tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18576020468182303972012-01-23T15:28:31.870-08:00We have created this blog as a forum for the community to see and learn about the wildlife and happenings in our very own West Eugene Wetlands. If you spot something please leave a comment, and if you have a digital photo, please let us know and we can post it!WRENhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11766096394590530444noreply@blogger.comBlogger981100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-10153770974138727562012-01-23T15:19:00.000-08:002012-01-23T15:28:31.921-08:00

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WRENhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11766096394590530444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-24230555162594352392011-11-30T14:13:00.000-08:002011-11-30T15:35:03.393-08:00

November 2011 By Tom SpoffordFor the past year I've been writing about my walks in the west Eugene wetlands as a representative of the WREN organization. I observed nature in a specific stretch of the bike path from the Terry St bridge to just beyond the railroad crossing.This is west of the WREN offices. As I approach the beginning of my

WRENhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11766096394590530444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-91307827848889816732011-09-06T09:41:00.000-07:002011-09-06T09:52:24.462-07:00

August 21st, 2011, 7:30pmby Tom SpoffordI’ve mostly walked the West Eugene wetlands during the daylight hours. As a change of pace I headed out close to dusk on a recent Sunday to both view the area activity late in the day and to avoid the heat that has come to the valley.The ground is dry and hard since we haven’t had significant rain in months. Grasses are quite brown and many plants are

WRENhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11766096394590530444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-198143304354187992011-08-16T09:13:00.000-07:002011-08-16T09:26:48.310-07:00

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WRENhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11766096394590530444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-90520616912782718042011-05-18T14:15:00.000-07:002011-07-14T16:46:57.707-07:00

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WRENhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11766096394590530444noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-1007823504447724012010-10-04T15:04:00.000-07:002010-10-04T15:09:43.078-07:00

National Public Lands Day 2010 with WREN, BLM and REI was a wonderful success September 25th! Trash was collected by local high school students and community members, loads of bark spread to create and maintain trails, and native seed spread on a restoration site. Our friends at WEEDIN joined us as well to educate folks about invasive plants. Stewart Pond Natural Area was rejuvenated for sure!

WRENhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11766096394590530444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-48375828828482485292010-06-11T08:07:00.000-07:002010-06-11T09:02:45.970-07:00

June 2010- Wetland WanderPhoto Credits: Carrie KarlThis month the Wetland Wander explored the Willow Creek Natural Area. Rick Ahrens, WREN volunteer and area naturalist, lead our group through a world of flowers, pollinators and pools. Mules Ear, pictured above, added sunshine to the overcast June day.A male Lazuli Bunting, a striking bird with a deep blue head, reddish upper chest and white

Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12793781427991423116noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-76877418898225353412010-05-09T10:18:00.001-07:002010-05-09T10:35:20.925-07:00

A beautiful day in the wetlands brought out some dragonflies and damselflies including Common Green Darner, a meadowhawk, and Pacific and Western Forktails. The Yellow-rumped Warblers seemed to be everywhere. Goslings were trying out the water.... Killdeer searching the shoreline.... Long-billed Dowitchers busy feeding...... Pacific Forktails pairing.... Western Wood-pewee flycatching over

Caryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13163369291658304213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-48103910196524143272010-04-01T21:18:00.000-07:002010-04-01T21:20:50.407-07:00

Open SpacesI’ve never been good at standing in lines or the confines of a crowded room,and don’t get me started on malls or box stores.I value open spaces as I age:the clean surface of a table top,the uncluttered corner,mountains with a view to the horizon,a lake bordered by granite cliffs and bluffs rather than one with forest to the water’s edge.I value larger trees whose shade keeps seedlings

Susanne Twight-Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10706127216028043496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-23337281911593100902010-01-28T17:07:00.000-08:002010-01-28T17:18:06.719-08:00

World Wetlands Day is Tuesday, February 2! How will you celebrate the wonders of wetland environments on that day? For my part, I intend to spend time outside, walking and observing how, even in the midst of damp and cold winter weather, local wetlands provide much to celebrate: protecting shorelines and streambanks from erosion; slowing the flow of water across floodplains, providing places in

Mike Shippeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03907939426240507140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-23077348883330176112009-11-16T15:02:00.000-08:002009-11-16T16:17:45.074-08:00

Saturday November 7, 2009, WREN took part in the 2nd annual Youth in Nature Partnership, Play in the Rain Day! It was an amazing event that provided many opportunities for families to explore, experience and create at Mt. Pisgah.WREN attempted our very first Scat Ornament craft! It was hugely successful. Each participant crafted an ornament using a ball of model magic and deer fur, feathers or

Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12793781427991423116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-10882352317151016552009-09-09T13:07:00.000-07:002009-09-09T13:30:14.338-07:00

This Widow Skimmer was having no problems flying although missing a piece of wing. Its getting late in the season, and the Odonates are looking a bit ragged. Western Forktail femaleTule Bluet pair with a brown female above and a blue female below. The different color forms that female Odonates have make identification more difficult. I'm often asked about these tiny hopping bugs that are

Caryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13163369291658304213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-73546344359799851052009-07-17T09:42:00.000-07:002009-07-17T09:47:47.620-07:00

Caryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13163369291658304213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-58116041042148797892009-06-20T10:37:00.000-07:002009-06-20T10:46:59.748-07:00

Eight of us wandered around the Golden Ponds area, viewing the rehabilitation process going on. The stream sides have been made more gentle and will soon support riparian vegetation. New pine trees have been planted near the picnic table. We were surprised to see some recent vandalism but were in hopes that, as more people make use of the area for birding, fishing, running and just visiting,

Susanne Twight-Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10706127216028043496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-41006719568157962042009-06-05T09:42:00.001-07:002009-06-08T11:11:01.922-07:00

