UBNA Chronicles

Another visit to the Union Bay Natural Area and grass is starting to grow back in the burned fields. The emerald blades are a stark contrast against the black, charred remains. This time there weren't any birds foraging in the burnt meadows, but there were plenty in the nearby pond. I haven't yet identified the bird above. There were a pair- so cute! They were very tiny. The other one (not pictured) was more white and they swam nervously- reminding me a lot of an irish Moorhen.

Least Sandpiper

Ladybug and Queen Anne's Lace

My token photo of a heron which I rather like

Union Bay Natural Area

Otherwise known as the Montlake Fill is an amazing refuge in the backyard of the UW's campus.

I saw a pair of Harlan's Red-tailed hawks. The other was being pestered by crows in a neighboring tree.

Cinnamon Teal

Killdeer

More from Nisqually

I got a chance to return to Nisqually NWR with some friends to walk the Brown Farm Dike Trail- apparently it will be open until May 3rd.

We were so close to this juvenile- it was amazing! An offshoot to the trail led right under the tree he was perched on.

I don't know what kind of hawk this is, but it sure is cute.