Moth Mullein, Verbascum Blattaria

Day 301: "What in the dickens was THAT?" I said as I went past in the car. I'd never seen it before, that was for sure! I parked at my customary birdwatching base and walked back before even checking for Warblers. Whatever it was, it was growing solely in a 15'-diameter circular area and nowhere else. Since fill dirt had been dumped there only a year ago, I suspected it of being a not-necessarily-desirable "import." When I got home last night, I went through the field guides and came up with nothing, so contacted Mark Turner, the author of "Wildflowers of the Pacific Northwest" (an acquaintance) and asked him for help. He wrote back advising me to check the "yellow" section of his book where the more common color of Moth Mullein appears, and told me that he'd never seen the white variation. Since I was going back to Ohop Valley on Warbler Watch today, I decided to take another picture since I was now relieved of having to call it a "mystery plant."

Verbascum blattaria is a non-native species, but is not classified as an invasive. It normally occurs in yellow, but may variously appear in white or pink as well. The flower stalks rise to three feet or more, covered in the upper third by flowers spaced like those of a hollyhock or mallow. It is a tough plant which grows in poor soil. In this case, it was probably introduced into the area when seeds were transported in fill dirt. Whether it survives will be determined by the presence of predatory insects which may or may not consume it. Oftentimes, introduced species never get a toehold, thanks to hungry bugs.

Flycatchers, Empidonax Complex

Day 300: I spent approximately five hours pacing up and down the same 500' of roadway in the Ohop Valley today, watching for that Yellowthroat or any other Warbler who might pass through my field of view. I did not see the Yellowthroat, and only spotted two Warbler-shaped blurs. What I did find was a mystery plant (something I am certain was accidentally introduced and probably has potential as an invasive) and a delightful, if elusive, selection of Flycatchers.

Roger Tory Peterson says of the Empidonax complex that they are "...so similar as to confound the experts. They are more readily identified by nesting habits, habitat and voice than by subtle color differences. (The) wise field man usually lets most of them go as just Empidonaxes." After careful study of several field guides including RTP, I could not decide between Willow (aka Traill's) which gave the most closely matching call or Pacific Slope. Willow is less common; however the habitat and habits also seemed to suggest it.

One thing I do know for certain: the lower bird was parent to the upper one. I saw the young one being fed. The two flew off into the wild roses together, darting quickly out of sight at the cry of a Bald Eagle from overhead. A silence fell on the thicket until the small birds were certain the danger had passed. Once again the rose bushes came alive with the sound of "Whit! Whit!" but only occasionally would some brave soul venture out to the tip of a branch and into range of my lens.

Hardhack, Spiraea Douglasii

Day 290: I spent the morning in Ohop Valley again, taking bad pictures of good birds. Some days are like that. I spotted Yellowthroats in two locations, and Cedar Waxwings whose similar Zorro masks fooled me for a second when that was all I could see of the bird between leaves. I could hear Chickadees, but only saw one emerge, following right behind a Hairy Woodpecker to take advantage of the bugs it drummed up from a cavity. By the time I'd focused in, I got a shot of Chickadee tailfeathers and then zip! The bird was gone. Something I am nearly certain was a Pacific Slope Flycatcher perched on a distant wire with the sun at its back. The burned-out image shows the markings, but even my powerful zoom couldn't pull it in close enough to be 100% positive of the identification.

Thus you see it: my photo for today's edition of 365 Caws is of Hardhack, then; a member of the Spiraea family and one which interbreeds with Rosy Spiraea where the two species' ranges overlap. Hardhack is a common sight in low-altitude wetlands in western Washington, and it and the wild roses offer the perfect habitat for elusive, shy birds. That's okay. I know where you live, you stinkin' little Warblers, and you can't evade me forever!

Teasel, Dipsacus Fullonum

Day 289 (special edition): Non-native, but presently listed as an invasive in only one county, the Fuller's Teasel (Common Teasel) is rapidly distributing itself in western Washington. A tall plant which somewhat resembles a thistle, the dried heads of the Teasel are popular among flower arrangers. Frequent collection from the wild has contributed to the spread of the plant as seeds from uncleaned heads are inadvertently transported from one locale to another, where improper disposal procedures exacerbate the issue. If you collect these seed heads for personal use, please remember to bag them in the field. Clean them carefully at home and burn the seeds whenever possible. If burning is not an option, wrap them in duct tape and place the bundle inside a non-biodegradable container before putting them in your trash.

