and Western Washington. Craig and Joy printed just 2,000 copies and I predict they will disappear fast.</div>
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The Freeland couple's goal for this book was to make it educational and inspirational, with more emphasis than ever on the habitats in which different species live, eat, hunt and nest.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Craig visits with Dennis Paulson in April. <i>Pedersen photo</i></td></tr>
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To make sure of that, Craig asked a renowned bird expert and biologist, Dennis Paulson, to review the text and photography. Paulson offered many helpful suggestions, which they incorporated into the final version. </div>
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Craig admits he and Joy had not expected to publish this book because they're broke from medical bills and lost income. But they've sown a lot of goodwill in the community through their generosity over the years. Some of it flowed back to them when a friend, Coupeville businessman Karl King of Kingfisher Books, offered to loan them the money to print the book.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karl King</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">As always, the Johnsons hope readers will buy the book from local bookstores and shops. In case you’d like get to your copy from Karl King himself, his shop, Kingfisher Books</span> on Coupeville’s Front Street, is open from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. six days a week, but closed Thursdays.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Craig and Joy also hope many people will order autographed copies directly from their <a href="http://www.pugetsoundbackyardbirds.com/">website</a>. The price to the buyer is the same either way. But, by skipping the extra step of wholesaling, the Johnsons can recoup their up-front costs much faster when people purchase the book directly from them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Now, a bit about what it took to print this book.</span></div>
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“It was an insane amount of work,” Johnson freely admits. No one who hasn’t done it can imagine the planning and hours of computer time it takes to design such a project, let alone take thousands of extraordinary photographs of birds, all hand-held with a heavy, zoom lens, at exceptionally close range.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the printing plant while the press was rolling.</td></tr>
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Then there is the actual printing -- the crucial part no one ever mentions and everyone takes for granted. Printing Control, in Tukwila, Wash., deserves some big compliments.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Clearly, this book is gorgeous and the color is flawless. That doesn’t happen by accident. Craig is a graphic designer, photographer, artist and former print salesman for the commercial printing industry, which means he pushed the limits all the way. Printing Control measured up to the challenge. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY4hym7UWWX2LwzwBCWoFD_X3sAuRkBBStD06lU9Mv0g1qC1QJAeH3uTGuQ9kAj_SuBMsufkdSEVkSqJw8XSaEp27Z0HVi8tIzys7J7_cuvQ-r6HgNG3ABBnTiBy3WT3AxrEjQ3No4tI0/s1600/IMG_6176_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY4hym7UWWX2LwzwBCWoFD_X3sAuRkBBStD06lU9Mv0g1qC1QJAeH3uTGuQ9kAj_SuBMsufkdSEVkSqJw8XSaEp27Z0HVi8tIzys7J7_cuvQ-r6HgNG3ABBnTiBy3WT3AxrEjQ3No4tI0/s320/IMG_6176_2.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Rufous" features Craig's watercolors.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">For a printing job </span>even<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> to be satisfactory, everything must go right including the binding. This is a landscape-format book, which puts extra stress on the spine. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Building greater strength into the spine added significant cost to the job and Printing Control simply ate it to stay within Craig’s budget. That says a lot about the printer’s commitment to the job and to the client. Printing companies, like every other business, are struggling hard with the economic downturn.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I am proud that Printing Control is the same company that produced my book, <i>Whidbey Island’s Special Places.</i> Last year Craig chose them to print a children’s book he and Joy wrote that features his watercolor art, <i>The Amazing Hummingbird Story of Red Rufous</i>. It is on sale right now in many Puget Sound area shops<i>.</i></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ZoEN7GOacOl94ifO-DpB2T18O1NGd_Mf5OGVAyTkgMXLHDIKolZISA39sba-7jAHzLqcZC8lnVtheLYyd0kXElZxb8A4SXMmjnJw071pm0x0rtnh3EETCVAA2rw1sGjcCttTRLhqY4U/s1600/IMG_0017c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ZoEN7GOacOl94ifO-DpB2T18O1NGd_Mf5OGVAyTkgMXLHDIKolZISA39sba-7jAHzLqcZC8lnVtheLYyd0kXElZxb8A4SXMmjnJw071pm0x0rtnh3EETCVAA2rw1sGjcCttTRLhqY4U/s320/IMG_0017c.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The big Heidelberg press at Printing Control.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">I am also proud that the president of Printing Control, Bob Bracht, is a friend from my past life when I managed a magazine and other publications for Safeco Corporation. At that time Bob was a sales representative for a large, Portland printer and won our annual report business several years in a row. Between then and now, Bob’s career apparently prospered, with him coming to Seattle and becoming president of Printing Control.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"> Bob is not only smart, likable and knowledgeable, but fun-loving and enthusiastic. And he loves the Northwest, which may have something to do with Printing Control being the greenest, most environmentally-conscious printer in the Greater Seattle area and the first to win the top, five-star rating from EnviroStars. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">That’s one of the reasons Printing Control was the right company to print my book and also a brilliant choice for <i>Our Pacific Northwest Birds and Habitat. </i></span>Dan Pedersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394699068556538583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7563096034354284542.post-53216760088672062492011-04-26T08:08:00.000-07:002011-10-30T09:58:03.033-07:00Living Off the Land on a Rainy Day<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQQgCqREs93gWps4IFDcTqSLJvDl2OZR5gFHesAZBt81FOtwc_My2s8qoJ_GJcaCskkshRt35wpEYAuohkW9WD4psTwRSL_a6xytrb4pRQycFXcTZEDpb-Nd4rDYsfdh-PKwXf94Nnt-M/s1600/IMG_1563_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQQgCqREs93gWps4IFDcTqSLJvDl2OZR5gFHesAZBt81FOtwc_My2s8qoJ_GJcaCskkshRt35wpEYAuohkW9WD4psTwRSL_a6xytrb4pRQycFXcTZEDpb-Nd4rDYsfdh-PKwXf94Nnt-M/s320/IMG_1563_2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These eyes don't miss much.</td></tr>
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I like rain. This is good because, if I didn't, I might be miserable. Still, yesterday's relentless downpour tested my patience. It was a good day for writing because what else could one do? We live off the beaten track anyway and few visitors show up here.<br />
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My first clue that we had company was a high-pitched squeal in the yard that translated roughly, "I'm being murdered." I've heard it before and it was likely a small rabbit. The perpetrator had to be a raptor, and when I slid open my window for a look, a Great-horned Owl (GHO) took flight from the ground just outside my office.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRYKnL65XKF7wcGDWe0NO_pbW5IAGdcYdVrZ4VmmWJCL8rFSAdPyErtZZpzH5OuOfyD5hLI8ZSDtqOZ2NagjL6H67ClGTziY9ln2LWUvqvgESUYuVi2qF75UOm_bWS7masAxxFyRp3hYY/s1600/IMG_1561_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRYKnL65XKF7wcGDWe0NO_pbW5IAGdcYdVrZ4VmmWJCL8rFSAdPyErtZZpzH5OuOfyD5hLI8ZSDtqOZ2NagjL6H67ClGTziY9ln2LWUvqvgESUYuVi2qF75UOm_bWS7masAxxFyRp3hYY/s320/IMG_1561_2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yep, everything ok back there, too.</td></tr>
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GHOs are common in our woods and I call them all Bubba. This one flew to a high branch of a nearby fir and waited for me to lose interest. I gave him plenty of space and he hung around all day, sometimes moving closer and other times pulling back to taller trees on the forest edge.<br />