On May 30, WREN closed another American Wetlands Month with Walkin' & Rollin Through the Wetlands 09. We enjoyed meeting community members as they stolled and rolled down Fern Ridge Bike Path on a gorgeous sunny spring day! Here are just a few fun moments we captured and treasure...WREN volunteers and staff at the welcome booth pick up their passports and map... Steve Gordon and Cary Kerst delved

Windyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02302852742633892302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-33614115889390123292009-05-30T17:25:00.000-07:002009-05-30T17:34:55.580-07:00

During the past week, I have found three dragonflies at Sandpiper Pond that we have not found there before. This brings the number of Odonata species that have been seen at Sandpiper Pond to 36. They are all known from the Eugene area. The Spot-winged Glider is a migratory species and likely flew in from some distant place like the southwest United States. They were observed ovipositing, but

Caryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13163369291658304213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-74603473272046920252009-05-24T19:13:00.000-07:002009-05-24T19:22:45.798-07:00

Lorquins Admiral mudding Red Wing Blackbird with Darner Marsh Wren singing Black Tern OK, you Blue experts. I thought this looked like an Eastern Tailed Blue. What say you??

Caryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13163369291658304213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-57859620374672994732009-05-18T15:04:00.000-07:002009-05-18T15:40:04.766-07:00

Last Wednesday, 28 volunteers from Life Technologies volunteered their time to clean-up Amazon Creek between Beltline and Terry. Three years ago, Life Technologies (formally Invitrogen) adopted a section of the creek through the Eugene Stream Team's adoption program. Volunteers removed blackberries and scotch broom, and hauled an incredible amount of trash from the creek, in just four short

WRENhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11766096394590530444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-24250018971830208112009-05-13T15:02:00.000-07:002009-05-13T15:11:31.000-07:00

Windy but no rain and the five participants enjoyed an exploration of meadows and forest. Camus was in bloom, grass was green, oaks (white and black) were leafed out. We saw red-winged blackbirds, a red-tailed hawk, goldfinches, several kinds of swallows, a cinnamon teal and a green winged teal along with the usual scattering of Canada geese.

Susanne Twight-Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10706127216028043496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-36588682359925616052009-05-05T18:36:00.000-07:002009-05-05T18:46:39.273-07:00

WREN recently received a couple of wildlife photos to share. The first is a Western Pond Turtle taken by photographer Steve Reed in the mid-Willamette Valley. These turtles can often be seen right here in the West Eugene Wetlands, especially in Amazon Creek, basking in the sun! Doesn't this one look like it is wearing a big grin?!The second photo was sent to us by Kenny Lee Mock: a pair of Hooded

Windyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02302852742633892302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-87876023840306853982009-05-02T14:47:00.000-07:002009-05-02T15:12:09.949-07:00

Ragged Painted LadiesYou've probably seen these Painted Ladies around the area. They look pretty worn out after traveling 500, 600 or maybe 700 miles from California. Art Shapiro at UCD says these are some of the migrants from California (http://butterfly.ucdavis.edu/). A truly amazing trip on those little wings!The Bee Flies ( Bombyliidae) were out feeding on nectar with that long proboscis and

Caryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13163369291658304213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-80373787938857038112009-04-21T10:51:00.001-07:002009-04-21T10:53:13.349-07:00

American Wetlands Month is right around the corner! Check out all the upcoming events in May at http://www.wewetlands.org/

Windyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02302852742633892302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-45636283614357059632009-03-20T15:20:00.000-07:002009-03-20T15:35:51.133-07:00

Wetland WillowsI think I’ve missed the willow catkins--gray, furry signs of coming spring, and am disappointed. Liquid notes of a red-winged blackbird bubble down to the greening grass.Overhead a wedge of Canada geese call as they head for yet another field or pond.Otters use this channel, fishing and playing, bobbing and weaving, sliding down the banks.Ah, but there they are along the waterway,a

Susanne Twight-Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10706127216028043496noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-76641273207796416312009-02-20T13:09:00.000-08:002009-02-20T13:17:01.832-08:00

The Boy Scouts from Troop 100 recently installed a ramp and railing for the bird blind at Stewart Pond. In addition, the Scouts picked up litter, seeded 2 acres and removed some brush. The City of Eugene Stream Team provided direction and equipment. What a great project!

Windyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02302852742633892302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-88292963506693293612009-02-19T15:30:00.000-08:002009-02-19T15:45:20.491-08:00

The Northern Shovelers were dressed in their finest feathers at Grimes Pond...... Yellow-rumped Warblers were flycatching over the pond..... Golden-crowned Sparrows were picking up insects on the ground...... The Juncos were taking baths...... Ruby-crowned Kinglets at Willow Creek had an eye out for spring......

Caryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13163369291658304213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-55376941502549256582009-01-12T18:20:00.000-08:002009-01-12T18:24:23.716-08:00

It was a beautiful day at Grimes/Sandpiper pond on Monday, Jan. 12. Birds at the ponds included Green-winged Teal and American Widgeons, Great Egret, Cackling and Canada Geese, Greater Yellowlegs, Mallards, Yellow-rumped Warblers flycatching over the water, Jays and Juncos, and these gorgeous Hooded Mergansers.

Caryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13163369291658304213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-54873555445842583842008-12-08T09:01:00.000-08:002008-12-08T09:09:24.905-08:00

Saturday, Dec. 6 was a beautiful day around Sandpiper/Grimes Ponds. Here are a few photos of Cedar Waxwings enjoying apples, Mallard, Robin, Red-tailed Hawk, Green-winged Teal, and GBH.

Caryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13163369291658304213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-36069697884418658382008-11-22T13:17:00.000-08:002008-11-22T13:40:55.885-08:00

WREN recently received two fantastic photos from Steve Reed of Albany. The first is a Red-legged frog, which habitats wetland areas of the Willamette Valley. Steve found this one in a pond in an old forest growth area of the upper Siletz River.The second photo he sent is of a green heron apparently doing yoga! Thank you Steve!

WRENhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11766096394590530444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-55031371081408254082008-11-12T18:41:00.000-08:002008-11-17T09:11:48.204-08:00

By Carrie Karl, WREN Education Assistant Tuesday, November 11, 2008 Weather: A canopy of clouds and light rain. Matt Benotsch, from The Nature Conservancy, lead eleven people along a fire break in the Willow Creek Natural Area during this Wetland Wander. As we travelled Matt narrated the battle unfolding before our eyes between forest and prairie. The struggle for space is constant. Humans have

Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12793781427991423116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-63439940256012729432008-11-07T07:48:00.000-08:002008-11-17T09:10:10.506-08:00

by Carrie Karl, WREN Environmental Education AssistantThe change of seasons is upon us, fall is in full swing and this year it brings a myriad of color. Our palette of vibrant summer greens has given way to brilliant oranges, yellows and reds. The three pigments that are the main characters in our fall play are chlorophyll, the greens, carotenoids, the yellows and oranges and anthocyanins, the

WRENhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11766096394590530444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-72669573600769433832008-10-20T16:05:00.000-07:002008-10-20T16:15:02.957-07:00

With the cool weather and rain comes the Oregon Rain Beetle. Today (Monday, Oct. 20), I saw 4 beautiful males flying along the Amazon Headwaters trail in the rain. The females do not fly. These Scarab beetles are in the genus Pleocoma, and there are several species in the northwest. The larvae are external feeders on the roots of trees and have a very long life cycle estimated at 9-13 years.

Caryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13163369291658304213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-49604620031162876532008-09-30T16:01:00.000-07:002009-01-10T21:46:55.033-08:00

An old Native American proverb says "We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children." Perhaps this past Saturday, on National Public Lands Day, people around the country repaid a little of the interest on that loan. Here in Eugene, nearly 80 community members rolled up their sleeves to help clean-up and enhance the Stewart Pond Natural Area in the West Eugene

Windyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02302852742633892302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-31677761761477630882008-09-30T12:51:00.000-07:002008-09-30T13:34:23.212-07:00

Spotted Spreadwing mating pair Striped Meadowhawk pair ovipositing. This species oviposits in tandom and often in groups within a small area. A pair of Striped Meadowhawks ovipositing and a pair mating. They commonly oviposit in grassy areas that will later be flooded by winter rains. Tule Bluet maleA solitary wasp (~3/4" long). This one, a Great Golden Digger Wasp, feeds on nector. The female

Caryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13163369291658304213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-24076772297086470542008-09-19T10:17:00.001-07:002008-09-19T19:05:46.266-07:00

The students at Prairie Mountain School, a Bethel school for grades K-8 on Royal Avenue, have brought what they learned from field trips in the West Eugene Wetlands into their school. A 7 by 12 foot mosaic of more than 700 fire blown ceramic tiles depicting wetland plant and animals now stands out in the elementary wing entrance hallway.Students grades 1-5 contributed the unique drawings on the

Windyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02302852742633892302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-8017164093238762482008-09-19T09:36:00.000-07:002009-01-10T21:46:27.772-08:00

On Saturday Sept. 6 the wetlands where humming with fall pollinators and high spirits. The first annual Native American Wetland Culture Day drew a crowd of more than 150 attendees who enjoyed actives such as basket weaving, presentation of a traditional Kalapuya canoe and traditional camas bake and tasting, information on native plants utilized by the Kalapuya for thousands of years, and a family

WRENhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11766096394590530444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-68598091573058222942008-09-11T17:18:00.000-07:002008-09-11T22:08:18.208-07:00

Home Economics, Kalapuya StyleTim: Like all other junior high school boys at the time, I was required to take Woodshop class. I used saws and chisels and drills and clamps and glue but it just didn’t stick. The best I could do was “C” work. While the junior-high schoolboys were constructing bookshelves, the girls were in Home Economics class. In her Home Ec class, Ann was taught to sew and to

Ann and Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435153320038743302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-19343962390853765792008-08-15T20:08:00.000-07:002008-08-15T20:09:22.599-07:00

SummerIt's summer, and the vernal pools are drying,hidden by tall grasses going to seed. Spring's night and day chorus of frogs has faded;tadpoles grown and hopped away.I stood at Meadowlark Prairie on the last day of May.Canada geese came and wentwith loud announcements of arrivals and departures. A red-winged blackbird sang,liquid notes slipping through the willows.Families on bikes stopped to

Susanne Twight-Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10706127216028043496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-20926750585699916242008-08-15T09:59:00.000-07:002008-11-17T09:11:48.205-08:00

This week's wetland wander was a stroll into the area at the end of Royal Avenue. This site was new to me, a walk along the Army Corps of Engineers access road. Our leaders were Jules Abbott, a WREN staff member with botany expertise, and by the new wetlands' summer site host, Tim Downey. We brushed against the sticky (and smelly!) tarweed, admired the last blossoms for the season of Douglas

Susanne Twight-Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10706127216028043496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-5271148510091435922008-08-14T17:11:00.000-07:002008-08-14T22:57:22.668-07:00

“So what are West Eugene Wetlands Site Hosts, and what do they do????”Well now, I'm glad you asked!Sometimes we pick up trash along the wetland trails……but it sure is easy to get distracted when we hear birdsong…. Hey Tim, the trash is on the ground, not up in the trees! Our least favorite activity might be removing graffiti….Our most favorite activity is definitely looking at wildlife,

