Union Bay Natural Area 5/10/12

After class I headed over to UBNA to explore and identify various species. The UBNA is a large restored landfill that has been supporting plant and animal life for the last 50 years or so. The area has a path that creates a loop around the area and is on the waterfront of Lake Washington. Many waterfowl and other bird species nest in this area. The plant life in the area is very dense with mostly non-native species such as scotchbroom. Upon entering the area, I immediately saw some plant species I did not recognize. Along the side of the trail was a small shrub with large bulb on it. After searching the field guide, I determined it was a baldhip rose. Continuing a little further, I came across a large shrub that towered above all the other smaller plants about 10 feet off the trail. It had large grooved leaves with small clustered buds. I identified the plant as a cascara specimen. As I circled the trail, I found the UBNA to be quite lively with small swallows diving and singing and ducks continually landing and taking off from ponds. Along the waterfront there were many canada geese and a notable amount of Great Blue herons. The weather was amazing so I assume this is why so many birds were so active. I approached the pond in the center of UBNA and watched various birds take flight and scavenge for food on the water's surface. The barn swallows were fond of nesting in the large pacific willows lining the pond. Overall, the UBNA was a great place to experience and learn about different plants and animals.

Posted on May 31, 2012 02:11 AM by twitwer