Pullen Creek forest fire burning at night

The Pullen Creek forest fire near Eco Park, Kid Valley, and Mt. St. Helens was one of dozens started by irresponsible slash burning in the Pacific Northwest this month. Such explosive fire danger is a direct consequence of the climate crisis and poor forestry practices. 2022 has been dangerously and unusually dry, and despite recent rain this normally soggy region remains a tinderbox waiting to explode. 

Stop the Beehive Timber Sale! Save the Siouxon Ancient Forest

This past week I visited the wild and little visited valley of North Siouxan Creek to explore and document the old growth forest that would be destroyed if the Department of Natural Resources goes through with the Beehive Timber Sale. This area was burned a hundred years ago in the Yacolt Burn, and has now regrown into a complex, natural forest full of both big living trees and ancient burned snags. Everywhere I went there was the constant sound of woodpeckers, and I frequently heard larger animals moving in the brush. It's quite clearly a wildlife hotspot, and is prime Northern Spotted Owl habitat.

Historic Ferry sinks in Astoria Harbor - Aerial Footage of Tourist II Wreck

On July 28th the historic ferry Tourist II partially sank in Astoria, Oregon. This ferry used to provide transportation between Astoria, OR, and Megler, Washington prior to the construction of the Astoria Bridge. Sadly, this historic vessel now rests in the briny harbor where it once proudly sailed, it's future uncertain. It's unknown what caused the ferry to sink, and cleanup operations are in progress.

Northern Pygmy Owl enjoys an elegant meal

Hunting during the middle of the day, Northern Pygmy Owls defy the stereotype of owns as a purely nocturnal predator. These tiny little 6-inch predators can take down prey far larger than themselves! 

Cedar Waxwing Courtship Ritual

 

When the cherry trees are blooming and the air is heady with the fragrances of spring, the Cedar Waxwings dance their elegant courtship ritual among the blossoms. The male plucks a petal, then gently hands the precious object to his mate, who hops away, then back and returns it to him. The male then in turn hops away, then back to return the petal, and so this goes as the two form a deep connection.

Wood Duck Family

 

As spring brushes its joyful green fingers across the verdant hills, a mother wood duck brings her brood out to play upon the quiet waters of an emerald pool, tucked away in the folds of the forest. Here in this idyllic green oasis of nature the ducklings may grow in peace, exploring their world and finding wonder in everything. 

Redwing blackbirds leaping on lilypads

I observed this unusual behavior being exhibited by the Redwing Blackbirds in a local pond. The wide floating leaves of the lily pads are just strong enough to support the weight of a blackbird, and so they hop from pad to pad in search of the larvae that dwell on the undersides of the leaves. This is the first time I've seen these birds exhibiting this behavior, and its quite amazing to watch!