Topic: Wildlife
Beachwalkers Wanted! COASST Training Session
Written on September 16, 2018 at 6:15 am, by Peggy Sue McRae
On October 13thfrom 11 am to 5 pm, the Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team (COASST) will deliver a free training session in Friday Harbor, WA for citizens interested in surveying for marine debris. The COASST Marine Debris program is focused on the intersection of science, conservation, and communities. Rather than simply identifying debris, the Continue Reading
Pub Talk in Bothell on Island Marble Butterfly
Written on September 14, 2018 at 5:43 am, by Tim Dustrude
Amy Lambert, lecturer at the School of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences, University of Washington Bothell, will be giving a Pub Night Talk: “Encountering Rarity: Restoring the Endangered Island Marble Butterfly”. Once thought to be extinct, the Island Marble butterfly is making a comeback in the San Juan Islands. Lambert, a conservation biologist, explains why saving the Continue Reading
J50 Presumed Dead
Written on September 13, 2018 at 5:45 pm, by Tim Dustrude
“The message brought by J50, and by J35 and her dead calf a few weeks ago, is that the SRKW are running out of reproductive capacity and extinction of this population is looming, while the humans convene task forces and conference calls that result in nothing, or worse than nothing, diverting attention and resources from Continue Reading
Save Our Shorelines
Written on September 13, 2018 at 5:49 am, by Tim Dustrude
Here’s a note from Safe Shippers… Proudly, our San Juan County Council Members recently joined their Canadian counterparts, the Islands Trust Council, in calling on Prime Minister Trudeau to abandon the Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion project, once and for all. As Safe Shippers well know, if approved, this project would increase tanker traffic by 700% Continue Reading
Dinner Party at the Whale Museum
Written on September 12, 2018 at 5:46 am, by Tim Dustrude
The Whale Museum invites everyone to the first annual event, “The Dinner Party,” an elegant fundraiser and auction on Friday, September 14, 6:00 pm, at Brickworks. Proceeds benefit the museum’s mission of promoting stewardship of whales and the Salish Sea ecosystem through education and research. The evening will begin at 6:00 p.m. with a reception Continue Reading
Letter from the Port
Written on September 12, 2018 at 5:45 am, by Tim Dustrude
The Port of Friday Harbor Commission recently presented the following letter to the Governor’s task force. Here it is for you to see… Dear Council Staff, The Port of Friday Harbor respectfully requests that the Pacific Fishery Management Council set aside an allocation of 250,000 chinook salmon from the Fraser River for the endangered Southern Continue Reading
The Wild Side: Knock on Wood–All About Woodpeckers
Written on September 9, 2018 at 6:20 am, by Peggy Sue McRae
What types of woodpeckers might you see on the San Juan Islands? How can you tell if they are living in your woodland? Join Shona Aitken, Education Coordinator at Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehab Center to find out more about these fascinating birds and their important role in our local forests. Refreshments are courtesy Continue Reading
River Otters in a Land Without Rivers
Written on September 7, 2018 at 6:15 am, by Peggy Sue McRae
Did you know that most of the otters we see around here are river otters? It is true. The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) has adapted to our salt water environment. “River otters are semi-aquatic mustelids (the weasel family), and are traditionally thought to be freshwater animals. However, across both coasts of North America, river otters Continue Reading
Big Turnout for CWR Grand Opening
Written on August 22, 2018 at 9:03 am, by Tim Dustrude
Yesterday’s Grand Opening of the new Center for Whale Research’s Orca Survey Outreach & Education Center was attended by a good sized crowd of about 25 – 30 people. Friday Harbor Mayor Farhad Ghatan, members of the SJI Chamber of Commerce and many CWR staff & volunteers attended as well. The Center is located next Continue Reading
Grand Opening Tuesday
Written on August 20, 2018 at 5:50 am, by Tim Dustrude
The Center for Whale Research shares this announcement… We are excited to announce the official grand opening of the Orca Survey Outreach & Education Center. And you’re invited! The grand opening will be held on Tuesday, August 21 at the education center which is located at 185 S. First Street in downtown Friday Harbor. A ribbon cutting Continue Reading
Harbor Seal
Written on August 16, 2018 at 5:47 am, by Tim Dustrude
Kevin Holmes shares this photo of a big male Harbor Seal resting on the dock at Friday Harbor (being watched over by animal folks from Animal Stranding Network) after he had been in a fight… Thanks Kevin!