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Last evening when it was almost too dark to take more pictures he moved to the very top of a flimsy, 20-foot fir, from which he could strike the ground fast. I hope he dined well last night on rodents, of which we have too many in our garden. In recent years voles have really tested our ability to grow vegetables.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMPyOzeCGfPhJmIpb50MPc6C88PKQKAweO07IYatasr8pm6PQKexq9Zf4O4DPlzojuB3ctfaQrjalusP2_Ceh7KG4b6YdqU3CzCD0E3mvb2GWkLrvO03rAx0g6Thmxthahm4M3BVfEYQ/s1600/IMG_1566_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMPyOzeCGfPhJmIpb50MPc6C88PKQKAweO07IYatasr8pm6PQKexq9Zf4O4DPlzojuB3ctfaQrjalusP2_Ceh7KG4b6YdqU3CzCD0E3mvb2GWkLrvO03rAx0g6Thmxthahm4M3BVfEYQ/s320/IMG_1566_2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Calculating the odds of a kill.</td></tr>
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For years I lived here without seeing a Great-horned Owl. Now I see them all the time. I don't think it's because they're doing anything differently; just that I've learned to pay better attention. They are silent and still. They favor specific trees with a nice view of open areas for hunting.<br />
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My best clue to their presence is the racket of other birds trying to drive them away or, as happened yesterday, the last cry of a rodent that was careless or oblivious.<br />
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The beauty of these birds never ceases to move me. They live alongside us mostly unseen, most of the time. Yet whenever Bubba comes to visit for a day or to stay the night in our yard, he makes my heart glad.Dan Pedersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394699068556538583noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7563096034354284542.post-25927095846261971722011-03-31T11:21:00.000-07:002011-12-09T18:05:17.633-08:00Another Home Run for the Land TrustWhidbey Camano Land Trust has just published its 2010 Annual Report and, once again, it is a beauty. Using a handful of extraordinary images, the report conveys the inspiration we islanders draw from our natural environment. It illustrates why we live here and feel such a strong connection to the land.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRstqOnFfdPcNCGfSEb-iVIWuIztzLwE0xH3Htf0xeEZxgzCyP_vpMKzDGUkNP_bJvROltj9NXjscoMn700JDVZX7ElsXxSuh-HC15COO42kZNqoxj16XxzprlUFfqDyRVMQ0fc5U1Y5Q/s1600/Chickadee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRstqOnFfdPcNCGfSEb-iVIWuIztzLwE0xH3Htf0xeEZxgzCyP_vpMKzDGUkNP_bJvROltj9NXjscoMn700JDVZX7ElsXxSuh-HC15COO42kZNqoxj16XxzprlUFfqDyRVMQ0fc5U1Y5Q/s400/Chickadee.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Chestnut-backed Chickadee, by Craig Johnson. Click on images to enlarge. </td></tr>
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By any measure 2010's blockbuster achievement was saving one square mile of Whidbey Island from development -- the Trillium Community Forest. That was far from the only work the Land Trust did. The report tells the Trillium story and also highlights several other land protection successes on Whidbey and Camano islands.<br />
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If you did not receive the annual report in the mail, <a href="http://www.wclt.org/"><b>click here</b></a> to visit the Land Trust's website, where you may download and view a PDF of it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwPreBJZfJ737MNIEPOoFEC_fhh72XkUmitc1lxd7kFlhQ47aIDvvWBqIaeIZdwu5TLKYxVTkjmTcAlUEeTggUeapbn5sYqOYTQWl3oiNfJtLKstkNjf7sNdB8-5oX2GYlWhS2z-KDOvg/s1600/2010AnnualReportWCLT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwPreBJZfJ737MNIEPOoFEC_fhh72XkUmitc1lxd7kFlhQ47aIDvvWBqIaeIZdwu5TLKYxVTkjmTcAlUEeTggUeapbn5sYqOYTQWl3oiNfJtLKstkNjf7sNdB8-5oX2GYlWhS2z-KDOvg/s400/2010AnnualReportWCLT.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hummingbirds in the nest in Freeland, ready to fledge. Craig Johnson photo.</td></tr>
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If the name "Land Trust" sounds a bit intimidating, the organization is not. Its members and staff are just everyday people who love our island lifestyle and want to help keep some land in forests, farms and wetlands to sustain wildlife and provide places for the public to find peace and rejuvenation. Anyone may become a member simply by making a contribution. Those who contribute year-after-year soon find themselves part of an extended family with some very lovely people who share their great passion for these beautiful islands.<br />
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It's no surprise many Land Trust members are bird-lovers, because birds really bring home the importance of healthy habitat in sustaining diverse, highly specialized creatures. Besides, birds just make us happy. Virtually everything the Land Trust does in protecting forests, agricultural lands, shorelines and wetlands supports wild birds, many of whom travel immense distances every year in their continental or worldwide migrations.<br />
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For the second year running, Craig and Joy Johnson of Freeland donated wild bird images that make the report so visually stunning. "I just love birds," Craig says. "If my images can inspire someone to do something good for the birds, then I've been successful."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuH6Gp6qvzMUKIDrD2cxdDfxqXIFT7mJaJ3vw-w86f2gKGjN16SYuBCUW2vrWIJkze_4QDElVfu2aHESS-_Lr7Nxav3rC1GAy1544a-WVqUDHjfxhT5uT4ORqnDL5xjvO2BnJB4zoxkVA/s1600/2010AnnualReportWCLT-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuH6Gp6qvzMUKIDrD2cxdDfxqXIFT7mJaJ3vw-w86f2gKGjN16SYuBCUW2vrWIJkze_4QDElVfu2aHESS-_Lr7Nxav3rC1GAy1544a-WVqUDHjfxhT5uT4ORqnDL5xjvO2BnJB4zoxkVA/s320/2010AnnualReportWCLT-4.jpg" width="243" /></a>The annual report's graphic designer, Jen Pennington, chose Craig's image of a juvenile, Chestnut-backed Chickadee for the front cover. As a would-be photographer myself, I marvel at the exquisite detail of every feather in that image. Craig photographed the bird as it was being fed by a parent. "I had no way to conceal myself, so the birds knew I was there," he said. "The parent would call the young bird into the vegetation before feeding and I had only a brief window to snap the photo before the bird went deeper."<br />
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The report also prominently features Craig's gorgeous image of two newborn Rufous hummingbirds in their nest near Freeland. Craig found the nest when it contained two eggs. He carefully and respectfully documented the birds' development every day from birth until they fledged and flew away, always maintaining a safe distance so he did not interfere with the mother or juveniles in any way.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpSU6-WTwfG61hvIOR-X3VhUFXUTUUfizq1hs9prB8cV8UvmJ1tcaK9dIb4DkIXlmH7drFAeS1OVStTqR-nJJi37q533_wsjmIEkXz8JIVAUlQ9Q4xd1QH2ZE5XrWfV_Jwv69W1yAIiZk/s1600/Harrier%252C+Tanager.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpSU6-WTwfG61hvIOR-X3VhUFXUTUUfizq1hs9prB8cV8UvmJ1tcaK9dIb4DkIXlmH7drFAeS1OVStTqR-nJJi37q533_wsjmIEkXz8JIVAUlQ9Q4xd1QH2ZE5XrWfV_Jwv69W1yAIiZk/s320/Harrier%252C+Tanager.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Northern Harrier (left). Western Tanager (right), by Craig Johnson. </td></tr>
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Craig's phenomenal series of daily photographs of the nesting hummingbirds may be found on his <b><a href="http://www.pugetsoundbackyardbirds.com/redrufoussection.html">website</a>.</b> After you go to the <a href="http://www.pugetsoundbackyardbirds.com/redrufoussection.html"><b>website,</b> </a>click on the link identified as "Rufous Hummingbird Nesting Show.<br />
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Craig and Joy Johnson published a children's book inspired by their experiences in photographing the baby hummingbirds in Freeland. <i>The Amazing Hummingbird Story of Red Rufous</i> is on sale in bookshops, gift shops and wild bird stores all over Whidbey Island, and may also be ordered by mail directly from the Johnsons. <b><a href="http://www.pugetsoundbackyardbirds.com/bbbookshow.html">Click here for a preview of the book.</a> </b>To order, e-mail Joy Johnson at joyofwriting@whidbey.com.Dan Pedersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394699068556538583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7563096034354284542.post-48042124759165710672011-03-25T06:51:00.000-07:002011-10-29T09:21:31.454-07:00Nature Has It Figured Out<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLscIzb34h_uG7QFvFSAEqpNN8b72C3xqG_srPIO_k_0dhyiwcbGlQf1_nwSvvUkUz6S2Mxa_qwaii_o5m1Gvv40892sJenazYXrzIFmEvVi9uf43z-IhZxqJr2xx-J0gvc47BxFcb9K4/s1600/IMG_5541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLscIzb34h_uG7QFvFSAEqpNN8b72C3xqG_srPIO_k_0dhyiwcbGlQf1_nwSvvUkUz6S2Mxa_qwaii_o5m1Gvv40892sJenazYXrzIFmEvVi9uf43z-IhZxqJr2xx-J0gvc47BxFcb9K4/s320/IMG_5541.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Forest ecologist Elliott Menashe of <a href="http://www.greenbeltconsulting.com/index.html">Greenbank Consulting</a>.</td></tr>
