Spencer Island Park

March 21, 2009
With somewhat uncertain weather in the forecast we decided to stick to the lowlands. Our destination was Spencer Island Park near Everett, just north of Seattle. I'd heard via a guide at the Zoo that it was the home of some Pileated Woodpeckers. They are near the top of my 'wanna see!' list.

The first thing we learned was that sometimes, when the Department of Highways builds new overpasses and roads, the Parks department does not always update the directions on their websites. We got hopelessly lost, even with the GPS which seemed to be having a blonde day.

By a stroke of luck we found the right spot and set out to hike partway around Spencer Island.

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As we set out, a covey of coots marched along the fence near the road.
The air was filled with the sounds of frogs, all of which were well hidden.

 
     
   
     
Pussy willows budded along the border of the road too.
     
   
     
Oh boy! This looks promising! There was a grove of trees, many of which were pocked with large holes, indicating the presence of Pileated Woodpeckers. I was so excited.
 

     
   
     
Spencer Island is bordered by two sloughs or waterways. On the east is Union Slough, and here on the west is Steamboat Slough, with Whitehorse Mountain gleaming in the background.


     
   
     
Many small wrens hopped among the dried weeds. I think this is a Winter Wren.
     
   
     
This could be a wasp's nest of some sort.
     
   
     
Here's another picture taken looking east across Steamboat Slough. On the left is Whitehorse Mountain and on the right is Mount Pilchuk.

 
 
     
   
     
A closeup of Whitehorse Mountain reminds me a little bit of the Alps.
 
 
     
   
     
There are several bridges breaching the gaps along the edge of Union Slough.
   
     
   
     
Wait! What's that over there?

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