Explore The Salish Sea: A Nature Guide For Kids
Written on August 15, 2018 at 9:47 am, by Tim Dustrude
Griffin Bay Bookstore and the San Juan Island Library are excited to host an evening for both kids and adults. Come out for Joe Gaydos’ lively and inter-active book talk– Explore the Salish Sea: A Nature Guide for Kids— at the Library on Wednesday, August 22, 7:00 pm. This is a book that children and Continue Reading
J35’s Tour of Grief is Past
Written on August 12, 2018 at 9:52 am, by Tim Dustrude
This latest news is from the Center for Whale Research… “The ordeal of J35 carrying her dead calf for at least seventeen days and 1,000 miles is now over, thank goodness.” – Ken Balcomb, Center for Whale Research This afternoon at 1407 Pacific Daylight Time, J35 vigorously chased a school of salmon with her pod-mates Continue Reading
Free the Snake
Written on August 7, 2018 at 5:54 am, by Tim Dustrude
The following is from the Dam Sense news Room… This piece is in response to Governor Inslee’s Interview with Simone Del Rosario of Q13 Fox on July 26th. It is meant to serve as a correction of mis-information due to lack of appropriate information. “We can’t wait for that study, we need to reduce the Continue Reading
Atlantic Salmon Net Pen Summer Lecture Series
Written on August 2, 2018 at 9:36 am, by Tim Dustrude
UPDATED – The SJ Update has just learned there will be another event here on San Juan Island as well. So – 2 events, One at the UW Labs on August 8, and one on Orcas in Eastsound on August 9th… This past March, Washington state successfully passed a law phasing out open-water Atlantic salmon Continue Reading
Action needed to ensure the survival of Southern Resident Orca
Written on August 1, 2018 at 5:45 am, by Tim Dustrude
In the SJ Update mailbag, we have this letter to you written by Christopher Wilson of San Juan Island… I quote Ken Balcomb’s blog found at www.whaleresearch.com/blog. I am writing out of a deep concern for the continued survival of the Southern resident orca pods that have lived much the year for millennia around the San Continue Reading
First We Mourn; Then We Take Action
Written on July 31, 2018 at 5:55 am, by Tim Dustrude
Safe Shippers and Friends of the San Juans share this with you… Our beloved and endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKWs) suffered another loss this week. The world heard the news of J35’s deceased calf and sent back words of alarm and sympathy to us here in the Salish Sea. We mourn together – Let’s Continue Reading
Another Newborn Orca Dies
Written on July 27, 2018 at 9:33 am, by Tim Dustrude
Regrettably, approximately 75% of newborns in the recent two decades following designation of the Southern Resident killer whale (orca) population as “Endangered” have not survived, and 100% of the pregnancies in the past three years have failed to produce viable offspring. The following is some sad news from the Center for Whale Research… We are Continue Reading
Wanna Sing a Song for Quiet?
Written on July 18, 2018 at 5:49 am, by Tim Dustrude
Check out this email that came into the SJ Update mailbag… Dear San Juan Update, We are making a music video about noise pollution on the Salish Sea and are seeking community vocalists on the Salish Sea to take part ($500 and expenses for selected singers). If you might be interested, please see the flyer Continue Reading
Eagle and Crows
Written on July 17, 2018 at 5:50 am, by Tim Dustrude
Kevin Holmes shares this photo of an eagle apparently not bothered by all the crows trying to antagonize him. Great photo – Thanks Kevin!
