West Seattle, Washington
25 Thursday
A few weeks into the Fauntleroy Creek watch for coho spawners, and Judy Pickens reports that volunteers just spotted three of them above the fish ladders: “Time to ramp up the watch!” Judy reports. If you’d like to see the fish – no guarantee you’ll see them, but Judy says the best viewing is during the five hours after high tide (which was at 11:15 today; we have a tide chart on the WSB West Seattle Weather page). The fish-ladder viewpoint is just south of SW Director off upper Fauntleroy Way SW (up the embankment that’s across the street from the Fauntleroy ferry dock).
From Kathleen just a short time ago:
It’s 9:43 pm and I just saw two adult coyotes go down Kenyon off 11th S.W. and then down the alley. All small animals better be inside!!! (Highland Park)
Note that they come out in the daytime too – the proof is in our ever-longer archive of coyote sightings (many with photos), which you can scroll through here.
ADDED 12:13 AM: More coyote news – Anna e-mailed to say, “My neighbor and I heard a group of coyotes howling at 9:45 pm tonight, Friday, coming from Schmitz Park. We live on 63rd SW & Beach Drive. I’ve never heard such a loud and long commotion like that before, it was very eerie.”
From Sean:
Just saw 2 very healthy looking coyotes at Fauntleroy Place SW and 45th Ave SW just east of Lincoln Park [map]. Not too fearful of cars, those two. Saw them right at 950 pm.
We usually end coyote-sighting reports with this infolink that includes advice on what to do if you see one. And we point you to our coyote-sighting archive (newest-to-oldest, some with photos). Tonight, a bit of coyote trivia, too: In Louisiana, we just learned via Google, they have been designated “outlaw quadrupeds.”
(August 26, 2011, photo by Jeff Hogan)
West Seattleite Jeff Hogan photographs orcas, watches them, studies them, and teaches about them. Much of the latter work is done through Killer Whale Tales, the educational nonprofit he founded and runs. Tonight, instead of being out on Puget Sound, he was a stone’s throw from the Duwamish River with more than 100 people celebrating KWT’s work at its 11th anniversary dinner/auction gala:
They gathered at the Duwamish Longhouse, with a special guest among the orca experts on hand:
That’s Tucker, the dog famous for his ability to sniff out orca scat – pointing researchers to samples they can use to learn more about the beloved whales, and how we can help save them. Tucker’s work was the topic of a presentation tonight. (You can read more about him in our story about a different Longhouse event earlier this year.) Partygoers enjoyed entertainment, too, from accordionist Hugh Sutton:
Lots of interest in the silent-auction offerings:
If you couldn’t get to tonight’s gala, you can still support Killer Whale Tales’ work – here’s how.
Been to the beach lately? Off Beach Drive, or Lincoln Park, in particular, there is much to see and hear – if you look closely. Thanks to another much-appreciated wildlife photographer (and sharer), Trileigh Tucker, for that photo of hooded mergansers. She writes:
We’ve just begun the exciting season when the sea ducks begin their dating-and-mating process! The males are going all out to impress the ladies, splashing and head-bobbing in ways that the females apparently find pretty endearing. Keep an eye out for mergansers, scoters, buffleheads, and others in waters near the West Seattle shore!
Trileigh is also writing about this topic on her Natural Presence website.
Octopus’s Junkyard from Laura James on Vimeo.
A sea-life doubleheader tonight! Also just received this from diver/underwater photographer extraordinaire Laura James – not an “Octopus’s Garden,” as the soundtrack goes, but rather, an “Octopus’s Junkyard” off Alki. (Thanks to Laura for continuing to share the submerged sights for us landlubbers!)
News tonight from Robin Lindsey of Seal Sitters:
I thought your readers might want to know that seal pup Spanky was rescued successfully today after falling off a high rock, deep into a hole between immense boulders late yesterday afternoon. It was quite a challenging predicament for the little pup who could not climb back out – and we could not reach in far enough to get him. Spanky has been a fixture along the west side rocks since we first discovered him on October 5th, entertaining volunteers and onlookers almost daily with his antics. We want to thank everyone who has respected the stranding network’s tape perimeter which has been put in place on busier days so he could rest undisturbed. Thankfully, we have had a good ending to this nerve-wracking incident and we hope Spanky returns to his rocky stretch of beach – just not to this particular rock!
