kandas-adventures

Sarvey Wildlife Baby Shower

A local wildlife rescue held a "baby shower" at a park near us, and they brought unreleasable birds of prey and an opossum along to do an educational talk.  Above, a Great Horned Owl who had been hit by a car and can no longer dilate one of his eyes.

There were several handlers and each had a wealth of information to share, not only about the animals themselves, but about their habitat, how to protect them, and what to do if we find an injured or baby animal.

The crowd listening was mostly kids, and some parents were better than others on corralling their young children and keeping them quiet.  A few times the birds "spooked" at approaching or squealing children, and the eagle handler got a few bloody cuts across his forehead from the bird's talons, but otherwise the birds seemed content in their role as species ambassadors.

Of course all the birds were secured on "Jessies" and couldn't get far from their handlers.

The "spooking" incidents were pretty dramatic, because you got to see the wildness in the birds, and their amazing wingspans.

There were many tender moments, too.  The handlers and their birds definitely had a bond with each other.

Here the handler tries to calm his bird before putting it back in it's carrier.

In addition to the Bald Eagle and Great Horned Owl, we also saw a Red Tail Hawk (above left), a Peregrine Falcon, a Golden Eagle, and an Opossum.  All had injuries that prevented them from being released, however the main goal of Sarvey Wildlife is to rehabilitate and release.  They work with everything from tiny hummingbirds to enormous black bears.

I was just in awe at the handlers' poise and ability to manage these unpredictable, wild birds while also talking with the crowd.

Besides the lecture, there were also educational tables, activities, and crafts scattered around the park.

The kids particularly loved the "feather boards."  One of the educators had handpainted life-sized cutouts of birds and attached shed feathers so the children could feel them.

The board on the right, above, shows the Red Tail Hawk, with the left side being a juvenile, and the right being the mature plumage.  The eye color of the hawk even changes from yellow to dark brown.

Soon the show was over.  Birds were loaded back into their kennels for the drive back to the shelter.  Children and their parents learned new things.  And I have an even greater respect for the work wildlife rescue groups do to keep our wildlife surviving.

Day Trip to Vendovi Island

One of the charities that we give an annual donation to is the San Juan Preservation Trust, which creates conservation easements and purchases land in the increasingly populated San Juan Islands, nestled between the United States and Canada.  Recently they bought an entire Island, saving it from logging, housing developments, and commercial use.  The trust will make it open to the public for limited recreation (mostly hiking and bird watching) on weekends during the summer months.

You can see it on the nautical map above.  Vendovi Island.  The trust had to take out a bridge loan to buy it from the family who owned it.  The loan needs to be paid back within a short time, so the trust is having fund drives and events to raise money to pay off the loan.  One of the events was a chartered boat trip to the island (it can only be reached by small boats, no ferries or planes).

The boat ride was about an hour, and we had around 40 nature-loving friends to talk to on the way.  For a time, the girls and I sat at the bow and talked with this man who pointed out all the different birds he saw, and showed us more information about them from his bird guide.

It was an unusually beautiful day for April, mid-60's, patchy clouds, calm waters, just a light breeze.

Double Crested Cormorants, the one on top drying its wings.

Little K was excited to spot things, including harbor porpoises and seals.  A was engrossed in the Judy Bloom classic, "Are You There God, it's me, Margaret," recently picked up at a thrift store.  I was so happy to see her actually reading that I suppressed the urge to tell her to put the book down and enjoy the view instead.  A struggles a bit with reading, so I didn't want to interrupt her. 

We're getting closer!  The yellow blob on the lower right is where we are headed.

Pulling in to the only dock on the island.  The modular house is where the former owners would have family retreats.  It will now house the Island's caretaker.

The boat we arrived on, the MV Light Keeper.  In front of it is a smaller private boat that another family used to join us.

After a brief introduction to the island's history, we were split into groups based on hiking speed and ability, and set out to explore with a guide from the trust.  There were a lot of sensitive vegetation areas, so we were told to step carefully at times.

Carpets of wild lillies along side the trail.  Try not to step on any!

There was excellent signage at all trail crossings.  The former owners used to rip through the woods on ATVs, but many of the trails have been closed off and will be encouraged to return to the wild.  There are Eagle's nests and areas of rare and sensitive vegetation to be protected.  Because it is an island free of deer and rabbits, some of the native plants are much taller and fuller than you'd see on other islands and the mainland.  What was normally only seen as a low-growing shrub, was a waist-high bush.

As we emerge from the forest onto a rocky bluff we are greeted by a new assortment of lichens, ferns, and wildflowers.

The view is breathtaking!

We pause for half an hour to eat lunch, and hear more history of the island from our guide.  Some snap photos, others consult lists of flora and fauna.

The Indian Paintbrush (orange) is just coming into bloom.

K and A tiptoe to their own little spot to enjoy the view.  My fear of heights and falling down the steep hillside has me firmly planted back on the trail, and utilizing my zoom lens for these shots.

The girls enjoy the sandwiches, apple slices, and cheese I packed from home.