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In a half-wild, half-civilized place like Whidbey Island, water always seems to be getting in the way. We saw this recently when rain pounded relentlessly day-after-day, triggering many mudslides on South Whidbey and the appearance of swampy "seasonal wetlands" in people's yards including, I confess, my own hard-packed driveway.<br />
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I live in the woods and don't see this problem on my forest walks -- only near the house where I have "improved" my yard with poorly-draining lawns and gravel.<br />
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On a rainy day, the woods simply are lovelier and softer than ever, but our impervious, hard-surfaced yards often don't fare so well. Water "ponds" in low spots and, depending on the terrain, flows downslope, weakening bluffs and carrying pollutants and particles of soil toward Puget Sound.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCAf-UwFKJG_eu0Gso0mhDyF85i40zosjwF_IGVIGv0vWopivPOYCHK_1pH1qGXuQdIbmfaRr-2V05vbqWyJfQ8Z6SqmtHwoIkmN-CJhvyjLi5Vcx5_BjEM1lEGwBF4Xc1QE_wNv5nxlc/s1600/IMG_5559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCAf-UwFKJG_eu0Gso0mhDyF85i40zosjwF_IGVIGv0vWopivPOYCHK_1pH1qGXuQdIbmfaRr-2V05vbqWyJfQ8Z6SqmtHwoIkmN-CJhvyjLi5Vcx5_BjEM1lEGwBF4Xc1QE_wNv5nxlc/s320/IMG_5559.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This beautiful, absorbent wetland is in South Whidbey State Park. </td></tr>
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This is exactly what my friend Elliott Menashe has been trying to illustrate for years to homeowners, developers and contractors. "Improve" with care. Minimize disturbance. Benefit from the forest's phenomenal, natural ability to absorb and purify water. Think before you scrape and screw up something that's already working beautifully.<br />
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One of Elliott's favorite articles on this subject is a highly-readable, two-page piece by Tami Pokorny of Jefferson County Natural Resources, "Drip and Splat." He's especially proud of this one because Tami brilliantly translated one of his emotional speeches into readable English.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm-A1YoAp0qnZvzD1RjDlGs4vrhk-wXlfXXOfEnggFneDrFktyUH3h1fL0wACrR2olZYFnvyESQQss0J-sZ4AMbBApR3GkhNeczYsPSjRWjkrx4i75emtzsTFZONr6bIYwVZZY3rgivG4/s1600/Drip+and+Splat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm-A1YoAp0qnZvzD1RjDlGs4vrhk-wXlfXXOfEnggFneDrFktyUH3h1fL0wACrR2olZYFnvyESQQss0J-sZ4AMbBApR3GkhNeczYsPSjRWjkrx4i75emtzsTFZONr6bIYwVZZY3rgivG4/s400/Drip+and+Splat.jpg" width="308" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For a printable PDF, visit http://www.greenbeltconsulting.com/articles.html</td></tr>
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If the article seems insultingly simple-minded, please don't be fooled, because most people still don't get it.<br />
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To download a printable PDF of the two-page article, please visit <a href="http://www.greenbeltconsulting.com/articles.html">Elliott's website</a> and look for "A Stormwater Story: Drip and Splat" toward the bottom of the list.<br />
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If you've bought land and are planning to build, or even if you are just looking at land to buy, consider hiring Elliott or someone like him (good luck with that) to walk the land with you and share their insights. It will be an education and could save many heartaches and expensive fixes in the future.<br />
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</div>Dan Pedersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394699068556538583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7563096034354284542.post-17428310485175619102011-02-22T10:15:00.000-08:002011-10-30T09:59:08.266-07:00Mating season?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_VXNjQYQXKCdscpqJtIwOCBrCceo4kOxjOA3nRDVPu06n-f1SlsJWJZ2gfwcU0s-bABYbO2iDw71c8d2uzz2hzeWyach-YpnwkMsRAJzjsdYij9ShCjXx99_y_J2sr_Iy2kRgVNknzY/s1600/IMG_1262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_VXNjQYQXKCdscpqJtIwOCBrCceo4kOxjOA3nRDVPu06n-f1SlsJWJZ2gfwcU0s-bABYbO2iDw71c8d2uzz2hzeWyach-YpnwkMsRAJzjsdYij9ShCjXx99_y_J2sr_Iy2kRgVNknzY/s320/IMG_1262.jpg" width="216" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adult male Hairy Woodpecker, on Sunday</td></tr>
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Just when it looked like we had turned the corner toward spring, today we turned back sharply the other way.<br />
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A few days ago our Hairy Woodpeckers had been feeling pretty frisky, flying erratically around the yard and staking out their territories by drumming on our house and gutters. Northern Flickers had moved into the vegetable garden, pecking at the bare earth. The big behemoths of the woodpecker world, Pileated Woodpeckers, were drumming on large, resonant snags in the distance.<br />
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Now it appears we'll have a few nights in the 20s with the possibility of four to six inches of snow. Action will center on the suet feeder, where the woodpeckers can build up their energy reserves for the cold conditions.<br />
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Even though Hairy Woodpeckers are among the most common birds in our woods I find them uncommonly beautiful and fun to watch. Mating starts early, during the winter, but the real show comes later.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIew64XVuZVZykuSuFB33teZcJZuZSYtCdMvuNLrCb3GDzSqPdWdwjl6vhTxI0JuPFmseFdd8VicDIrSBrF_GlUT6JdioKN3v-hPP3NKnoRWHwuY6dRnpI6IbdfjF6H0P_hC4aj1Y8g8Q/s1600/IMG_1267_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIew64XVuZVZykuSuFB33teZcJZuZSYtCdMvuNLrCb3GDzSqPdWdwjl6vhTxI0JuPFmseFdd8VicDIrSBrF_GlUT6JdioKN3v-hPP3NKnoRWHwuY6dRnpI6IbdfjF6H0P_hC4aj1Y8g8Q/s320/IMG_1267_2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Northern Flickers load up on suet as the snow comes down. </td></tr>
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That will be when whole families show up together at the suet feeder for the first time, later this spring. The newborns will be easy to spot by their disoriented, goofy behavior, often sitting dazed for long periods on a post or the lawn, as if not knowing what to do next.<br />
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When they finally reach the feeder they will cling and wait for their parents to feed them, beak to beak. It's one of the best shows of the season, right from my window.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Today's reality check. </td></tr>
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Even as the woods transform themselves once again to a winter wonderland, the days are growing dramatically longer. Can spring be far behind? <br />
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</a></div>Dan Pedersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394699068556538583noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7563096034354284542.post-87223426948160813102011-01-02T16:03:00.000-08:002011-10-30T09:59:39.809-07:00The Varied Thrushes -- Our Golden Visitors of Winter<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinvl5F2fVhqH5NJwF-4N_7kDrxT0I8rQol7IXIXSX6ILv8-G76ST48ikEx5yvZDdkZVoQdTvd2iLN2P-V-7laasMVww3_9VfLnneBzxy-wcwJpqNxBHOuE-tqDi63_CS-DST88sb1f8Pc/s1600/IMG_1127_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinvl5F2fVhqH5NJwF-4N_7kDrxT0I8rQol7IXIXSX6ILv8-G76ST48ikEx5yvZDdkZVoQdTvd2iLN2P-V-7laasMVww3_9VfLnneBzxy-wcwJpqNxBHOuE-tqDi63_CS-DST88sb1f8Pc/s400/IMG_1127_2.JPG" width="400" /></a>I can't get enough of the Varied Thrushes that have been brightening the snowy landscape outside my window during this recent cold snap. When a late-afternoon shaft of light hits one of these birds, the effect is stupendous.<br />
