jmarcello1's Journal

Pack Forest – Eatonville, WA
Weather: cloud cover, light rain off and on.
Soil conditions: extremely wet, muddy.

Upon arriving to Pack Forest, we were directed to a large open space surrounded by a predominantly coniferous forest. In this field, I observed robins foraging through the grass and surveyed species around the edges of the forest. Salal and salmonberry were observed in abundance among this thick understory vegetation. Upon proceeding into the forest, I observed Alder species surrounding a stagnant pond with what appeared to be algae blooms on the surface. Alder is an important species in forest ecology as it can fix nitrogen, and because of this plays an important part in species succession. Pack Forest is a considered to be a working forest and is comprised of secondary growth – and the thick, dense understory is indicative of this. The soil conditions were extremely wet and the vegetation was clearly adapted to this wetland environment.

The presence of Red-flowering currant was noted throughout much of the dense understory, and Alder and Firs were among the dominant tree species. There was also an abundance of lichen and moss, and observed morels in muddy soil conditions. Something interesting I noted was what appeared to be marks in the trees from woodpecker activity – later identified as sapsuckers.

Trail of Shadows – Longmire, WA (Mount Rainier)
Weather: partly cloudy, raining off and on, higher altitude – snowpack present.
Soil conditions: extremely wet and muddy, surrounding mineral springs – wetland.
Upon arriving at the base of Mount Rainier, we observed snowpack and the drop in temperature was noticeable as we ascended in elevation. The Trail of Shadows was a beautiful hike surrounding iron mineral springs – which colored the water a vibrant rusty, copper color. These springs were historically used as a health spa for people to come nurse various ailments in the soothing mineral water. We observed the brick formations of spas, mostly still intact, and information boards explained the homeopathic qualities of the healing mineral waters. The water was also warm and bubbling in certain areas.

This forest was much more open than Pack Forest, and appeared to be older growth. This was evident by the sheer size of the trees, and also the presence of down and dead trees throughout the understory. Alders and Western Yews were observed, as well as several species of Pines. There was minimal light which shown past the canopy of the trees, and what light did come through was filtered. This was optimal for lichen, moss, and fungi to grow and it was observed in abundance and quite colorful than that compared to Pack Forest. I observed British solder lichen and yellow brain fungus near the water’s edge. A meandering stream along most of the trail was lined with deer fern in abundance along both banks. I was hoping to catch a glimpse of the spotted owl among the snags of old growth, but sadly no animal sightings.

Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge – Olympia, WA
Weather: cold, raining off and on, considerable cloud clover.

Upon arriving at the Nisqually Wildlife Refuge, we had a brief presentation on the history of the area and learned of the different land uses the refuge has undergone. The area was converted from wetland to agricultural area, and was slated for the possible site for waste disposal. This refuge was so beautiful and abundant in birds and waterfowl, and it would have been a tragedy if waste disposal as the primary land use was implemented. Luckily, this area is in the process of restoring the wetland habitat for migratory bird populations. When we exited the community center, we took the Loop Trail and observed wetland areas dominated by the salmonberry along riparian zones. There were also a variety of bird and waterfowl species present and we observed Canadian geese, Red-tailed hawk, Great blue heron, robin, and owl species throughout the trail along the boardwalk. When we reached the end of the Loop Trail, some of us branched out and headed towards the Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk Trail. To reach this trail, we had to walk past the Twin Barns and along much of what was used for agricultural land post-colonial times. Along the banks of the trail, there was Common cattail in abundance and this provided optimal area for the American bittern to forage in. I almost missed this bird as he blended in so well with the straw-colored cattails. He was definitely my favorite observation, as he had a creepy gate and moved in a very striking way. He also had bright green feet which contrasted nicely with his golden, straw colored feathers – optimal camouflage for this habitat. Also, something to note was the occurrence of very few trees throughout much of this area and we came to the conclusion, these trees were probably placed to provide shade for grazing livestock when agriculture was the primary land use. As we walked further along this trail, wetland area began to dominate and the abundance of waterfowl was amazing. There were several species of ducks, geese, herons, and many others. I noted that most of the males were much more striking than females and for important reasons – predation and reproductive purposes. Upon arriving at the Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk Trail, we observed juvenile eagles and it was apparent that the other birds were nervous and were vigilant in response to this. Upon walking back to the community center, we walked along a boardwalk trail which faced the Twin Barns. I noticed some interesting colonizers on the nurse logs in this wetland area, and these trees appeared to be very alive in spite of their downed state. Salmonberry and willows were noted throughout this area and also a few waterfowl species: mergansers and ducks. The male merganser was particularly striking with his Mohawk-styled feathers and beautiful colors – which indicated it was mating season. This area was very beautiful and seemed to be thriving. The abundance of birds was amazing and it was obvious that this area is home to many different bird populations.

