On a Lifelong Journey to Learn my Place
I was outside today and noticed a sizable flock of small birds that I was not able to identify moving from alder to alder. They would flit about in the tops of the trees, but I was not sure what they might have been finding there. A little later I happened to walk back toward … Read more
I have noticed that the crows seem to have become especially active around our neighborhood lately. I’m not sure what they are doing, though. The black cottonwood trees are releasing their cotton now. I did not think they were native to the island, but according to the reference books I have, they are. So far, … Read more
It’s almost surprising how fast plants are producing new growth. This morning when I walked to work, it looked like the buds on the raspberry canes were just barely swelling open and by this afternoon there was an additional centimeter or so. The salmonberry blossoms are starting to open amongst the growing leaves when it … Read more
Connor and I hiked up to Beaver Lake today. Most of the lake still had a layer of ice on it, but there was open water along the edges. While we were there, I heard a dipper singing. I did not see it, but it sounded like it was coming from near the outlet stream. … Read more
For what seems like the first time this winter, the weather seems to be clear and fairly cold. Temperatures were in the 20’s last night, and they are supposed to get down into the teens tonight. It will be interesting to see how well the plants that have been showing signs of spring survive. By … Read more
I have seen both woodpeckers and sapsuckers around before. I also recall noticing small holes in tree bark where the birds have gone after sap or insects. However, yesterday while I was hiking up Indian River trail was the first time I had noticed just how numerous are the signs of their presence. I was … Read more