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The thrushes appear in our yard just about every winter, drawn here I suppose by all the freeze-dried huckleberries we have to offer. Our many huckleberry bushes are a magnet also for Spotted Towhees and sometimes a Red-breasted Sapsucker.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoHW94hjWOWhWWv9LAluJThat2WkrJrFddhiv6nYVmsdilVvUUtHy3pskuFB_jp6tMvaAwPRAfpBVbi17uKajIOPdyf2_WJXu8EEE9QqBzUheDFpojoujagaiA0r9HdYbx_hbknKM7lAY/s1600/IMG_1101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoHW94hjWOWhWWv9LAluJThat2WkrJrFddhiv6nYVmsdilVvUUtHy3pskuFB_jp6tMvaAwPRAfpBVbi17uKajIOPdyf2_WJXu8EEE9QqBzUheDFpojoujagaiA0r9HdYbx_hbknKM7lAY/s400/IMG_1101.JPG" width="400" /></a>But the real prize for the thrushes seems to be our Crabapple tree. The tree blooms beautifully in the spring and then produces a bumper crop of fruit for which we don't really have a use.<br />
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As a result, hundreds of crabapples hang from the tree every year until about this time, when the thrushes and other birds show up and strip it. And from my standpoint, providing a winter meal for the wild birds is a perfectly good use for those crabapples.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmMbvURZUbD6J8_XHWASGKST5VqOnewrArCxugetNehFnCaU1Ap1PoZfa8yLGcBvpicKAhl_dHjDrHS2fguerYN6UJMkz6_RtmK4R44hSYubwFxAZNxq8TU8FJ0Q2txwmGSzoGr9D0qlQ/s1600/IMG_1116_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmMbvURZUbD6J8_XHWASGKST5VqOnewrArCxugetNehFnCaU1Ap1PoZfa8yLGcBvpicKAhl_dHjDrHS2fguerYN6UJMkz6_RtmK4R44hSYubwFxAZNxq8TU8FJ0Q2txwmGSzoGr9D0qlQ/s400/IMG_1116_2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Of all our winter visitors, the thrushes are the hardest to photograph because they detect the slightest movement inside the house, such as when I reach slowly for the sliding glass window to make an opening for my 400 mm lens. The click of the single-lens reflex shutter also drives them away. But the crabapple tree is just far enough from my office that they will continue feeding while I snap images.<br />
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Before I started watching birds, I had the idea our woods were full of mostly boring, brown birds of nondescript plumage.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMi925qQPnWYPTBu1mDulEtk1JbaHJGXedyUvrzvfQTFcMgrTUdqYAkc4xMJCaOwVfingSD09MUnT37WlFWUU9hf7N8t6hJ6XhccWnVOUZ62gI1eNWVU7fgG6P86jFu5V67nxfbDuPm_g/s1600/IMG_1123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMi925qQPnWYPTBu1mDulEtk1JbaHJGXedyUvrzvfQTFcMgrTUdqYAkc4xMJCaOwVfingSD09MUnT37WlFWUU9hf7N8t6hJ6XhccWnVOUZ62gI1eNWVU7fgG6P86jFu5V67nxfbDuPm_g/s400/IMG_1123.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
The truth is just the opposite. Our woods are teeming with very colorful birds, incredibly specialized and with very different feeding and hunting habits. I have far to go in fully appreciating what is all around me and the dramas that take place every day in our yard. But I've learned just enough to to be dazzled and intrigued by the wonder of it.Dan Pedersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394699068556538583noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7563096034354284542.post-69807969467637066012010-12-16T08:13:00.000-08:002011-10-30T10:00:08.010-07:00For Craig Johnson and wild birds, the benefits flow both ways<i>Note: My best tip for anyone planning to attend <b style="color: red;"><a href="http://beachwatchers.net/soundwaters/" style="color: red;">Sound Waters University,</a> </b>Saturday, Feb. 5, at South Whidbey High School, is to sign up for any class taught by Craig and Joy Johnson. They photograph and paint wild birds, write about them, publish books and educate. This year they are teaching "The Woodpeckers of Whidbey Island." To get on the mailing list for Sound Waters enrollment, which opens Jan. 7, click here: <a href="http://beachwatchers.net/soundwaters/" style="color: red;"><b>Sound Waters University,</b></a> and then click on the blue button marked "Join our Sound Waters Mailing List." For more about wild birds: <a href="http://pugetsoundbackyardbirds.com/"><b>Craig and Joy Johnson's website.</b></a></i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Craig Johnson with a little Downy Woodpecker on the screen saver.</td></tr>
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By DAN PEDERSEN</div>
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Is it crazy to think that specific birds coming into Craig Johnson's yard in Freeland recognize and trust him? I don't think it is. The winged activity in Johnson's yard on any given afternoon is a complex drama with many sub-plots. In the middle of it all, studying every detail and loving it, sits Johnson.</div>
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Researchers have documented that crows recognize specific human beings and will hold onto a deep grudge against people who do them wrong -- even alerting their friends about these human enemies. Other crows learn second-hand to recognize these evil-doers and join in outbursts of angry scolding and mobbing in the future. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAC3diZ6czyDP95jCILP5vVcjYIv4sxEPZFwi1fc1Z3ZApkQSbyj8A9ndPSGF7z0-wJgNmV8bf99QJXDxA4VHsK5hSW5oI6J3ioyjAPjYs3ULwrKl9rg7WFlYL5ATSrsHiCiZprMQNkpY/s1600/Pileated-on-feeder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAC3diZ6czyDP95jCILP5vVcjYIv4sxEPZFwi1fc1Z3ZApkQSbyj8A9ndPSGF7z0-wJgNmV8bf99QJXDxA4VHsK5hSW5oI6J3ioyjAPjYs3ULwrKl9rg7WFlYL5ATSrsHiCiZprMQNkpY/s320/Pileated-on-feeder.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="justify"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Male Pileated Woodpecker at Johnson's suet feeder.</td><td class="tr-caption"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption"><br /></td></tr>
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So it may not be a stretch to assume it also works the other way. Some of the birds that approach Johnson on his deck know they can trust him -- that he's one of the gentle, non-threatening, good guys. Some of Johnson's regulars are even Steller's Jays, corvids closely related to the crows.</div>
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"Oh, yeah, I think the big Pileated Woodpecker recognizes me for sure, just because I see that individual bird so much," Johnson says. "He knows I'm here. As long as I am mindful and don't make any sudden moves he will stay on the tree and won't fly away." The tree is just a few feet away.</div>
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"And I'm probably getting some of the same Northern Flickers over and over." Johnson is generous with treats, tossing peanuts to the normally-wary Steller's Jays that sneak closer and closer on the overhanging limbs and hop toward him on the deck. "I can tell the difference between the different ones. Certain individuals will come almost within arm's reach."</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYZVCx-MSNYWocJbn3KIauXXtlKKTO4v0OagJMTtzFiXqFNyUfUVEAWrV87z51W1waIQhL6uMcF3PtvG-Wal68816SR1DsyT2OYHSHfCmsaRUl60VdBU0C7WPu0vVY4wRaDVU-aizxsB0/s1600/Northern-Flicker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYZVCx-MSNYWocJbn3KIauXXtlKKTO4v0OagJMTtzFiXqFNyUfUVEAWrV87z51W1waIQhL6uMcF3PtvG-Wal68816SR1DsyT2OYHSHfCmsaRUl60VdBU0C7WPu0vVY4wRaDVU-aizxsB0/s320/Northern-Flicker.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Northern Flicker</td></tr>
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He laughs because the very shrewd jays and a gullible Douglas squirrel named G-Dog compete for those peanuts and steal from each other, but the jays always win. They watch G-Dog stash them. When he turns his back, they raid the cache.</div>
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All five species of Whidbey Island woodpeckers visit Johnson's yard, taking advantage of native landscaping, nearby conifers and a suet feeder. "The Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers can be very tolerant when you fill the feeder," Johnson says. "I'd say I've done more woodpecker photography in the yard than in the woods because our back yard is so uncontrolled. They come and bring their young. All the species have brought their fledglings here except possibly the Sapsucker."</div>
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Watching those juveniles is one of Johnson's great rewards. "I have many photos from our yard where the juvenile Northern Flickers are watching the dad -- very intently watching him -- and he's feeding them ants from the lawn. I mention this so that maybe a few people will decide they can get along without using insecticides. I've watched the juvenile Hairy Woodpeckers, watched the red nape patch move from the forehead to the back of the head as they grow. I love that, especially this year with my health."</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red-breasted Sapsucker </td></tr>
