HabitChat

Nature Watch: Peeping at Fall Shorebirds

Shorebirds are active and abundant this time of year, making for an exciting birdwatching experience! Land Trust member, Steve Ellis, shares interesting tidbits about shorebirds and what draws them to these islands in his latest blog entry of “Nature Watch.” Read more to discover the diverse species you might encounter during your next beach visit this September.


Nature Watch: The Flight of Dragons

August is the perfect time to observe the flight of dragonflies. Land Trust member, Steve Ellis, spills all the details on these fascinating creatures in his latest blog entry of “Nature Watch.” Read more to discover the secret of their flying abilities, find the best places to observe them, and learn about other plant and animal sightings you can look forward to in August!


Nature Watch: Rockin’ the Low Tides

There are plenty of reasons to spend time at the beach and Land Trust member, Steve Ellis, provides even more of them in his latest blog entry of “Nature Watch.” Read more to learn about all the fun creatures you might find during your next beach day! And remember to use proper beach etiquette to ensure these rocky shores continue to thrive with life.


Nature Watch: Bright Competition

The growing season is here and plant species are competing for the best of it all: sunlight, water, room for their root systems and the attention of pollinators. How do these blooming species outdo each other? Find out in this latest blog entry of “Nature Watch” by Land Trust member Steve Ellis. Learn about the bright competition in nature and the species you might discover in the warmer month of June!


Nature Watch: Under Construction

Building is happening in Island County… of bird nests, anyway. In his latest blog entry of “Nature Watch,” Land Trust member Steve Ellis shares interesting information about nests, the construction process, and the different features and formations for various species. Read more to learn about nesting, Rufous Hummingbirds and Washington’s state flower – all blooming and vibrant in the month of May!


Nature Watch: April’s Amphibians

In his latest blog entry of “Nature Watch,” Land Trust member Steve Ellis shares detailed knowledge on local amphibians. These creatures can be difficult to see, but Steve provides some handy tips for identifying egg masses of different species. Read more to learn about the Pacific Chorus Frog and other plants and animals you might discover in April!


Nature Watch: The Beat Goes On

In his latest blog entry of “Nature Watch,” Land Trust member Steve Ellis brings light to the drumming of woodpeckers, a strong indication of spring. Woodpeckers drum or tap for a variety of reasons including a form of communication or when they feel threatened. Read more to learn about the drumming techniques of different woodpecker species and discover other flora and fauna that can be found on a forest walk in March.


Nature Watch: In the Still of the Night

In his latest blog entry of “Nature Watch,” Land Trust member Steve Ellis shares a host of creatures that take up the night shift, and gives a play-by-play of some common nighttime activity taking place this time of year. Tides are low, insects are on the move and the forest floor is crawling with energy. Read more to discover an “owl prowl” and what can be seen if you take part in this venture during the month of February.


1,000 Hours Outside Challenge

In 2010, a global movement called the 1,000 Hours Outside Challenge was initiated in response to the rising concern that children are spending too little time outside, and too much time in front of screens. In 2023, Land Trust stewardship assistant, Taylor Schmuki, and her family attempted the feat, and the following is their motivation and experience taking part in this challenge last year.


Nature Watch: Dabbling in Winter Waterfowl

Ring in the new year with winter dabblers! In his latest blog entry of “Nature Watch,” Land Trust member, Steve Ellis, dives into some fun facts about the ducks known as dabblers that migrate to the islands during the winter months and where you might spot them. Read more to learn about several waterfowl species and discover more plants and animals you can find in the month of January!


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