Week 10

Date: Tuesday July 11, 2013
Weather: Windy, Rainy, Cold
Temperature: 57-62 degrees F
Time: 3:30pm-5:00pm
Location: Union Bay Natural Area

PART I
Week ten has rolled around and there is still much to admire about UBNA that I have not yet discovered. This week we are to describe a few things in our chosen location (Shoveler's Pond, in my case) without using the scientific or common terminology.

1. First is a plant, described without using the words plant, shrub, tree, trunk, branch, leaves, stem, flower, or berry:

It emerges from the earth and produces several rough limbs which are protected by growths like scales. The limbs have many hands protruding at several intervals. The hands have fingers, thin and nearly flat, with one smooth and one rough side each. The fingers are green, and have large and numerous veins. Some of the fingers have turned brown as their life wanes. They are curling in death. Twice my height the figure stands tall and thin.

2. Now, a bird without using the words bird, legs, wings, feather, beak, call, song, egg, or nest:

The sky is symphonic yet not melodious as the figures scatter and regroup. They swarm and circle, crying "caw, caw, caw" together. They are black, and fade into specks as they fly away. 

3. And lastly, a personal choice:

An expanse consisting of dark colors glitters under the heavy light. There is constant movement, wrinkles begin and end, repeating their pattern without fail, disturbing its surface. It is revealing a double image of the life above it. It's cool, and filled with unseen formations and creatures. It parts and contracts effortlessly, leaving droplets on my boots.

PART II

1. How has your perception of your observation site changed through the quarter?

Union Bay Natural Area, and my pond in particular have been a fantastic place to begin noting phenology and become acquainted with nature in a city. For the first time in my life I feel far removed from the natural environment, I find UBNA, as well as Ravenna and other parks to be a comfort while living in Seattle. Largely, the experience was gratifying. My perception at the beginning of the quarter was twinged with a bit of hesitance because the land was so bare (and damn cold). I feared that there would not be enough life to draw meaningful observations from as the weeks passed. However, as the quarter progressed I found that UBNA changed with the weather, the flowers bloomed, the birds returned, the cottonwoods billowed, and the insects emerged from the earth. Having the privilege to watch the nature here shift from a slow, dormant stage in Winter to a rapidly changing natural area during the Spring was a pleasure. However, Union Bay Natural Area is still not far enough removed from the buzz of the city as I would have liked. From any one vantage point, one can spot cars, motorways, 20-story cement buildings, and the hum of technology use surrounding the small island of nature. 

2. How has your sense of the Puget Sound Region changed through the quarter?

As stated, some of the natural areas that I have visited within the cities are too urban for my liking at times, but that is not to say that Puget Sound does not have its own distractions, far more satisfying in nature, which draw me into its ambiance. Such as the joyous and even aggressive birds who effervescently sing for their mates, neighbors and predators to hear, or the density of the green Olympic National Forest, and the blinding, white mountainside of Rainier. The opportunity to explore an unknown region, become acquainted with the various species, and familiarize myself with their interactions has allowed for a greater appreciation of natural history. Not being an environmental science major, and embarrassingly not having taken an environmental science class previous to this one, I have been overwhelmed with the abundance of enthusiasm for nature, and charmed by the natural world's wholehearted response. The Puget Sound is a fantastic place to acquaint oneself with life outside of the comforts of town, and become aware of the solace that eludes many of those who do not take part in interactions with nature.

3. What does it mean to intimately know a natural place?

To know a natural place intimately is just as significant as having a meaningful relationship with another person. Humans have removed themselves from nature within the past couple centuries and as a result have since engaged in a continuous struggle to fill that gap. The current emptiness in our existence that would have been filled with an intimate knowledge of a natural place is often replaced with synthetic experiences with nature, such as hanging photographs of nature indoors, playing video games that take place in nature, buying fake plants, etc. Yet the only way to fill this gap is to enjoy nature as it is by taking part in a range of different activities in the natural world. Technology has a place, such as modern hiking gear, or mountain climbing gear, GPS for off-the-road trips, yet there must also be a time set aside for acquainting oneself with nature without the use of technology to amplify your experience. To truly intimately know a natural place I believe that one ought not take a camera with them, whether it be highly advanced or a feature on one's iPhone. The disconnect we experience with nature can be easily remedied. Put your phone down, go outside, and form a new relationship. This is similar to what we have been doing in class, yet with the absence of assigned material the experience can often hold deeper meaning. 