Ann and Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435153320038743302noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-54412697171755866572008-08-07T17:12:00.001-07:002008-08-07T17:43:35.010-07:00

You have to laugh. One afternoon a couple of days ago Ann and I had an errand to run. We needed a particular nut to repair a wagon that we use to haul water to some native plants near the Red House. We’d been to Jerry’s and Home Depot without luck.A bit of searching on the internet led us to Nielsen Fastener Company, across West 11th from Fred Meyer. They have just about every nut, bolt, screw

Ann and Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435153320038743302noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-80652194831182644982008-08-06T11:32:00.000-07:002008-08-06T17:50:50.557-07:00

This just in from local field scientist - Paul Severns:So….if you see a guy, about 5 ft 7inches, 175 lbs, with dark brown hair, brown eyes, four-day old beard stubble, cargo shorts, a t-shirt that was once white, wearing a tan visor, strolling (seemingly aimless and slowly) either down the bike path or in the middle of a field, staring off in different directions, occasionally writing something

Juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07158418964379979725noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-53650040343344871422008-08-04T12:15:00.000-07:002008-12-11T03:07:30.854-08:00

Photos of a dragonfly and curious river otters at McFadden Marsh in Finley National Wildlife Refuge. Thank you to photographer Steve Reed from Albany for sharing these photos! Find a fun river otter photo gallary at www.otternet.com/ROA/PhotoGallery.htm

Windyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02302852742633892302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-30149434306749970102008-08-01T13:54:00.000-07:002008-12-11T03:07:32.154-08:00

How do you change a pile of 800 tires into 800 flowers? Send out the West Eugene Wetlands Partnership, of course!Last September this team of experts took out over 800 tires along with 1800 cubic yards of fill material ranging from red brick, river rock, 4 inch cobble, south hill clay, household garbage (cans, bottles, plastic bags, wire etc.) and construction debris (lumber, conduit, electric

Juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07158418964379979725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-12087862114556689592008-07-27T16:39:00.000-07:002008-12-11T03:07:34.763-08:00

Hey you gu-uys!If you missed the dragonfly walks at Teal Slough and Grimes Pond last Sunday (July 20th), you missed a whole lot of fun! The leaders were none other than Steve Gordon and Cary Kerst. I mean to tell you, you just can’t beat that! These fellows wrote the book on Dragonflies.Yep, the book!There was a 2-hour walk for kids in the morning, and another one for grown-ups in the afternoon.

Ann and Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435153320038743302noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-64771560840290020692008-07-26T17:04:00.000-07:002008-12-11T03:07:35.573-08:00

The creek is dry above 18th street, but the dragonflies and damselflies are still around. Lyre-tipped Spreadwing Red-veined Meadowhawk Twelve-spotted SkimmerLets not ignore the Common Wood Nymph

Caryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13163369291658304213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-623789210534684422008-07-23T11:37:00.000-07:002008-12-11T03:07:36.822-08:00

Though neither of us is an Oregonian, at least not yet, Ann and I [I’m Tim—the bearded one] are West Eugene Wetlands Partnership volunteers this summer. How did we, me originally from California and Ann from Maryland, get here? Well, you know how life goes—one thing leads to another.We just happened to be taking this summer off, me from Park Rangering and Ann from retirement, and we were

Ann and Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435153320038743302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-42302978760338335372008-06-19T16:47:00.001-07:002008-12-11T03:07:37.383-08:00

I was out at Sandpiper and Grimes Ponds today and finally the dragonflies were flying. I saw the following Odonates flying.Common Green DarnerCalifornia DarnerCommon WhitetailEight-spotted SkimmerTwelve-spotted SkimmerTule BluetPacific ForktailA few photos from today. Common Whitetail Twelve-spotted SkimmerWhile watching for Dragonflies, a pair of Beaver came over to have a look at me. Then,

Caryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13163369291658304213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-33410813277847143032008-06-05T14:17:00.000-07:002008-12-11T03:07:38.535-08:00

Despite the rather cool, cloudy weather, turnout for the event was great again this year. Nearly 200 folks rode their bikes or walked the bike path between Beltline and Greenhill Rd. on Saturday, May 31. It was a great finale to another successful year of American Wetlands Month events in the West Eugene Wetlands! Thanks to our community partners and all who participated throughout the month!

WRENhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11766096394590530444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-42470722595178704882008-05-30T17:32:00.000-07:002008-12-11T03:07:39.638-08:00

A botany walk starting at 7 pm? Who knew that could be a rich learning experience? Under overcast skies the 15 of us, guided by botanist Chesire Mayersohn, set out to explore the Tsanchiifin Walk area. Recent rains had left sparkling beads on grass blades and cups of shimmering light in the hollows of leaves as we began our trip. Here are a few things I learned about plants of the wetlands. I

Susanne Twight-Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10706127216028043496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-22266305500997454402008-05-25T11:53:00.000-07:002008-12-11T03:07:39.973-08:00

Fifteen explorers met at the end of Royal Avenue May 14th to explore the BLM's See-sil area. Before we even left the parking lot we were treated to the appearance of an American Bittern, a shy bird more often heard than seen. The tall, yellow-legged bird went into its "oh, I'm just some grass" appearance, stretching its head high and pointing its beak upward, but soon walked cautiously along the

Susanne Twight-Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10706127216028043496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-58127296129959805722008-05-05T15:30:00.001-07:002008-12-11T03:07:42.874-08:00

Last Friday, an Edison Elementary 3rd grade class enjoyed a surprisingly sunny field trip to the West Eugene Wetlands. It was a great second day of American Wetlands Month 2008 for netting and getting a close look at vernal pool inhabitants and a walk along Tsanchiifin Trail. A few WREN board members also participated in the field trip! Thank you to Susanne Twight-Alexander, board member, for a

WRENhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11766096394590530444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-81052050618888195602008-04-26T17:50:00.000-07:002008-12-11T03:07:43.190-08:00

Water Scorpions are insects in the Order Hemiptera (the true bugs), Family Nepidae, and the genus is Ranatra. Note the front legs which are modified for grasping prey. They inject their prey (including insects, small fish, and tadpoles) with saliva which digests tissue after which the mixture is sucked out. You can see the beak between the front legs. The long tube on the rear of the abdomen is

Caryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13163369291658304213noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-77338905005168709482008-04-20T14:41:00.000-07:002008-12-11T03:07:43.425-08:00

Marsh Wren: Photo by Steve GordonOn Friday, April 18, Steve Gordon and I were out bird watching. After checking on the Warblers at Skinners Butte, we headed to Fern Ridge at the end of Royal Ave. The highlight there was seeing 13 Bald Eagles perched in trees in the area! Here is a list of 60 species of birds seen in the West Eugene Wetlands that morning.Greater White-fronted GooseCackling

Caryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13163369291658304213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-58413971512718210402008-04-11T11:03:00.000-07:002008-12-11T03:07:43.873-08:00

-by Susanne Twight-Alexander, WREN Board MemberThis morning's (last Wednesday's) wetland wander started with overcast skies but we were fortunate the showers held off until we were nearly to our cars. The Nature Conservancy's Matt Benotsch led our group of eight from the 18th street across through TNC fields on a "burn" road. We were able to see the difference between areas where trees and

Juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07158418964379979725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-83402440898239428862008-04-03T13:10:00.000-07:002008-12-11T03:07:44.231-08:00

Its wildflower time out here in west Eugene. We have spring wildflower's blooming - willow, saxifrage, and our special plant, desert parsley more importantly known as Bradshaw's Lomatium. Okay folks, I'm going to get a bit technical on this post and a little plant geeky so bear with me. Bradshaw's Lomatium, Lomatium bradshawii, is a federally listed endangered species. It used to grow in wet

Juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07158418964379979725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-66773313224739376582008-03-21T15:27:00.000-07:002008-12-11T03:07:44.546-08:00

So what was in that mystery package our friend Elvira sent? No guesses? It was scat from a wetlands mammal, the beaver! Normally we don't see beaver scat because beavers poo in the water. Elvira was helping with a scientific study in a pond in Portland, and came across some beaver scat caught in the grass underwater. Wow! It looks like a ball of sawdust, doesn't it? That's because it kind of is a

Juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07158418964379979725noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-14588515533559543592008-03-13T15:57:00.000-07:002008-12-11T03:07:45.418-08:00

If you've been reading our blog recently, you may notice that we have a tendency to get excited about SCAT! (By the way, anyone have any guesses as to the identity of the "mystery mail object" from a few weeks back?) So, for this week's post, we were excited to discover a large amount of carnivore (that means meat-eater) scat just outside our educational yurt. We've always known that nutria live

WRENhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11766096394590530444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-55200342153347552282008-03-07T10:22:00.000-08:002008-12-11T03:07:45.558-08:00

(Photo above: Ariel photo of Tsanchiifin Walk, the open area in the lower left quadrant of the photo. The runway strips from the air park in the 1940s are still slightly visible. West 11th/Hwy 126 West runs through the right side of the photo). Take the Tsanchiifin Walk in the West Eugene Wetlands any time of year, and you will encounter remnants of the rare Willamette Valley wet prairie habitat

Windyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02302852742633892302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-15387426101754774972008-03-06T18:10:00.000-08:002008-03-06T18:11:59.534-08:00

Last eveningI walked past the lighted buildingwhere we would meet for dinner,and drawn by the chorus of frogs,continued to the bridge.In the growing dusk,faint, scattered, white clouds floatedon the surface of the vernal pool.For a moment the voices continued.Then, as if responding to an unseen conductor,the music began to stop,each section endingits part in the round.From east to westthe pond

Juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07158418964379979725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-24200656694331550282008-02-28T16:17:00.000-08:002008-12-11T03:07:45.815-08:00

Well, the weather is really warming up. Consequently our snake friends have been seen sunning themselves at Tsal-Luk Wah. (say that 10 times fast!) Three snakes were seen snuggling together in an area that burned last year. Only see two heads? The third one darted off into a rodent hole just before the picture was taken. Our new West Eugene Wetlands site host, William, has been seeing snake

Juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07158418964379979725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-29648908565923910572008-02-21T11:38:00.000-08:002008-12-11T03:07:46.322-08:00

What in the world did our friend, Elvira, send us? Post a comment with your guesses. We have a prize for the correct answer. (don't give it away, Elvira!)

Juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07158418964379979725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-48124078874190940422008-02-14T14:05:00.000-08:002008-12-11T03:07:47.639-08:00

WREN is partnering with local scientists such as Cary Kerst and community volunteers for a new Citizen Science program. As the name implies, Citizen Science will gather scientific information around the west Eugene area to give us a better understanding of our area. Our first project in this program is the Vernal Pools Project. This winter we have begun a qualitative study of three vernal pool

Juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07158418964379979725noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-73623515092195432362008-02-07T15:26:00.000-08:002008-12-11T03:07:47.952-08:00

Spring starts early here in the wetlands. The Pacific Tree Frog, or Hyla regilla in scientific latin terms, is already getting ready for the warmer weather to come. As early as January, males begin to call to the females to breed. Pacific Tree frogs have also been called Chorus frogs and when you hear them you know why. They are one of the smallest amphibians around with one of the loudest voices

Juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07158418964379979725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-81889106676784788922008-01-12T12:11:00.000-08:002008-12-11T03:07:48.289-08:00

We had loads of fun today learning about the amazingGiver of the Wetlands - the Cattail.Cattails provide shelter and food for wetland creatures such a ducks, geese, red-winged black birds, and muskrats. Many people have used cattails in many ways for hundreds of years. Cattails can be used for making pillows, hats, diapers, mattresses, rugs, baskets, and clothing just to name a few. Many parts

Juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07158418964379979725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-87729675913722880122007-12-12T11:23:00.000-08:002008-12-11T03:07:49.673-08:00

Liz Myers from WREN, Rick Ahrens (local naturalist), and Jason Nuckols and Charlie Quinn from the The Nature Conservancy led a group of about 20 through the (very) wet prairie and upland prairie of Willow Creek Nature Preserve. We covered quite a bit of ground during this hour walk, which was one of the new informal Wednesday Wetland Wanders in the West Eugene Wetlands. We learned about the

Windyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02302852742633892302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-81019894589047862742007-12-11T13:04:00.000-08:002009-01-10T21:47:31.647-08:00

And what a party it was!We had 20 volunteers out here in the wetlands getting down and dirty with native plants last Saturday. WREN has adopted a section of Amazon Creek just outside our interm Education Center (the Yurt). Saturday we planted 300-400 native Willow cuttings, 12 Douglas spirea, 5 Valley pines, Dogwood cuttings, Brodiea species and 12 Showy milkweed. Above is a photo of one

Juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07158418964379979725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-44351826408075401272007-12-04T19:28:00.000-08:002008-12-11T03:07:51.346-08:00

I wanted to post Steve Gordon's account of an early December morning he spent with Cary Kerst last year. This is theatrical story of nature at its best...This was first posted December 2006 to www.wewetlands.orgBird Watching at Willow Creek Natural Area in the West Eugene WetlandsWritten by Steve GordonSee also, the segment by KVAL 13 on the 2006 Lane County Audubon Society Annual Christmas Bird

Windyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02302852742633892302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-13685492002356918162007-11-16T14:29:00.000-08:002008-12-11T03:07:52.086-08:00

Many times a year we walk with local students out in the wetlands near our Yurt. Were you one of our students?!? Here are some photos of our trip last week. O'Hara Elementary School joined us in exploring our wetlands. Can you find the cattails on this page? It sure was sunny that day!

Juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07158418964379979725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-60430086453222535652007-10-29T14:36:00.000-07:002008-12-11T03:07:53.615-08:00

On Saturday, October 20, WREN hosted twenty-some local educators for a day of training on using the WOW! The Wonders of Wetlands curriculum. There were may teachers from local schools as well as Oregon State Parks staff from Silver Falls State Park, UO Environmental Leadership Project staff, and several WREN educators. Despite the cold temperatures in the un-insulated yurt, and intermittent

Liz Myershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04152728243661211917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-66037817055465659742007-10-08T14:55:00.001-07:002008-12-11T03:07:54.595-08:00

A cool and cloudy October morning greeted visitors from the Campbell Senior Center today on a walk through the wetlands.Holly McRae led a leisurely walk with the group along the Fern Ridge Bike Path. These visitors had been out to the wetlands before, but it was a first time with WREN! The tour began at the Meadowlark Prairie Overlook where Holly filled us in on the history of the WEW Project,

Windyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02302852742633892302noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-16496891439245822472007-09-25T15:53:00.000-07:002009-01-10T21:47:31.648-08:00

The wetlands saw 65 volunteers arrive last Saturday morning for a day of improvement and enhancement of our public lands here in west Eugene. We removed blackberry along the bike path... planted lots of camas bulbs (boy that ground is hard this time of year!)... and the Invitrogen employees placed erosion control cloth on the bank of Amazon Creek. They have adopted a section of creek just west

WRENhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11766096394590530444noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-61962054449838723512007-09-21T14:08:00.000-07:002008-12-11T03:07:56.483-08:00

For the first time in two years prescribed burning is taking place in the West Eugene Wetlands! On Thursday morning, over 140 fire fighters from several agencies gathered at Meadowlark Prairie overlook to begin the project. Implementing these prescribed burns is a year-long process that requires applications and permits from LRAPA and tremendous planning on the parts of the West Eugene Wetland

Liz Myershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04152728243661211917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-72408577430397870942007-09-17T08:38:00.000-07:002007-09-17T08:43:38.356-07:00

Last Monday (Sep 10) WREN staff and volunteers were invited to watch bird banding a Dave’s place. Even though the species found there are not necessarily wetland species, it was a great learning experience. When we arrived just before 8am, Dave was not there but the banding equipment was all laid out on the table. When he arrived with the box of birds we gathered round to see who had been

elvirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17349177462184008683noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-64220990712620531902007-09-10T18:23:00.000-07:002008-12-11T03:07:56.646-08:00

The dragonflies and damselflies were active today (Monday, Sept. 10, 2007) at Sandpiper Pond. The following species were out today:Common Green DarnerBlack SaddlebagsEight-spotted SkimmerTwelve-spotted SkimmerBlue DasherFlame SkimmerCommon WhitetailVariegated MeadowhawkCardinal MeadowhawkStriped MeadowhawkTule BluetWestern ForktailCalifornia SpreadwingSpotted SpreadwingLyre-tipped Spreadwing

Caryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13163369291658304213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-49888993614856393352007-08-31T15:57:00.000-07:002008-12-11T03:07:57.995-08:00