What a great place for a picnic!

Back through the lillies into the forest....

The previous owner of the Island was buried here, but he stipulated that if the Island was ever sold out of the family, his body was to be removed.  He probably never envisioned a land trust purchasing the island, and was probably concerned about having a house built on top of him.  Last summer he was exhumed and transfered elsewhere, but I can't imagine going anywhere more peaceful than this.  The cemetary was edged in brick and generously sized, as if to hold future generations.  Four dog graves are off to the side, but their bodies remain.  I wonder how many Native American remains are on the island as well.

Soon it was time to leave, and we were back on the boat.  Leaving the harbor, we lost a fender and had to reverse course to retrieve it.  "Don't reach for it Little K!"

Fender back on board, we returned to Anacortes.

Initially the waters were still calm, but as we got closer the wind picked up.

It was a lovely day trip and a great taste of the summer to come.  Vendovi Island is definitely a treasure worth protecting, and I hope the San Juan Preservation Trust is able to raise the funds they need to ensure it remains free of development.

If you would like to read more about Venovi Island or make a donation to the San Juan Preservation trust, you can read more here.

Winter's Not Over Yet

 

Tuesday, March 13th, brought us some snow, along with a 2 hour school delay.  It snowed off and on through the day.

We live on the shoulder of a small mountain, at about 1000 feet elevation.  When my husband got home from work he suggested we drive to the top of the mountain, which is nearly 1600 feet.  We left the couple inches of slush at our house, wound our way upward 600 feet, and found a good 8 inches of pristine snow, just waiting to be played in. 

When we first arrived it was calm, but soon the wind whipped up and a little blizzard engulfed us.  After about 10 minutes it passed, and we could spot a bit of blue sky between the clouds.

The girls ran and rolled and played, while my husband and I reminisced.  18 years ago we were standing in this very spot, surrounded by a magical snow just like this, when we fell in love with each other.  We'd known each other a long time, but this was the place, and the exact scene dressed in sparkling snow, that we saw each other in a new light.  We've been back here many times through the years, but this visit just felt special for my husband and me, watching our children laughing and growing up right before our eyes.

The snow would be gone the next day, the temperature rising and heavy rains washing it down the hillside, flooding rivers and lakes below.   "Savor this," I kept telling myself.  Just like my daughters' childhoods, these joyous moments seem to pass quickly.

On the way home we passed by an abandoned housing development.  The roads, a playground, and this beautiful stone and timber fireplace gathering spot were built just before the real estate bust.  The hillside behind was clear-cut in anticipation of building million dollar mega-homes on tiny lots.  Someday it will be built out, maybe not as originally planned, but for now the girls enjoy this lonely playground, even on a snowy day.

 

Snow Scenes

 

Here are some scenes, without much text, of the week-long storm:

 

The first round of snow was minimal, but that didn't keep determined kids off the big sledding hill, mud and all.

 

 

More snow and colder temps arrive, which make for ideal sledding and skiing.

 

Starbucks was doing brisk business as it is located next to the big sledding hill.

When the cars give up, the skis come out.

Dinner outdoors one night:  roasted hotdogs, baked beans, and marshmallows over a fire.  By the time darkness fell more people had joined us. 

 

The best use of a plow blade: backrest for tired sledders.  We were thrilled when the truck broke down just before it reached our little sled hill.  The truck was towed away, leaving the blade behind.  I suggested we bury it in snow so when the new truck arrived to put it back into service, they wouldn't be able to find it and destroy our sled hill.

 

 

 

The ice storm arrives: rain from a warmer sky lands where it is just 26 degrees, and freezes instantly.

 

 

Igloo construction!

 

 

Beautiful icicles that formed during the thaw.  Now we are back to gray and rain, and I miss our winter wonderland.

 

The Snow and Ice that Came to Stay

Sunday... the fun begins!

Monday... on the way to the store, a little chilly and slushy, but not bad yet.

Tuesday... the abandoned blade from a city plow that broke down as it attempted to scrape our sledding hill.  The kids were very happy for that timely breakdown!

Wednesday... a main arterial near our house, usually busy with cars, has walkers, sledders, snowshoers, and skiers instead.

Thursday... no milk delivery, no newspaper, but USPS delivers!  I met him at the mailbox with hot cocoa and cookies.  He admited that ours was the last neighborhood he was going to deliver to, and that all the neighborhoods to the south of us would just have to wait until tomorrow.  He hadn't been home in 2 days.  Poor guy.

It's been a week since I drove my car, and it doesn't look like I'll be going anywhere, anytime soon.  First we had about 8 inches of snow, then we had freezing rain for about 12 hours that turned to ice on contact, since it was only 28F degrees.  It was supposed to be a heavy snow that lasted 2 or 3 days and was washed away with rain and much warmer temps in the 40's.  The weatherman was wrong, though.  The heavy ice has caused trees to fall, and widespread power outages.  We are lucky, we have power, but hundreds of thousands in the region are without.

