Tag: Marine Drive

Mother’s Day – Continued

Lucy Feeds One of her Chicks on Marine Drive, Sequim

I’m stretching out Mother’s Day a bit since one never knows when they’ll be fortunate enough to grab a photo of our local bald eagles and their latest offspring.

And you may not be aware that the couple is lovingly known as Ricky and Lucy, after Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball, from the TV sitcom, I Love Lucy and that these two have been reproducing for at least 10 years, and some estimate 20. But each year they attract more attention than lavender, at least in May.

And until the chicks fledge in June, a group of local photographers, neighbors, passersby and even some out-of-towners stop by daily to compare photos, sightings, and stories about years gone by; when two chicks fell out of the nest, how they survived, etc., all while keeping an “eagle” eye out for any emerging fuzzy heads. And luckily, for us, one popped up today.

So if nest watching intrigues you as well, consider this an invitation to join us! Bring your coffee, binoculars, and/or camera, or phone, and either pull up a bench, or bring your lawnchair. The show runs non-stop, daily!

And…know that one of the concrete benches across from the nest is dedicated to Susie Killins. Susie was a dear friend and fellow eagle photographer who sold her photos and jewelry at Sequim Saturday Markets, but who sadly passed away in August 2023. Susie is truly missed by many and probably the eagles as well.

Introducing Sarah!

Sarah, a a 35-Year Old Yellow Crested Cockatoo and Sequim Resident

If you haven’t seen this gal around town, well, you’ve really missed something. Her topnotch is simply unmistakable and those dark amber eyes against her beautiful white feathers equates to one gorgeous bird.

Sarah is the avian-child of both Kathy and Keith, warmhearted and funloving Sequim homeowners, who have had Sarah for all of her 35-years. Because she can “talk”, she lovingly refers to them as “Mommy” and “Daddy”, tells them she loves them and when she needs to “go potty”, and knows a handful of other phrases that most two year olds can’t recite. Sarah loves to lift her wings and dance, entertain, and is often the life of the party.

To hear her speak is a delight, and if she squawks, like she’s doing here, you may want to step back…although high pitched and very loud, hearing her will tickle your funny bone and you’ll find it hard not to fall in love with her, as many have.

Often seen with Kathy and Keith near the eagles nest on Marine Drive, you’ll want to stop and introduce yourself. All three are some of Sequim’s finest and friendliest residents.

Oh So Cute Creature Sightings

A Short-Tailed Weasel Poses for a Quick Portrait

Lucky me! While stopping by the eagle’s nest on Marine Drive a very kind lady mentioned that she had seen a weasel darting in and out of the grass on the side of the road and just as she finished telling me, there it was!

This was my first encounter with a weasel and I was quite surprised at how small it was. I estimate it to be about 5 to 6 inches tall…tiny! And to get more information to describe it, I looked to the web and found Animals of the Pacific Northwest, a website owned and operated by Andrea Merrill, a Western Washington native and author. Here’s what she has to say about “our” weasels:

“The Olympic Short-Tailed Weasel

Found only on the Olympic Peninsula, the Olympic Short-Tailed Weasel is long and slender with short legs and short tails. Their coats are light brown with a yellowish underside. Despite their size, these weasels actually prey upon mammals bigger than themselves and will often feed on small rodents. Their slender bodies allow them to chase after rodents into their burrows. Frequently, they’ll kill more than they can eat and bury the rest to eat at a later time. Unlike other weasels, the Olympic Short-Tailed Weasel doesn’t turn white in the winter, as they stay brown all year round. They’re also great swimmers and found in open habitats near water.”

And just as she described, this little guy later preyed on a much larger creature, took it back to his hideout, and will probably send the next few days consuming it – or hopefully, he shared it with family and friends.

So just when you think you’ve seen it all…guess what, you never will!

Another Pavarotti?

An Eaglet Exercising its Vocal Chords

Shrieking at the top of his lungs, this youngster not only commanded the attention of his nest mate, but that of surrounding birds – and humans.

In this neck of the woods, his shriek is pretty much unmistakable, and certainly not comparable to Pavarotti, but that profile certainly reminded me of the grand master, and I found the look on the face of his sibling to be as equally entertaining.

These two were nest mates on Marine Drive a few years ago and with any luck and given enough food, they stayed in our area to build their own nests and to raise their own families.

But as far as brotherhood is concerned, eaglets, unlike humans, pretty much leave their attachments to siblings far behind and focus on survival – and maybe due to all the noise…