I created my own nest in this tree. Can you guess what kind of bird I am? Would you like to visit me in the Arboretum?
Find out more at Union Bay Watch. Also, the 520 eagles have been patiently sitting on their Broadmoor nest this spring, so more eaglets could hatch any day now.
Images: unionbaywatch.com
These first of the year ducklings escape being breakfast for one of our local birds.
You will never guess what type of birds helped them escape their fate. Learn more on:
Image: unionbaywatch.com
This week’s post on Union Bay Watch shows a couple of local Pileated Woodpeckers defending their new nest. Is the male bird Elvis, the PW we have been seeing around Montlake, or is he an impersonator? Take a look and see what you think.
If you haven’t been out to Foster Island lately you may want to take a walk and watch for…
…Ducks in Trees. The wood ducks are looking for nesting sites. You should bring your binoculars so you can get a good view without scaring them away. If you would like to see more photos and videos check out Union Bay Watch.
Mergansers are a a special breed of diving ducks found on Union Bay primarily in the winter. Do you know both types you are likely to see? Do you see any connection to Seattle baseball? Find the answers on: Union Bay Watch.
This week Elvis has been seen three times working in the park near the mouth of Arboretum Creek. Usually he is working away towards the top of one of the standing alders.
However on Monday he spent enough time working on this fallen log to allow a short video.
Near by a smaller relative with similar markings has been working as well.
This bird is either a Downy or a Hairy Woodpecker. Do you know how to tell the difference?
Learn the difference and see the Elvis video on Union Bay Watch.
These beautiful young owlets may very well be some of the first Washington birds hatched in 2013.
Image: unionbaywatch.com
In the last month this type of bird has been seen a half a dozen times at Magnuson Park. It would not be surprising for it to visit the Union Bay Natural Area as well. Both areas are prime hunting grounds for this bird. Know what it is? Union Bay Watch has the scoop. Best read up, you never know when you might get the chance to SEO this beautiful bird. Here is the link.
A Snowy Owl (not the CH bird) courtesy UBW.
The Capitol Hill Snowy Owl will be returned to the “wild” on Saturday at Volunteer Park by Sarvey Wildlife Care Center. Union Bay Watch has all the details including the run down on how the injured bird was captured and now nursed back to health.
With the help of Seattle Audobon the Great Blue Heron was selected as the Seattle City Bird in 2003. The “S” shaped curve of the neck and head somehow seems appropriate.
Under the circumstances it makes sense that we should know a bit about what the Great Blue will eat. If you would like a fun challenge write down every type of Great Blue Heron prey that comes to mind. Union Bay Watch has an unofficial list of list of GBH prey — in pictures — where you’ll hopefully find one or two surprises. Click here to be surprised.