Week 8

Date: Monday June 3, 2013
Weather: Sunny, Clear
Temperature: 70 degrees F
Time: 3:30-pm-5:00pm
Location: Union Bay Natural Area

This afternoon in Union Bay Natural Area the birds are chirping with renewed frenzy as I trace the familiar trail to my site, which is now overgrown and thoroughly green. Having been able to borrow a camera I can now share photographs in place of my original notebook drawings and note the difference between that which I captured, and what the small camera exposes. Under the sweltering heat (I wore black...) I make my way through the tall grasses surrounding my pond, seeking shade. I have taken refuge in the shadow of a generous Oregon Ash (Fraxinus Latifolia). I note some of the distinct changes that have occurred since my last visit. Foremost, the pond is all but filled with different plants, and the water is barely visible through the tall rushes, which extend far above my head. The Mallards (Anas Platyrhynchos) and Gadwalls (Anas strepera) have gone (but are to be found elsewhere in UBNA) and have been replaced with swallows and wrens, or so I believe. The sectioned area of the pond that presents itself directly before me has sprouted the tall rushes, and as I draw nearer I become quiet curious about its inhabitants. Conveniently equipped with my rain boots I take as many steps into the murky water as I can, making my way around the plantlife. I spot a large nest inside constructed of what appears to be twigs, and different plants from the marsh area. The maker of the nest, no doubt a Marsh Wren (Cistothorus palustris), was unaware of my presence or simply away from the nest at this time (later I will encounter another, furiously singing Marsh Wren). Neither wanting to disturb the nest nor soak my feet I retreat to the other section of the pond. This section does not have rushes, but what appears to be a thin grass s[routing from the entire pond's base. I find that I have further access to this pond and place myself among the grasses near the center of the pond. 

This bird in the center of the photo was one of five of the same species swooping continuously around the marsh. Each bird possessed a great deal of energy, for they never seem to quit. I want very much to identify them but am afraid I would not be correct. The bellies are white, the heads black, the shoulders dark and reflecting blue/green tones. From under the birds I notice that the undersides of the wings were brown, and could not remember studying any birds that look like this. Audbon's only similar bird is the Tree Swallow (Tachysineta bicolor).

On another note, the plantlife here has taken off and surrounding the path is thick, impenetrable vegetation. The tall Cottonwood (Populus balsamifera) that rests on the banks of the pond has begun to produce cotton, which is scattered about the tree as well as the bushes below. 

When I first began to visit this pond I was not aware that the trees I had been sketching were Cottonwoods, I had been looking for flowers, but it was far too early, and now I am able to feel the cotton. 

Aside from the birds, whose attitudes grow warmer with the weather, I also spotted two Green Darner Dragonflies (Anax junius) who appeared to be mating. In fact, I did interrupt them.

Union Bay Natural Area, and my pond in particular has been a fantastic place to begin noting phenology and become acquainted with nature in a city. For the first time in my life I feel far removed from the natural environment, I find UBNA, as well as Ravenna and other parks to be a comfort while living in Seattle.

