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Skate Sighting on Pt. Williams Beach

A beached skate appears to be happy now that he’s free of life’s burdens

If you’re among the many who walk Pt. Williams Beach often, or if you did, then you may have seen this creature lying lifeless on the beach in March 2024. 

As I understand, 2024 wasn’t a good for year for skates in our waters, and as of yet, I’ve not found an explanation. When we spotted this one, I was convinced that due to its flat, kite-shaped body it must be a stingray; but later found that one of the quickest ways to tell them apart is by their tails. Stingrays typically have long, whip-like tails while skates’ tails, tend to be short, thick and fleshy, and stingrays bodies are noticeably larger…who knew?

Both are elasmobranchs, meaning they are cartilaginous fish (made up of cartilage instead of bone) and many have openings called spiracles on the tops of their heads which allow animals like them to sit on the ocean floor and take in oxygenated water from above, which allows them to live in the sand or mud without breathing. So if you happen to do a face plant in the sand anytime soon, you very well may still be able to breathe!

Considering the adorable face on this one, it was tough to accept that it would no longer be swimming near our shores, but also comforting in that its remains could very well serve as food for other marine life, birds, and wildlife.

And so the cycle of life continues.

Attitude is Everything

One step closer and I’ll dive-bomb you!

While I really don’t want to make this a blog all about birds, as I’ve mentioned before, birds are truly my favorite subjects to photograph and they constitute my largest collection of photos, many of which were captured here in Sequim.

This one is an adult male Rufous Hummingbird, and as you may be able to tell, he was a bit perturbed by my presence and apparently questioned my motives while I was pointing a camera in his face. But Rufous Hummingbirds are notoriously territorial and may drive off other species of hummers as well as persistent photographers.

And like most males of his species, he’s high energy and ready for confrontation at the drop of a hat; and as I’m sure he was either protecting his nest, or food source, I got out of there promptly, but not without grabbing this shot and a few others.

If you’re walking the main trail at the Dungeness Refuge, you may see him too. But keep it in mind, we’re on his migration route and since he’s only a visitor he’ll likely move on after just a week or two. So watch (and listen) for him on the south side of the first trail off of Voice of America Road, before the trees and before you begin your ascent up the hill – but beware, he means business!

The Race is On!

On your mark get set…go!

As far as elk are concerned, it’s not very often we get the chance to view or photograph them at this range, especially the bulls. So on this particular day, I was happy to have my longest lens handy while they trotted off in unison, as if beginning a race.

And although it may appear like they’re all bulls, there is one cow in the far back, and apparently she’s winning the race – which politically speaking, doesn’t happen very often either…

Bloedel Reserve and Gardens

Sitting beautifully on a Japanese pine, “William” a barred owl, is from what I understand, a frequent visitor to Bloedel Gardens. While strolling through with a friend he made a showing that was not only surprising, but picture perfect.

And although an hour’s drive from Sequim, or an hour forty-five minutes via the Strait Shot bus, both the gardens and the preserve are absolutely stunning, and well worth the time spent traveling.

The reserve has a very interesting history dating back to 1951 when the property was acquired as a resident for Virginia and Prentice Bloedel (the house is beautifully restored and open for viewing), and in 1988, it opened to the public as a 140-acre public garden and forest preserve. On their website you can read more about the couple, their vision and mission for the future, and the incredible scenery.

And just recently, the gardens are welcoming visitors on a pay-what-you-wish basis on Welcome Wednesdays as part of the Reserve’s broad commitment to seek, include, and welcome all audiences.

So now there are no excuses not to visit, and when and if you do, I’m sure it will be an experience you’ll want to repeat.

Faraway Friday – but Closer than you Might Think

This lovely spot is just downstream from a delightful attraction along Hood Canal at Rocky Brook Falls, Brinnon.

Although 50 miles from Sequim, if one camps at Dosewallips State Park (a gem in its own right), the falls are only 4 miles away and a short walk from the parking lot.

The 229-foot falls have undoubtedly been photographed thousands of times by many photographers, hikers, and more, but because of the lush color of the trees and the moss covered rocks, I much prefer the calm of the stream. It sits adjacent to the entrance path, and offers visitors the opportunity to step down and actually touch the water. But if, like me, if you decide to set up a tripod in order to make the “perfect” photo, remember that moss covered rocks can be very slippery (!), and if you fail to watch your step, you may get rather wet…

But aside from that, the falls are one of many located on the Welcome to the Olympic Peninsula Waterfall Trail website and while some are considerably closer to Sequim, they may not be as accessible, or as beautiful.

More Nest Watching

With the onset of spring, eagle and heron nests in Sequim are the most noticeable to find, as long as you know where to look. But searching for hummingbird nests is another story…you can search forever it seems and completely overlook them although they’re right before your eyes. Therefore, it can be rather discouraging.

But that’s when likeminded friends become your greatest allies. And that’s why I was so thrilled and appreciative when a newfound friend approached me and asked if I’d be interested in photographing a nest she found in her tree.

It didn’t take long before I showed up in her driveway with my collection of lenses. And to my surprise, the nest was in close enough range to allow for an intimate portrait of these two siblings, who I can only hope will survive, thrive, and call Sequim their home for many years to come, just like many of us.

Coming to a Bird Feeder Near You

Yes, this beautiful but also stern and rather solemn face can mean only one thing…”I’m on your fence and watching your feeder!”.

Although stunning, these hawks mean business and the more passerines you have munching on your bird seed, the more they’ll be attracted to your feeder, and more specifically to your birds.

But there’s hope. All About Birds says, “If a Cooper’s Hawk takes up residence in your yard, you can take your feeders down for a few days and the hawk will move on.”

And although they can be menacing, they do have some redeeming characteristics, as the site also states, “Males tend to be submissive to females and to listen out for reassuring call notes the females make when they’re willing to be approached. Males build the nest, then provide nearly all the food to females and young over the next 90 days before the young fledge.”

So, apparently, there’s some good in every inhabitant of the planet. We may just need to look a bit harder to find it…