It was a bright sun-shiney day. I had done my share of yard work and run some errands in town. The sun was low by the time I was done, but before going home, I decided to stop by the Freeland Wetland Preserve. The last time I’d been there it was snowing. What a difference the seasons make. The old barn and neighboring cabins seemed to glow in the afternoon sun as I started for the trailhead. It’s spring, at last, and there were flowers blooming at every turn. Buttercups smiled up amidst the small cedars that had been planted and fenced near the trailhead. A clump of purple columbine stood out among them. As I ventured further into the woods, lily of the valley spread out at my feet. The carpet of heart-shaped leaves boldly spring out of the damp soil as if they’d never left. Around the corner the delicate fronds of lady fern reached out over the trail. And the dainty white flowers of the native blackberries climbed over downed logs. Thimbleberry blossoms promised more to come. My attention went from the forest floor to the wide expanse of wetland as I stood at the edge, looking and listening. Yellow water lilies on the surface of the water beamed with light from the setting sun. Red-winged blackbirds sang, “Mukilteeeee-o, Mukilteeee-o.” I could see swallows swooping and gliding over the cattails in the distance. A great blue heron launched and rowed low across the water settling among the alder branches on the far shore. There were robins and song sparrows calling constantly and high in the treetops many small voices chirping and chatting together, but without my binoculars, I couldn’t see who they were. I decided to come back early the next morning. This time I was prepared. I wore a green jacket to blend in and go under cover. I brought my camera, binoculars, and the new phone app I’m just learning to use, called Merlin. It’s like having an expert birder in your pocket. Merlin listens to the bird calls and then lists the birds that are singing and even shows a little picture of the songsters. I didn’t want the birds to know they were under surveillance. So, I stopped and sat still in different spots on a bench, or a log, here and there. Merlin caught the calls of the usual characters, the robins, song sparrows, chickadees, towhees, a downy woodpecker, red-winged blackbirds and a heron. There was a chipping sparrow, house finch, pacific slope flycatcher, an olive sided flycatcher and wood pewee. I was thrilled, but it got better! It listed an orange crowned warbler and yellow warbler, birds I only see in the spring. Then I moved upslope into the cedar grove, it told me the bird calling consistently on my left was a black-headed grosbeak, the one on my right was a Western Tanager! I don’t know all of these bird’s calls, but I know what most of them look like, so I looked. I looked hard. I scanned with binoculars. I stood for several minutes in one spot trying to catch a glimpse, but no. These birds were under cover. The spring flush of foliage had provided the cover they need to feel safe, find food and build nests. It makes them very hard to see. So just go and listen. If you get really lucky, you may actually see some. And if you’re very, quiet and clever, you may even get a photo. Good luck with that. Maribeth Whidbey Watershed Stewards owns and maintains the Freeland Wetland Preserve. Click this link to learn about their educational programs and their Spring Matching Challenge. A generous, anonymous donor will match any donations contributed before June 1st up to $5,000. Donate online or mail to: Whidbey Watershed Stewards, PO Box 617, Langley, WA 98260. Directions: From Highway 525 in Freeland at the light, turn north onto Main Street and follow it east to Newman Road. Turn left and look for the sign on the right.
Bus and Bike: The Route 1 fare-free Island Transit bus comes through Freeland six days a week and stops nearby (800 feet away) at the corner of Main Street and Newman Road. A bus bike rack can hold 2-3 bikes. Newman Road is a mostly level and lightly traveled road. Please wear bright clothes while riding a bike. Mobility: This trail is short and mostly gentle. However, there are some obstacles including a tree that has fallen, and a few significant roots across the trail that may be challenging for those with mobility issues.
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Maribeth Crandell has been a hiking guide in the Pacific NW for over 20 years. She's lived on Whidbey and Fidalgo Island for decades. As a frequent bus rider she easily makes connections between trails and transit. Archives by date
April 2024
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