Nisqually Wildlife Refuge and Mount Rainier

Date: Monday May 13, 2013
Weather: Sunny, windy
Temperature: 70 degrees F
Time: All day
Location: Nisqually Wildlife Refuge & Mount Rainier
This week I did not visit UBNA, but took another field trip outside of Seattle and will be talking about the experience and observations made in these incredible locations. This is the first time that I have visited both the Nisqually Wildlife Refuge and Mount Rainier.
It was a pleasure to see both of these places near the Puget Sound, each of significant beauty yet the defining the details very distinct from one another. In the Nisqually Wildlife Refuge the trails wound alongside the habitats for many species. First we played the song of the Yellow Warbler (Setophaga, petechia) in hopes of catching a glimpse of one, and though he was at a distance, we were able to identify him and listen to his response to the recording. There was also a Sharp Shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus)  circling the sky around a large tree, most likely trying to catch the updraft in order to find a new location to catch small birds. It seemed the birds at his current location were aware of his presence and too cautious of themselves for him to successfully hunt. Next on the trail we encountered Cowbirds (Molothrus ater), there were two males confronting each other over a nearby female who seemed unperturbed by the rivalry. The Cowbirds lifted their heads up as they aggressively circled each other, they then dipped their heads and spread out their wings directly in each other's space. A third male then came and joined the group before all three took off, followed after some seconds by the female. I did not see the end of the confrontation here, but as they flew away, they did not immediately disperse. As we walked across the water there were Dragonflies (Order Odonata) which skimmed the top of the surface and reflected bluish tints in the sun. There were also Song Sparrows (Melospiza melodia), Cinnamon Teals (Anas cyanoptera), and Red-winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) around the water. Along the grassy dry patch there was a dead Garter Snake who had been left in perfect condition but had shed its moulting, leaving us to wonder what kind of death it met, and why it was not eaten by another species. Standing in the dry area I could also observe a Bald Eagle (Haliaaetus leucocephalus) perched at the top of a tree scanning the area with very malicious-looking eyes. Almost frightening through binoculars, I found myself hoping I did not catch his gaze. Before the snake, before I forget, were the Cliff Swallows (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) who make thousands of trips to the water and back to collect mud in order to make nests on the sides of the barns. Up-close the nests were very detailed and sturdy looking, they were grouped together often, and resembled small clusters of caves, and the birds were flying around in great numbers passing each other in the air. Later, though I did not see it, I heard the call of the Coot (Genus fulica) which is a parasitic bird who places her eggs in the nests of other Coots. The Coots however, have become very good at counting eggs and will often drown or peck to death the unfamiliar chick. If this is the case, in general, would the population of Coots ultimately decline? I wonder. After venturing down into the wetlands we were able to spot more birds, the most fun of the bunch being the Long-billed Dowitcher (Limnodromus scolopaceus) which hopped around the wetland sticking its long bill into the water looking for food. The Dowitchers are currently migrating north for the Winter. They are feeding incessantly at each stop along the way in order to keep healthy and energized for the next few hundred miles they will be travelling. Most likely stopping around Vancouver, BC next, and then towards Alaska.
After leaving the refuge we made the journey to the base of Mount Rainier where we drove the incline towards Paradise and compared an image of the Paradise-Stevens Glacier from the early 20th Century with our current view of the glacier. The difference was astonishing. The glacier has receded so far that it is now located behind cliffs that have had trees fill in the space once occupied by the ice. We also learned that the melting of these glaciers can cause major changes to rivers and streams flowing down the mountain, removing them by great lengths and clearing out vast areas causing disturbance to wildlife. Up on Paradise, the snow was many feet deep, and the wildlife seemed dormant. There was however, the deep beating sound of Grouse deflating their air-sacs  a sound which carries over the ground very well.
I found the mountain extremely beautiful, could not help but just stand for a while, gazing up at the peak from down below.

Invertebrates at UBNA

Date: Monday May 6, 2013
Weather: Sunny
Temperature: 65-70 degrees F
Time: 6:30pm-7:30pm
Location: Union Bay Natural Area
In the last few weeks Union Bay Natural Area has become much more colorful than previous visits. Many of the flowers are blooming and more birds have come and are actually visible. Due to the trip to the Olympic Peninsula I missed a week here, and have returned to a habitat with healthy Spring growth. Today, however, is specifically for invertebrates. We learned in lecture that Earth, viewed from an outsider, could be recognized as a planet of the insects. Many different species of insect exist on the planet, creating a very diverse population. The Class Insecta includes 30 orders, 10 million species, and counts for 50-60% of biodiversity. Generally, the term insect excludes many  'bugs' that we group into the term. To be more inclusive, there are also Crustaceans, Arachnids, Myriapods, and more.
The phylum, Hymenoptera of Homometabolis means 'membrane-wings' and includes two of the species I saw at UBNA. Unable to tell distinctly which species they are, the greater terms are ant, and bee! Both of these are 'thread-waisted' and are considered parasites of biocontrol. The ants I observed were crawling all over the small mound of earth that I usually rest on when observing my site, and seem to spread outward in all directs in dense populations. The ants seem to be of a very dark brown and black color and are swift, feel around with their antennae, and are particularly curious about my notebook. The bees here are not large Bumble Bees, but may be Solitary or Honey Bees. I did not notice any beehives but cannot help but notice the bees buzzing about the air around me, though they generally leave me alone and do not seem threatened by my presence. The bees were yellow and black, and probably on the search for flowers, or just coming back from a pollination outing.
Aside from the Hymenoptera I also saw a Dragonfly. This Dragonfly whizzed by the water in front of me, it seemed to be a metallic green-blue. We learned that the Green Darner Dragonfly is our state insect in Washington, but I cannot be sure if that is what I saw. However, I do know that Dragonflies are predaceous, and that they cannot fold their wings back, however, if I remember correctly, Damselflies do have the ability to fold their wings.
I am positive that there are countless species here to observe, insects are everywhere! I do hope that I see some more, weeks and weeks ago I remember seeing some very pale, small Butterflies, and if I see them again soon, I will be sure to include them in my list.
Insects' reputation does not reflect how useful they are. The biodiversity that they provide for this habitat is vital to the success of UBNA. However, I can understand the fear of insects in general, as they easily pass unseen, and are not entirely welcome in households because they may infest walls, furniture, food, etc. Out here though, they are not considered pests nearly as often, and many species are revered.

