Surprise!

This is last month's "new-to-me" Bald Eagle nest, south of Portage Bay. I am guessing this nest was built by Monty and Marsha because historically Portage Bay has been part of their territory, and also because their Montlake Cut nest was unused this Spring. 

By the way, given the size of this nest, I wonder if they might have built this nest much earlier in the year. Could they have laid eggs and raised young without anyone noticing? If anyone saw or photographed Bald Eagle activity here in the Spring, I would love to know.

Along with the new nest, this sketch shows the locations of the three previous Union Bay Bald Eagle nest sites. It also shows what I consider their most common flight paths, i.e., my rough understanding of their territories for the previous six or seven years.  

The most common way I have to infer the size of their territory is to watch which way they fly when they leave a perch. Over time, I identified some of their habitual perches around Union Bay. However, at this point, I could use help determining where their most common perches are around Portage Bay. So far, I have noticed them landing in the Cottonwoods and on the snag north of the Montlake Community Center.

Watching them fly near the end of the day tends to be a prime time to see them approach their nests. Also, sometimes after catching food, eagles will return to eat near the nest. Plus, during Spring and early Summer, when they have eggs or young in the nest, they tend to return and stay in their nests quite often. We will learn a lot in Spring.

On 11/26/25, my friend Martin Tweedy informed me that two Bald Eagles were sitting on top of Husky Stadium. (Even at a distance, the female is visibly larger.) Perching on the Stadium struck me as quite odd. I don't remember Bald Eagles sitting up there, during the last 15 years. Often, Monty and Marsha (and sometimes Talia and Russ) would perch in the trees to the east of the Stadium. The trees are closer to the water and seem like better locations to watch for feeding opportunities, like ducks and fish.

As quickly as possible, I grabbed my camera and headed over to the Sky Bridge. It provides an excellent view of the Stadium, and the sky above Union Bay, Montlake and some of Portage Bay. 

The combination of the new Bald Eagle nest in Portage Bay, the apparent abandonment of Monty and Marsha's Montlake Cut nest, and the new behavior on the Stadium caused me to  wonder Who are these eagles? I was wondering which nest belonged to them. I waited and watched to see which way they would fly at the end of the day.

As darkness fell, the larger presumably female Bald Eagle left the stadium and flew directly toward me. As she passed over my head, I caught this dimly lit photo. She continued on in a straight line. Seconds later, the other eagle followed. They disappeared from view above the northern part of the Arboretum.

This area falls in the borderland between the "historical" territories of Monty & Marsha and Eva & Albert. Their direction of flight did not seem to resolve anything. I had been hoping they would fly toward the new nest in Portage Bay or maybe one of the previously known nests. I certainly did not expect a fifth choice. The observation increased my confusion, rather than reducing it.

Lucky for me, two days later, on 11/28/25, I got a message from my friend, Dhammadinna, that Bald Eagles were actively nest building in the north end of the Arboretum. I immediately headed to the Arboretum.

Richard Marks, who had crossed paths with Dhammadinna, was searching for the eagle nest from the Willcox Bridge. He mentioned it was easier to see them from the north side of Foster Island Road, so we headed over that way. 

At this point, the pieces start to fall in place. This new nest was at the same place where the Bald Eagles coming from Husky Stadium had disappeared, two days earlier. 

In addition, earlier in November, I received a message from Justin Green, Senior Gardener in the Arboretum. He mentioned Bald Eagles were seen gathering branches on Foster Island and flying to the southwest. I had searched this area but had been unable to spot any Bald Eagle activity. 

During the winter, Bald Eagles will work on their nests, but their efforts are often sporadic. I suspect it may be related to good weather, good hunting and a great night's rest. 

Plus, this nest is pretty well hidden in the blown-out top of a Fir tree. (Thank you, Joanna and Carl for correcting my initial assumption about the tree species. See the Going Native section below to learn more about this particular tree.)

Learning that we have two new Bald Eagle nests, within a mile of each other, in the space a one month is mind-boggling. Especially, given that from 2011 until this month, I have only known about one totally new Bald Eagle nest site around Union Bay. 