So we had a great summer camp in the begining of the season we haven't blogged about yet. It was so much fun I couldn't let August go without letting everyone know about it. We partnered with our friends at Nearby Nature in holding a weeklong morning camp for Elementary School aged folks. We learned about wetlands, dragonflies, damselflies, and animal tracks. Our friend Rich Glauber led us in

Juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07158418964379979725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-67599538640030120812007-08-29T18:35:00.000-07:002008-12-11T03:07:59.368-08:00

Sandpiper/Grimes PondDragonflies and Damselflies flying today at the ponds in the wetlands:Common Green DarnerWestern Pondhawk8-spotted Skimmer12-spotted SkimmerWidow SkimmerFlame SkimmerCommon WhitetailVariegated MeadowhawkCardinal MeadowhawkStriped MeadowhawkBlack SaddlebagsCalifornia SpreadwingSpotted SpreadwingTule BluetWestern ForktailCardinal Meadowhawk Common WhitetailWidow SkimmerLets

Caryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13163369291658304213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-71580763706166034112007-08-17T13:53:00.000-07:002007-08-17T14:31:30.964-07:00

So, you've been getting out there and seeing otters. As our friend Elvira would say, nice work people! The group of 6 river otters has been seen multiple times out in the Amazon creek just south of the tracks both in the morning and around noon. Other recent happenings include new turtle logs being placed in the Amazon creek. These are basking structures created by us humans for our Western Pond

Juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07158418964379979725noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-75830565402037511102007-08-08T12:58:00.000-07:002008-12-11T03:07:59.541-08:00

River otters have been sighted again very recently out here in the West Eugene Wetlands. One of the WREN volunteers, Richard Hand, saw 5 river otters twice within the last two weeks! Once just south of the train tracks along the Amazon bike path, and then out by the bridge at Royal Ave. I saw 6! in the Amazon Creek just last Saturday, like Richard, south of the train tracks on the bike path. It

Juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07158418964379979725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-32052078526398282832007-07-19T16:25:00.000-07:002008-12-11T03:08:00.289-08:00

A group of 28 educators gathered today in the wetlands for a part of their week long teacher training workshop. WREN sponsored their academic wetlands day in conjunction with Summer Institutes. After an overview in our yurt, the group convened at Sandpiper pond for an exciting dragonfly walk with our renowned local authors Steve Gordon and Cary Kerst. Several damselflies, a Boreal Bluet just to

Juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07158418964379979725noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-48165742818430837132007-07-07T17:53:00.001-07:002008-12-11T03:08:04.285-08:00

Today there were 3 events in the wetlands! There was a walk with the Mossback Volkssport Club. Here are some walkers returning to the yurt… There was a First Saturday Park Walk with the City of Eugene’s Outdoor Program. And there was a WREN sponsored dragonfly (and damselfly!) walk with Steve Gordon and Cary Kerst. We went out to learn about Odonates in (for some!) and around the

elvirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17349177462184008683noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-22595460496588040922007-06-02T16:42:00.000-07:002008-12-11T03:08:05.856-08:00

WREN has just finished our first “Bike Day”… a long awaited dream. And what a great day it was! The weather cooperated (after several Wetlands Month weekend events in the cold or rain, the sunshine was welcome) so that the wetlands could really shine for all the folks visiting. If you were out there, thanks for stopping by and learning about this wonderful resource in Eugene. If not, we

elvirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17349177462184008683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-84083763358132027702007-06-02T14:54:00.000-07:002008-12-11T03:08:06.350-08:00

It starts with an "S",It ends with a "T".It comes out of you,It comes out of me.I know what your thinkin',We could call it that,But let's be scientific andcall it SCAT!That was the Scat Rap. Now what we've got pictured here may not be scat, perhaps a pellet from a bird... birds such as owls, herons and raptors cough up pellets of undigested material (bones, fur and feathers). Any guesses out

elvirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17349177462184008683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-8223848383086936902007-06-01T14:50:00.000-07:002008-12-11T03:08:06.896-08:00

Some UFOs (unidentified flying odonates) were spotted up in Portland...These pics are from Ken Shiroishi who has a copy of Dragonflies and Damselflies of the Willamette Valley, but still could not put a name to this one. And Cary Kerst wrote in..."I see why this was difficult using our book as we don't cover most females. This is not an easy specimen as its a female and appears to be a bit

elvirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17349177462184008683noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-91679981768806993072007-05-25T13:17:00.000-07:002008-12-11T03:08:07.502-08:00

Amazing photos and text are from Cary Kerst. Thanks for sharing Cary!The Odonates were flying at Willow Creek on May 25 including Western Red Damsel, Pacific Forktail, Tule Bluet, Vivid Dancer, Emerald Spreadwing, Blue-eyed Darner, and California Darner. There was also a Baskettail cruising over the water. The Western Red Damsel is very small but so beautiful when you take a close look!

elvirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17349177462184008683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-83809132608510451432007-05-10T13:52:00.000-07:002008-12-11T03:08:07.820-08:00

Wow! What a beautiful and exciting field trip in the wetlands! I had so much fun exploring with these well-behaved students. Taking a walk around the Tsanchiifin loop is a great way to experience the West Eugene Wetlands. These kids are growing up to appreciate the natural world.Here’s some of what we saw…Birds: (not to play favorites or anything ;) by listing these first)Hovering

elvirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17349177462184008683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-9031296768377346572007-05-07T11:09:00.000-07:002008-12-11T03:08:09.112-08:00

Last night WREN held its fist ever benefit concert – a WRENefit if you will. Cozmic Pizza generously hosted it and Mike, Cozmic’s manager, did a wonderful job running sound – thanks a ton! Here’s a run down for those who missed it… Liz Myers kicked things off with her bag pipes and highland dancers Jakonah and Mandara Matson-Bell. Wow. Serious skill… Rich Glauber entertained us

elvirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17349177462184008683noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-63834044868004638222007-05-05T21:53:00.000-07:002008-12-11T03:08:10.172-08:00

