by Ken Wilson

No two weeks are the same when it comes to our local bird life.
In this column, we’ll motivate you to notice more of what’s happening
instead of just trying to identify each species.

Many species switch their feeding behaviors in autumn. Robins
switch from earthworms to berries. The holly trees in Port Townsend’s
Uptown can have flocks numbering in the hundreds. Many ducks go into
full courtship mode with wonderful and humorous sounds and
behaviors. The forests seem mostly vacated because the songbirds have
ceased their singing from conspicuous perches; instead, they are to be
discovered by turning on your smartphone’s free Merlin app. It will
identify many individual birds that you would otherwise miss, either
because the vocalizations are soft, or the bird is hidden within the
foliage. (Merlin found more than 20 species in my P.T. backyard this
past week.) Backyard feeders are superb for observing bird behaviors.

Through November, our waterbirds increase greatly in number and
diversity, with most of these remaining through the winter.
Nonetheless, there are considerable local movements of birds, so that
whatever you discover on one day will be different the following day.
But not always… some individual birds, for example, will return to
the same precise location each year. Others, such as Red Crossbills or
Pine Siskins, do not share this ‘site fidelity;’ they may be abundant
one year and wander elsewhere the next.

by Cheryl Lowe

The Pacific Northwest (PNW) is renowned for its diverse and vibrant forest ecosystems, characterized by a unique interplay of climate, geology, and biology. Stretching from Northern California to British Columbia, this region encompasses temperate rainforests, coastal woodlands, and mountainous terrain. The climate, influenced by the Pacific Ocean, brings abundant rainfall and mild temperatures, fostering lush vegetation and rich biodiversity. Key species include towering Douglas firs, Sitka spruce, and western red cedars, which create dense canopies that support a myriad of understory plants, fungi, and wildlife. 

The ecological dynamics of PNW forests are shaped by a variety of factors, including soil composition, elevation, and human impact. The nutrient-rich soils, particularly in older forest stands, support complex plant communities and contribute to high levels of productivity. These forests are also home to a wide range of animal species, from large mammals like elk and black bears to countless bird species, amphibians, and invertebrates. Interactions among these organisms, including predator-prey relationships and mutualistic partnerships, create a balanced ecosystem that is resilient yet sensitive to environmental changes.

On September 17, from 7:45 to 1:15, the Natural History Society will lead a trip to Nodule Point on Marrowstone Island. We will be exploring the geological features of this unique environment. See the newsletter for more information and how to sign up. 

Day trips to Hurricane Ridge without a car are now easy and inexpensive. Bus rides from Port Townsend to Port Angeles are free, and the hourly bus ride to Hurricane Ridge costs $2 round trip. ONP admission is collected at the bus. Passengers can pay $15 or show a pass, including the lifetime Senior Pass.  

by Wendy Feltham

In summer, the Olympic Peninsula is a colorful wonderland of wildflowers. Pollinators make this happen— insects including bees, butterflies, and flies. We have hundreds of fly species, some pollinating flowers high in the mountains, and others at sea level.

It’s true that some flies harm crops and bite mammals, but many flies are beneficial insects. Insects in the Syrphidae family, called hoverflies or flower flies, don’t bite people. They’re essential pollinators of agricultural crops and native wildflowers, and the larvae of some species eat aphids.

Flower flies are usually small, about a half-inch long. It’s enchanting to watch them hover like miniature helicopters over their target flower before zooming in for nectar and pollen. Some “mimic” stinging wasps and bees. They tend to prefer white and yellow flowers.

Local entomologist Richard Lewis told me, “Flies (Syrphids) are some of the most evolutionarily advanced of all the insects and play several important ecological roles including decomposers, pest control, pollination, and as a food source for other organisms. They reproduce rapidly, have exceptional vision, amazing agility in flight,
and are highly adaptable. These qualities not only make them important in the natural world but also inspire many scientific studies and technological advances.” You can see more at the iNaturalist project, “Flies of the US and Canada:”
https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/flies-of-the-us-and-canada.