Granted, many nests have fallen and been rebuilt during the last 15 years, but to my knowledge, they have all been restored in either the same tree or one close by. Finding out about two new nests in two totally new sites, in just one month, is incredible.

I have often thought that if we had fish in Arboretum Creek, the fish would attract more Bald Eagles. (This post from 2012 was my first expression of the idea.) However, never in my wildest dreams did I expect that Bald Eagles would return and nest next to the creek before the creek was "daylighted" and before the fish were enabled to return.

Hopefully, by Spring, we will have the answers to some of the following questions. Will we have Eagles nesting in all four of the currently expected locations i.e., Portage Bay, The Arboretum, Broadmoor (Eva & Albert), and the old Talaris Site (Talia & Russ)? Is there any chance Eva and Albert have expanded their territory to the west and, perhaps, they are this new pair? What are the dimensions of the new territories? Will the newest territory assumptions in the last graphic remain accurate? How will these changes impact the territories and behaviors of the existing Eagles? Will the new Eagles teach their young to hunt from the top of Husky Stadium?

It has been fun to watch the new pair coming and going back and forth from Husky Stadium to the Arboretum. After the UW football game on the 29th, they seemed to abandon the Stadium for a few days, but as of earlier this week, they were back. 

I have also noticed them perched in the Douglas Fir tree next to Parking 16, just north of Foster Island Road.

Earlier this week, as darkness approached and the crows flew past, the Eagles reacted.

It is always nice to hear their voices.

************************

Breaking News:

My friends, Thomas and Helen Spiro, Have just published a wonderful new book:

"In clear, non-technical language this book tells you how the world's environment works. How are humans affecting it, and what does that mean for the future of the planet?

Go behind the headlines to understand what's really happening in the areas of climate change, energy use, pollution, access to clean air and water, biodiversity, and food production. Explore the problems we face, and the positive measures we can take to solve them, Learn how careful, informed stewardship helps us move toward a sustainable future."

Rather than simply focusing on the challenges, Tom and Helen have also included stories of stewards from around the world, who are working to help address these issues. From a mental health perspective, it is certainly great to hear about all the positive efforts. 

Earth Wise - A Guide to Today's Environmental Issues

The content and timing of this book's release inspired me to think of it as a holiday gift idea. Happy Holidays!

****************

Have a great day on Union Bay...where nature lives in the city and Black Birders are welcome!

Larry

Going Native:

Each of us who breathes the air, drinks water, and eats food should be helping to protect our environment. Local efforts are most effective and sustainable. Native plants and trees encourage the largest diversity of lifeforms because of their long intertwined history with our local environment and the local native creatures. Even the microbes in the soil are native to each local landscape. 

I hope we can inspire ourselves, our neighbors, and local businesses to respect native flora and support native wildlife at every opportunity. I have learned that our most logical approach to native trees and plants (in order of priority) should be to:

1) Learn and leave established native flora undisturbed.

2) Remove invasive species and then wait to see if native plants begin to grow without assistance. (When native plants start on their own, then these plants or trees are likely the most appropriate flora for the habitat.)

3) Scatter seeds from nearby native plants in a similar habitat.

4) If you feel you must add a new plant, then select a native plant while considering how the plant fits with the specific habitat and understanding the plant's logical place in the normal succession of native plants. 

*************** 

Keystone native plants are an important new idea. Douglas Tallamy, in the book "Nature's Best Hope, " explains that caterpillars supply more energy to birds, particularly young birds in their nests, than any other plant eater. He also mentions that 14% of our native plants, ie Keystone Plants, provide food for 90% of our caterpillars. This unique subset of native plants and trees enables critical moths, butterflies, and caterpillars that provide food for the great majority of birds, especially when feeding their young. 

Note: Flowering plants and trees, i.e. those pollinated by bees, are also included as Keystone Plants.