Robin says a state wildlife worker turned into a seal-rescuing “superhero” to get Spanky out of there – she tells the story on Seal Sitters’ “Blubberblog” site. (And remember that if you see a seal, or any marine mammal, on a local beach, call 206-905-7325 [SEAL] to let SS know.)
From an anonymous tipster in Arbor Heights:
A friend was just (7:30 p.m. Thursday) walking her dogs between 34th SW and 35th SW where SW 108th is a narrow path, and encountered a coyote. The coyote went nose-to-nose with one of the dogs, who was in full attack mode towards the coyote. Happily, the person was able to get herself and the dogs away before the situation escalated, but the coyote only moved back into the bushes– the friend could still see the eyes, so the coyote wasn’t scared away by the commotion! Please be very careful if you are in this area.
As always – here’s the advice on what to do (including trying your best to scare a coyote away).
In case you hadn’t seen it on Facebook or Twitter – this video is too good not to share everywhere possible. You might remember the orca sighting reported here earlier today; later the orcas swam exceptionally close to shore near Vashon Island’s Point Robinson (across from Des Moines), and that’s where the video above was shot. Thanks to the Orca Network for posting it to their Facebook page, where we found it (browse the page for lots of other sighting reports). Here’s another view – though the screen size is narrow – here.
The beekeeper gear is a hint of what’s been unfolding alongside Jacobsen Road on the south side of Me-Kwa-Mooks Park: According to Puget Sound Beekeepers Association president Brad Jones, a city tree crew discovered a feral honey-bee colony while “cutting down a problem tree” on Thursday. This drew “much interest from beekeepers” in, and outside of, West Seattle, Jones told WSB. They needed to cut the log down further, in order to relocate it – bees still inside – to a “better, safer spot for the winter.” If they survive the winter, he explained, beekeepers will carry out another operation to get them into “standard beekeeping equipment.” They were hopeful the sizing could happen this morning; we’ll be checking back. Discoveries like this are important, because the wild honey-bee population has dropped dramatically in recent years. (The bee discovery also was noted on Beach Drive Blog – check out the spray-painted warning in one of their photos.)
(Photo added 2:55 pm, thanks to Trileigh Tucker for sharing!)
Thanks to Chris for sharing news of an orca sighting in the Brace Point area south of Fauntleroy less than an hour ago. They are probably out of the area by now – Chris said they were northbound, and checking the Orca Network Facebook page, they seem to be continuing to head in that direction. So this is just a heads-up, keep an eye on the water today, and let us know if you see any!
2:55 PM: Thanks to the commenters who continue to share info. They’re out there somewhere!
6:52 PM: Added Trileigh’s photo a bit earlier – and here’s a gallery of close-up shots featured on the KING website.
Seal Sitters‘ Robin Lindsey shares that photo of Abe, a harbor-seal pup who visited West Seattle shores this weekend, with another plea to please respect the city law against dogs on beaches. She says Abe had a narrow escape from an off-leash dog at Lincoln Park. The full story is on the Seal Sitters “blubberblog” site.
Making up for blustery weather that canceled the event last year, late-afternoon sunshine graced this year’s edition of the Fauntleroy Creek gathering to call the salmon home. Above right, creek steward Judy Pickens confers with young salmon fans just before the start of the event, which she has organized for more than a decade. We counted at least 75 people of all ages at the overlook by the time the drumming, singing, and poetry began. Our video clip starts with Kevin Finney leading a round of the latter, call-and-response style, and continues with Bronwyn Edwards Cryer leading the singalong of “Habitat” (to the tune of the oldies classic “Lollipop”):
Will Fauntleroy Creek see coho spawners this year? Volunteers will start officially watching for them right after Halloween, and will continue for most of November. This past spring, Pickens and husband Phil Sweetland helped local schools with raising and releasing almost 2,000 coho fry; they plan to continue those efforts even though (as reported here last spring) the state has cut funding.
