First-Bird Trifecta

First-Bird Trifecta

As a New Year’s tradition, some birders play a game known as “Bird of the Year,” where the first bird seen/heard in the new year becomes an omen or inspiration for the 12 months ahead. Some pledge to learn all they can about said bird, while others commit to simply...
Birdwatching Expert Shares Favorite Island Hot Spots

Birdwatching Expert Shares Favorite Island Hot Spots

As the holidays approach and the light wanes, we’re thankful that there are always natural wonders to experience on these islands, no matter the season. We are also thankful to the knowledgeable naturalists among us who help us uncover our islands’ natural surprises...
Barney and Blanche: a tale of barn owls nesting

Barney and Blanche: a tale of barn owls nesting

by: Mark Timken, owl painting by Beatrice Timken Hope just means another world might be possible, not promised, not guaranteed. Hope calls for action; action is impossible without hope.  —Rebecca Solnet, 2016, p. 4 “Look! An owl!” my partner exclaimed with...
Mystery muse

Mystery muse

By Kathryn True This fall as I walked down my street with a visiting nature-loving friend from Seattle, she suddenly asked, “What’s that?” We both stopped, delighted by an unusually loud and spring-like bird song, emanating from the forest across from my driveway on...
Six-gill shark, Orcas, salmon and more!

Six-gill shark, Orcas, salmon and more!

The resident Orca whales have visited Vashon shores twice this week, circling the island today in a “superpod” composed of members of J,K, and L pods together. They ping-ponged between the south end of the island and the Narrows for a bit finally swimming...