My van, with snow and a crust of half an inch of ice.  I will be VERY SURPRISED if the engine starts after all this time and all this cold.

I wonder what Friday will bring...

Winter Trails Day 2012

 

 

We went to Winter Trails Day last year to try snowshoeing as a family for the first time.  As a result, we each bought a pair of snowshoes: 2 barely used from an REI "garage sale," 1 off Craigslist, and 1 on clearance from LLBean.  We did a couple snowshoe excursions last spring, but haven't done any yet this season.   The Mountaineers property at Snoqualmie pass is usually only open to paying groups, but on Winter Trails Day it is free and open to all, so we decided to go again this year.

This location is all about snowshoeing (other locations throughout the region offered cross country skis and instruction).  The vendors set up their booths with their hundreds of loaner snowshoes for people to try.  We didn't need to check out snowshoes this year since we had our own, so we went right into the woods to get started on our adventure.

Both girls grew a size and were in new (to them) bibs, coats, and boots.  A few years back I hit the after-season sales (80% off) and stocked up in every future size, so I just go to the garage and pull out a bin and have them try things on until they find what fits.  So far they've been consistent in their growth, getting one or two seasons out of each item, so nothing has gone unworn.

This way, or that way... to the fun!

It hadn't snowed for awhile so the snow was very crusty and hard.  Not the best conditions, but at least it wasn't slush.

The girls enjoyed scaling every little mound or pile of snow that fell off the trees during the previous week's warm spell.

Sometimes getting back upright was a challenge.

Little K got so overheated that she unzipped her parka and took off her mittens.  Not the best choice, but we knew hot chocolate was on the horizon, so I didn't argue with her about the need to keep her hands from getting chilled.  Her little fingers would soon be wrapped around a steaming cup of chocolatey goodness.

At the end of the day the vendors loaded snowshoes in these duffles by the dozen, clipped them together, and then hauled them back down the hill to the road (the only parking area).  It was a fun afternoon out in the snow, and we look forward to more snowshoeing soon.  In fact, snow is in the forecast for our neighborhood, so maybe we won't have to go to the mountains next time!

 

Fall Has Come

The house at the end of our street that was vacant after foreclosure last year has new owners now, so we couldn't play in their yard like we did last year.  About half of the houses in our neighborhood have a maple tree in their front yard.  Ours is a Japanese Maple, with probably a million tiny leaves.  Others have giant-leafed maples, with bigger, but fewer leaves.  Most homeowners deal with their leaves by mowing them into bits with their lawn mowers, and dumping them in the yard-waste bins for collection by the waste management service.  Others let their lawn-service people use those annoyingly loud leaf blowers to disperse them off their property -- sometimes into the street, often under the bushes to be left as winter mulch.  Few people seem to own a rake and make a pile for children to jump in anymore.  That leaves me.

Perfecting the peak of one of several piles.

Even after dark, it's fun to go out and play in the leaf pile.

During a quieter moment, after the jumpers had collapsed from exhaustion, we even brought a foster kitten outside to explore the leaves for a few minutes.

When we move from this house, I'm really going to miss this maple tree.  We can't take it with us, because it is huge, and also because the developer was very thoughtful about siting all trees directly over all the underground utilities -- gas lines, water lines, electric lines, sewer lines.  Some of our neighbors have had trouble with root intrusion because of this.  Stupid developers!  They had good taste in trees (sometimes), but poor judgement in placement.

Now that the leaves have all fallen, the kids are anxiously awaiting the first snowfall.

Tree Planting 2011

Fall is planting season for trees.  Creeksides choked by invasive Himilayan Blackberries are cleared, and the Mountains To Sound Greenway  is involved in restoring these areas with native plants.  Native plants provide the type of shade and shelter that spawning salmon need to survive.  The plants, when more mature, also prevent erosion and create biodiversity that supports an array of wildlife, including migrating songbirds.

After a tree is tipped out of it's pot, the roots need to be teased apart, and spread wide and evenly in the hole to anchor it.  This is important, because if you just pop the tree in as it came out of the pot, when a deer comes along and tugs on the foliage, the tree would pull right out of the ground.

Little K digs in with a volunteer leader and a new little friend.  Here the depth of the planting is checked.  Planted too low, water will pool in the clay soil and drown it.  Planted too high, roots will be exposed and it could die.

They started off wearing gloves, but soon cast them aside.  They wanted to feel the earth between their fingers, plus getting dirty for a good cause was just plain fun!  Thankfully hot showers were on the agenda when we got home.

The were photographed for the organization's website.  At the last moment Little K looks at me instead of the official photographer, decreasing the chances that this image will end up in the next newsletter.  Oh well.  We don't do tree planting for fame, we do it, along with all our other volunteering, because it is the right thing to do.

With proper care and protection, someday this area will be a forest again, with appropriately native groundcovers, and understory, and a high canopy of tall trees.  I may not live to see it, but hopefully my daughters can come back in 60 years and point up high and tell their grandchildren, "I planted that tree, and when I was a little girl there was no forest here."