Tag Archives: Birding

Fall birds of Admiralty Inlet

On October 17, 2017, wenjoined the Natural History Society to discover the seabirds of Admiralty Inlet.

Preeminent bird biologist and delightful teacher Bob Boekelheide led our outing and emphasized the ecology and behavior of the local seabirds we observed.

He discussed how our location in Port Townsend relates to the birds’ annual cycles, why they’re here, what they’re doing, where they’ve come from, and where they’re going.

We surveyed the birds we found roosting at Point Hudson and swimming and feeding offshore. We then drove into Fort Worden to check for birds offshore from the Port Townsend Marine Science Center pier. We ended up at Point Wilson, also scoping offshore.

We brought binoculars and scopes, snacks and drinks, and a Discovery Pass to park in Fort Worden. Ken at JLTnatural@saveland.org was the contact for location and meeting time.

Hansville Greenway and Point No Point Nature Walk

salmonberryOn March 8, 2017, JLT Land Stewards Michele Olsen and Wendy Feltham Joined our Natural History Society for an almost-springtime walk through the Hansville Greenway.

The seven-mile route followed country roads to the historic Point No Point Lighthouse.  It continued through beautiful Buck Lake County Park and the Hansville Greenway trails.  In addition to meadow, pond and lake, there is a 28-acre wetland behind the lighthouse keeper’s quarters.

An alternative three and one-half mile walk takes you to the wetland area with an opportunity for birding. The park is a designated Important Bird Area on Audubon Washington’s Great Washington State Birding Trail.

licorice-fernWe suggested wearing light hiking boots and layers, and bringing water, snack/lunch, binoculars, and field guides. There was no limit to the size of the group.

Michele at jltnatural@saveland.org was the contact for carpool information and other details.

Cappy’s Trails Nature Walk

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAOn February 15, 2017, JLT Land Stewards, Cheryl Wallace and Lee Merrill Join our Natural History Society and , for a winter walk through the heart of Quimper Wildlife Corridor in a special area known as Cappy’s Trails.

This was an easy walk on well maintained forested trails (approximately 3.5  miles) through mostly undeveloped land, open space, and wetlands, where the lives of people and wildlife overlap within the city of Port Townsend.

Chestnut-backed chickadee

Meeting place was the Cook Avenue Cappy’s trailhead; we parked on Elmira Street, just off Cook Avenue, about 1/2 mile from Hastings. We suggested wearing light hiking boots, dressing in layers, and bringing water, snack, binoculars, and field guides.

There was no limit to the size of the group. Lee at jltnatural@saveland.org was the contact for carpool information and other details.

Urban Bestiary Neighborhood Nature Walk

deerOn January 12, 2017, the Natural History Society took an Urban Bestiary Neighborhood  Nature Walk.

Naturalist extraordinaire Ken Wilson led a search for squirrels in treetops, hummingbirds and woodpeckers at feeders, seabirds in the  marina, and other animals dwelling in urban Port Townsend.

We walked a loop that included Chetzemoka Park, Point Hudson, and a bit of Uptown.

goldeneyeWe met in front of Chetzemoka Park; dressed for the weather; and brought binoculars. Michele at jltnatural@saveland.org was the contact for information.

Winter Whidbey Walk

Barrow’s Goldeneye p.91

Barrow’s Goldeneye

On December 6, 2016, we walked on the ferry and joined the Natural History Society for a hike on Whidbey Island.

Naturalist Ken Wilson accompanied us, and he recommended bringing binoculars to watch for seabirds from the ferry. He said, “One of the treats of the day is the ferry crossing across Admiralty Inlet. Especially in the middle of the channel there are sometimes many hundreds of birds of numerous waterbird species.”

We explored the Fort Casey campus and looked for interesting plants, checked out the marshes for birds, found a warm place for lunch, and walked down the beach back toward the ferry. Ken says, “Within the forests, along the shores, and in the wetlands are quite a diversity of species of birds and plants.” It was a fun-filled day outing and a delightful opportunity to travel just a short distance from Port Townsend to experience some new scenery.

What we suggested bringing: hiking boots, warm jacket, rain gear, backpack with lunch and drinks, ferry fare, binoculars, camera, reference guides such as the trusty Plants of the Pacific NW Coast. Oma at jltnatural@saveland.org. was the contact for details.