Tag: bird watching

A marsh wren creates its own cloud while singing on a frosty morning in early spring by the Clear Creek Trail in Silverdale.

Vociferous and Vicious — The Tiny, Yet Mighty Marsh Wren

Some people like to talk. Gregarious folks never run out of things to say, nor do they seem to tire of speaking. Others are quieter and only talk when it’s necessary. It is the same in the world of birds. Some birds call … read more

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Black-Capped Chickadee

Put Your Citizen Scientist Hat on for the Great Backyard Bird Count Feb. 17-20

The 26th annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) takes place Friday, Feb. 17, through Monday, Feb. 20 — and everyone is invited to participate. Bird and nature lovers everywhere unite in the effort to tally as many of the world’s bird species as possible over these … read more

A pair of common goldeneyes ride the choppy water on a windy day.

Life is Golden for These Ducks

For Pacific Northwest birders, winter means ducks. After breeding in the Arctic, myriads of ducks enjoy wintering in Western Washington on water that isn’t frozen. About two dozen species of ducks regularly visit West Sound waters each winter. Ducks come in many varieties … read more

Custom Rustic Birdhouses

Custom Rustic Birdhouses

Meet Luis Gonzalo Pablo Pablo. Luis is a multi-talented and creative gardener — from his stunning rose bushes to his large variety of vegetables, he has a “green thumb.” Luis was raised in Wenatchee and moved to Kitsap 19 years ago. In his … read more

A northern shrike tries to blend into its surroundings while looking for its next victim.

Unmasking the ‘Watchful Butcher’ Bird

Imagine walking a West Sound trail through an open, wooded area on a crisp day in late fall or winter. A charming black, white and gray bird, slightly smaller than a robin, is perched in a bare tree. Its endearing black-eye mask gives … read more

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hummingbird

10 New Plants to Create a Multi-Season Hummingbird Haven

Is there anything more entertaining than watching the aerobatic antics of hummingbirds? Whether they’re visiting for a sip of sugar water at the feeder, zooming through the garden (where you’ll often hear their whirring wings before you see them) or engaging in an … read more

A Hutton’s vireo stops to contemplate its next move.

An Overlooked Songbird in Plain Sight

Songbirds come in many varieties. Some, like bushtits, are tiny, while others, like meadowlarks, are large. Some have distinctive sounds, like the onomatopoeia call of the black-capped chickadee. And others have unmistakable plumage, like the male western tanager. But not all songbirds make … read more

A male wood duck shows off his spectacular plumage on a sunny day at the lake.

A Dazzling Duck and a Triumph for Conservation

As is typical with many things in life, when it comes to birds, people gravitate toward the ones with visual beauty. While birders are thrilled to see a drab-looking rarity, nonbirders get excited about birds that look the best. Not surprising, colorful birds … read more

A marbled murrelet in breeding plumage rests between foraging dives near the beach at Point No Point County Park in Hansville.

The Double Life of the Imperiled Forest Seabird

It’s a beautiful summer afternoon at Point No Point County Park in Hansville. Scores of people are relaxing on the beach. Suddenly, everyone springs up and runs to the water’s edge, excitedly pointing at something offshore. A trio of orcas are swimming by. … read more

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