It’s a sure sign of spring when the cat leaves dead voles on the doormat. Other harbingers include the noisy, prolific house sparrows, the most common bird in the world, which have taken over all the birdhouses that used to be occupied by bluebirds and violet-green swallows; the occasional croak of the tree frog living behind the barbecue; and the plaintive cry of Say’s phoebe, a drab-colored little bird that always nests in the eaves around the house.
For anyone looking for more plant, bird, and wildlife identification information, this column will showcase resources for aspiring naturalists. I know you’re out there if the many field guides at the spring and fall book sales are any indication.
The Methow Conservancy has sponsored several naturalists who have authored books on the flora and fauna of the Pacific Northwest. I’ve purchased David Moskowitz’s book, “Wildlife of the Pacific Northwest,” and the beautiful coffee table book, “Owls,” by Paul Bannick. Other titles to consider are “Sagebrush Country” by Ronald Taylor and “Field Guide to the Cascades and Olympics” by Stephen Whitney and Rob Sandelin.
Two treasure troves of information are local naturalists Dana Visalli and David Lukas. Since 1996, Dana has published a gem of a publication, “Methow Naturalist, “the most complete database in existence over the past 25 years of the flora and fauna of the Methow watershed.” Many of us have attended Dana’s field trips and presentations on everything from the formation of the Universe to basic botany. He’s also published several field guides, including the useful Northwest Dryland Wildflowers with wildflowers grouped according to color.
David Lukas publishes a weekly newsletter providing free and subscriber content called “Methow Nature Notes.” Currently, he is offering an online master class through the North Cascades Institute on “Understanding Bird Biology.” There are two more classes, only $10 each on April 10 and May 8.
Various organizations in our region offer classes, field trips, and workshops for nature enthusiasts. Locally, Methow At Home has sponsored Dana Visalli’s Zoom presentation and field trips. They also organize wildflower and birding walks. On First Tuesday, The Methow Conservancy often highlights an organization or individual involved in wildlife biology, fisheries or habitat restoration.
The Native Plant Society of Washington has chapters throughout the state, with a mission to “promote the appreciation and conservation of Washington’s native plants and their habitats through study, education, and advocacy.” The Audubon Society of North Central Washington serves Ferry, Okanogan, Douglas, and Chelan Counties. Both of these organizations provide educational seminars and field trips. The Wenatchee River Institute offers youth and community programs, with the popular Bird Fest scheduled for May 15-18.
One of my favorite places to visit in the Greater North Cascades Ecosystem is the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center, operated by the North Cascades Institute (NCI) in partnership with the National Park Service and the City of Seattle. This hidden jewel sports a multimedia classroom, a library, overnight lodging for up to 92 participants, a lakeside dining hall, an amphitheater, outdoor learning shelters, a dock on Diablo Lake for paddling adventures, and a multitude of classes and field trips.
Cell phones are useful for photography on nature walks, and many now offer a close-up option. My favorite apps are Melin Bird ID, especially for identifying birds by song; I Naturalist, where you submit a photo of your object of curiosity for the online community to weigh in on, and Picture This, which offers plant identification, plant disease diagnosis, plant care tips, and weed identification. And if you’re a Facebook user, Methow Valley Nature Notes helps connect you with other nature buffs.
What does one wear or carry on a nature walk? I like to carry a good pair of binoculars such as the Nikon Monarch 8 x 42, a spotting scope if you’re a birder, a hand lens or 10X loupe to look at all the itty-bitty plant parts, and a cell phone or DSLR with a macro lens and at least a 200mm lens for birds and wildlife. Wear sturdy shoes and bring raingear. The dorky hat is optional.
