Wildlife Report - 7/7/08

River Otters. On an earlier wildlife update we called the otters in the area sea otters and have been reminded that they are really river otters. There was a report that three river otters were observed the other evening playing on one of the floats at the Illahee Community Dock. They rolled around and played together on the float similar to the way they do in the water. We are waiting to see if there are any new offspring this year.

Birding in the Illahee Preserve. Here is a birding report from Vic Ulsh. "A bird survey was conducted in Illahee Forest Preserve on Sunday morning, July 6th. We set our own new record of 35 species of birds identified. Highlights included sightings of western tanager, immature pileated woodpeckers, and immature brown creepers. A total of 55 different species of birds have been identified in Illahee Preserve over these past few years during our walks. If you are interested to join a future bird walk, please contact Vic Ulsh during daytime at 479-6900 or vic@bradleyscottinc.com."

Eagles. "A bald eagle was observed in a fir tree north of the Illahee dock that flew nearly to Bainbridge Island to pick up something, probably a bird or fish, and flew directly to the area north of Illahee State Park." This report corresponds with the following report. "Jim Trainer reports that the eagle's nest adjacent to his house on Illahee Rd is occupied again with adult eagles and one eaglet. The attached photograph shows some of the remnants of prey found beneath the nest: feathers and one partial skeleton of a crow: In clockwise order: seagull, raven, seagull, red tail hawk, sea gull, crow, red tail hawk, raven, sea gull."

Coyotes. "Yesterday (7/2/08) at 0830, neighbors to the South were busy working their grounds on the East side of the house and their 3 dogs were in the yard on the West. I heard yelping and a commotion from my house -- looked out to witness a standoff and scuffle between a coyote and the two larger dogs, one that suffered a bloody foreleg wound. The coyote ran off when I stepped into its view." We've had other reports of coyotes in the area.

Deer. Many reports came in about deer that have been killed along the area roadways. At least one set of twin fawns have been reported, and possibly two, depending on how mobile they are. The most interesting report came in with two photos that were attached, and have been attached to this email. Seeing a big buck eating from a bird feeder is a first for many of us. Thank you Pat for sharing the pictures with us.

Send us your reports and pictures. Keep the reports coming. From the feedback we receive the wildlife reports are the most appreciated.

 Jim Aho