<?xml:namespace prefix = o />As you may know by now... May is American Wetlands Month! WREN has lots of events going on, including the big sit... Today 5 birders worked to identify as many bird species as possible from one place. This was a fundraiser for WREN, whose education effort serves school children through field trips and classroom programs, as well as community events – all in the spirit

elvirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17349177462184008683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-53931700182514170702007-04-30T08:38:00.000-07:002009-01-10T21:48:09.751-08:00

On Saturday over 60 people spent their morning cleaning up the Amazon Creek between Beltline and Checkermallow. Organized by WREN and Stream Team, it was quite a day! 2 truck loads of trash were collected, including a TV, many tires, a 5 gallon bucket of lubricant, and a pipe bomb! Isn't it ironic...Several damselflies (forktails) were spotted! They weren’t the only colorful finds… over 30 blue

elvirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17349177462184008683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-689418973084292102007-04-24T13:20:00.000-07:002008-12-11T03:08:12.094-08:00

This morning the rain held off and we were able to see lots in the wetlands on our field trip. Here’s some of what we saw…Birds:Red winged blackbirdsWestern meadowlarkAmerican kestrelMallards (a female with ducklings!)Geese – Canada & CacklingSwallowsWhite crowned sparrowCommon yellow throat warbler was heardYellow legs (one)Turkey vulturesPond life:Fishing spidersShrimpTadpoles (one of which had

elvirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17349177462184008683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-35546025161302115292007-03-26T14:26:00.000-07:002007-10-18T16:18:18.992-07:00

As I was riding to work today along the Fern Ridge Bike Path (near Garfield Street), I stopped to watch a green heron hunting along the banks of Amazon Creek. It was obviously looking at something in the water, and I waiting for it to strike its next meal. To the surprise of the heron and myself, an otter’s head popped up, looked at both of us, and then dove down again.It was such a pleasure to

Holly McRaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09562476925809908146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-21082887670925133592007-03-23T17:26:00.000-07:002007-10-18T16:18:40.730-07:00

After starting the day seeing an otter in the creek, my day ended with an amazing bike ride out to Meadowlark Prairie. The highlight was a western pond turtle basking on a log in the creek, just south of where the bike path crosses the railroad tracks. And so many birds singing this time of year! I got great close-up views of western meadowlarks, killdeer, red-winged blackbirds, wigeon and

Liz Myershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04152728243661211917noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-39462517110194035092007-03-23T13:25:00.000-07:002007-10-18T16:18:40.730-07:00

This morning around 8:30 as Holly and I were riding our bikes to work we noticed some strange movement under the surface of Amazon Creek. We were on the Fern Ridge Bike Path crossing underneath W. 11th. We knew immediately that it wasn't just another nutria-whatever it was was fully submerged and swimming away from us, upstream. We followed it upstream until it poked its head out of the water

Liz Myershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04152728243661211917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-34378015260804029922007-03-22T11:46:00.000-07:002009-01-10T21:48:09.753-08:00

On Saturday, March 17th, nine volunteers spent their morning from 9 a.m. to noon planting native shrubs along Amazon Creek on the north bank downstream of Beltline. They planted nearly 150 plants and mulched about 60 of those. The species planted include:Cornus sericea Red osier dogwoodCrataegus douglasiiBlack hawthornPhysocarpus capitatus NinebarkRosa nutkana Nootka RoseSpiraea

WRENhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11766096394590530444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-459499942303408442007-03-16T18:42:00.000-07:002007-03-16T19:17:08.550-07:00

You may have noticed that we have removed the "wildlife" portion of this blog title - it's just not fair to the plants, especially since so many are blooming now! Enjoy!

elvirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17349177462184008683noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-29474185800221312442007-03-16T18:12:00.000-07:002008-12-11T03:08:12.150-08:00

As I was biking home from the WREN office (affectionately known as the “red house” because it is, after all, a red house) this evening I spied a cinnamon headed duck in the Amazon creek, in the vicinity of the Elmira Automotive “comfort station”. Luckily the brakes on my cruiser did not flush them! Also lucky that I had my trusty lightweight binocs with me. With the wonderful light and the

elvirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17349177462184008683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-56621630344926438742007-03-15T09:09:00.000-07:002007-03-15T09:33:01.315-07:00

Rick Ahrens has taken a look at the mysterious bird – which is still in the Amazon and can be seen between Garfield and Oak Patch – and has determined that it is a Muscovy. They are domestic ducks originally from Mexico/Central America. Perhaps this female has a Mallard parent – judging by its orange legs!In the last week, there have been several sighting of a pair of wood ducks just down

elvirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17349177462184008683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-23160824811312732602007-03-06T11:51:00.001-08:002007-03-11T14:22:26.342-07:00

WREN had its first field trip after a long season of office work and outreach programs – and what a day for it! The sun sure did feel good. Elizabeth Allen’s class from Life! Lutheran School came out to explore this morning and some of us were lucky enough to spot a garter snake that was also enjoying the sunshine. We also saw a red tailed hawk, a meadowlark, mallards, and lots of red winged

elvirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17349177462184008683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857602046818230397.post-785088492974114762007-03-05T09:02:00.000-08:002008-12-11T03:08:13.520-08:00

Liz and I have been seeing a very strange duck near the Amazon @ Oak Patch last week and I saw it again this morning. It's hangin' with the mallards but is MUCH larger and even though these pictures are not the best, you can see it is black and white, but it has the bright orange legs like his buddies.

elvirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17349177462184008683noreply@blogger.com2