Pacific Ninebark

Day 18: Pacific Ninebark (Physocarpus capitatus) derives its name from the multiple parchment-like layers of its bark. Even on a pencil-sized twig, sheet after sheet can be peeled away before reaching the active growing layer (cambium). The wood of Ninebark is very resilient and flexible regardless of its diameter and was used by Native peoples in the Pacific Northwest to construct toy bows for tribal children. Regarded by many as poisonous, the bark can in fact be brewed as a tea and used medicinally as a purgative/laxative.

The flowers of Ninebark are small and numerous, appearing in clustered, rounded heads. The petals are white, accented with many pink-tipped stamens to give a "fuzzy" appearance overall.

Yellow Zygocactus

Day 17: The window sill in the back bedroom has a plant shelf attached to it, filled from one end to the other with assorted Zygocacti (that's "Christmas cacti" in the vernacular). The only problem is that they don't seem to know when Christmas is. I meandered back there today and discovered that my favorite and somewhat rare yellow one had managed to thread one of its blossoms through the lace curtain before the bloom opened and now was well and truly stuck. Minor surgery released it from the stranglehold and now it's gracing a spot in the living room where I can enjoy it daily.

In optimum lighting conditions, this cactus will put forth blossoms in rich canary yellow which when fully open, reveal an orchid-colored stigma. If the plant receives too much light, it may lose its yellow tone almost entirely and appear orange or even pink. In the same manner, a "white" Zygocactus may range from pure white (again with the orchid stamen) to shell pink. Other more common colors will also vary according to the amount of light received during the non-blooming period. My other favorite is a picotee form, white with a bright pink margin on each petal.

Douglas Squirrel, Red Phase

Day 16: The Douglas Squirrel (Tamiasciurus douglasii, also known as the Chickaree) is one critter all Pacific Northwesterners recognize, although many believe that the red phase and the grey phase are two different breeds. This little fellow changes his coat seasonally so that he is often called "Red Squirrel" and "Grey Squirrel" in turn. His grey summerwear is silvery top and bottom, as opposed to his more colorful winter outfit shown in this image. Very common in cities and forests alike, these brazen animals will run up an outstretched leg or climb inside a backpack to forage for goodies. Look closely, and you will see that this one sports an earring, a tag which identifies him and will help monitor his activities in the experimental forestry station where he roams freely among a mixture of deciduous and evergreen trees.

Beyond Any Shadow Of Doubt

Day 15: For good reason, mycological societies across the country often hold what they term "Survivors' Banquets" to celebrate the Autumn mushrooming season. Many species of 'shrooms so closely resemble one another that it is impossible to tell them apart without taking a spore print and studying the spores under a microscope.

In this realm, a mistake can be deadly, and for that reason I collect only "beginners' species," those which I know beyond any shadow of doubt. The specimens shown above do not belong to that category, nor have I been able to narrow down the possibilities while making a cursory browse through my numerous field guides. Like my mother used to say, "Better safe than sorry."

Step Moss, Hylocomium Splendens

Day 14: Step Moss (Hylocomium splendens) is common in lowland forests throughout western Washington. Named for the manner in which it adds annual growth in 3-5 cm. increments separated by short stems, it is a vigorous groundcover, often forming mounds which completely mask the underlying terrain. Its age may be determined by counting the number of "steps" on any given stem. Its preferred habitat is among Western Red Cedar and Hemlock.

Mistress Skunk

Day 13: Both Tip and a ceramic kitten have been featured in images taken in response to assignments for the Daily Shoot recently, so today Skunk is accorded the privilege of being the first cat to appear in 365 Caws. Named for an irregularly-shaped white stripe running almost the entire length of her spine, her tabby color is both spotted and striped, and she wears a broad white shawl around her shoulders. Her ambitions do not include posing for the camera.

Bear Prairie Mist

Day 12: Although the East Coast offers itself as a "leaf-peeping" destination with its abundant reds, Washington's lowland deciduous forests cannot be challenged for golden tones. The occasional Vine Maple leaps out in scarlet array among Cottonwoods, Alders and Ninebark and the ever-present deep-hued evergreen Douglas Fir, accent stitches in Bear Prairie's tapestry. Seen here with mist rising from a sunbeam unexpectedly released through an opening in the overcast, the mountain meadow grasses fairly glow with an ethereal light.

Frivolity

Day 11: No other plant exhibits quite the same frivolity and disregard for organization as that which occurs in the disarray of a Sunflower's petals. Its wanton ability to dominate any garden with its bold display, its cheerful smile and open countenance give it a universal appeal. In its season, the heads are flagrantly gravid, rejoicing in life and perpetuation, offering themselves to both bird and beast with no fear for less than abundant survival. Those seeds missed by foragers spring up readily following winter, growing stronger with subsequent generations, joyous and vigorous avatars of the star which warms the Earth.

Bearded Lichen

Day 10: Visitors to the Evergreen State often remark on the moss hanging in nearly every tree, little realizing that some of the delicate thready clumps are not true mosses at all. Bearded Lichen, a species of Usnea, is common on both deciduous and evergreen species alike. It was valued by Native peoples for containing a natural antibiotic and was used as a compress for wounds. It is edible and rich in vitamin C, if not particularly desirable as a food. Shown here on a branch of Vine Maple, it is parasitic and can sap the strength of young trees.