This video explains the native keystone plant concept in more detail:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5cXccWx030

The Top Keystone Genera in our ecoregion i.e. Plants and trees you might want in your yard: 

Click Here

Additional content available here:

https://wos.org/wos-wp/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Native-Plant-Resources-10-7-22.pdf

***********************

In this area, I typically display at least one photo with each post to challenge us to know our native lifeforms. This week we have two sets of photos. The first set belongs to one of our native conifer trees, and the second set belongs to another. Your goal is to determine which two trees they are before scrolling down to the answer.

1A:

1B:

2A:

2B:

Scroll down for the answers.

******************

1. Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) is shown in the first set of photos.
2. Grand Fir (Abies grands) is shown in the second set of photos.

The two tallest conifers in the middle of this photo are a Grand Fir (on the left) and a Douglas Fir (on the right). The Arboretum Bald Eagles, introduced in this post, are building their nest in the "blown-out" top of this Grand Fir. 

The approximate location of this tree is shown earlier in the second sketch. However, it may help to realize the broken trunk in the left front of this photo is the remains of the tree that was destroyed by lightening, a few years ago.

*****************

The Email Challenge:

Over the years, I have had many readers tell me that Google is no longer sending them email announcements. As of 2021, Google has discontinued the service.

In response, I have set up my own email list. With each post, I will manually send out an announcement. If you would like to be added to my personal email list please send me an email requesting to be added. Something like:

                Larry, Please add me to your personal email list. 

My email address is:  

                     LDHubbell@comcast.net

Thank you!

*******************

The Comment Challenge:

Another common issue is losing your input while attempting to leave a comment on this blog. Often everything functions fine, however, sometimes people are unable to make it past the robot-detection challenge or maybe it is the lack of a Google account. I am uncertain about the precise issue. Sadly, a person can lose their comment with no recovery recourse. 

Bottom Line: 
If you write a long comment, please, copy it before hitting enter. Then, if the comment function fails to record your information, you can send the comment directly to me using email.

My email address is:  

                     LDHubbell@comcast.net

Sincerely,

Larry

Parting Shots:

Winds of Change

Monty and Marsha (presumably) in their new nest.

I have not seen anything that suggests these two are not Monty and Marsha. However, I recognize that a lack of evidence does not constitute proof positive. However, this new nest is within the western part of their historical territory. If this was a new and different pair of adult Bald Eagles, I would have expected that someone would have reported seeing all four adults having a territorial conflict, during the time this new nest was being built.

Monty and Marsha arrived and began building their first Montlake nest in November of 2017, near the S.E. corner of Montlake Cut. Click Here - to read that story. I still remember being filled with equal parts of excitement, optimism and disbelief. I was stunned that a pair of wild and free Bald Eagles would choose to build a nest between the 520 Freeway and Montlake Cut, two of the busiest places in Seattle. Not only that, the nest was visible and first seen, from Montlake Bridge. Imagine the unending traffic sounds of cars, buses and boats. Plus, there are the highly amplified sounds of ringing bells and horns blowing every time the Montlake Bridge goes up and down. Finally, that volume level gets multiplied exponentially on game days with the arrival and partying of an extra 75,000 Gulls, Crows and football fans.

For most of the last eight years, Monty and Marsha have centered their lives around their nest(s) at the east end of Montlake Cut, despite all the distractions.

In 2018, their nest collapsed in stages, and ultimately, both of their offspring ended up on the ground without the ability to take off and fly. Click Here - to read about the very eventful release of the uninjured one. The release of the second one went better because it occurred after a few months of rehabilitation. You can read that story by Clicking Here.

In 2019, one of their two young fell from the nest and needed to be rescued. Click Here - to read how a fire engine was involved.

In 2020, Monty and Marsha seemed to have only one offspring. The nest stayed relatively intact, and the young one appeared to fledge successfully. Click Here - to read the eaglet update from 2020.

In 2021, their offspring appeared to fledge successfully. The nest did not fall until after the young left. Click Here - for the First Flight post and Click Here - for the Nestless post.

In 2022, their young one left the nest prematurely. Rehabilitation at PAWS was required. After the healing was completed, the release (Thank You once again to Jeff Brown!) happened in front of the Waterfront Activities Center (WAC). Click Here - to read about a release which involved more than the average amount of water.