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The proof of all this yard activity is some sensational close-ups Johnson has taken with a simple point-and-shoot camera while sitting on his deck on sunny days. But this is where the story gets harder to write. Many people know of Johnson's incredible hand-held images taken with a big Nikon, single-lens reflex camera and a 400mm telephoto lens. Fewer people know Johnson no longer has that camera, nor the reason.</div>
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An aggressive, untreatable, neurological disease in the MS family is attacking his body, muscular control, vision, balance, computer-use, livelihood and, at times, mental focus. He cannot carry that camera any more nor go into the field to photograph birds. So now the birds come to him and that is an immense blessing.</div>
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"When you're out in nature it's inspiring. It's rejuvenating for me. When the birds come I don't think about my jobs or problems, or even my back ache. We don't have a TV here and haven't had one for 20 years. During the daylight hours in the summer especially, the outdoors is our break. I come out from my drawing table and sit on the deck and admire the birds. I'm thankful to have a yard like this, land that has not been over-groomed or controlled. Without that I wouldn't have the connection to nature. I'm not mobile. I'm very thankful the people who own this house agree (the Johnsons rent). They're on the same page."</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tiny, Downy Woodpecker on Madrone branch.</td></tr>
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"People come over here -- birders -- and say my gosh this is perfect habitat. The birders acknowledge all the ocean spray, the thrushes coming out, woodpeckers . . . This little madrona tree next to the railing here, most people would cut it down, but just in the last two months, every day, there have been Golden-crowned and Ruby-crowned Kinglets and Bushtits flitting about, sallying insects, and tons of Chickadees. Having a habitat in your back yard can be huge for just being able to look out your window and take a break from whatever you're doing."</div>
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"That's what I tell people. There is a lot going on and if you have a nice, groomed yard, you are missing out."</div>
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Johnson points out that in addition to the therapeutic, almost meditative benefits of watching birds, he also benefits in human relationships. As the Johnsons deal with Craig's illness, they are being showered with love and support by many members of Whidbey Audubon Society who cherish them for their years of generosity with photographic images, watercolor art and educational presentations.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7YdBKhrg2zNZAlj1GoxDPw_BbxO9BviucfPB64tv9zHBOVckK8w3-svajVL9hd_7wehEJuFKlk18Hs7fIOEVxZ6abgIfGq0rA5Os4kG3Z0CVTmSFqZUkZceCJhkutz-MCnJ651VJM4qI/s1600/Hairy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7YdBKhrg2zNZAlj1GoxDPw_BbxO9BviucfPB64tv9zHBOVckK8w3-svajVL9hd_7wehEJuFKlk18Hs7fIOEVxZ6abgIfGq0rA5Os4kG3Z0CVTmSFqZUkZceCJhkutz-MCnJ651VJM4qI/s320/Hairy.jpg" width="253" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hairy Woodpecker drinking at a clean birdbath.</td></tr>
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"If you care for birds, you care for people," Johnson says. "Whether you love whales, trees, birds, a clean lake -- if you care about any of those things, you're also about humanity."</div>
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Johnson says he has never thought of himself as a photographer. "Not really. I've done it, yeah, but I just love birds. I wanted to capture the images so I could show others who might not have the time to see what the birds were doing. Bird photography was never to make money. It makes me feel better to just give the images to Whidbey Camano Land Trust or use them in our books. I do it to help nature and promote learning."</div>
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For their woodpecker presentation at Sound Waters University on Saturday, Feb. 5, Johnson says he hopes to inspire his audience and perhaps encourage them to learn a little more about woodpeckers and about the environment. "Maybe someone will decide to keep an old, dead snag in their yard instead of cutting it down."</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxmeeNLQQxMHxD3OyEx5jwehK5ynwq3sgcGJ_ZiDYzxR4OrDn7YS62AvqnahG4mN0ggoQJgNz4cN6yEiRYzorkkyLaBgo_dRQHauw_pG_Mqe1eD-TZPRh1yCqV5qZZZt-Qd5rihDtfeJQ/s1600/IMG_6183_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxmeeNLQQxMHxD3OyEx5jwehK5ynwq3sgcGJ_ZiDYzxR4OrDn7YS62AvqnahG4mN0ggoQJgNz4cN6yEiRYzorkkyLaBgo_dRQHauw_pG_Mqe1eD-TZPRh1yCqV5qZZZt-Qd5rihDtfeJQ/s400/IMG_6183_2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="justify"><td class="tr-caption">Craig and Joy Johnson are the authors of a new children's book, <i>The Amazing Hummingbird Story of Red Rufous,</i> available for $9.95 plus tax from many island bookstores and shops, and elsewhere in the Puget Sound region. The book features Craig's beautiful watercolor paintings of hummingbirds and is highly educational. To order a copy directly from Craig and Joy, visit their website: <a href="http://pugetsoundbackyardbirds.com/">http://pugetsoundbackyardbirds.com/</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Dan Pedersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394699068556538583noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7563096034354284542.post-15436291732341314622010-11-18T09:24:00.000-08:002011-10-30T10:01:23.747-07:00Dec. 2nd - Meet the Remarkable People of Whidbey Island's Special Places<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One of the great things about Whidbey Island is that almost everyone has a story. And any adventure is more fun when you're with a good story-teller. That is the premise behind <i>Whidbey Island's Special Places And the People Who Love Them. </i>It's also why I'm excited about an event happening this Thursday evening in Clinton -- the first-ever gathering of many of the people I interviewed for my book. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLr0PPCaoCTNC-k-ENxQ0UjUgFBNzrXLguOJUApzqId3WOtemnW40IrUSgBWsr-ojlfEzViB52aPoq3MnNUEf735I1U1pfbat2B3vGp85Szcn5AXg-u-VtbXh3QepvhPJ7JFue7asx88I/s1600/Susan+and+Howard+--+Pedersen+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLr0PPCaoCTNC-k-ENxQ0UjUgFBNzrXLguOJUApzqId3WOtemnW40IrUSgBWsr-ojlfEzViB52aPoq3MnNUEf735I1U1pfbat2B3vGp85Szcn5AXg-u-VtbXh3QepvhPJ7JFue7asx88I/s200/Susan+and+Howard+--+Pedersen+photo.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Susan Berta and Howard Garrett </td></tr>
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When I wrote the book, I kept in mind that many people fall in love with the island and take beautiful photographs of the views and wildlife. But beauty is only skin deep and pictures convey a shallow experience. I wanted to give readers something more meaningful that would convey why this island is worthy of our love, understanding and care.<br />
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So I built the book around interviews with local guides who could help readers experience the island through their own voices and eyes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2tbaSuedzYodc2gnYH2Lfp98qiF9d6H6WMQqEFQmlZI_8nvxSZWIR4t91KhrPZYSY02d-UeXL3WOltrCzDcb0mfnUEUSeVbwd9KDefzJK1ttLCkO1nDHpM7x89l2rxOGUJMAR-31Prm0/s1600/IMG_5354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2tbaSuedzYodc2gnYH2Lfp98qiF9d6H6WMQqEFQmlZI_8nvxSZWIR4t91KhrPZYSY02d-UeXL3WOltrCzDcb0mfnUEUSeVbwd9KDefzJK1ttLCkO1nDHpM7x89l2rxOGUJMAR-31Prm0/s200/IMG_5354.JPG" width="144" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ranger Rick Blaa</td></tr>
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I chose 10 individuals and couples whose passions range from birds to orcas, to flying, diving, biology, forestry, cemeteries, lighthouses, land protection, recreation and small-town life.<br />
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Thanks to Clinton Librarian Debby Colfer, we will gather many of these people together for the first time at <b>7 pm, Thursday, Dec. 2. </b>She had the idea to invite them and you to an evening she calls, "Special Places, Special People," at <b>Clinton Community Hall</b>.<br />