Union Bay Natural Area – UW Campus Seattle
Weather: cloud cover, light drizzles of rain, windy, cold.
Soil conditions: wetland area.

This area is managed bv the UW Botanic Gardens and serves as an outdoor research laboratory with the goals of “maintaining and enhancing plants, wildlife, and landscape values.” A public wildlife area and natural restoration area that is home for many bird species, this site is off Lake Washington and offers important habitat in this urban area of Seattle. The presence of plants noted: Queen Anne’s lace, Common cattails, crabapple trees, and willows; presence of animals noted: mergansers, ducks, geese, and several unidentified songbird species.

April 22, 2012
Wallace Falls State Park – Gold Bar, WA
Weather: Minimal cloud cover, extremely sunny weather, hot and slightly humid.
Soil conditions: wet and dry soil, presence of rocks noted along all trail areas and within forest.

Upon arriving to Wallace Falls State Park, we took the trail leading to Wallace Lake. We arrived in the early afternoon and the sun was set high in the sky, which made for very hot hikers. The trail was dominated by the presence of very large secondary growth trees comprised mostly of Douglas Firs and Red Cedars. In the understory, the presence of salal, huckleberry, salmonberry, and sword ferns was noted. Sword ferns dominated the slopes of the mountain and along riparian zones. Although it was extremely hot, there wasn’t much sunlight and mostly filtered sunlight passed through the canopy and made ideal conditions for lichen, moss, and fungi to colonize. As we ascended in elevation, the presence of dull Oregon grape was noted and I made an interesting observation in patches of skunk cabbage just off the trail. The presence of moss over much of the tree limbs, branches, and stumps was noted and small, yellow, unidentified flowers were noted in shaded areas – usually at the base of trees. As we began to take more frequent breaks along out 10-12 mile hike, I noted the presence of fungi – some mushrooms in decomposing logs, and yellow brain fungus on downed branches. When we reached Wallace Lake, the presence of skunk cabbage was observed in abundance in patches along the lake in inundates areas along the water’s edge. Although I heard many birds, I sadly did not see any – except in fleeting moments. On the hike back, as it was getting dark and we wanted to hurry, we blasted some music from our iPod and some of the birds seemed to enjoy and sing along. Pretty cool! Also, something interesting to note was the geological formations along riparian zones and river’s edge. The soil conditions were extremely rocky in some places, and I noticed rocks grown into the roots of downed/dead trees. The forest appeared to be very productive and home to many species, although clearly dominated by – Alders, Firs, salal, salmonberry, huckleberry, dull Oregon grape, and sword ferns.

Burke Museum – UW Campus Seattle
In conducting our tour of the ornithology area, the tour guide advised that ornithology provides very useful information regarding bird physiology. He stated that dental records, skeletal and tissue specimens, and wing spread can provide useful information in comparing bird fossils to identify species type. He states that archive analysis follows a two-dimensional approach through time and space and is used to acquire useful data to compare and track changes throughout time in bird populations. He advised that stable-isotope analysis can be used to find out what animals were eating and how this changes through time – especially important considering the major anthropogenic changes to animal habitats – as well as migration and hybridization zones of different bird species. One thing I wasn't expecting was to be directed to an area where they were skinning a cougar leg. It was pretty graphic and I would have liked some warning.

