Heron Rookery, University of Washington Campus, Seattle, Washington: Thursday, March 29, 2012

Date: Thursday, March 29, 2012

Location: Heron Rookery, University of Washington Campus, Seattle, Washington, 98105, United States of America (lat: 47.652752, long: -122.307470)

Time: 2:50 pm – 3:15 pm

Weather Conditions: approx. 47°F, significant rainfall, 100% cloud cover

Summary of Observations: Small grove of trees, primarily Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata), Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), Western Hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla), and Bigleaf Maple (Acer macrophyllum). Abundant English Ivy (Hedera helix) groundcover. Some Dull Oregon Grape (Mahonia nervosa), English Holly (Ilex aquifolium) and Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis) on lower level of forest stand as well (though less abundant). Also observed over twelve heron nests, and a pair mating. I am interested in learning more about the mating habits of herons, and in monitoring the nests throughout the Spring.

Species List:

1. Thuja plicata (Western Red Cedar)
2. Pseudotsuga menziesii (Douglas Fir)
3. Tsuga heterophylla (Western Hemlock)
4. Acer macrophyllum (Bigleaf Maple)
5. Hedera helix (English Ivy)
6. Mahonia nervosa (Dull Oregon Grape)
7. Ilex aquifolium (English Holly)
8. Laurus nobilis (Bay Laurel)

Posted on April 13, 2012 03:57 AM by sophiejhart