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The event is to honor the community volunteers who help keep our library going, and Debby thought it would be fun to get her special people together with as many as possible of mine to talk about the things we love. We all think this is pretty cool.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBqoMf3tFSuW0Jv-DKGYfGEXMpa6o__mAY9KOAvEu3QWZ3kO74O7z87gojj_Z-lNE7zLLf03heFouBIjYnfUPkoWUzcuxDqNpxqOkhY7mZxoXN4kRihbke_jcXRqPZ9h02eSl5qhiFv1I/s1600/Veronica.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBqoMf3tFSuW0Jv-DKGYfGEXMpa6o__mAY9KOAvEu3QWZ3kO74O7z87gojj_Z-lNE7zLLf03heFouBIjYnfUPkoWUzcuxDqNpxqOkhY7mZxoXN4kRihbke_jcXRqPZ9h02eSl5qhiFv1I/s200/Veronica.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Veronica von Allworden </td></tr>
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So please join us. If you have a copy of <i>Whidbey Island's Special Places, </i>bring it along to collect a slew of autographs from people you'd be proud to know. I'll also have it available for purchase.<br />
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My good friends, Craig & Joy Johnson, will be there with <i>The Amazing Hummingbird Story of Red Rufous,</i> their brand new children's book, hot off the press. It is the story of a Whidbey Island hummingbird whose birth Craig documented from "egg" to "fledgling" in a remarkable series of daily photographs 1-1/2 years ago. Now, a little about "my" people:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUbhRrNhVVcO2XYzEgvJlQhN0-roTN6oabUqpKH0W7SBO1KQIF-qYsJHjrUnxkRLOW_TeHpu7wo0s0O3RzDA6WWGm3v4Nijim6kNGq7VRyg6UkR0YV83lz0-HlVsViQMcqZSCrGevQO9A/s1600/Sarah+Schmidt+--+Dan+Pedersen+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUbhRrNhVVcO2XYzEgvJlQhN0-roTN6oabUqpKH0W7SBO1KQIF-qYsJHjrUnxkRLOW_TeHpu7wo0s0O3RzDA6WWGm3v4Nijim6kNGq7VRyg6UkR0YV83lz0-HlVsViQMcqZSCrGevQO9A/s200/Sarah+Schmidt+--+Dan+Pedersen+photo.jpg" width="166" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah Schmidt</td></tr>
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<b>Rick Blank </b>of Coupeville is a park ranger at Deception Pass State Park, and he's nuts about owls and eagles, and doing interpretive education. He loves "when the light bulbs come on" -- helping someone see for the first time the value of nature and how all life is connected.<br />
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<b>Maribeth Crandell </b>is environmental educator for the City of Oak Harbor. She loves trails and exercise, and creative ways of teaching. The more she talks about exercise, the faster she walks, as I learned while interviewing and photographing her one beautiful spring day on Oak Harbor's impressive shoreline trail. <br />
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<b>Howard Garrett and Susan Berta </b>of Greenbank are the voice and conscience of orcas. As founders of The Orca Network, they have dedicated their lives to understanding and protecting these beautiful, bright, social animals that live alongside us in the waters of Whidbey Island and Puget Sound.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3QuRBmzY5n-zSj2PXM_8OqaEV1832ob08rbeQ7loIXJhyphenhyphenjwpJsUDi0CMusaWe6RRnZ9ZbunjXqqOG_my9iQcqlVYgzSRn6z24wB8hGZLyYYmG5peU8bddhdTkLbw2OyvLARChGZylfLQ/s1600/Maribeth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3QuRBmzY5n-zSj2PXM_8OqaEV1832ob08rbeQ7loIXJhyphenhyphenjwpJsUDi0CMusaWe6RRnZ9ZbunjXqqOG_my9iQcqlVYgzSRn6z24wB8hGZLyYYmG5peU8bddhdTkLbw2OyvLARChGZylfLQ/s200/Maribeth.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maribeth Crandell </td></tr>
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<b>Roger Sherman </b>of Coupeville is a farmer, historian, ship's captain and author whose land overlooks the historic homesteads of Ebey's Prairie. He's a walking encyclopedia of pioneer history and the go-to guy if you're wondering where the bodies are buried at Sunnyside Cemetery, and the story of each one.<br />
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<b>Dick Malone </b>of Oak Harbor is a retired U.S. Marine Corps officer and school teacher who loves history, forts and lighthouses, so it's not surprising he wound up as a volunteer at Admiralty Head Lighthouse, leading tours of these cherished island landmarks, and sharing his love and insights with visitors.<br />
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<b>Craig and Joy Johnson</b> of Freeland are passionate about wild birds. Joy is a writer. Craig is an artist, photographer and graphic designer. Together they have published several stunning books of wild bird photography, some gorgeous greeting cards available in local shops, and most recently their first children's book, <i>The Amazing Hummingbird Story of Red Rufous.</i><br />
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<b>Patricia Powell</b> of Coupeville is director of Whidbey Camano Land Trust. She loves wildlife, and wildlife habitat. Her organization has saved thousands of acres of natural habitats, scenic vistas, and working farms and forests, in partnership with island landowners. "It's all about love," she says.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPaGDx3wgwIL42dORCiVqC3-HNz6EexHRA5uGCHl9D4sqhaAIjNY_7_YI9ioop_XWg-NrpgmRCui35rmIJFdWRJJFtF9jcxKTIvrYBIQO8VwAR7fB4Mo8gxwkTw23oMdFq7gle2fJVUNw/s1600/Pat+Powell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPaGDx3wgwIL42dORCiVqC3-HNz6EexHRA5uGCHl9D4sqhaAIjNY_7_YI9ioop_XWg-NrpgmRCui35rmIJFdWRJJFtF9jcxKTIvrYBIQO8VwAR7fB4Mo8gxwkTw23oMdFq7gle2fJVUNw/s200/Pat+Powell.jpg" width="138" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Patricia Powell</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwkmSOZahHTgXQbQevr8fjPtr3765oZEk11Fcv9F7ExrmJVqpjk0PPYaXYdUp3OXgj6idqIyG6bZpzN3Ewuwfwgr-cyWD_2u5oq2iplBakM-keCEqmTe2Sx_7NY16FtHAftZG0VzWahRk/s1600/Cemetery+%2526+Prairie+--+Roger+Sherman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwkmSOZahHTgXQbQevr8fjPtr3765oZEk11Fcv9F7ExrmJVqpjk0PPYaXYdUp3OXgj6idqIyG6bZpzN3Ewuwfwgr-cyWD_2u5oq2iplBakM-keCEqmTe2Sx_7NY16FtHAftZG0VzWahRk/s200/Cemetery+%2526+Prairie+--+Roger+Sherman.jpg" width="146" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roger Sherman </td></tr>
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<b>Elliott Menashe</b> of Clinton is an environmental consultant and forester who helps landowners, developers and government find better ways to work with nature, not against it. He took me on a long walk in the old-growth of South Whidbey State Park and opened my eyes to why such places are so priceless, and what they can teach us.<br />
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<b>Sarah Schmidt </b>of Coupeville, my good friend and colleague on many projects, is a biologist, bat expert, birder and principal author of <i>Getting to the Water's Edge on Whidbey and Camano Islands.</i> She once remarked, "I love every bug, bird, bat and snake." That's Sarah. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw17p4C7BU2THi0Uc69LUg5lflAc2_-7PYmWTpFPbUiLa7iqgT1EC3xeVK8wpbxQUQyaexhbX6bkg5RS1CUsQdtueERBbVoWJsvlq-gqEhpEIhyJm32WyG-czeqegtwVNFWNNXwb3Mitw/s1600/Elliott+Menashe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw17p4C7BU2THi0Uc69LUg5lflAc2_-7PYmWTpFPbUiLa7iqgT1EC3xeVK8wpbxQUQyaexhbX6bkg5RS1CUsQdtueERBbVoWJsvlq-gqEhpEIhyJm32WyG-czeqegtwVNFWNNXwb3Mitw/s200/Elliott+Menashe.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elliott Menashe </td></tr>
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<b>Veronica von Allworden</b> of Langley is a pilot, diver and photographer who views our island from "under" and "over." She shared with me the story of gray whales that surfaced beside her while she was swimming in front of her Langley home. She is a volunteer naturalist at the Seattle Aquarium, an engaged member of The Orca Network and Whidbey Camano Land Trust, and has studied and spoken about whales, sharks and other marine life. Many island shops carry Veronica's gorgeous greeting cards of local aerial and underwater subjects.<br />
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Any community is as strong as the people who give something back. On Whidbey we are blessed with caring, gifted and engaged neighbors who build up their community in countless personal ways.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu7vkPqacQLk9atLOKKfZqvboMpUUsxBLB6LYRF1uqF1CtIyvIga1BW_9oVP5EvHkhlYwkL-W1kmJ8rZYR4Xao9oTMSp-iD722XdREWDJPWirPF3zf-cjYBGVWr63h8xAdolDnrrFcnC0/s1600/Dick+Malone+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu7vkPqacQLk9atLOKKfZqvboMpUUsxBLB6LYRF1uqF1CtIyvIga1BW_9oVP5EvHkhlYwkL-W1kmJ8rZYR4Xao9oTMSp-iD722XdREWDJPWirPF3zf-cjYBGVWr63h8xAdolDnrrFcnC0/s200/Dick+Malone+2.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dick Malone</td></tr>
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On December 2, let's all get together and celebrate that spirit, and say thank you to our good friends for a job well done.<br />
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<b>Special Places, Special People </b><br />
