Battery Kinzie, Ft. Worden

An entryway into the Past

While touring a WWII battery may not be first on your list of fun things to do, think again…the batteries at Ft. Worden are so unique, mysterious and thought provoking that a visit just might change your mind about “fun”.

Considering the colorful and expressionistic graffiti on most of the walls, some have gone so far as to compare it to an art gallery; children see it as a playground; photographers and artists consider it an endless opportunity for discovery and self expression, and you and maybe your out of town guests may have your own description, but I’m sure it will be positive.

Considering its proximity to Pt. Wilson Lighthouse, Pt. Townsend, and the Strait of Juan De Fuca, one can spend all day, several days, or even a week exploring them, and the entire area, and never tire.

So if you too are looking for some fun activity, a place to take your friends, and a new experience this weekend or whenever, you don’t need to look far from home.

Welcome to April!

La Connor Tulip Fields, Washington

With the onset of April, the event uppermost in my mind is the annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival in La Conner, today through April 30th.

No fooling…as many of us know, it features some of the very best scenery the Pacific Northwest has to offer, and if you haven’t been, don’t wait any longer. The crowds can be difficult so you’d be wise to get there early enough, or late enough (think sunset shots) to capture great photos and great memories.

Be sure to check the website for the “bloom map”, times, prices and other pertinent information before you go. And don’t miss Tulip Town, 5 miles from La Conner, Roozengaarde Display Garden, 6 miles from La Conner, as well as the others listed.

And don’t forget to bring some color home with you to Sequim!

Bee Kind…

A Bumble Bee Gathering Pollen from Craspedia

While a lot of us may be nervous about bees, I understand that bumble bees are rather docile and reluctant to sting – and they’ll only sting if they are getting smooshed, or if you threaten their nest, both of which are really bad ideas.

In general, bumble bees are tolerant of people, so you can get close and observe them without bothering them, but getting a good photo could be pushing their limits. I’ve only gotten stung once so far, but I’m sure it will not be my last, since like many fellow photographers, I find them so irresistible to photograph.

This particular one was in British Colombia flitting about an amazing flower I not seen before…craspedia, a native to Australia and New Zealand (!) which sort of resembles ping pong or whiffle balls.

And as you may already know, bees and other pollinators are essential for the pollination of many crops, including fruits, vegetables, and nuts. A decline in bee populations could lead to reduced crop yields and increased food prices (yes!), yet it seems like every year, we hear about their populations declining even more. 

So as the 2021 Sequim logo encouraged us to do then please, “Be Kind”, and please be especially kind to bees – kill the pesticides this year, not the bees! Our crops depend on it.

On the Watch

A Juvenile Sharp-Shinned Hawk

During the height of the pandemic, I found myself indulging in bird photography more than ever.

During that time I had an unexpected close encounter with this beautiful juvenile sharp-shinned hawk perched atop a tree located on the Dungeness levee trail, prior to the river rerouting.

As I kept my focus on her, she scanned back and forth over the field below her, as I held my breath and somehow, she failed to see or hear me approach.

And though it wasn’t pleasant to witness the end results of her hunting behavior, watching the process was truly incredible, and within minutes I was doing just that.

Sensing movement in the field below her, her eyes immediately locked on a target as if guided by radar, then instantly, she took off, swept down, flipped her prey in the air, and landed her meal of the day…all within seconds.

And I congratulated her; I’m sure she’ll be feeding her young the same way someday.

For the Love of Boats

Aging in Place

On a short road-trip from Sequim, south through the Hood Canal, you may have noticed this relic sitting off the roadside as if beached by some cruel and massive wave decades ago.

As far as boats go, it’s in pretty bad shape, although this photo makes it appear better than it is, since I captured it several years ago. 

Seaworthy it is not, but photo-worthy…yes! Many photographers in our area had it on their checklist, just as I did, and now that it appears to be disappearing rapidly, here’s my chance to celebrate its beautiful shapes, lines, tones and textures.

Although no longer functional for it’s intended purpose, for me, seeing it is like a long sip on a latte on a cold day and dreary day, and I hope you would agree.

The Itsy Bitsy Spider

A White Crab Spider Walks Crablike atop a Lacy Phacelia

The Woodcock Demonstration Garden located at 2711 Woodcock Road, Sequim, offers a nice number of plants, flowers, bees, bugs and yes, spiders.

Crab spiders are ones with long front legs, moving with crablike sideways motions and typically hiding in plants and flowers waiting for prey, e.g., aphids, and unfortunately honey bees, bumblebees and butterflies – and of course, they’re white, versus brown, green, or yellow. 

Luckily for us, they’re not harmful or poisonous to humans, although some of us may still not appreciate their presence. But not to worry if you find one in your house, it was probably misguided and it would actually be happier if you were to put it outside. 

Crab spiders are also unique in that they don’t spin webs; they walk on top of plants and flowers until they drop a silk line to hunt, like a fishermen. So there’s no need to fear that you may run into a web on your way out the door either.

And if you’re like me and you enjoy photographing nature, stop by the Garden to enjoy not only the plants and beautiful flowers, but all the living creatures, notably the crab spiders.