Category Archives: History of hikes and outings

Birding and Beaches in Port Townsend

On May 17, 2018, the Natural History Society sponsored a two-part day of birds and beaches at North Beach, first experiencing songbirds and then exploring the intertidal zone during a minus tide. All were welcome to join one part or both!

Naturalist extraordinaire Ken Wilson led an enjoyable two-hour saunter in the North Beach neighborhood and adjacent Chinese Gardens Lagoon (Fort Worden) to closely observe and interpret the spring  activity of our common songbirds as they establish their breeding  territories. He also taught us some easy ways to identify  birds by their songs.

Beginning at 11:00 am, beach naturalists Nan Evans and Wendy Feltham led a two-hour search for marine invertebrates, such as nudibranchs, crabs, anemones, and chitons.

We suggested bringing cameras, binoculars, field guides, appropriate footwear and clothing, and your lunch.  Eileen at  JLTnatural@saveland.org was the contact for any questions.

What’s that Flower/Butterfly/Crab?

Would you like to identify what you have found? We learned how to document our nature observations with iNaturalist, and create an online life list of every species we can photograph.

For a few years, Wendy Feltham has enjoyed recording what she finds outdoors on this international Citizen Science website. She explained how iNaturalist works, how scientists and naturalists help with identifications, and how to join or start a project.

We met on March 2, 2018, in the Land Trust’s Conference Room at 1033 Lawrence St. in Port Townsend.

Nature Photography Workshops

We joined local award-winning nature photographer Stephen Cunliffe for a presentation designed to help you improve your nature photography.

On March 9, 2018, he covered two themes: Composing Your Image and How to Abandon Your Camera’s Automatic Button.

On March 16, Stephen led an outdoor workshop for the same group to practice these skills. Space was limited. Dave at JLTnatural@saveland.org was the contact person.

Winter Twigs and Habitats on Whidbey Island

On February 17, 2018, the Natural History Society group walked onto the Port Townsend/Coupeville ferry for an outing
across the Salish Sea and a hike on Whidbey Island. Naturalist Cheryl Lowe led us as we explored a diversity of habitats near Crockett  Lake and Fort Casey.

We practiced identifying winter twigs, got an introduction to the  DNR Admiralty Inlet Natural Area Preserve, and learned something about  the geologic history of Crockett Lake/Keystone Spit, and how it’s managed today.

There was an active Bald Eagle nest nearby, and we saw many birds. A year ago we counted 40 species in this area, including Black Oystercatchers, Surf Scoters, Red-necked Grebes, Ancient Murrelets, and a Northern Harrier.

We brought binoculars and field guides, and prepared for whatever the weather might blow our way. Lee at JLTnatural@saveland.org was the contact for timing, location, and details.

Winter Nature Photography at Anderson Lake

On December 6, 2017, we brought our cameras to an outing at Anderson Lake, and explored nature photography with the Natural History Society.

We joined photographers Stephen Cunliffe and Wendy Feltham to observe and capture the beauty of winter.

As prize-winning nature photographer Stephen Cunliffe explains, “photography is all about seeing and visualizing, then catching what  you visualize.”

We gathered at a rendezvous point before going to the lake where Stephen shared suggestions and challenges of nature photography.  Then we all attempted to capture some images.

Afterwards, anyone interested in sharing their favorite photos from the morning gathered
at Farm’s Reach Café.

Photographers of all levels were invited, with any camera or smartphone. Due to very limited parking in winter, we met nearby to carpool.

Chris at JLTnatural@saveland.org arranged carpools and provided details.

Fall Walk in Cappy’s Trails

Everyone was invited to join the Natural History Society for a fall walk on Cappy’s Trails. There is a special magic in the woods as the weather turns and the days grow shorter. Plants and wildlife respond to the shift in seasons and prepare for the winter ahead.  We looked for signs of fall that can we observed in the forests and wetlands around Cappy’s Trails.

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On November 6, 2017, Ken Wilson and Caroline Robertson led a leisurely stroll through the woods to observe signs of autumn on the Quimper Peninsula.

We dressed comfortably for a slow walk in fall weather, and brought our field guides. The autumn rains brought a variety of mushrooms that we identified and learned about.

Janell at JLTnatural@saveland.org was the contact for location and details.