Sketches of Plants from the Olympic Peninsula

Following my initial description and first impressions of the Olympic Nation Forest, I will share some sketches I drew of the plants there (the penciled notes are  for personal recognition... they are far from scientific at times).

The (beautiful) Olympic Peninsula

Date: Wednesday April 30, 2013
Weather: Drizzling
Temperature: 60-65 degrees F
Time: All Weekend
Location: Olympic National Forest
       
 Southern Mexico excluded, the old growth forest here has the most resplendent of greens that I have had the pleasure to lay eyes upon.
          I am comfortably situated upon large stone located on the bank of Barnes Creek near Crescent River, all situated within the northern half of the Olympic Peninsula. I have just finished hiking a short trail leading to this point (and beyond), and was able to conduct some plant identification along the way. Various species that I have been able to identify or have been informed of are review from our Ravenna Park excursions in Seattle, but are of greater size and effect. Initially, identification proved a difficult task due to the high elevation of the forest canopy, however, I have since become more acquainted with the different traits and patterns of tree bark. Foremost, the deeply furrowed, gray bark of the Douglas Firs (psuedotsuga menziesii) here, which are of considerable size. The Douglas Fir is often a member of the canopy, though at the end of its lifespan it becomes a nurse log to many other species at ground level, which provides opportunity for understudy Western Hemlocks (tsuga heterophylla) to become members of the canopy. The Hemlock produces somewhat smoother bark and does not have the potential to reach the size that Douglas Firs may achieve. Birds were also abundant in the forest, I however had a difficult time spotting them. Near the Marymere Fall I was able to observe what I believe to be a Brown Creeper on a thin branch chirping animatedly, and earlier the class was visited by a Raven, most likely scavenging for crumbs. I anticipated that I would observe more wildlife outside of plant life than I actually did in the forest, but am nevertheless fortuitous to have seen these two birds.
          However, the plant life here is nothing short of exquisite. Beginning our trek into the forest we were shown some Lettuce Lichen (lobaria oregana) which has 'dragon's skin,' green lobes, and white where mold has grown. It falls to the forest floor to be consumed by other species in order for them to obtain nutrients. The forest also had many Western Red Cedars (thuja plicata) which have distinctive red bark and drooped branches. Among other large trees was the Big Leaf Maple (Acer Macrophyllum), a deciduous tree with palmately 5-lobed leaves, and the Grand Fir (Abies grandis) which has flat needles in two rows and cylindrical greenish cones.
          Some of the flowers found the Olympic National Forest were also very beautiful, such as the Western Trillium (trillium ovatum), a flower with three white petals, and three sepals. I also noticed an abundance of Red Huckleberry (vaccinium parvifolium), which is a shrub with tiny, elliptical, green leaves and green bark.
          There was also quite a bit of the Vanilla Leaf (Achlys triphylla), which is very small and has three leaves, shaped like fans, per stem. I found the Vanilla Leaf particularly charming due to its elegant fan shape!
Next, I cannot exclude the False Soloman's Seal (smilacina racemosa), which has long, elliptical, parallel-veined leaves. It was a favorite of the weekend, or so it seemed. There were also many sightings of  Elderberry (sambucus racemosa), a tall shrub with long, opposite, pinnately compound leaves, and 5 or 7 lanceolate leaflets. As well, pointed out by our professor on the first day was Devil's Club (Oplopanax horridum), which has tall, thin stems with many poisonous spines. Later, looking over the Elwha River were more Devil's Club which included large, green, blooming leaves with a palmate shape (though they were too far away to further observe). Finally, I want to mention Salal (Gaultheria shallon). It was something that I first became aware of during the hikes, it has large, ovate, fine-toothed leaves which are shiny and dark green in color.
          Between all of the species observed in the Olympic National Park there was a great amount of clear, observable competition and facilitation. My earlier description of the Douglas Firs and Western Hemlocks competing to be members of the canopy is one of them. The smaller Western Hemlock cannot become part of the canopy because the large Douglas Firs secure space and sunshine for themselves which allows them to grow to their full potential, leaving the Hemlocks as understudies. Facilitation is also commonplace with Douglas Firs, whose ability to provide nutrients and homes to other species in the forest when they die allows for these many different species to thrive. We were also able to locate some disturbance in the environment. It was visible by looking closely at the trees. The tops of many of the Douglas Firs at Hurricane Ridge had been broken, hanging horizontally creating right angles with the vertical trunks due to wind damage. There is also predation, which does not always have to be owls eating mice (which I did not observe), but also something as simple as the moss on a tree. Some mosses practice symbiotic relationships, however, the are also many which continuously profit from the tree without contributing to the tree's well-being. This is relationship can be deleterious to the tree if it is not receiving nutrients, water, or other necessary materials for life.
          Between all of the species I listed and the interactions between them it becomes clear that the ecological patterns here involve continuity and sustainability. Clearly facilitation and symbiosis are not damaging to the ecosystem, however neither is predation nor disturbance. Predation, a natural element in the ecological pattern is not an interruption unless an invasive species is introduced and creates a relationship with unrecognizable features. The health of some of the native species is compromised when those who are invasive cannot be counteracted or 'kept in check' by other biological forces. Disturbance, not being a hazard, is natural as well. Wildfires, wind storms, and floods occur in different ecosystems and these ecosystems have evolved to withstand such disturbances. As an example, forest fires remove many species yet do not completely eradicate them, leaving room for re-population. As to windstorms, which do not leave damage that cannot be undone. The Douglas Firs on Hurricane Ridge were still thriving, undeterred by the forceful winds' disturbance to their crowns.
          Largely, the experience was gratifying. The opportunity to explore an unknown region, become acquainted with the various species, and familiarize myself with their interactions has allowed for a greater appreciation of natural history. Not being an environmental science major, and embarrassingly not having taken an environmental science class previous to this one, I was overwhelmed with the abundance of enthusiasm for nature, and charmed by nature's wholehearted response.