In 2023, their nest fell from the tree again. Luckily, their 2023 fledgling no longer required a nest at that point. Click Here - to read that story.

In 2024, Monty and Marsha moved their nest one tree to the south of their previous nest site. The tree was a bit smaller, the trunk was less vertical and probably not as well balanced.  However, it did seem to have more supporting branches immediately below the nest. Click Here to learn more.

Sadly, after a particularly strong Spring windstorm, their two young were spotted below the nest. They had not survived the fall.

In February of 2025, I saw one of the adult Eagles taking grass to the nest. Later, during Spring, I occasionally saw the pair behaving like Monty and Marsha - watching Union Bay from their favorite trees near the WAC. However, I never saw either one sitting in the nest and behaving like they were incubating eggs.

As of November, it appears that they may be abandoning the Montlake Cut nest site. 

The good news is they appear to be building a new nest in Portage Bay, which is still within their historical territory. (Thank you to the very kind and thoughtful Sally Oien, for the heads up!)

There is hope for young Bald Eagles in the Montlake-Portage Bay neighborhood in 2026! 

The new nest they are building, like most Bald Eagle nest trees in Western Washington, is in a Cottonwood tree. My guess is local Bald Eagles prefer Cottonwood trees for three reasons:

1) Cottonwood trees typically grow near shorelines, which are where Bald Eagles prefer to search for fish and waterfowl.

2) The small upper branches are relatively easy to break, compared to other trees, and very useful for nest building.

3) The first major branches of a Cottonwood tree's trunk typically occur in the upper half of the tree, providing potential nest sites at a higher elevation compared to many other trees.

This new Cottonwood tree looks older, larger and hopefully more stable. On the flip side, the main trunk splits at a lower height than usual, so they are using a smaller secondary fork that may be weaker. Plus, there is invasive ivy growing around the lower portion of trunk - adding unnecessary weight. This new tree is not perfect, hopefully, it is an improvement. From a personal perspective, just knowing they are working on a new nest feels like positive progress.

This change does present us with a number of mysteries. For example: Can we prove that this pair of Bald Eagles really are Monty and Marsha? If so, how will they defend their Union Bay territory, if they cannot see all of it from the nest? If they lose some portion of the Union Bay territory (possibly Marsh Island), will Portage Bay provide adequate food? How far to the west does their territory expand? Does their territory now include Roanoke Park? How about the eastern shore of Lake Union?

If you would like to see the location of the new nest Click Here. Look for the white star south of Portage Bay or select "Bald Eagle Nest - Monty & Marsha" from the legend on the left.

Hopefully, after experiencing many years of mishaps, they are finally learning to build a better nest. 

Have a great day on Union Bay...where nature lives in the city and black birders are welcome!

Larry

Going Native:

Each of us who breathes the air, drinks water, and eats food should be helping to protect our environment. Local efforts are most effective and sustainable. Native plants and trees encourage the largest diversity of lifeforms because of their long intertwined history with our local environment and the local native creatures. Even the microbes in the soil are native to each local landscape. 

I hope we can inspire ourselves, our neighbors, and local businesses to respect native flora and support native wildlife at every opportunity. I have learned that our most logical approach to native trees and plants (in order of priority) should be to:

1) Learn and leave established native flora undisturbed.

2) Remove invasive species and then wait to see if native plants begin to grow without assistance. (When native plants start on their own, then these plants or trees are likely the most appropriate flora for the habitat.)

3) Scatter seeds from nearby native plants in a similar habitat.

4) If you feel you must add a new plant, then select a native plant while considering how the plant fits with the specific habitat and understanding the plant's logical place in the normal succession of native plants. 

*************** 

Keystone native plants are an important new idea. Douglas Tallamy, in the book "Nature's Best Hope, " explains that caterpillars supply more energy to birds, particularly young birds in their nests, than any other plant eater. He also mentions that 14% of our native plants, ie Keystone Plants, provide food for 90% of our caterpillars. This unique subset of native plants and trees enables critical moths, butterflies, and caterpillars that provide food for the great majority of birds, especially when feeding their young. 

Note: Flowering plants and trees, i.e. those pollinated by bees, are also included as Keystone Plants.