Harvest

Day 9: My talents as a gardener are limited to growing flowers, and I use the word "limited" advisedly. I grow what will grow. What will not grow will not be attempted a second time. The exception to that is my occasional foray into the cultivation of vegetables. It is never successful beyond cherry tomatoes, and yet I persist. Many times, I have tried to grow gourds, hoping that they might lie somewhere in limbo between "ornamental plant" and "squash." I have occasionally had a few fist-sized fruits appear, but have never had one fully mature. Frustrated, I have not been able to convince myself to spend money on the frivolity of inedible vegetables until now.

You see, I've wanted to make an Autumn "greeting card" shot for some time, something with warm colors and slanting sunlight depicting my most favorite season. I am happy to present here a selection of store-bought gourds and Indian corn, augmented by "home-grown" leaves from the maples behind the mailbox.

Fall Guy

Day 8: One of the best-known caterpillars, few people realize that the Woolly Bear matures into a fairly nondescript moth called the Isabella Tiger (Pyrrharctia isabella). Contrary to popular folklore, there is no validation for the idea that the width of its bands can be used to foretell the coming winter's severity.

On location in the acreage of Charles L. Pack Experimental Forest, this mature caterpillar was seen searching for a comfortable niche in a Big-leaf Maple, there to hibernate until next spring when it will pupate. Good luck, little fellow!

King Of Fishers

Day 7: While out biking along the Coweeman River near Kelso WA today, a flash of blue caught my eye. The distinctive rowing motion of the bird's wings while in flight told me immediately that it had to be a Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) on patrol. I watched as it progressed upriver, and when it finally alighted on a branch, I zoomed in to the camera's maximum 80x for this shot.

When seen on the wing, other distinguishing characteristics of the Kingfisher include a short, stubby tail and a disproportionately large head. Its crest may not be noticeable when the bird is in flight. They are impressive divers when pursuing a meal, truly King of Fishers.

A Red Year

Day 6: Western Washington doesn't have much to recommend it as a "leaf-peeping" site, certainly nothing to compare to the broad hillsides of the east coast which seem to be aflame at this time of year, but we do have Vine Maple (Acer circinatum). This shrub grows to approximately 15 feet in height, springing from the ground in a tangle of skinny, braided trunks. Its decaying leaves often provide perfect conditions for the incubation of several varieties of tasty mushrooms...but that's a story I'll leave for a later entry.

Vine Maple does not always turn so vividly scarlet (congratulate me...I suppressed the urge to say "vividly vermillion"). In fact, it looked for all the world like 2010 was destined to be a brown year instead of a red one until a hard frost took the paintbrush in its grip. Overnight, the drab leaves changed to gold, and in only a few days had taken on an undeniable blush as cold temperatures pinched their cheeks. Another nip brought them to this full red fury.

Backed here by the dark hues of Douglas fir on a distant hillside, this leaf was photographed from below with the sun behind it. No cosmetic enhancements have been made for Nature, old or young, is beautiful enough.

Before There Was Bubble Wrap

Day 5: Common Snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus) is a valuable food source for many birds. It was considered poisonous and/or medicinal by the Native American population of the Pacific Northwest, and may indeed cause nausea if eaten in any great number. Its pithy berries have served another unrelated function for many generations of children, however. Protected as they are by a tough skin, when squeezed between the fingers, the fruits make a very gratifying popping sound when they burst, the precursor to today's entertaining bubblewrap.

Steller's Jay

Day 4: Steller's Jay (Cyanocitta stelleri) is a member of the family of Corvids which also includes Crows and Ravens. Like other members of the group, Jays of all sorts are intelligent and crafty, if perhaps not on quite the same scale as their black-feathered cousins. These brilliantly colored visitors to my feeders maintain a fine balance between their self-confidence and their innate wariness of humans, often landing on the "crow board" when I have stepped only a short distance away after delivering their breakfast. Were I to turn suddenly, they would disperse in a flurry of blue feathers while voicing a raucous warning, although they would soon return, knowing from experience that I pose no menace.

Gull Without Portfolio

Day 3: All bets are off with regard to this bird's pedigree. Generically referred to as "seagulls" or "rats with wings," the ancestry of any particular member may include Glaucous-winged Gull, Herring Gull and Western Gull. The three species interbreed with abandon, and prolifically so. They can be found at dumpsters, parking lots, the top of almost every streetlight, and of course at any small body of water such as a man-made suburban pond. The red spot on the beak is a natural marking. It has been wryly suggested that the Seagull should supplant the Goldfinch as Washington's State Bird.

A Junco For All Seasons

Day 2: Dark-eyed Juncoes are year-'round habitués of my feeders, but although they are common, their delicate beauty is one my lens cannot resist. In today's cold wind, this fellow was sticking close to the shelter of the contorted filbert (aka "Harry Lauder's Walking Stick"). It is a favored perch for birds at any time of year, its tangled and twisted branches providing a perfect maze through which no predator can pass with any haste.

Sun on the Dog

Day 1: Thirty years ago, I earned my place in the annals of climbing by becoming the last woman known to have climbed Mt. St. Helens before the area was closed to public use. Had I known then what I know now...that as I wrote and sketched in my journal, I was sitting atop an area which would be first to show evidence of ash emission and melt...I might have been even less comfortable in the undeniably harsh winter conditions on the summit. Today as I walked the trail below the lower lip of the crater, the tears sprang to my eyes, remembering not only Loo-wit in her former glory, but also my late husband who made his last ascent of any peak on that day.