April 27, 2012
Gas Works – Seattle, WA
Weather: extensive cloud cover, cold, extremely windy.
While at Gas Works I observed a flock of unidentified birds playing in the wind. It was quite interesting to watch how agile these birds were and how much fun they seemed to be having shooting, twisting, diving, and flipping through the wind. They were quite small, black on the back/wing area, white on the belly area, with a horizontal white stripe just above the base of their tail feathers. I tried looking this bird up and could not distinguish the species. While there, I observed huckleberry almost in bloom and Canadian geese at the water’s edge.

Mount Baker National Park - Big Four Ice Caves
Snohomish, WA

Weather: cold, cloud cover, snowpack, no rain.
Soil conditions: wetland area.

Upon arriving to Big Four Mountain, we encountered approximately 1½’ of snow inhibiting the trail to the ice caves. The road was blocked and we departed on foot throughout the snow, very ill prepared at that! I was not expecting there to be such extensive snow on the ground and because of this we could not access the ice caves as we wanted. The area was very beautiful and provided habitat to a wide range of species, and there appeared to be old growth trees in this hemlock dominated forest. I observed many areas were beavers were slowly taking down very large trees, and was surprised by the size of the logs they used. We saw many beaver dams along much of the South Fork Stilliguamish River and Ice Creek and the presence of fungi was noted. Abundance of Cedars was noted along the river’s edge and patches of skunk cabbage were prevalent in riparian zones. I only observed one bird, a raven, and he was quite big. There was also an abundance of coltsfoot and willow in areas with wet soil conditions.

University of Washington Campus
Seattle, WA

Weather: Slight cloud cover, mid 50’s.
Soil conditions: dry.

While on campus today, my group mate Marika and I went to this area on campus where I have observed squirrel activity in the past. One just came right up to me while I was reading and ever since, I have loved going there. So our goal was to investigate the behavior of the Eastern gray squirrels so prevalent on campus, and we brought food treat as incentive for some possible interaction. One squirrel in particular, which we named Jopa, was very playful and came so close that he was almost eating out of my hand. At one point, I thought he was just going to jump on me. Squirrels can be kind of scary up close, they are so quick and you definitely don’t want to get bitten. I observed their coats were gray with a brown-copper infusion and it made me wonder if they grow a thicker coat in the winter. They appear to be much fluffier and fully gray in during this time, which leads me to believe this is the case. I also observed one squirrel sort of flicking his tail and fluffing it out and I wondered if this was an aggressive behavior, possibly to make himself appear larger? Or simply just some form of silent communication? All the squirrels appeared to be tame and generally unafraid of humans. They ate the pear that we brought, but were also foraging on trees and the ground for food. This environment seems to be the most ideal for squirrels on campus because they remain relatively closed off from people and there is less traffic.

May 14, 2012

University of Washington
Seattle, WA

Today I went with my group mates, Tessa and Oli, to speak with Aaron Johnston about his research regarding competition between Eastern and Western gray squirrel populations. Aaron is a PhD student in the School of Forest Resources (SFR) and he is examining the encroachment of the Eastern gray into Western gray territory. This research is aimed at assessing whether the Eastern gray is the cause for Western gray decline, and thus subsequent placement as a threatened species. He stated that numbers of Western gray populations are in such decline that they are only found in three places in Washington: along the Columbia, in the North Cascades in the Eastside Mountains, and Fort Lewis Reservation – which has the smallest resident population. He advised that these are isolated squirrel populations, which leads to decreased genetic diversity, and he hopes to augment populations of Western grays at Fort Lewis Reservation (where most of his research is conducted) to increase genetic diversity and enhance species survival. He also seeks to determine if patterns in Western gray resource use and survival at Fort Lewis Military Reservation will extent throughout the PNW in the hopes of finding successfulful conservation strategies in light of Eastern gray’s abundant colonization.