October 2014
Fall is descending upon us and we see it in the migration habits of many bird species. In my yard, the first Varied Thrush appeared and was still singing its flute-like notes. Also, over 100 Cedar Waxwings, mature and immature, came to my water feature to drink and bathe. It seems a mystery to me how birds manage to find each other to flock together for their migrations. But we see this phenomenon in many species including the European Starling or Red-winged Blackbird.
On a recent trip to Yellowstone, my husband and I marveled at the vast herds of Bison, Antelope and Elk within the park. These animals don’t migrate, but do wander from one section of the park to another seeking grass. Yellowstone offers a perfect opportunity to see and photograph animals in a natural setting. The park rangers have a difficult job of keeping the many tourists safe from the seemingly benign Bison and Elk. Having the opportunity to connect with nature is important to people. But it is equally important to not disturb animals; observe them from a safe distance.
We are fortunate on Mercer Island to have our own parks that provide habitat for many birds and animals. It would be easy for someone to track weekly the birds and animals they see in a particular park, or even one’s own back yard. Or visit the Peapatch, part of Luther Burbank Park, above the community center. This time of year, the patch provides seeds from sunflowers that Black-capped Chickadees enjoy. The Anna’s Hummingbird will remain at the patch during the winter gleaning small insects and sipping nectar from flowering plants. American Goldfinch, House Finch, Golden-crowned Sparrow are some of the species that you can find there during the winter. Red-tailed Hawk and Bald Eagles seem ever present. The crows will tell you when they are near.
The photo below is of a flock of Sandhill Cranes taken in Yellowstone. But these birds may occasionally be seen flying over Mercer Island.
Fall is descending upon us and we see it in the migration habits of many bird species. In my yard, the first Varied Thrush appeared and was still singing its flute-like notes. Also, over 100 Cedar Waxwings, mature and immature, came to my water feature to drink and bathe. It seems a mystery to me how birds manage to find each other to flock together for their migrations. But we see this phenomenon in many species including the European Starling or Red-winged Blackbird.
On a recent trip to Yellowstone, my husband and I marveled at the vast herds of Bison, Antelope and Elk within the park. These animals don’t migrate, but do wander from one section of the park to another seeking grass. Yellowstone offers a perfect opportunity to see and photograph animals in a natural setting. The park rangers have a difficult job of keeping the many tourists safe from the seemingly benign Bison and Elk. Having the opportunity to connect with nature is important to people. But it is equally important to not disturb animals; observe them from a safe distance.
We are fortunate on Mercer Island to have our own parks that provide habitat for many birds and animals. It would be easy for someone to track weekly the birds and animals they see in a particular park, or even one’s own back yard. Or visit the Peapatch, part of Luther Burbank Park, above the community center. This time of year, the patch provides seeds from sunflowers that Black-capped Chickadees enjoy. The Anna’s Hummingbird will remain at the patch during the winter gleaning small insects and sipping nectar from flowering plants. American Goldfinch, House Finch, Golden-crowned Sparrow are some of the species that you can find there during the winter. Red-tailed Hawk and Bald Eagles seem ever present. The crows will tell you when they are near.
The photo below is of a flock of Sandhill Cranes taken in Yellowstone. But these birds may occasionally be seen flying over Mercer Island.