<b>Thursday, Dec. 2</b><br />
<b>7 - 8:30 pm</b><br />
<b>Clinton Community Hall </b>Dan Pedersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394699068556538583noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7563096034354284542.post-52770280287905420572010-10-24T06:50:00.000-07:002011-10-30T10:03:36.299-07:00Look Out for Red Rufous<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The proud parents of a new book, Craig and Joy Johnson</td></tr>
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No one has inspired me more to love the wild birds of Whidbey Island than our cherished friends, Craig<span id="goog_361731955"></span><span id="goog_361731956"></span> and Joy Johnson of Freeland. Their books of wild bird photography are a local legend, and now they've branched into something new with a children's book that showcases Craig's gorgeous watercolor paintings.<br />
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<i>The Amazing Hummingbird Story of Red Rufous </i>follows a hummingbird from birth at Earth Sanctuary in Freeland on its long migration to Mexico and then back again the next spring to Whidbey Island. It is based on several weeks of daily photography a year-and-a-half ago in which Craig documented the incubation of two eggs, the birth and then the early development of two hummingbirds in their tiny nest.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_TB3VfwtBHnsfnmiP0CH2rGjSHTmspqIh5dgyFUFR6qPUxIFNNlQ3cmwoJGa8ptK9Wpx66tsEeeUH8ChAhVMrv4X154XY3Od-YENscGk45VCneY5bpeYdr-cvwOBv6K0-g5rgaw4ZITs/s1600/IMG_6176_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_TB3VfwtBHnsfnmiP0CH2rGjSHTmspqIh5dgyFUFR6qPUxIFNNlQ3cmwoJGa8ptK9Wpx66tsEeeUH8ChAhVMrv4X154XY3Od-YENscGk45VCneY5bpeYdr-cvwOBv6K0-g5rgaw4ZITs/s320/IMG_6176_2.jpg" width="227" /></a>Not only is this the "amazing story" of a creature that fascinates us all, it is also the amazing story of a talented artist and bird-lover battling some tough health issues that make it very challenging to paint. You would never know it from the finished product. Craig and Joy are hoping that modest income from the book will help pay some daunting medical bills.<br />
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If you have children or grandchildren, this $9.95 book would make a marvelous gift that will open their eyes to the wonder of birds. It is just starting to show up in island bookstores and shops, but I hope you'll consider mail-ordering your autographed copy directly from Craig and Joy. <b><a href="http://www.pugetsoundbackyardbirds.com/buybook.html">Order from Craig & Joy.</a> </b> Or talk to me and I will get it for you.<br />
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If you order the book or a bunch of them from Craig and Joy, they will get the $9.95 apiece. If you purchase the book at a shop, only about $6.00 will go to Craig and Joy because the shop, of course, must be paid for stocking and selling the book.<br />
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You will want to sit and read this book to the children in your life and have a good conversation as you do. Then, go to Craig and Joy's <b><a href="http://www.pugetsoundbackyardbirds.com/">website</a> </b>and click on "<b><a href="http://www.pugetsoundbackyardbirds.com/redrufoussection.html">Red Rufous Book Section</a></b>" to see actual photographs of hummingbird eggs in the nest on Whidbey Island and the young birds getting ready to head out on their own. Learn how hummingbirds survive the night. See a hummingbird skeleton!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the watercolors in the book.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRCJA5EFA_Qso7o2Ic_BiZxVJQcBfBL0cHPnyydcRIjXuajSOivHc5NPPfsACxXpTewrm00fQWNkFYh3A0XSqF4xBm3JBPlZZt4uk_HlJRbtbl-oFuhYH4tfzgMEZReMbZWkcU0yILWaU/s1600/IMG_6182_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>As with everything Craig and Joy do, this book is much more than just a simple, charming story. It is an eye-opener and it is true to life. For children and adults both, it could be the start of a great, new adventure in bird-watching and a deeper love of nature.<br />
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And what a perfect Whidbey Island story.Dan Pedersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394699068556538583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7563096034354284542.post-39364515377718045122010-10-19T07:27:00.000-07:002011-10-30T10:07:38.594-07:00Life Among the Wildlife on Lazy Lopez<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Transportation, a necessary evil.</td></tr>
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Someone told me years ago that people who live on the south end of Lopez Island don't much like the north end. It's a bit too high-pressure with basic services, lodging and a ferry terminal. <br />
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Same on Whidbey. My wife, Sue, and I live on the south end, and boy, we sure don't like the north end -- the congested traffic, fast food and discount stores. We've been feeling a bit hemmed in lately. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kingfisher</td></tr>
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So yesterday, my birthday-girl wife and I got an urge to explore the north-south divide on sleepy Lopez. It seemed as far from civilization as we could get in one easy day. And the differences are real.<br />
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On north Lopez if you park in the middle of the road to photograph a Kingfisher, another car may come along in a few minutes and need to get around. On south Lopez, you're just happy to see the smoke from a woodstove on a chilly October morning. <br />
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Lopez is the third-largest island in the San Juans at 30 square miles, with 2,200 people. Most live in the north. Whidbey is 169 square miles with a population of 58,000 and again, most live in the north.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sue and Duncan at Spencer Spit.</td></tr>
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Our immediate destination was Spencer Spit State Park in the north, where we were the only human life except for a couple on a tandem bike we met as we were leaving, and two workers repairing an old outbuilding.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trail to Shark Reef</td></tr>
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One of the workers apparently sensed our loneliness or was dealing with his own, and came over to point out that Lopez in the off-season could be a bit quiet. "We can handle that," we assured him. "We're from Whidbey."<br />
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We enjoyed a Great-blue Heron stalking fish in the glassy shallows and gave our dog, Duncan, a spirited walk, but were really dreaming of a good cup of coffee. So we paid our dues to the hectic city, Lopez Village, before continuing south to a little dot on the map that had intrigued us, Shark Reef County Park.<br />
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This was every bit the gem we had hoped it would be. But the road doesn't lead to the water. It just leads to a parking strip in the woods where you start a 15-minute, forest hike to a rocky bluff overlooking narrow San Juan Channel.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great-blue Heron landing.</td></tr>
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The surprisingly close view is of Cattle Point on the south end of San Juan Island, just across the channel. But the real view is at your feet.<br />
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The shore is steep. The birds and mammals are close, and seemingly unconcerned.<br />
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Yesterday we watched a Great-blue Heron hunt fish from a floating platform of bull kelp. Gulls and Harlequin Ducks swam among the rocks and kelp.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice crab.</td></tr>
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One gull carried a small crab in its mouth while others raised an uproar. Amongst it all, a lone Harbor Seal swam among the birds a few feet from our rock and rarely took its wary eye from us. At one point the seal surfaced so breathtakingly close it startled me.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harbor Seal and Gull.</td></tr>
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"Holy cow," I exclaimed too loudly. The animal dove instantly. I could clearly follow its speckled body as it swam north along the steep shore, just a few feet from the rocks, a few feet below the surface and a few feet from us. I've tried photographing Harbor Seals from boats and they always pop below about the time I raise my camera. <br />