The Pigeon Point Neighborhood Council e-mail list has been abuzz about that coyote, photographed last Tuesday afternoon “on Genesee and 20th Ave SW (map), heading toward the headwaters of Puget Creek in the greenbelt adjacent to Pathfinder K-8,” according to Joni. We requested the photo after reading her account of the coyote trying to get into the chicken enclosure at her home, which is near the school. Joni says somebody tried to shoo the coyote away but it “didn’t even blink … and stuck around long enough” to be photographed. She has since raised the fence on the chicken enclosure, and reminded neighbors on the list, “Please don’t leave food out for animals, and keep your pets safe!” She also shared the link that we include in most coyote reports – “living with coyotes” info from the state – including what to do when you see one.
(WSB photo from 2008 calling-the-salmon-home event)
It is almost time for Fauntleroy Creek‘s volunteer salmon-watchers to start their annual lookout for coho spawners returning home. But first, it’s a tradition for people of all ages to gather to drum and sing, to call the salmon home. You are welcome to join – drums not required, but if you have one, or something makeshift, bring it! – at 5 pm tomorrow, at the Fauntleroy Creek overlook, across the street (and up the embankment) from the ferry terminal (here’s a map). Find more info – as well as details on how to volunteer for salmon-watching next month – at fauntleroy.net.
(Click for full-size PDF of sign graphic)
So you’re on a ferry, looking out the window, or standing on the open deck, and suddenly – hey! What’s that over there? The question might be easier to answer now that West Seattle-based The Whale Trail has informational signs onboard Washington State Ferries. There are two signs on each ferry and one in each terminal. They show/describe orcas, gray whales, Dall’s porpoises, harbor seals, and California sea lions, and include QR codes you can use to get to The Whale Trail’s website from your mobile device. According to Whale Trail founder Donna Sandstrom, the Seattle Aquarium donated the graphic-design services, and the state Department of Fish and Wildlife printed the signs. (Read the official news release here.)
Webdoxie shares this from her friend Kathryn, who wanted to get the word out ASAP but apparently can’t access WSB at work. This happened around 47th/Othello, north of Lincoln Park (map).
Scared me to death this morning, there was a pack of coyotes running down the hill on 47th. I think there were 3 or 4, they were moving fast so it was hard to tell. The only reason I heard them was their nails on the pavement and a shadow of what looked like a dog (Gulliver didn’t make a sound). Gulliver and I had just stepped out so he could go potty. By the time I realized what it was, I couldn’t even get the door open, we were setting on the porch. I thought they were running for a meal and it was my little man. Thank goodness they went past and were probably going home. … I walked with my zapper this morning just in case they were still out there.
Webdoxie explains that Gulliver is a Min-Pin “who usually tries to be as scary as he can when he sees other dogs. His stillness is another indication that they were coyotes.” Being “scary” is good advice for people, too, according to experts, when you see one or more coyotes – scroll down this state infopage to “Too Close for Comfort” for specific actions to take.
(Photo courtesy Robin Lindsey)
For the first time in a long time, Seal Sitters first responder/photographer/writer Robin Lindsey had a short break the other day – no pups reported on shore. Otherwise, she told WSB on Saturday, “we have just been having a crazy season thus far with multiple pups in West Seattle on many days. … Since the first week of August, Seal Sitters has already surpassed the number of pups we watched over last year from early August til the end of the year. We have protected 35 pups thus far – and October often proves to be our busiest month. This does not include the number of responses in Seattle and beaches north. It appears we will have a record-breaking year.” In Robin’s photo, that’s Blanco, who spent several days resting on West Seattle beaches. And since the weeks ahead may bring more pups to do exactly that, she has a reminder and a request:
This is the time of year when many pups are fighting to survive. We have some chubby pups with good blubber layer, but others have become quite thin and consequently are more prone to parasites and viruses. This is why it is so critical to let them have the space on shore to rest. Seal Sitters appreciates everyone’s help and support, but most importantly, the pups desperately need the space – and it truly could save a life.
