Competition

Osprey drives Swainson's Hawk off his perch © Diane B. Reed

Yesterday a Swainson's Hawk visited the Walnut tree that overlooks the pond, much to the consternation of the little birds that hang out at the feeders and in the yard. He was back on his perch this morning for awhile, then flew up into a nearby Sycamore tree. Unfortunately, he picked the favorite perch of one of our Osprey regulars, who flew in and flew into action, driving him off the perch. The action continued across the pond, where the Osprey landed on his favorite snag on the island. The hawk retaliated, and they flew at each other. The Osprey eventually prevailed and the hawk flew off.

Swainson's Hawk                                      © Diane B. Reed

It was an interesting confrontation, and I can't decide if it was over the perch, or a territorial initiative. Since the Osprey primarily eat fish and amphibians and the Swainson's Hawk eats rodents and insects, they're hardly in competition for food. My guess is that their tussle was over a perceived intrusion  into the  Osprey's territory.

Fishing derby at Lions Park © Diane B. Reed

Speaking of competition, yesterday was the annual fishing derby at the pond sponsored by the Lions. On Friday the pond was stocked with hatchery fish. It was guarded overnight by the Boy Scouts, and the fishing derby began at 8 a.m. 

Friday night there were several Great Blue Heron who seemed to have heard about the stocking and flew in for a look. These herons are solitary most of the time and several loud confrontations ensued. Having driven off the competition, the victor immediately waded into a shallow area and speared a fat trout, making short work of the fish. 

Great Blue Heron          © Diane B. Reed

I'm thankful we don't have to work as hard as these birds (and other animals) do to feed ourselves. Just head out for the grocery store and you can forage for everything you need. And except for the occasional shopping cart dodging, other shoppers don't challenge your being there or fight you for a can of beans or a head of lettuce.

Walla Walla Balloon Stampede

"Outer Limits" kisses the moon over Walla Walla       © Diane Reed

A sure sign of spring in Walla Walla was the opening of the farmers' market last weekend, followed this weekend by the Balloon Stampede. The early-morning ascensions (launched today from area schools) are something to see, and today was no exception. All over town necks are craned to catch a glimpse.

Firing the burner, Walla Walla Balloon Stampede    © Diane Reed

The fun is just beginning, with activities at the Walla Walla County Fairgrounds over the weekend. Ascensions are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday mornings, weather permitting. The spectacular Nite Glow is scheduled for Saturday night at the fairgrounds, and there's lots of other activities throughout the weekend. The weather looks great for the weekend, so come on out! 

For a printable schedule of events visit the Chamber of Commerce web site. 

A Strange Season

White-crowned Sparrows                                   © Diane Reed

It's been a strange spring, with periods of cold and rain, intense sun, spectacular lightning storms, and a persistent icing of snow on the Blue Mountains. A few Wigeons stuck around the pond much longer than usual, and a bout of stormy weather brought a pair of Cinnamon Teal. Our Osprey has returned and makes multiple visits to the pond every day, no doubt feeding nestlings. He's been very successful, diving into the pond and snatching up one of the trout, often to the astonishment of the kids who enjoy fishing in the pond. At times he dives within ten feet of them, dropping into the water like an arrow.

Mallard and Cinnamon Teal                            © Diane Reed

The pond has been full to overflowing for the last week. It's fed by Garrison Creek and rises and falls with the various downpours. It also keeps the pond fresh and charged with nutrients. The muskrats seem to be reveling in the rise and fall, though it must be a challenge for them to access their burrow under the pond's island. We haven't seen the mink so far, but he'll probably turn up.

Goldfinch in summer feather  © Diane Reed

A sure sign of spring is the changing plumage of the birds, particularly the goldfinches, now bright yellow against an often threatening sky.

At least one sign of spring is the arrival of fresh asparagus. We'll overdose for a few weeks, fixing it every imaginable way. We've planted the tomatoes and peppers in the garden, and the Walla Walla Farmers Market opens on Saturday. Life is good in the Walla Walla Valley!