Black-Capped Chickadee, Poecile Atricapillus

Day 289: Any day I get a photo of a Black-Capped Chickadee is a good day, even better when I've also made my first 100% positive sighting of a Yellowthroat (a member of the Warbler family) and get to tick it off my Life List. The Yellowthroat flew before I could zoom in on it, but the black mask was unmistakable.

Ohop Valley is a great spot for birdwatching even though you'll be making most of your sightings from the paved surface of a quiet country road. The valley is owned largely by the Nisqually Land Trust. Primarily, it exists now as a trailless wetland and is presently undergoing rehabilitation as a wildlife refuge. Years ago, this area was cleared of trees and brush with the hopes of turning it into farmland. The plan failed, partly because of the clayey soil and partly because the valley flooded on a fairly frequent basis. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, several groups put together a plan to replant the valley with native species, restoring habitat for birds and other wildlife, as well as recovering the stream for spawning salmon. Volunteers (myself included) planted hundreds of saplings, species ranging from Red-Osier Dogwood to various types of cedar, alder and willow. The project is on-going, but already the effects of restoration can be seen in the wide variety of bird species residing in the wetland. Ohop Valley is a success story in the making, and I am proud to have been part of its recovery.

Fat Spike

Day 288: It's funny how a word can affect the mind. When I was shopping for lavender plants for my garden, I nearly passed over "Fat Spike" because of his unglamorous name. "Fat Spike" might be a gangster's underworld moniker, or an appellation stuck on an unpopular child by tormenting peers. I had "Hidcote" in one hand and was looking to fill the other with a second variety, and despite "Fat Spike's" tall and beautiful spires, I kept turning away to browse among "Munstead," "Grosso" and "Sachet." I even considered a Spanish variety in pink (my least favorite color), and all because "Fat Spike" sounded vulgar and crude. I stood there cogitating for the longest time, "Spike's" elegant minarets waving gently in a warm morning breeze which sent their fragrance wafting in my direction, and finally the silliness of my dilemma registered. All things considered, I think I can live with "Fat Spike's" importune name because he promises to deliver an abundance of long-stemmed, fragrant stalks for weaving into lavender wands, gifts to scent friends' "dainties."

Rosy Spiraea, Spiraea Densiflora

Day 287: Rosy Spiraea is cousin to the familiar Spiraea in your garden, but instead of growing happily at sea level, it prefers an alpine or subalpine environment. You will find hillsides covered with it in Mount Rainier National Park, growing to a height of one to two feet and forming dense clumps of shrubby growth. It is favored by bees and hoverflies as well as butterflies of many species. When seen with blue Lupine, scarlet Paintbrush and yellow Arnica growing in close proximity. the overall effect is stunning. Wildflowers are just starting to come into their peak in the Park, particularly in the area around Reflection and Louise Lakes, and along the upper Stevens Canyon Road. See them soon, because the growing season is short at these altitudes!

Summer Colors Poster

Day 286: For the last couple of weeks, I have been watching the sunflowers develop in a parking-strip planting in downtown Eatonville, waiting for them to open and turn their faces up to Sol's bright rays. Today, they greeted me with cheery smiles shining amid the happy poppies, so I stopped to say hello. I knelt beside the bed to allow summer's blue sky to be the canvas for the rampant, rambunctious colors. Posterized with PaintShopPro, summer glows!

Snow Lake

Day...Late! Part B of Day 285: Yep, I meant to post this last night with the other two photos from my hike yesterday. This, of course, is Snow Lake, my destination and turn-around point. It's nestled in a bowl (cirque) beneath Unicorn Peak, and the water is as clear as glass. As with most alpine lakes, the water remains quite cold throughout the year. As you can see, patches of snow still linger along the shoreline. A few brave backpackers enjoy swimming here or in lower Bench Lake, but it is not a sport for the faint of heart.

The Color Of Libellula Forensis

Day 285: Libellula forensis (the Eight-Spotted Skimmer) is a master of camouflage and barely stands out against a background of blackberry vines. Trust me, I know. I found it very difficult to locate my chosen bug for a zoom, and even more difficult to set the selective color for the pale blue of its body. But oh, what a lovely dusky azure this dragonfly exhibits! Without the distraction of other colors, one can fully appreciate the delicate hue.

Snow Lake Trail

Day 284 (Part B): The trail to Bench and Snow Lakes is fairly short and rated at "moderate" for its 800' elevation gain over 1.3 miles, and therefore is quite popular among dayhikers in Mount Rainier National Park. Climbing gently from parking, the trail opens out into a meadow in approximately a quarter mile, then begins to ascend gently for another quarter mile or so. At times, there is some loss of elevation as you proceed toward the cutoff to Bench Lake (visible from the main trail). Past Bench, the climb is fairly steady and often staircased with water bars or rocks. At 1.3 miles, Snow Lake comes into view, lying in a cirque below the Tatoosh Range. The backdrop of peaks is spectacular, and camping is permitted in a designated area set back a short distance from the lake. On the descent, you are more likely to notice the wonderful views of Mount Rainier, should the Mountain emerge from the clouds. If you're visiting the Park, be sure to take in this delightful hike. Allow one and a half to two hours for the round trip...and set aside another hour to enjoy Nature in this subalpine environment.

