Return to Main Page Here is an excerpt from the article from the Seattle Post-Intelligencer which caught Tim's eye.

Friends of the Black River The Black River Riparian Forest and Wetland is an oasis within the city limits of Renton. The area is important for its wildlife habitat, its complex ecosystem, and its historical significance. It provides an opportunity for citizens to witness the wonders of nature close to their homes. It is located in west Renton just north of Oakesdale Avenue and SW 7th Street. The area is maintained by the City of Renton Parks Department. Paths on the south and north side of the area provide access. Great Blue Heron Colony Thrives Here It was the arrival of the heron in the 1980's that alerted us to the importance of this site. The herons established a rookery in the cottonwood forest. Herons feed in the pond, roost in the trees, mate, and raise their young here. Their huge nests of branches adorn the treetops of the tall black cottonwood trees. In past years, predation by bald eagles threatened the rookery. For the last few years, there has been no evidence of predation and the colony has thrived. Counts of young blue heron have been at least 36 in each of the last two years. This year, there are 35 active nests. This is evidence that the heron colony at the Black River site is thriving and expanding. A Complex Ecosystem Coyotes, raccoons, beaver, moles, voles, skunks, and weasels are some of the mammals that live here. Frogs, salamanders, and garter snakes do too. The area provides ample food, water, and shelter for a complex ecosystem. Beaver migrate from the Green River and will attempt to raise families here. Because of their habit of damming streams, the beaver are captured and transported to a wilderness setting. Over 50 Bird Species Sighted Throughout the year, various bird species use the Black River Wetland: mallards, northern shovelers, buffflehead, goldeneyes, grebes, cliff swallow, goldfinch, green herons, blue herons, hawks, and many others. In January, the heron congregate and court. By July their young are out of the nest and hunting in the wetland. In May through August, mallard, gadwall, scaup, wood duck and many other species parade with their young. In July young goldfinch, cedar waxwing, swallows, and other species are learning to forage for food in the alder, willow, and other native species in the wetland. Come February and again in the fall, migrating flocks of ducks and geese stop by to feed and regroup for the next leg of their journey. All year round, this area is a bird watchers paradise.

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