Category: nature

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.

Coyote Crossing

While scanning for Northern Harriers and Red-Tailed hawks on Towne Road, I was surprised to spot two handsome and apparently healthy coyotes passing by. Both seemed very healthy with thick winter coats that blended beautifully in with their environment. And while I was anxious to get a shot, they were not about to accommodate me.

So, I credit my husband Jim for helping me to get this one. His quick thinking when he gave off a shrill whistle stopped one coyote in its tracks, while its mate quickly took off into the trees.

Afterwards, I learned that as a young boy, Jim whistled at deer to get their attention while hunting and never forgot the technique…who knew?!

And by the way, like me, he now “hunts” with a camera.

King Tide!?

Although you may recognize this as 3 Crabs Beach, it certainly didn’t appear like it back on December 30th of 2022.

We had a high tide of 9.13 feet that day, and although I’m not aware that it broke a record, it certainly appeared like it. I understood it to be a ‘King Tide’, but was curious as to whether the description was accurate.

While NOAA states that, ‘A King Tide is a non-scientific term people often use to describe exceptionally high tides’ whatever term you care to use, is fine with me. I found it incredibly inviting, and I was tempted to grab my kayak and paddle out, but as the sign indicates, the land and tide plains are protected; so I resisted, although of sinking the sign did come to mind…

Hummingbird Habitat Mystery

Anna's Hummingbird

I’m not a fan of holly trees (other than their colorful berries) but this one served as a nice support for our hummingbirds over the past 6 years, and as a great spot for them to nest, regardless of their prickly leaves. Although the tree is in my neighbor’s backyard, I can reach it with my longest lens and get a nice portrait, as long as the bird cooperates.

But to my surprise, when I went to refresh my feeder the other day – the tree was gone – as if it had disappeared into thin air – and the bird, who dive-bombs me every time I fill the feeder was nowhere in sight.

As I found out later, my neighbor had the holly removed while we were out of town, without knowing its value from the hummer’s standpoint, and apparently not aware of it’s impact on my photography.

But the good news is, the hummer returned, I’m attempting to grow a new holly (in a pot that’s closer to my house), and I’m now getting to know the neighbor better – and he’s welcomed me to photograph his flowers.

Icy Weather Anniversary

I thought it was appropriate to post this today, since I photographed it February 7th of 2014, 11 years ago.

With a low of 18 degrees, it was a record cold day for Puget Sound which turned this and two other once flowing waterfalls at the Tulalip Resort Casino into walls of ice.

The resort, located in Quil Ceda Village, north of Seattle and 80 miles east of Sequim, is owned and operated by the Tulalip Tribes of Washington.

Located near the Seattle Premium Outlets (where I may have been shopping on this particular day), it’s a fun place to stop and not only try your luck, but to witness the forces of nature as well – that’s if you should be there on an 18 degree day.

A Tender Moment

It had been awhile since I’d gotten close enough to photograph our elk herd, which I consider to be the gems of our community. But I was fortunate to spot them yesterday evening and to share in this tender moment between two cows.

The anticipation of seeing them, both the cows and the bulls, keeps me enthusiastic about hauling my gear, bundling up and waiting for the right moment, although it’s hit and miss as to whether they’ll show up, or “pose”.

I love the challenge though and when I take out-of-towners to their typical spot, they understand completely, although they often ask, “why would anyone name this SCHMUCK Road”???