This video explains the native keystone plant concept in more detail:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5cXccWx030

The Top Keystone Genera in our ecoregion i.e. Plants and trees you might want in your yard: 

Click Here

Additional content available here:

https://wos.org/wos-wp/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Native-Plant-Resources-10-7-22.pdf

******************

In the area below, I normally display at least one photo with each post to challenge us to know our native lifeforms. This time I am trying a few sketches that I hope communicate the general way in which these tree species grow.

This drawing was designed to remind you of the trunk and branching habits of these four Pacific Northwest tree species. Alphabetically, they are the Black Cottonwood, Big Leaf Maple, Douglas Fir and Western Red Cedar. Can you arrange their names in the order they are shown, i.e. from left to right?

Scroll down for the answers.

******************

1. Western Red Cedar,
2. Bigleaf Maple, 
3. Black Cottonwood and
4. Douglas Fir

The major crotch in the Cottonwood, often, provides a higher and better supported nest site for Bald Eagles, as compared to these other common PNW trees.

*****************

The Email Challenge:

Over the years, I have had many readers tell me that Google is no longer sending them email announcements. As of 2021, Google has discontinued the service.

In response, I have set up my own email list. With each post, I will manually send out an announcement. If you would like to be added to my personal email list please send me an email requesting to be added. Something like:

                Larry, Please add me to your personal email list. 

My email address is:  

                     LDHubbell@comcast.net

Thank you!

*******************

The Comment Challenge:

Another common issue is losing your input while attempting to leave a comment on this blog. Often everything functions fine, however, sometimes people are unable to make it past the robot-detection challenge or maybe it is the lack of a Google account. I am uncertain about the precise issue. Sadly, a person can lose their comment with no recovery recourse. 

Bottom Line: 
If you write a long comment, please, copy it before hitting enter. Then, if the comment function fails to record your information, you can send the comment directly to me using email.

My email address is:  

                     LDHubbell@comcast.net

Sincerely,

Larry

Beauty and Balance

A Chestnut-backed Chickadee in a Western Hemlock.

The bird perched on the branch, and the evenly distributed small green needles both display balance. The dark cap and bib offset by the white cheek, the small tan cones among the green twigs, and the rich chestnut of the bird's body combine colors in nature's perfect palette. Artistically and ecologically, these life forms belong together.

In a deciduous tree, a Chestnut-backed Chickadee is still a delightful little bird, and while the background colors are similar, the visual poetry of beauty and balance is not quite the same.

If you are not an avid birder you may be thinking, "The Chickadees in my neighborhood don't seem so colorful." 

A Black-capped Chickadee gathering moss for its nest.

That is because the far more common Black-capped Chickadees have dull gray backs. However, both species have heads with a similar "capped" design, similar body shapes and similar behaviors. Obviously, they are both members of the same family. 

However, when we consider where each species chooses to live, we see a dramatic difference. One species is very widespread and flexible, while the other is quite selective.

Click Here to see the range map for Black-capped Chickadees. They exist in a wide bar all across North America.

 

Click Here to see the range map Chestnut-backed Chickadees. They exist in two vertical stripes of western temperate forest. The longer one parallels the Pacific Coast, and the smaller one is along a tiny portion of the rain-catching slope of the western Rocky Mountains. 

The tree species with the most interesting range similarity to our Chestnut-backed Chickadees is the Western Hemlock.

Click Here to see the range map for Western Hemlocks.

It seems obvious that there is a shared history between these two species.

This relationship is reinforced when we watch Chestnut-backed Chickadees feeding on the Hemlock seeds. Their acrobatic approach is highly entertaining.

The tail can be used like an arm for stabilization.

If the tail is insufficient, the whole wing can be used like a hand grasping the tree.

Given that a Chestnut-backed Chickadee weighs less than half a cup of cornflakes, it should not be surprising that their primary feathers are extremely fine. Still, I was startled to find their feathers are so thin and transparent that we can see through them.

In addition to seeds, Chestnut-backed Chickadees often feed on insects. The dry curled up leaves on deciduous trees often hide the eggs or larvae of tiny creatures. 

