WEST SEATTLE TUESDAY: 13 possibilities

(Photo by Rosalie Miller, who explains, ‘Flower Crab Spider ambushes Western Honeybee’)

Here’s what’s on the list for the rest of today/tonight:

HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Open 11 am-8 pm. (1100 SW Cloverdale)

SUMMER MEALS FOR KIDS: Here’s the list of local sites where free food is available for kids on weekdays this summer, 11:30 am-1 pm lunch, 2-3 pm snacks.

E.C. HUGHES WADING POOL OPEN: Noon-7 pm. (2805 SW Holden)

LINCOLN PARK WADING POOL OPEN: Noon-7 pm. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)

COLMAN POOL OPEN: Also at Lincoln Park, this outdoor salt-water pool is open noon-7 pm daily through Labor Day. See the session schedule here.

SEATTLE PORT COMMISSION MEETING: Noon at Pier 69 downtown and online – find the stream and agenda/materials here.

CHESS CLUB: Tuesdays 1:30-3 pm at the Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon): “Are you looking for a new activity to keep your brain sharp and clear? The Senior Center Chess Club welcomes both novice and experienced players. Join us at 1:30 p.m. for lessons, short tutorials, and chess for all levels of expertise.” (Questions? Email conwell@conwelld.net.)

DEMONSTRATION FOR BLACK LIVES: Long-running weekly sign-waving demonstration at 16th/Holden. 5-6 pm. Signs available if you don’t have your own.

STORYTIME IN THE GARDEN: 6 pm stories and activities for kids at the Delridge P-Patch, weekly throughout the summer. (5078 25th SW)

SCRABBLE NIGHT: 6-10 pm, you can play Scrabble at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW).

NEW TRIVIA: Zeeks Pizza West Seattle recently launched a Tuesday trivia night: 7 pm, teams of up to 6, free to play, happy-hour food and beverage specials. Hosted by Geeks Who Drink. (6459 California SW)

MORE TRIVIA: Three other places to play Tuesday nights – 7 pm at Ounces (3803 Delridge Way SW), free and hosted by Beat the Geek Trivia; 7 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW); also, 7:30 and 8:30 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at The Lodge (4209 SW Alaska).

BELLE OF THE BALLS BINGO: Play bingo with Cookie Couture at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), 8 pm. Free, all ages!

You can look into the future any time via our event calendar – if you have something to include on it, please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

Friend O'Dinghus August 8, 2023 (12:36 pm)

Extraordinary work Ms. Miller. What a wonderful and talented artist you are!

Rosalie Miller August 8, 2023 (5:13 pm)

Thank you. I’m just a keen observer of the wonder that is nature. This flower crab spider’s ambush technique is indeed talent! Over the past few weeks, I have watched it capture 2 honey bees and one bumblebee. 😊
Bill Heaton August 8, 2023 (9:09 pm)

I thought that honey bees were (at least) somewhat endangered! — Far more than any kind of spider! — What plants are spiders pollinating? — I’ve never seen any “spider honey” for sale!

For the last few years — I have seen only 2-4 Bumble bees a year!
- Suzanne August 8, 2023 (10:25 pm)
  
  Our yard is buzzing with bumble bees, honey bees, leaf cutter bees, and all kinds of smaller insects including one of the tiniest moths I’ve ever seen. We select plants that are specifically for our native pollinators. A huge added bonus — the pollinators attract lots of native birds We also have four aggregate bird baths that allow the insects to get the water they need without drowning. (Aggregate is concrete with stones embedded in it. WS Nursery can order them for you if they don’t have any in stock.) It’s important to replace the water at least daily in these hot temperatures, and when the bowl gets slimy, scrub it with a brush and dish soap, then rinse thoroughly. Wood chips instead of lawn improves the health of your soil and when the rains comes back, you’ll get a bounty of mushrooms. We also have several trees that keep us cool even on the hottest days. And they absorb massive amounts of water during the winter. So far no water issues inside the house after 20 years and next door neighbors having issues. As long as you or your neighbors don’t have a cat or other prey-oriented pets that spend time outside, you can make your yard a magnet for urban wildlife and a world apart for yourself. We’re in a very urban neighborhood on a busy street, yet our yard feels like a refuge from all that noise, pollution, and concrete. It’s heaven — and a haven for all of life.
  
  Rosalie, thank you for your beautiful photos!
  - Rosalie Miller August 9, 2023 (9:52 am)
    
    Our gardens sound very similar. It’s been an amazing year and we have hundreds of bees and solitary wasps, including masons and leafcutters. And so much more. Indeed a haven for all of life! Thanks for the info on the benefit of an aggregate birdbath.
- Westwood August 9, 2023 (10:47 am)
  
  Native pollinators are at much greater risk than honeybees (an introduced species). Honeybees outcompete native pollinators for resources and also carry diseases that can be transmitted to our native species.

anonyme August 8, 2023 (12:40 pm)

I love spiders and try not to interfere with their important work, but I do occasionally rescue bees if I see them in danger. This is the M.O. of Misumena vatia; they hide in blooms (peonies are especially good) and wait for prey to fall into their embrace. Misumena is one of the few spiders able to change color, so they may be pure white, pink, or pale yellow depending on the flower they call home. Best to check before you bury your nose in a flower blossom…

Rosalie Miller August 9, 2023 (9:55 am)

I have been watching several crab spiders this year. Though none have changed color, they continue to be mesmerizing to watch!

Trileigh August 8, 2023 (2:05 pm)

Fantastic photo, Rosalie! Wow. Love seeing this action so closely.

Rosalie Miller August 8, 2023 (3:29 pm)

Thank you. It’s been an amazing season of garden bee and spider discoveries.

flimflam August 8, 2023 (2:36 pm)

Awesome picture! Love spiders, especially crab spiders…

Rosalie Miller August 8, 2023 (5:16 pm)

Thank you. I don’t have a favorite, but do love finding these crab spiders.

Ann August 8, 2023 (4:52 pm)

Quite a photo, Rosalie. Nice grab!

Rosalie Miller August 8, 2023 (9:27 pm)

Thank you. Yes, perfect timing for this photo grab of this spider’s skilled grab!

onion August 8, 2023 (8:01 pm)

Terrific work, Rosalie. To say you are simply a “keen observer of the wonder that is nature” does not do your work justice. You bring unique talent, technical skill, and understanding to your nature photography. Please consider doing a show at one of our local gallery spaces.