Tribal Leader Appointed to State Salmon Recovery Funding Board
Written on July 16, 2018 at 5:46 am, by Tim Dustrude
OLYMPIA – Governor Jay Inslee has appointed Jeromy Sullivan, chair of the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe, to the Salmon Recovery Funding Board, a state board that awards grants for projects to help return salmon from the brink of extinction. Sullivan has extensive experience in conservation and salmon recovery issues. He has served on the Hood Continue Reading
SJCT Summer Film Series
Written on July 15, 2018 at 5:51 am, by Tim Dustrude
Larry Soll invites you to the next film at San Juan Community Theatre next Tuesday… Fellow Film Buffs, Coming up on Tuesday July 17th at 7:30 pm, Blackfish Documentary, Drama PG-13 84 minutes Many of us have experienced the excitement and awe of watching 8,000-pound orcas, or “killer whales,” soar out of the water and Continue Reading
Beachwalkers Wanted! COASST Training Session
Written on September 16, 2018 at 6:15 am, by Peggy Sue McRae
On October 13thfrom 11 am to 5 pm, the Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team (COASST) will deliver a free training session in Friday Harbor, WA for citizens interested in surveying for marine debris. The COASST Marine Debris program is focused on the intersection of science, conservation, and communities. Rather than simply identifying debris, the Continue Reading
Pub Talk in Bothell on Island Marble Butterfly
Written on September 14, 2018 at 5:43 am, by Tim Dustrude
Amy Lambert, lecturer at the School of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences, University of Washington Bothell, will be giving a Pub Night Talk: “Encountering Rarity: Restoring the Endangered Island Marble Butterfly”. Once thought to be extinct, the Island Marble butterfly is making a comeback in the San Juan Islands. Lambert, a conservation biologist, explains why saving the Continue Reading
J50 Presumed Dead
Written on September 13, 2018 at 5:45 pm, by Tim Dustrude
“The message brought by J50, and by J35 and her dead calf a few weeks ago, is that the SRKW are running out of reproductive capacity and extinction of this population is looming, while the humans convene task forces and conference calls that result in nothing, or worse than nothing, diverting attention and resources from Continue Reading
Save Our Shorelines
Written on September 13, 2018 at 5:49 am, by Tim Dustrude
Here’s a note from Safe Shippers… Proudly, our San Juan County Council Members recently joined their Canadian counterparts, the Islands Trust Council, in calling on Prime Minister Trudeau to abandon the Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion project, once and for all. As Safe Shippers well know, if approved, this project would increase tanker traffic by 700% Continue Reading
Dinner Party at the Whale Museum
Written on September 12, 2018 at 5:46 am, by Tim Dustrude
The Whale Museum invites everyone to the first annual event, “The Dinner Party,” an elegant fundraiser and auction on Friday, September 14, 6:00 pm, at Brickworks. Proceeds benefit the museum’s mission of promoting stewardship of whales and the Salish Sea ecosystem through education and research. The evening will begin at 6:00 p.m. with a reception Continue Reading
Letter from the Port
Written on September 12, 2018 at 5:45 am, by Tim Dustrude
The Port of Friday Harbor Commission recently presented the following letter to the Governor’s task force. Here it is for you to see… Dear Council Staff, The Port of Friday Harbor respectfully requests that the Pacific Fishery Management Council set aside an allocation of 250,000 chinook salmon from the Fraser River for the endangered Southern Continue Reading
The Wild Side: Knock on Wood–All About Woodpeckers
Written on September 9, 2018 at 6:20 am, by Peggy Sue McRae
What types of woodpeckers might you see on the San Juan Islands? How can you tell if they are living in your woodland? Join Shona Aitken, Education Coordinator at Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehab Center to find out more about these fascinating birds and their important role in our local forests. Refreshments are courtesy Continue Reading
River Otters in a Land Without Rivers
Written on September 7, 2018 at 6:15 am, by Peggy Sue McRae
Did you know that most of the otters we see around here are river otters? It is true. The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) has adapted to our salt water environment. “River otters are semi-aquatic mustelids (the weasel family), and are traditionally thought to be freshwater animals. However, across both coasts of North America, river otters Continue Reading
Big Turnout for CWR Grand Opening
Written on August 22, 2018 at 9:03 am, by Tim Dustrude
Yesterday’s Grand Opening of the new Center for Whale Research’s Orca Survey Outreach & Education Center was attended by a good sized crowd of about 25 – 30 people. Friday Harbor Mayor Farhad Ghatan, members of the SJI Chamber of Commerce and many CWR staff & volunteers attended as well. The Center is located next Continue Reading
Grand Opening Tuesday
Written on August 20, 2018 at 5:50 am, by Tim Dustrude
The Center for Whale Research shares this announcement… We are excited to announce the official grand opening of the Orca Survey Outreach & Education Center. And you’re invited! The grand opening will be held on Tuesday, August 21 at the education center which is located at 185 S. First Street in downtown Friday Harbor. A ribbon cutting Continue Reading
Harbor Seal
Written on August 16, 2018 at 5:47 am, by Tim Dustrude
Kevin Holmes shares this photo of a big male Harbor Seal resting on the dock at Friday Harbor (being watched over by animal folks from Animal Stranding Network) after he had been in a fight… Thanks Kevin!