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Did I mention we were all alone? I can't help it; I love places where our species is in the minority.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hey, if I had a fish I'd toss it to you. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset at Deception Pass, back on Whidbey.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF181E77qOPNwF96QeORI7_p5ChVmoqBOLqujE1EZW9R-q5yB-IaTKokow-lrOBzGZM7GK5voc6OpXhP4YP-ql0wSiFvo8-vB8skBl8c7T44GG02z-oe2rtL0yRzmSp2hCu2x9_ed910g/s1600/IMG_0632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>Dan Pedersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394699068556538583noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7563096034354284542.post-7293121811149430452010-09-28T07:31:00.000-07:002011-10-30T10:06:44.176-07:00The Creepy Crawlies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji300g08LOHT-2lvHSyqGUCxvOOmONBr6kymn4dB8RSXZWkfpxcA8FVzpHgrMO5FL9ULA4RQtmWjEARBlxMgCscmpIO1hyphenhyphenHRMd77rVJllgeqCC9nSKf0dObOvQAVy2eOOFKdYUQ00RVSk/s1600/IMG_0385_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji300g08LOHT-2lvHSyqGUCxvOOmONBr6kymn4dB8RSXZWkfpxcA8FVzpHgrMO5FL9ULA4RQtmWjEARBlxMgCscmpIO1hyphenhyphenHRMd77rVJllgeqCC9nSKf0dObOvQAVy2eOOFKdYUQ00RVSk/s320/IMG_0385_2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I'm not a spider guy and try to avoid them, but this one caught my eye yesterday as I was passing with my 400mm telephoto lens. It had just ripped the head off a dead yellowjacket that looked like it had been snagged in the web for several days. Then it dragged the skull several feet to a different area of the web to enjoy its meal.<br />
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Yellowjacket season is ending and the nests are being shut down for the winter. The workers are irritated and hostile because they're being starved to death by the queens, so the victim in this crime did not have long to live either way. <br />
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In return for my curiosity about spiders, and some time on the Internet, I learned a bit. This particular spider appears to be a Garden-Orb Weaver, a relatively common, large arachnid in the Pacific Northwest that builds spiral, wheel-shaped webs in gardens, fields and forests. The Garden Orb-Weaver is an engineer, often floating a line on the breeze to reach another surface as it starts to build a new web, which it does daily.<br />
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And get this: it has eight eyes!Dan Pedersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394699068556538583noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7563096034354284542.post-65046362100813436212010-09-26T14:06:00.000-07:002011-10-30T10:04:13.994-07:00The Constant Cycle of Birds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdEpZoYWBJ4rsUXcRW5sJTVTfklFh3ZxX62cxAbmoucXQRGGiIRh3X6rTU9Bh5mlAqwVc4jerEA-g7rwAXhY4ZsQKxxK3SiGLtyqM6wRxWbz1q6nqV0sW_V2kDMkT3UWW6AMg7TgLo8u0/s1600/IMG_0367_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdEpZoYWBJ4rsUXcRW5sJTVTfklFh3ZxX62cxAbmoucXQRGGiIRh3X6rTU9Bh5mlAqwVc4jerEA-g7rwAXhY4ZsQKxxK3SiGLtyqM6wRxWbz1q6nqV0sW_V2kDMkT3UWW6AMg7TgLo8u0/s320/IMG_0367_2.JPG" width="320" /></a>The Keystone Spit / Crockett Lake area of Central Whidbey Island is such a rich place to photograph wild birds, I check there almost every time I drive north. Saturday's weather was a gift -- lovely, warm sunshine and blue sky -- but the wind was whipping and I was not finding much.<br />
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In fact, I was just leaving when my eye caught the flash of wings, a small group of tiny birds flying in formation over the dark blue water of one of the spit's gravel ponds.<br />
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After a patient, slow approach on foot to the edge of the pond, I found the birds huddled against the wind atop a drift log. Several were foraging in the shallows for insects and other small creatures.<br />
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The birds I had noticed were Western Sandpipers and they had stopped at Keystone Spit for a few hours or a day to eat and rest before resuming their annual migration south. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi30Tkmr56OwnctdOBZA0T-hfViQAt_9-WjCne6y4vFuCRvNKo8vmnMV_VsUOvcuV643BILKTvCVb8PttDOQ9LwsNMcVjjViIx83-n2z3Mg2ye6GCtQHto-QNxuRXTa8M3bAqgxCGynNME/s1600/IMG_0352_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi30Tkmr56OwnctdOBZA0T-hfViQAt_9-WjCne6y4vFuCRvNKo8vmnMV_VsUOvcuV643BILKTvCVb8PttDOQ9LwsNMcVjjViIx83-n2z3Mg2ye6GCtQHto-QNxuRXTa8M3bAqgxCGynNME/s320/IMG_0352_2.JPG" width="320" /></a>It was a good reminder for me that places such as Keystone support a constantly changing population. Where is that flock of Sandpipers today? Nisqually Delta? Oregon Coast? What will I find at Keystone tomorrow? It could be anything. I can count on being surprised.<br />
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For the many birds making their annual, hemispheric migrations, Keystone is a key place to recharge, relatively free of human interference. The wildlife value seems obvious. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUUEoVgcMPM0IKW7inSR0ZMDRwD1AbIMWUuJK0to2Zps9hz9jFQ82_aLVTvFYbxDVqGdzjf3w9GDHUQEcL7b5LZ8EHqpsLsf0bkby-tnZZfGJiIbkL3RhCOy_cEhXsnOZvJIo6pA7bi_M/s1600/IMG_0363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUUEoVgcMPM0IKW7inSR0ZMDRwD1AbIMWUuJK0to2Zps9hz9jFQ82_aLVTvFYbxDVqGdzjf3w9GDHUQEcL7b5LZ8EHqpsLsf0bkby-tnZZfGJiIbkL3RhCOy_cEhXsnOZvJIo6pA7bi_M/s320/IMG_0363.JPG" width="320" /></a>But what of the human value of preserving natural areas such as Keystone, when we could, instead, develop these beautiful settings for upscale homes?<br />
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For me, it is pretty much the same as for the birds. I would not go to Keystone if it were filled with houses. I would not experience the delights and surprises nature delivers at this wild place every day of the year.<br />
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An hour or so at Keystone, watching nature and reflecting on the beauty and diversity of life, recharges me so I can continue on my own journey.Dan Pedersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394699068556538583noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7563096034354284542.post-48813724060271716602010-09-06T16:14:00.000-07:002011-10-30T10:04:44.649-07:00Orcas - A Separate Nation<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Animals are not (our) brethren and are not underlings. They are separate nations, caught with us in the net of life and time. -</i>- Henry Beston, <i>The Outermost House</i></span><br />
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I cannot help but agree strongly with Beston whenever I observe orcas, the highly intelligent, sophisticated and social neighbors who live alongside us in the marine waters of Puget Sound and Whidbey Island.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCEXF4Sc6GLYvd0XdH8oUnpIpvpuMozNvI1dCIvw4hziLc1unkbEHgSD_DjTSDtqR7-hB4NlH9C-4vc4BD6Rn1m7Qs83-ZYbjLv4NTQoUmH-YDYOzbR-sV7uVK66e37KkjWKgadMHcbx8/s1600/IMG_9888_2_3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCEXF4Sc6GLYvd0XdH8oUnpIpvpuMozNvI1dCIvw4hziLc1unkbEHgSD_DjTSDtqR7-hB4NlH9C-4vc4BD6Rn1m7Qs83-ZYbjLv4NTQoUmH-YDYOzbR-sV7uVK66e37KkjWKgadMHcbx8/s320/IMG_9888_2_3.JPG" width="320" /></a>The 90-some individual orcas that make up the Southern Resident Population belong to a tight-knit extended family that has resided mostly in our local waters since the glaciers retreated some 10,000 years ago. They remain together for life and eat a separate diet (salmon) from the Transient orca groups that periodically visit here to hunt seals and other mammals.<br />
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The Southern Residents communicate in their own unique dialogue. The particular photo accompanying this post happens to be of Transients passing through our area. It is one I took last week.<br />
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Like almost anyone who has seen orcas, I am awed and humbled by them. <i><br />
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For the wonderful Harry Beston quote I should thank my friend Sarah Schmidt, with whom I coauthored <i>Getting to the Water's Edge </i>in 2006 for WSU Extension - Island County<i>. </i>Dan Pedersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394699068556538583noreply@blogger.com0