Teamwork

Two Unlikely Teammates

While photographing birds at my favorite local pond, observing these two species interact was a bit of a surprise and a joy to watch.

At first, the Junco (left) appeared to be feeding the brown-eyed cowbird (right), but then both had their mouths so full that they resembled a couple of teenagers stuffing down popcorn in a theater. So possibly, they were helping each other keep hold of their catch! I’d not seen anything like it and doubt I will again.

And if you read yesterday’s post, you’ll know that they were catching dragonflies and other insects, but instead of filling their bellies, these two took off to the trees to feed their young, and returned again and again to do the same.

So if you’re kids, or anyone else, needs a lesson in teamwork and nurturing, you have only to look to the birds!

Twice Smitten

Cedar Waxwings Munch on Dragonfly Larvae

As a continuation from yesterday, above is one of my “keeper” images from a nearby lily pond.

Again, if these striking birds strike a cord with you too, please see more from the experts at the All About Birds website from Cornell University, and now that you know where to find them, grab your binoculars and/or camera and go!

Smitten

A Pensive Cedar Waxwing Perches above a Pond

June marks the time of year these lovely birds show up and perch in our trees, nibble on berries, and surprisingly (at least to me), hunt down dragonfly nymphs.

My first encounters with their appearance, feeding, and nurturing behaviors occurred here in Sequim in the spring of 2019, and I must say, I was smitten. I found them to be not only beautiful but extremely agile, cunning, and more enjoyable to watch than any football team, even with a name like the SeaHawks – sorry football fans!

Personally, finding them was and still is a challenge except on our warmest of days and in ponds filled with lily pads – where one typically finds a plethora of dragonflies hatching.

At those times, groups of waxwings, and a few other bird species, dart back and forth over the ponds, snatch gobs of insects out of the air with lightening speed and maneuverability then transport them back to their nests to feed their broods. 

My self-imposed challenge is to photograph them in the process and to (hopefully) keep one or two of my hundreds of shots. But first, this beautiful bird deserves time in the limelight, as above. But if like me, you’re inclined to learn more about them, I’m happy to point you to the experts at Cornell Universities’ All About Birds website. 

The Dungeness Spit

A mid-day Walk on the Dungeness Spit

If you’re new to Sequim and haven’t experienced walking “the Spit”, like most of us, don your hiking boots, grab your poles and pack water. 

Although the majority of 1/2 mile forest trail leading to the spit from the parking lot is beautiful and relatively flat, once you approach the bluff things get tougher as you descend down the hill. The walk back up can be a struggle too, especially for anyone with joint issues. (Unfortunately, if you’re wheelchair bound, or need assistance, I know of no other way of getting to beach, other than by kayak, which of course can be challenging as well).

Once on the beach, prepare yourself for a 5-mile walk to the lighthouse if that’s your goal…no, I haven’t done it – and I have a kayak and I still haven’t done it! 

However, visiting the lighthouse was/is not my goal. Like many others, I prefer to walk the spit in search of shorebirds and wildlife, e.g., otters, loons, eagles (at least one pair nests in a tree near the picnic area parking lot), oyster catchers, etc, and to photograph the cliffside, the driftwood, and the view from the bluff.

And be it known that we have President Woodrow Wilson to thank for establishing the refuge on January 20, 1915, and for ensuring that our native bird population has a place to breed and thrive.

If I’ve kept your attention thus far, please visit the U.S. Forest Service website for more information, before you venture out, and whatever you do, DON’T FORGET YOUR CAMERA!

The World is Your Oyster

Workers Shucking Oysters

On the way to Gray’s Harbor and the Washington coast in May 2020, spotting these workers was a “Stop the car, now!” moment for me and I was fortunate when they agreed to pose, although they were quite surprised that I was interested in photographing them at all.

Given that it was a very warm day with little wind, I couldn’t help but think about the smell emanating from the massive pile of shells surrounding them and I wondered how they could possibly tolerated it, especially in the heat.

Clearly, shelling oysters would not be on my list of things to do before I die, but had I desperately needed a job, and this was the only option…well, maybe. 

But with that said, I’ve never been in that position, so indeed the world truly has been my oyster, as defined by Google: “the world is your oyster” means that you can do anything you wish or go anywhere you want in your life because you have the ability to do so. In spoken English, it is quite widely used to encourage someone that they have choices and can lead their lives in a way that they desire.

And although I despise eating oysters, I’m blessed to have had choices, and I hope you have too.

Catching Up…

California Poppies on a Misty Morning

While scratching my head as to what to post for today, it occurred to me that several of you asked about California poppies and since we see them very frequently here, they deserve some attention as well.

Maybe, to you, the golden tones of their petals are a reminder of the golden state and fond memories of the home you left behind, or maybe a childhood memory of fields of them lighting up a hillside?

Whatever the reason or emotion, they’re beautiful and this particular grouping certainly captured my interest. Although I photographed it years ago, it’s a lovely reminder of my walk with a friend (from California!) on the levee trail here in Sequim.

I hope they bring back fond memories for you as well.

Seafood Anyone?

Pike Place Fish Market

Since we’ll be headed to Seattle in the morning to transport a friend to Virginia Mason, via the ferry, I got to thinking about the last time I was there. Another friend and I nearly choked when we saw the price of seafood offered in the market and as you can see for yourself, those prices are choke-worthy!

But to try and justify the price, I tell myself that this is/was fresh seafood, as fresh as it can get, and the market is a huge tourist attraction that commands huge crowds from all over the world, not only for the product offerings, but for the experience, e.g., the chance to see clerks throw fish at each other!

There’s value in throwing fish, I know, I tried it as a child and I’ll never forget the end result, but then, I was attempting to throw it in the trash without being detected. I did the same with my mom’s attempt at boiled okra but then the whole family did the same.

In the market, tossing fish is photo-worthy; people cheer and clap even if the fish falls to the floor. Then they shell out big bucks to ship it to family and/or friends while fully aware that those people have Costcos nearby!

But then if you should think about tossing fish about in Costco, I must warn you…they have a catch and release policy but you’ll still feel a hook!