Explore The Salish Sea: A Nature Guide For Kids
Written on August 15, 2018 at 9:47 am, by Tim Dustrude
Griffin Bay Bookstore and the San Juan Island Library are excited to host an evening for both kids and adults. Come out for Joe Gaydos’ lively and inter-active book talk– Explore the Salish Sea: A Nature Guide for Kids— at the Library on Wednesday, August 22, 7:00 pm. This is a book that children and Continue Reading
J35’s Tour of Grief is Past
Written on August 12, 2018 at 9:52 am, by Tim Dustrude
This latest news is from the Center for Whale Research… “The ordeal of J35 carrying her dead calf for at least seventeen days and 1,000 miles is now over, thank goodness.” – Ken Balcomb, Center for Whale Research This afternoon at 1407 Pacific Daylight Time, J35 vigorously chased a school of salmon with her pod-mates Continue Reading
Free the Snake
Written on August 7, 2018 at 5:54 am, by Tim Dustrude
The following is from the Dam Sense news Room… This piece is in response to Governor Inslee’s Interview with Simone Del Rosario of Q13 Fox on July 26th. It is meant to serve as a correction of mis-information due to lack of appropriate information. “We can’t wait for that study, we need to reduce the Continue Reading
Atlantic Salmon Net Pen Summer Lecture Series
Written on August 2, 2018 at 9:36 am, by Tim Dustrude
UPDATED – The SJ Update has just learned there will be another event here on San Juan Island as well. So – 2 events, One at the UW Labs on August 8, and one on Orcas in Eastsound on August 9th… This past March, Washington state successfully passed a law phasing out open-water Atlantic salmon Continue Reading
Action needed to ensure the survival of Southern Resident Orca
Written on August 1, 2018 at 5:45 am, by Tim Dustrude
In the SJ Update mailbag, we have this letter to you written by Christopher Wilson of San Juan Island… I quote Ken Balcomb’s blog found at www.whaleresearch.com/blog. I am writing out of a deep concern for the continued survival of the Southern resident orca pods that have lived much the year for millennia around the San Continue Reading
First We Mourn; Then We Take Action
Written on July 31, 2018 at 5:55 am, by Tim Dustrude
Safe Shippers and Friends of the San Juans share this with you… Our beloved and endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKWs) suffered another loss this week. The world heard the news of J35’s deceased calf and sent back words of alarm and sympathy to us here in the Salish Sea. We mourn together – Let’s Continue Reading
Another Newborn Orca Dies
Written on July 27, 2018 at 9:33 am, by Tim Dustrude
Regrettably, approximately 75% of newborns in the recent two decades following designation of the Southern Resident killer whale (orca) population as “Endangered” have not survived, and 100% of the pregnancies in the past three years have failed to produce viable offspring. The following is some sad news from the Center for Whale Research… We are Continue Reading
Wanna Sing a Song for Quiet?
Written on July 18, 2018 at 5:49 am, by Tim Dustrude
Check out this email that came into the SJ Update mailbag… Dear San Juan Update, We are making a music video about noise pollution on the Salish Sea and are seeking community vocalists on the Salish Sea to take part ($500 and expenses for selected singers). If you might be interested, please see the flyer Continue Reading
Eagle and Crows
Written on July 17, 2018 at 5:50 am, by Tim Dustrude
Kevin Holmes shares this photo of an eagle apparently not bothered by all the crows trying to antagonize him. Great photo – Thanks Kevin!
Tribal Leader Appointed to State Salmon Recovery Funding Board
Written on July 16, 2018 at 5:46 am, by Tim Dustrude
OLYMPIA – Governor Jay Inslee has appointed Jeromy Sullivan, chair of the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe, to the Salmon Recovery Funding Board, a state board that awards grants for projects to help return salmon from the brink of extinction. Sullivan has extensive experience in conservation and salmon recovery issues. He has served on the Hood Continue Reading
SJCT Summer Film Series
Written on July 15, 2018 at 5:51 am, by Tim Dustrude
Larry Soll invites you to the next film at San Juan Community Theatre next Tuesday… Fellow Film Buffs, Coming up on Tuesday July 17th at 7:30 pm, Blackfish Documentary, Drama PG-13 84 minutes Many of us have experienced the excitement and awe of watching 8,000-pound orcas, or “killer whales,” soar out of the water and Continue Reading