Sometimes, flapping the wing can help the Chickadee maintain its balance or perhaps scare a smaller creature into moving and revealing its location. The photo above also displays the thumb-like alula feather, which provides more precise control, and which we discussed toward the end of the last post. 

The Chickadee's muscle-to-mass ratio would make a rock climber envious.

Nature is a web of interlocking and interdependent lifeforms, climates and geographies. I do not expect that Chestnut-backed Chickadees are solely dependent on Western Hemlock trees. I do think their coexistence, in a very similar area, may indicate a mutual dependence on a nearly identical set of circumstances. I believe it is logical to assume that challenges to the well-being of either one of these two species might very well indicate threats to the other. From a scientific perspective, this should be considered a hypothesis that needs to be tested.

A few years ago, I saw an excellent visual presentation regarding Western Hemlock Mortality in the Arboretum. It was constructed by Faith Ong, a University of Washington student. The underlying data was provided by Ray Larson and a variety of dedicated UW Botanic Gardens (UWBG) Arborists and Senior Gardeners who have worked in the Arboretum over the years. 

My most sincere Thanks to Ray Larson and UWBG Staff for this information!

The data spans the years from 2006 through 2023. It shows the location and state of each individual Western Hemlock in the Arboretum that was found to be dead or dying during that time. I divided the data into two equal periods.  

Date Range:            Tree Count

2006-2014                     10

2015-2023                     45

On average, 1.1 trees per year died during the first nine years. The rate jumps to 5 trees per year in the second period, nearly a 500 percent increase. What may have caused such a dramatic change?

The annual average high temperature in Seattle increased 1.6 degrees and the annual number of days over 90 degrees doubled, from 3 to 6, during these "somewhat" similar time periods:

Date Range:            Temp.            Hot

2000-2009                59.5                3

2010-2019                61.1                6

per Current Results. 

I am sorry to say the historical US government weather data, i.e. NOWData, which I would normally have used to provide a more precise comparison, is apparently no longer available to the public. 

Luckily, I had previously saved some relevant Seattle area precipitation records.

Date Range:        Average August Rainfall in Inches

2000-2009                1.10

     

2010-2019                0.81

During this time the August rainfall decreased by 26%, while the average number of days over 90 degrees doubled. Correlation does not prove causation, but it certainly provides a likely direction for additional investigation.

Over a much longer time frame, the population of Chestnut-backed Chickadees has declined by 56% between 1966 and 2015. This is from the Conservation section in All About Birds that references The North American Breeding Survey (1966 to 2019). Click Here to view this source.

During a fairly similar time frame, 1960 and 2015, the human population of Washington State went from 2.9M to 7.2M. It would seem likely that the 148% increase in human population resulted in a need for more housing and a decrease in forested habitat.

Obviously, these macro trends are out of our individual control. The pertinent question is, What can we do as individuals to help the Chestnut-backed Chickadees, the Western Hemlock trees and all the other native creatures who need a healthy local ecosystem?

For example, home owners (and sometimes even renters) get to choose the types trees, bushes and ground cover we plant or retain in our yards. Replacing dead, dying or non-native flora with well-suited native vegetation is a great place to start. 

Here are some thoughts about protecting Western Hemlock trees:

• Retain rainwater to irrigate with during dry weather - even watering deeply twice during dry months could help.
• Redirect irrigation from grass to trees. (The grass in our yards is generally not native and not as valuable as a native tree for local lifeforms, plus grass often survives without water.)
• Leave the leaves, wood chips, and needles around trees to help retain moisture.
• Remove nearby water-consuming invasive plants - holly, ivy and non-native blackberries.

If you have a Western Hemlock that does not survive, then Ray suggests:

• In a mostly shaded area, consider replacing it with another Western Hemlock.
• In a partly shaded area, look to an Alaska Yellow Cedar or Nootka Cypress as they are more drought-tolerant and still native to Washington State.
• For a smaller tree, consider Vine Maple.
• For sunnier spots, consider Quercus garryana, ie Oregon Oak.

