Gary Snyder, the poet and environmentalist, distinguishes between 'wild' and 'wilderness'. I think that he is correct. Bellingham is a large town near the Canadian Border, in Washington State. It is certainly no wilderness. Yet within this city of 81,000 people there are plenty of wild things: urban wildlife.
As I look at my field journal from last week, I see than within the city limits I saw a coyote, three river otters, four racoons, a yearling-Black-tailed Deer (male), and a 3-point buck with his doe. Oh...and plenty of squirrels. Certainly there must be certain kinds of urban development that encourage these wild mammals to live in close proximity and relative safety with so many people.
In the case of Bellingham, I believe it is the creeks (Whatcom, Squalicum, and Padden) flowing from lakes and ponds to the bay. The city created a system of urban trails, parks, greenways, and protected watershed that are used by us for recreation and by animals for a living. Also, many residents do not fence their property. Wild things are free to wander.
Bellingham also has a large bird watching community. That means there are many bird feeders. I have seen deer and squirrels regularly visiting these feeders for a snack. On my street, within city limits, some people keep chickens, goats, and sheep. This is an added attraction for wildlife.
In the photo below, notice the green ribbon running through residential and business properties. This creek acts as a safe passage way and wild mammals, birds, fish and amphibians.
Padden Creek, Bellingham: An Urban Wildlife Highway
I saw this Great Blue Heron in the heart of the business district. What was it doing there? It was fishing in the relative peace and quiet of Whatcom Creek, which runs through downtown Bellingham. Right now, Sockeye Salmon have been spotted in Whatcom creek.
Great Blue Heron in Whatcom Creek, Business District
In late summer, the bucks were 'in velvet'. In other words, the soft skin that covers the growing antlers was still evident. These bucks were in my yard.
Bucks with Velvet on Antlers
Now that it is late fall, mating season for deer (the rut) is here. This buck is sharing what looks like a tender moment with a doe. He and she are touching foreheads and noses, gently. Soon, a male yearling came on the scene and the buck chased him away, then hovered near the doe aggressively. This happened under the Red Cedars in my garden.
3 Point Buck and Doe, a Mated Pair
I have seen many coyote tracks after snow falls...especially near my neighbors' chicken coop. Last week, however, I saw a coyote in the back of the Merlin Falcon Foundation Office. It surveyed the grounds and then slipped back into the understory trees that line Padden Creek.
Coyote
I have been watching a family of River Otters who have a den near a popular coffee and espresso shop. They regularly hunt fish (successfully) along the bay shore. Last week, I watched as three of them entered their den. One was curious enough to stand up and look at me.
River Otters
River Otters
In the summer, I watched Myotis Bats in the late evening sky. At this time of year, some are going into hibernation...sometimes under the loosened bark of Birch Trees. This bat's winter, tree bark home was disturbed, unfortunately. At my home, I have put up a bat house in hopes that it will provide winter shelter.
for these flying mammals.
Little Brown Myotis Bat
Some of our wildlife are not native. The Western Gray Squirrel has been moving in on the territory of the Douglas Squirrel. It is larger and more aggressive and has great acrobatic skills, when it comes to raiding bird feeders. Still, they are entertaining.
Western Gray Squirrel
Western Gray Squirrel
Leaf Nest of the Western Gray Squirrel
Douglas Squirrels are still seen in the more mature, complex forests. Fortunately, Bellingham has many parks and urban trails with mature tree canopies.
Douglas Squirrel
Douglas Squirrel
Another invader (or maybe pioneer) species is the European Rabbit. It was brought here by settlers for a food source. Then, some promptly escaped and became our local 'San Juan Rabbits'.
San Juan (European)Rabbit
If you have questions about these species, I recommend the National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Mammals and the easy to use (and kid friendly) Reader's Digest North American Wildlife.
