More Forest-y Bits

The forests can feel more encapsulating when seen in B&W. the contrast is lowered and the scene is darker.

PNW Forest

Here in the Pacific Northwest, we live in a temperate rainforest. The near constant rain from November to May or June, means that everything from the roofs of houses to the limbs on trees are upholstered with moss and lichen, and the understory is carpeted with ferns.

Eagles and Trees

Our friend from the last posting that seemed in a hurry to escape from a raven, was not actually the goal of the raven's flight. He was just passing through. Yet, the eagle still seemed pissed that he has to deal with the interloper at all.

From the Eagles' Point of View

Circling for a landing, this eagle is eyeing a good spot for lunch. Apparently, the service is pretty good and the price is right.

Eagles Everywhere

We see our pugilistic friends in the background as the local stakeholders sit and watch, "ain't none of my business!".

Survival of the Fittest

Eagles, like all other wild animals, work hard for a living. As these birds approach maturity, their battle wounds begin to show.

Eagles on the Wing

Perhaps because the fish are more active, the eagles got more active as the day went on.

A Busy Time of Day

The herons have found a place that suits their hunting style and their apparent desires to pose for the camera.

Teach a Bird to Fish...

There are plenty of hungry birds out here and many are quite successful fishers.

Successful Fishers

 

It is not surprising that the herons, with their long bills, are successful fishers.

Meanwhile, Back on the Canal Side

This heron is trying to land in what is clearly a good spot. He knows it is good sopt because all his friends are there.

Herons Galore

The roadway by which I stand crosses the stream that all the birds are focused on. On one side is the Hood Canal and on the other is a small pool that the herons seem to like quite alot for their fishing endeavors. the fellow above is using his wings to shade the water’s surface so he can see the fishes underwater better.

Eagles, Herons, and more

My first eagle in flight on this trip. It is not terribly sharp, but it is start.

An Eagle Posing for the Camera

ONe almost gets the feeling that this eagle is trying to stare me down. However, I am standing on the verge of the road with dozens of other photographers and traffic that keeps going by. I’m pretty sure there are other things besides me, trying to stand still and quite, for him/her to be checking out.

Getting Serious about that Last Morsel

I certainly would not want to meet this guy in a dark alley. Or a lit one either.

Picnic on th Beach

This fellow sweem to have caught a large fish of some sort and put on the beach to eat at his leisure.Notice that the beach here, like much fo the beach around here is covered in shells.

Lots of Eagles!

Every spring, there is a small fish called a midshipman that breeds in the Big Beef Creek near Seabeck WA. This is on the Kitsap peninsula where the creek empties into the Hood Canal. In May-June each year these fish move from the creek into the canal and this requires that they swim through some shallow water along the entrance to the tidal canal. This in turn, attracts hungry birds, especially bald eagles.

Big Beef Creek, Seabeck

Not too far away from Sequim is the village of Seabeck, on the Kitsap Peninsula. Here is where the Big Beef Creek joints the Hood Canal. Every year about this time, there is a small fish, called a midshipman, that runs through here to the canal. This brings out the birds in significant numbers.