Avalanche Lilies, Erythronium Montanum

Day 284 (Part A): Since I needed to turn in my photos for the dam project today, I grabbed my pack as I headed out the door with the thought that maybe I'd take a short hike to find something for my daily "blog shot." I really had no idea where I wanted to go other than up, so when I reached the trail to Bench and Snow Lakes and saw the Avalanche Lilies in bloom, I said, "Good as anyplace," and off I went. In the first quarter mile, they were lush, but beyond that, they were sparse or nonexistent. I took this photo on the way back down. Avalanche Lilies are a common sight in Mount Rainier National Park, blooming just shortly after the snow recedes. Glacier Lilies (a yellow cousin) are less common in the Park, but grow in the same type of habitat.

Campground Cleanup Crew

Day 283: This morning, I had the privilege of working with a phenomenal group of young men from Scout Troop 228 who had come all the way to Mount Rainier National Park from the Tri-Cities area of eastern Washington. Many of them were working on merit badges or other recognition by volunteering their time and labor to the Park. With co-worker Jean Millan and I supervising, the group erected two new platform tents in the Volunteer campground and then threw themselves into the task of debris removal. At the conclusion of the work, each and every one of them said that they hoped they could come back next year to help out again. My hat's off to you, Scouts! You're the best!

Chip And Crow

Day 282: When you live out in the Back of Beyond, the term "yard work" takes on a whole 'nother meaning. A month or two back, I bought myself a small electric chainsaw to take care of some of my "yard work," but there still remained a limbing task which was not possible for me to do safely because of my size. I can always count on Clyde to come through for me in matters like this, so I enlisted his services with a pole saw having an 11-foot reach. He brought down the hazard branches on my big Doug fir a few days ago. Then bad weather moved in, and when it cleared, I had a photo assignment which took priority over cleanup. Today, I had both time and energy for the job, so I dragged Chip (the chainsaw) out of the garage and proceeded to make two similar "haystacks" containing manageable lengths. By the time we're allowed to burn yard debris again in the fall, the wood should be nice and dry.

Follow The Penstock

Day 281 (One of two): When the call went out for a photographer who was willing to bushwhack through dense brush given only vague directions for finding an old and dilapidated concrete dam on the Paradise River, I waved my hand furiously in the air while jumping up and down yelling, "Me! Me! Me!" There is nothing I like better than an Adventure, and when only a handful of my colleagues had any remote idea that this dam even existed, let alone knew where it was, I couldn't resist the lure.

I suppose I should offer the backstory here because it's quite amusing. Some time in the last couple of weeks, Mount Rainier National Park received an edict from the Federal Government stating that all hydroelectric dams were to be brought up to a particular standard by such-and-so date. The Paradise River Dam was on their list. At eight feet high and approximately fifteen feet wide, it wasn't much of a power producer even in its heyday; nevertheless, its kilowatts had gone on record and no one had ever bothered to mention that it had fallen into serious disrepair. The wooden penstocks have been maintained where they are close to a trail, but where they debouch into the forest, they are often in the condition shown here if, in fact, there is even that much structure left. Mossed over, buried by soil, crushed by fallen trees, the penstock was what I needed to locate in order to track it to its source, the dam.

Well, as I said, I love an Adventure. When I lost the visible sections of the penstock, I began thinking like an engineer, puzzling out where the pipes might lay. I followed a variety of subtle visual clues, a slight subsidence of the land, a cutbank where there was no natural reason for one to occur, and eventually, I came upon an exposed section of the wire framework which held the wooden slats together. I spent some time disentangling blueberry bushes from my glasses, unhooking bootlaces from unseen sticks, freeing my packstraps from snagging branches, but yes, I found the dam. I spent a couple of hours prowling over the structure taking photos from various angles, estimating length and width and surface area of various components. It was only once I was content with the data and images I had gathered that I happened to glance up at the sky. We'd had a morning of hard thundershowers, and it looked like another system was moving in. I packed up my gear, pleased with my success, and followed the penstock back to easy trail and down the miles to the car.

