Tag: wildlife

A female Brewer’s blackbird walks by a rocky coastline showing her true colors.

This Blackbird Is a Beauty, Not a Black Sheep

Like people, birds are sometimes unappreciated and misunderstood. While every species has its place in the ecosystem, some are bigger stars than others. Beach lovers would gladly trade a flock of “seagulls” for hummingbirds. Yet gulls, not hummingbirds, scavenge smelly carcasses from the … read more

Love of Dogs

For the Love of Dogs

From Gig Harbor to Kingston, the residents of our area love their dogs. All you have to do is take a walk along one of the lovely sidewalks along the water or trails in the woods. Within seconds, you’ll discover that dogs — … read more

A Virginia rail makes a rare appearance in the open as it searches for its next meal.

Searching for These Secretive Birds is off the Rails

There is no shortage of variety in the world of birds. There are remarkable differences between a heron and a hummingbird or a swan and a swallow. Also, there are places where humans would never dwell, but birds consider appealing. Freshwater marsh habitat … read more

A female Myrtle subspecies of yellow-rumped warbler contemplates its next move at the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge near Olympia.

Bringing in Spring with a Vibrant, Versatile Warbler

Springtime means birdsong. As frosty mornings give way to budding leaves, singing songbirds are a harbinger of winter’s departure and the arrival of spring. Year-round species such as American robins, Pacific wrens and song sparrows are among the first to belt out their … read more

A black oystercatcher walks along the beach at Fort Flagler State Park near Port Townsend.

This Poorly Named Shorebird is an Attention Catcher

Birds are amazing creatures with a variety of adaptations. A hummingbird is quite different from an ostrich and a kiwi has little in common with a swan. While some species may seem drab and uninteresting, others are a collection of unique features that … read more

A male hooded merganser shows off his impressive crest.

The Show Stopper of West Sound’s Wintering Waterfowl

West Sound in winter is paradise for those who enjoy watching ducks. About two dozen species come to the region’s lakes, ponds, streams, bays and open saltwater from late winter to early spring. While there are many similarities among the ducks, differences also … read more

A vigilant female great horned owl guards her fluffy chicks in an old raven nest on a basalt ledge in Central Washington.

The View from the Top of the Food Chain

Life is a competition. Whether we realize it or not, we are always competing with someone for a job, a home purchase or a parking space, to name a few. Even birders are constantly vying with each other for top birder status. It’s … read more

Bloedel Reserve (Photo Courtesy beautifulwashington.com)

Inspirational Walks and Hikes

Many of us have heard the saying, “Go take a hike.” At one time, this was a negative phrase, but now it could become our mantra for getting out and exploring all the abundant trails that surround us in West Sound, from the … read more

Pollinators
Teri's Tips

Attracting Pollinators to Your Garden

Hummingbirds, butterflies and bees! Sadly, there has been a decline in the health of our pollinators, and it’s important for gardeners to create a pollinator-friendly garden. You will need to provide blooming plants, which is their food source; shelter in the form of … read more

Pony Up Rescue for Equines
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