WEEK 3

Date: Monday April 22, 2013
Weather: Windy, partly cloudy
Temperature: 55-60 degrees F
Time: 5:30pm-7:00pm
Location: Union Bay Natural Area

This week the weather did not improve as it had between the last two weeks, my site is becoming greener though and I am now able to identify a few species of plant life here. First and foremost I am delighted to say that I have identified my great tree, which to my confusion was actually exactly that which I had suspected it to be, but I had been swayed by an absence of cotton, that will come later. That's right, it's a Cotton Wood! 

1) Cotton Wood, Populus balsamifera, member of the Willow family. I  learned that this tree will produce a catkin flower, and sticky, yellow buds which are quite fragrant. The leaves of the Cotton Wood are arrow shaped, ovate, entire, shinny above, and dull gray below. The bark is gray and the trees retain much water which makes them unsuitable for wood burning (they are wetland indicators). The Cotton Woods here are also very tall, and grow alongside the pond in the shallow water.

2) The Rush, Juncus effusus, is the second species I would like to identify, which explains why I had thought I had seen Idaho Fescue (but clearly, did not). It has a single round, long stem and at this point most of the Rush is from last year, but in the center of the Rush, located in the pond, there is new, green color from this season.

3) The Pacific Willow, Salix lucida, also borders the pond. It is pretty tall, but not as tall as the Cotton Woods here, in general. It has oval/elongate, fine toothed, lanceolate, leaves with small hairs, yellowish twigs, and produces catkins. The bark is grayish and furrowed, and it grows in the same shallow water as the Cotton Wood. Interesting fact: the Pacific Willow is prone to hybridization with others.

4) Red Osier Dogwood, Cornus sericea, is a thick looking shrub which is just as abundant in the area. The first thing that I noticed about it was the red hue of the twigs, then when we examined the leaves closely; the longitudinal veins of the leaves were noticeable, as well as an opposite leaf pattern, and an elliptical, entire shape. The Red Osier Dogwood grows in the dry and wet areas here. 

5) Oregon Ash, Fraxinus latifolia, is a member of the Olive family. It has opposite, pinnately compound leaves that count 5 to 7 on a stem, which are elliptical in shape, entire, and have a hairy underside. The bark is gray, and furrowed in forking ridges. It is growing in the drier area alongside the walking path.

6) Sitka Spruce, Picea sitchensis, is a member of the Pine family. The needles surround the twig and are stiff, and the cones hang down and are cylindrical with thin, papery scales. The bark is gray and thin, and there are very bright green buds on the ends of the tree branches here. The tree is growing in the drier grassy areas.

7) Ponderosa Pine, Pin ponderosa, is also a member of the Pine family, naturally. The needles are bundled in groups of three, and the cones are egg-shaped and reddish. The trees' bark is thick and brown-colored, and the tree also grows in the drier grassy areas here.

8) Pacific Madrone, Arbutus menziesii, is a member of the Heath family. The flowers on the Pacific Madrones here are very small, white, and bell-shaped, and bark is smooth and red with dense cold wood ("refrigerator tree"). The leaves are waxy and elliptical/oblong with small tooths, and a simple pattern. The tree is also growing alongside the drier walking path area.