Wildlife Report - 5/10/08

It is time to pass on some wildlife information that has been given us.

Osprey - A number of people have reported seeing osprey flying regularly along the Illahee shorelines. Osprey are a little smaller than a bald eagle, and appear to be more of a speckled white and grey color. The easiest way to distinguish between an osprey and a bald eagle is the underside of an Osprey is white. They are primarily fish eaters and stay close to the shorelines.

Bald Eagles - Those living along the shorelines report seeing fewer bald eagles than usual, which could be because they are nesting. We had a report of a bald eagle eating a medium sized fish while in a tree near Rest Place. We also heard second hand that one of the Illahee bald eagle nests with two babies in it was abandoned after a tree trimming crew came too close to it with their boom. We don't know much more so if anyone has any information on this situation, please pass it on so we can let people know.

Salmon? - Those who watch the water along the 3 miles of shoreline we have in the Illahee community have likely noticed smaller fish surface feeding both out in the middle of the bay and closer to shore. Some have suggested it might be new chum salmon slowly leaving the Sound on their way to the ocean. It is amazing to think of the number of fish that must be out front and pass through the Illahee community.

Fish in Illahee Creek - Following the December 3rd storm is has been hard to imagine that there are still fish in Illahee Creek. One would have thought that they all got flushed out. During water quality checks of the creek the end of March and the end of April, small fish of unknown identity were sighted.

Muddy Beaches at Low Tide - During the low tides this past week there were reports of brown muddy coatings of the lower beach areas. It is surmised this was the result of the December 2007 storm.

Bees - We had a report of swarming bees in Illahee. There can only be one queen bee in a bee colony so when there are two a colony or hive will split, which is evidently what happened. Our resident Illahee bee keeper, Roy Barton was called and got them into a hive. We have pictures which are attached. Roy and his wife Vickie have HoneyHill Farm in North Illahee and sell honey. If you notice any swarms of bees, such as are in the pictures, Roy would like to know. His number is 613-0175.

Possum - More and more possum seem to have moved into the area. Some cat owners are reporting possums in the daylight feeding on their cat's food. Possums have also been reported run over just outside the Illahee Preserve. If anyone would like to provide the community more information on possum and what to do with them, please pass it on to us and we will put it out to the larger Illahee community.

Please send us any wildlife, or other information, of interest to the community, and we will pass it on.

Jim Aho