We have had a fantastic wildlife show this spring! A large school of herring has taken up residence around our dock and there has been a constant procession of predators feeding their way through the fish.
We've had a lot of baitfish in the bay this winter--this large school of herring has been around our dock for over a month! Earlier this winter, we had a large school of needlefish in the same spot.
The harbor seals are regular guests at the table.
Target rich environment.
Looks like a smile to me.
Stellar Sea Lions also made regular runs through the herring.
The resident river otters are getting their share too!
Things are getting cozy!
They're so cozy, they have to break off branches for a nest.
These two female Barrow's Goldeneye hang around the dock to feed.
Low tide exposes some lines that bring mussels right to beak level.
This female Surf Scoter gets her share as well.
The male surf scoter isn't left out of the easy pickings.
Toni, our resident Great Blue Herron taking a break up on her tree.
The large flocks of Pacific Loons have moved on, but we still see an occasional individual.
Far Out!
Another predator trying to figure out how to get Herring and Predators up in the grass.
Feather drying time.
This immature double crested cormorant drifted away with the root ball from "Moby Log" (See earlier post below).
An answer to the age-old question, "Does a cormorant shit on a log?"
Trumpeter Swans up at Sadie Lake. Yes, that's ice.
Later, the swans flew out to the bay.
We saw them swimming or flying around the bay several times.
Madge the mangy mink lives near the boardwalk. (Her friend Marvin has a nice full coat.)