Young Raven At Longmire

Day 281 (Two of two): When I got back from a line-of-duty photo shoot today and wanted to check in at the office, I discovered two very friendly Ravens patrolling the revegetated areas just outside the back entrance of the Administration Building. Assuming they were Rickie and Lucy, the resident pair, I spoke to them softly in their own language and moved slowly toward the door, not wishing to disturb them as they collected bugs and other bits in the planting. It was only when I got home and loaded the photos into the computer that I noticed the faint pink tint at the hinge of this bird's beak, a telltale which denotes a young bird fairly recently fledged. I am delighted to have new "grandchildren" on the premises!

Bird's Nest Fungi

Day 280: Quoting from "Mushrooms of North America" (Orson K. Miller, Jr., E. P. Dutton & Co., New York, 1972), "The curious resemblance to a bird's nest of the fungi in this group makes them easy to identify. They are smaller than a dime and usually many fruiting bodies are found close together. The 'nest' is completely enclosed at first in most species and the spores develop inside of 'eggs' called peridioles, within the enclosed nest. At maturity the top of the nest is ruptured and exposes the eggs. The eggs are ejected from the nest when raindrops literally splash them out."

These are among the largest (yes, largest) of the Bird's Nest fungi I have personally seen (ball point pen for comparison). I discovered them today among the debris beached by the Nisqually River during the massive floods of 2006. The wood on which they were growing has been exposed to bright sunlight, snow, rain, prolonged periods of dryness and just about anything else the weather could throw at these tiny fungi, yet they remain indomitable, their peridioles poised to create a new colony wherever they might fall. In looking over the landscape of river rock and bleached wood, one might have taken the scene for lifeless but for the few pioneer plants poking up between stones, yet at my feet was a wondrous, microcosmic world of life, colored like its surroundings. It made me wonder what people miss by looking only at the broader view.

Double Daisy Crocheted Rope

Day 279: As one bead-crochet project moved closer to completion, I determined to work out a pattern I've often wanted to chart, but for one reason or another, always shelved before I got the proverbial "round tuit." It's difficult to experiment when using tiny #11 beads, so I made a trek down to Shipwreck (purportedly the "largest bead supplier in the world") and bought four hanks of #8s so I could actually see what I was doing. I threaded them onto #10 crochet cotton, and with a #10 hook in hand, the real fun began.

Since the pattern for a crocheted rope is worked in a spiral and each bead has to be "rolled over" into its spot, the development of the pattern is somewhat counterintuitive. You seem to be working one step ahead of yourself at all times. I knew I'd make any number of mistakes before I had the sequencing perfected, so I cut the thread at about 12 feet and picked up each bead individually, sliding it along the full length of the cotton until I could stitch it in place. Once I'd determined the pattern over several repeats, I pulled the work apart and transcribed the color sequence. In working Double Daisy with two colors of flowers, the repeat is over 52 beads. Count carefully, because if you make a mistake, you'll have to cut your thread!

For those who may be curious, the sequence working around a base of six beads is 3A, (B, C, B), A, 2B, A, 2B, A, (B, C, B), 4A, 2B, A, 2D, 4A, (D, C, D), A, 2D, A, 2D, A, (D, C, D), 4A, 2D, A, 2B, A.
Daisy centers are shown in parentheses. A = green, B = red, C = yellow (center), D = white.

Pine Siskin - The Movie

Day 278: Yesterday, my yard was oddly devoid of birds of any type. I saw a handful of Evening Grosbeaks, a few Goldfinches, a couple of hummers, my regular population of swallows and a few assorted sparrows and finches, but not a single Pine Siskin was in evidence. I wondered if perhaps the flock had flown, and if so, whether or not my little friend had gone with them. Today, the lot were back in full force, even bringing with them the first Vesper Sparrow I have ever knowingly seen on my property.

It wasn't too long before I noticed someone hunkering down low at the gazebo feeder, working diligently to pull black-oil seed through the narrow gaps at the base. Yes, my little friend was back, so I decided to see if he would be willing to contract for "Pine Siskin - The Movie." With the camera in one hand, I tried to rotate the gazebo toward the sun so my subject would be in better light, but as I stabilized the base, he methodically made a circuit of the ports, stopping to grab a bite at each one as he went 'round and back into the shadow of the tree. Rather than disturb him at his lunch, I settled for documenting his dining habits. My, that child has an appetite!

Hosta's Delicate Shades

Day 277: Hostas are rewarding plants in the shady garden. I have heard it said that the variegated-leaf varieties may revert to all or mostly green if exposed to too much sunlight, so mine grow in the north flowerbed, blocked from all but early morning sun and happy as Larry. The flowers are not really the plant's best feature; that's the domain of the foliage. That said, when the long stalks appear with a delicious blush of soft lavender, one almost expects more than the pale trumpets of the fully open form.

