This morning near Elderberry Island a female mallard was teaching her three ducklings how to survive in the wild world of Union Bay. Until they learn to fly Union Bay is their whole world and learning quickly is critical to their survival. See their progress on Union Bay Watch.
Priscilla’s in the Park | 520 Eagle Update
Priscilla (the mate of Elvis) is out of the nest and feeding in the Arboretum. These are my first photos of her in over two months as she has been in nesting mode. She and Eva (the 520 eagle) have created a couple of birding mysteries. Read more about them on Union Bay Watch.
Larry
Eaglet Watch | May Flowers
This week’s post is about waiting for the eaglets to arrive and identifying native flowers while we wait. If you are up for the challenge take a look on Union Bay Watch.
Larry
A Duckling’s Leap | Union Bay Watch
This little duckling faced a difficult dilemma earlier this week. “Do I leap off a log, fives time my height, in order to keep up with my mother and siblings, or do I try to find a safer, slower and lower way to the water.” See the photos and find out what happened at: Union Bay Watch.
Happy Mother’s Day!
Larry
Labors of Love | Union Bay Watch
Ah, the things we do for love. Even in the world of birds love is a powerful motivator. Find out more about the power of love near Duck Bay on Union Bay Watch.
Have a great day on Union Bay…where nature lives in the city!
Larry
Immature Eagle Near 520
If you were in the Arboretum yesterday you might have seen this young eagle. The eagle appeared to be planning on fish for lunch. Its hunting strategy was very different than the way in which Eva and Albert hunt. If you would like to see more photos and learn about this young eagle’s approach to hunting (or fishing) please visit Union Bay Watch. Thank you!
House Hunting Controversy
Have you and your spouse ever had difficulty picking a house. It appears that a pair of Downy Woodpeckers are experiencing the same problem in the Arboretum. The question is who will get their way? Where will the eggs be laid? Where will the children go to school? Find out more at Union Bay Watch.
Interlaken and Beyond
You can see the nesting site this little wren has chosen in Interlaken Park and you can hear it sing as well on Union Bay Watch. There is also information about a special little gull at Magnuson Park. Plus there is a mystery photo of another bird that has been looking for a nesting site in Interaken. You can see the photo in the post and there are additional photos and information posted at the East Gateway Park at Boyer and 24th Avenue. I hope you enjoy the photos.
Hope for Owlets
This Barred Owl photo was taken yesterday evening in Interlaken Park. The unresolved issue is, “Are we seeing just one owl or has a new male showed up to help feed the female while she sits on eggs?” Our best hope for owlets is if the female gets help. Find out more at Union Bay Watch.
Life and Death in Interlaken Park — Barred Owl Dies from Poisoned Rat
Sadly, this week’s UBW post has to do with the death of one of the Interlaken Park Barred Owls. While the death was not intentional it could have been avoided. If you would like to offer your alternatives to using rat poison they are welcome in the comments section of this weeks Union Bay Watch post. However knowing how much we all care about the owls please offer the comments with empathy because the person or persons using rat poison may have never consider the impacts before. Thank you!
Visit Union Bay Watch to learn more about the rat infestation in Interlaken, the owls that feed off the rats, and a conversation about pest control.