Guess who is on Storm Watch near Foster Island? Have you noticed the ice covering Duck Bay? See the photos and read the latest on:
Have a great day on Union Bay…where nature lives in the city!
Larry
Windstorm Refugee | Union Bay Watch
If you have been out to Foster Island since the windstorm on Tuesday you may have noticed this topless cottonwood tree. I have come to suspect that a female pileated woodpecker may have been roosting in the tree. In any case, she has certainly been renovating a new shelter. See the photos and read the story on:
Have a great day on Union Bay…where nature finds refuge in the city!
Larry
In Black And White | Union Bay Watch
As you can see, this week’s title is not about bird photos in black and white. It is more about how we miss exceptional behaviors in common birds, even when it is happening right in front of us. I am learning I need to pay closer attention, there is a lot going on. See more on:
Have a great day on Union Bay…where nature lives in the city!
Larry
An Owl In Autumn Gold | Union Bay Watch
This week’s post shows the adventures of one of our young owls, among the golden leaves in the Arboretum. If you have not had the chance to visit the Arboretum lately, I would suggest visiting it soon, as the leaves are rapidly loosing the color and their altitude. You can see more “golden” owl photos on:
Have a great day on Union Bay…where nature lives in the city!
Larry
Waste Not, Want Not | Union Bay Watch
This week’s post time travels back to last summer when a young hawk devours a meal in the Arboretum. The hawks demeanor and the sight of blood seemed appropriate for a Halloween post. See more on:
Have a great day on Union Bay…where nature feeds in the city!
Larry
Gateway Parks – Fall Weeding, Trimming & Raking Party
Montlake Gateway Parks caretakers, Justine Kennelly and Greg Ahmann, are calling for neighbor or student volunteers to donate 2.5 hours of your time this Saturday, October 31st, 2015 – 9:30 until noon – to help maintain the Montlake Community Gateway Parks. The parks were donated to our community to help beautify the neighborhood and preserve green space.
Plan to meet up at the parks at the corner of 24th Ave and Boyer Avenue East and help us prepare them for winter by saying goodbye to some plants which didn’t survive the hot summer, weeding, pruning and raking. Bring your gloves, weeders, pruners, and rakes. Families welcome. Refreshments of cocoa, coffee, and cookies will be provided. It is a lot of fun!
It would be helpful to know if you will be able to come by. Please send an email to GatewayParks@montlake.net.
The History of the Gateway Parks
In 1976, W. Smith gave his lots at the east and west corners of 24th Ave E and Boyer Ave E to the Montlake Community Club. He did so because he understood MCC’s interest in protecting its green spaces and “its civic and benevolent direction”. In 1984, neighbors restored the west corner to a park after a Gas Station was closed and removed. In 2004, neighbors began restoration of the east corner removing the jungle of bushes by hand.
In 2011, MCC was awarded a Department of Neighborhoods grant to build a path and install northwest plants in the east park. The neighborhood raised $19,000 in cash and volunteer labor to match the grant.
In 2011, MCC was awarded a Cleanscapes prize to build a Kiosk, two solid cedar benches, and install a memorial plaque to Elizabeth Duncan, who was killed by an out of control car while waiting to cross the intersection.
Our neighbors in our community built these two parks for our enjoyment, safety, and beauty. Please join us to maintain this legacy.
Justine Kennelly & Greg Ahmann
GatewayParks@montlake.net
206 919 6118
Maintenance of MCC Gateway Parks
Trick or Treat
The Trick-or-Treat question regarding this photo is one of perception. Did you notice the beauty in the shape of the bird’s wings and tail, which I regard as the treat, or on the other hand, did you notice the second bird’s eye peering out from under the left wing, which I regard as the trick. Nature is full two-sided propositions, darkness and light, sickness and health, competition and compassion. Read more and see the photos of crows in combat on:
Have a great day on Union Bay…were nature lives in the city!
Larry
A Fall Feud | Union Bay Watch
This week’s post covers an autumn feud between two Bewick’s Wrens in the Arboretum. In the world of birds how loud you sing is more important than a deed to your property. Wouldn’t it be odd if that worked for humans? See more on:
Have a great day on Union Bay…where the feuding never ends!
Larry
Zen and the Art of Feather Maintenance
This week’s post is all about crows and the wide variety of things they will consume. It is almost like, if it is not bolted down they will eat it. I hope you enjoy the photos and have crow stories of your own to share! See more on:
Have a great day on Union Bay…where the crows will eat anything that moves!
Larry
Where’s Elvis
This photo shows Priscilla, our local female pileated woodpecker, using her tongue to search for food, near Elderberry Island in the Arboretum. Yesterday, she called for Elvis more than once without getting a response. See the photos and read the story at:
Have a great day on Union Bay…where nature lives in the city!
Larry