One of the lives Seal Sitters has saved this season is that of a pup they nicknamed Sandy, whom Robin says “is thriving at PAWS Wildlife Center” and is expected to be released back into the wild later this month. Read about her on the Seal Sitters’ Blubberblog, where you can catch up with sighting reports and other news (just checked, and we’re thinking this is 2011 pup #36). And if you see a seal or other marine mammal on shore – call Seal Sitters (206-905-7325).
The early bird may get … the sighting. Certainly will get the insight, from West Seattle naturalist Stewart Wechsler, one week from today:
Predawn Owl, Coyote, Salamander, Plant and Fungus hike. Meet 5:30 am Sunday, October 16th – Camp Long (5200 35th Av SW – @ SW Dawson) at front of gate of Lodge building. Join me (Stewart Wechsler) on a predawn hike (estimated time 2 hours) through the wilds of Camp Long. We’ll likely see or hear one of the resident Barred Owls, or potentially a transient Great Horned Owl. We might see one of the Coyotes that use Camp Long as a happy hunting ground, and we will definitely see the vegetation that make up the habitat framework for these more attention drawing critters. I continue to work to learn about, and share my knowledge of, all of our wild life forms in order to maximize my contribution to the stewardship of our precious and ancient natural communities. Any contributions (not required) to support me and my efforts will be accepted . RSVP 206 932-7225 (land line) to help me estimate group size and when I should be scheduling more programs. No one will be turned away.
Many of the coyote reports we’ve received (all of which are archived here) describe them as being in the street – or a greenspace. Here, however, we have two who are closer to home, so to speak, or should we say homes. Read on:Read More
Alki’s Larry Carpenter forwarded this one:
A neighbor in the 32xx block of 64th Ave SW sent me this this morning:
“At the start of my run this morning at 5:30 am, I saw a coyote chasing a collared yellow tabby cat down 64th towards Beach Drive. I followed them and after some time, was finally able to scare away the coyote. The cat was scared and hid under the rocks at the beach – I couldn’t get it to go home. Just thought that our neighbors may want to know that there is a determined coyote around Alki trying to eat cats!”
And remember, whether you love them or hate them – or something inbetween – “scaring away” is exactly what you want to do if you see a coyote, even if it’s not chasing potential prey or threatening you. Our state’s Fish and Wildlife Department explains why, and offers other advice.
With all the nature lovers we’ve encountered in WSB-land, we’re startled to hear that this local school program is low on volunteers. But that’s what Marieke Stientjes Rack from the Seattle Audubon Society reports – so we’re sending out the call:
Seattle Audubon has provided FUN for FREE at Sanislo Elementary School for 10+ years. FUN is a environmental education program for 3rd and 4th graders. The program introduces students to the natural world in their own schoolyard habitats through observation, discovery, and scientific inquiry. Seattle Audubon has been and is able to provide this high-quality program, including small group instruction, because of volunteers. Volunteers are trained and then work with small groups of 4-5 students for 4, one-hour lessons, over the course of 4 weeks.
FUN students spend over 8 hours getting to know their schoolyard habitat and, on average, showed a 13% increase in environmental science knowledge for the 2010-2011 school year. Here is a link to the program website; interested volunteers can contact Seattle Audubon’s Volunteer Coordinator at volunteerc@seattleaudubon.org.
As noted here previously, including this report yesterday, seal-pup season is at its height, on beaches all around West Seattle. Wildlife watcher/writer/photographer Trileigh Tucker saw this one today – and mentions this sweet encounter:
There was another seal pup on a West Seattle beach this morning, and a kind passerby named Barbara was caring enough to wait with it until Robin Lindsey of Seal Sitters arrived. I was so touched by how respectful and considerate all the Sunday morning walkers were of this little seal’s need to rest.
I was particularly moved by a little girl, accompanied by her parents, who spontaneously sang to the pup, a wake-up song just like her mother apparently sang to her. If her parents see this, they should know that their daughter gives me hope for our future!
Trileigh’s website Natural Presence tells a longer version of the tale.
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