Thank you, Ray!

By the way, those last two trees Ray mentioned are also in the Top Ten keystone species. They are critical to providing nutritious caterpillars for young native birds in the Spring. (See the Going Native section below to learn more about keystone species.)

***************

Have a great day on Union Bay...where nature lives in the city and black birders are welcome!

Larry

Going Native:

Each of us who breathes the air, drinks water, and eats food should be helping to protect our environment. Local efforts are most effective and sustainable. Native plants and trees encourage the largest diversity of lifeforms because of their long intertwined history with our local environment and the local native creatures. Even the microbes in the soil are native to each local landscape. 

I hope we can inspire ourselves, our neighbors, and local businesses to respect native flora and support native wildlife at every opportunity. I have learned that our most logical approach to native trees and plants (in order of priority) should be to:

1) Learn and leave established native flora undisturbed.

2) Remove invasive species and then wait to see if native plants begin to grow without assistance. (When native plants start on their own, then these plants or trees are likely the most appropriate flora for the habitat.)

3) Scatter seeds from nearby native plants in a similar habitat.

4) If you feel you must add a new plant, then select a native plant while considering how the plant fits with the specific habitat and understanding the plant's logical place in the normal succession of native plants. 

*************** 

Keystone native plants are an important new idea. Douglas Tallamy, in the book "Nature's Best Hope, " explains that caterpillars supply more energy to birds, particularly young birds in their nests, than any other plant eater. He also mentions that 14% of our native plants, ie Keystone Plants, provide food for 90% of our caterpillars. This unique subset of native plants and trees enables critical moths, butterflies, and caterpillars that provide food for the great majority of birds, especially when feeding their young. 

Note: Flowering plants and trees, i.e. those pollinated by bees, are also included as Keystone Plants.

This video explains the native keystone plant concept in more detail:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5cXccWx030

The Top Keystone Genera in our ecoregion i.e. Plants and trees you might want in your yard: 

Click Here

Additional content available here:

https://wos.org/wos-wp/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Native-Plant-Resources-10-7-22.pdf

******************

In the area below, I normally display at least one photo with each post to challenge us to know our native lifeforms. Which types of trees grew these leaves? Which ones are native to Union Bay and the Pacific Northwest?

A)

B)

C)

D)

E)

Scroll down for the answers.

******************

A) Magnolia

B) Osoberry

C) Purple-leafed Cherry Plum

D) Cascara

E) Ginkgo

The green-highlighted trees are Pacific Northwest (PNW) natives, and those with the red highlights are non-native. 

The Ginkgo tree is not presently native to the PNW. However, if you follow this Ginkgo link you can learn about the Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park. If Wikipedia is correct, 15.5 million years ago, Ginkgo trees were native near what is now Vantage, WA.

*****************

The Email Challenge:

Over the years, I have had many readers tell me that Google is no longer sending them email announcements. As of 2021, Google has discontinued the service.

In response, I have set up my own email list. With each post, I will manually send out an announcement. If you would like to be added to my personal email list please send me an email requesting to be added. Something like:

                Larry, Please add me to your personal email list. 

My email address is:  

                     LDHubbell@comcast.net

Thank you!

*******************

The Comment Challenge:

Another common issue is losing your input while attempting to leave a comment on this blog. Often everything functions fine, however, sometimes people are unable to make it past the robot-detection challenge or maybe it is the lack of a Google account. I am uncertain about the precise issue. Sadly, a person can lose their comment with no recovery recourse. 

Bottom Line: 
If you write a long comment, please, copy it before hitting enter. Then, if the comment function fails to record your information, you can send the comment directly to me using email.

My email address is:  

                     LDHubbell@comcast.net

Sincerely,

Larry

Final Photos:

We, humans, are in race against time and ignorance. Our challenge is to learn enough about the earth and the life that surround us so that we can protect the ecosystems that support all life (including us), before they are irreversibly damaged.

This is made more challenging since each of us only perceives a fraction of the complexity life and the changes happening around us. Part of taking responsibility for our impact is being aware of the local native lifeforms, the challenges they face, and how we can assist in their quest to survive.