A Handful Of Pine Siskin

Day 276: Meet my newest little friend. Pine Siskins have been reported to be in decline over the last decade, so last year I was excited when they showed up in droves at my feeders. They have been regulars throughout the winter, if perhaps in fewer numbers, but with the onset of summer weather, they've returned and are raising families in the neighborhood. They're friendly sorts, Siskins, as evidenced by this young bird who has become confident around me over the last several days. Yesterday, we shook hands at a fencepost. Today, I took him for a walk to the various feeding stations in the yard, camera in my other hand. Occasionally, he would fly back to a feeder for another mouthful, but each time, allowed me to pick him up again. In fact, I had my good friend Kevin and his family over this afternoon and when they left just now, I thought I might introduce them to him as well. He posed obligingly as Kevin snapped picture after picture, and as Kevin was driving out of the yard, I found myself faced with something of a dilemma: my little friend wanted to stay on my hand when I offered to return him to a perch. What a little sweetheart!

Nigella

Day 275: Surrounded by ferny, lacy leaves, the flowers of Nigella seem almost like tiny faeries in tiny cages, beautiful little things captured to grace the garden. Also known as Love-in-a-mist, this plant is excellent for drying. After the petals drop, a bladder-like seed pod develops, in size often as large as the end of a thumb and marked with red striations. Pick them before they are fully mature and hang head-down in an airy, shady location to dry. Mixed with sprays of statice and accented by crisp, colorful strawflowers, they make a beautiful arrangement.

Wild Ginger, Asarum Caudatum

Day 274 (Double Feature!): Acting on reliable advice from a good friend and colleague, I headed up the Shriner Peak trail today in search of a very elusive wildflower, Wild Ginger. This unusual plant's even more unusual blossom hides beneath leaves which resemble those of several other species, leaving it to be passed over by casual observers as something unremarkable. Those who are in the know watch for a particular texture in the heart-shaped leaves and look for hairy stems. Even after the plant itself has been discovered, the search for blossoms is often a painstaking task, moving aside leaves to look beneath them. In shadow, the flower is difficult to see and often lays close to the ground.

When the blossom first begins to open, the three long filaments projecting from the tips of the petals are anchored at the center of the flower. As the plant matures, they break free to form the long tails shown here. Although it is not a true Ginger, the leaves and roots give off a decidedly gingery odor and may be used as a substitute for culinary ginger. However, given the scarcity of the species in local areas, I would strongly advise against collecting. Simply appreciate the rare beauty of this plant in the wild...if you're clever enough to spot it!

Jeffrey's Shooting Stars, Dodecatheon Jeffreyi

Day 274 (Double Feature!): As I went out the door this morning, I said to Tip and Skunk, "I'm only gonna be gone an hour or so." I had water in my pack, along with a handful of crackers. Seriously, I was only planning to be gone for a short time. My goal was the lush wild garden of Jeffrey's Shooting Stars near Narada Falls in Mount Rainier National Park, not far from home at all.

I parked at Narada, put on my orange safety vest, walked up the road and knelt down in the ditch, snapping exactly two shots of this lovely grouping. By the time I had walked back to the car, my plan for the day had changed as I recalled a friend telling me where I might find the elusive Wild Ginger in bloom. A long drive and a hot hike later, I had both my Shooting Stars and the Wild Ginger in the bag. The only thing which could have made the day more perfect would have been to have a Prothonotary Warbler land on my hand!

Perennial Sweetpea, Lathyrus Sylvestris

Day 273: If you live in the Pacific Northwest and don't know Perennial Sweetpea, you need to enroll in Roadside Plants 101. This introduced species flourishes almost to the point of being called "invasive," but not quite, leaving it to be a favorite among bouquet-pickers young and old. The vine is weedy and tough, though, so watch out you don't trip yourself up as your feet become entangled. Not as fragrant as cultivated Sweetpeas, L. sylvestris still has a delightfully heady aroma. Vines bearing white flowers occur occasionally, and the pink variety turns lavender with age.

Candy Stick, Allotropa Virgata

Day 272: When I showed up unexpectedly at the office this morning and asked if there was anything I could do while out on a personal photo shoot, a member of our Interpretive staff said, "Yeah, I need some pictures of unusual wildflowers." Well, gosh! That happened to coincide identically with my mission for the day. I had two species in mind. The first was Jeffrey's Shooting Stars and I knew exactly where they were in bloom. My second consideration, Wild Ginger, had no guarantee of success. I had seen leaves at one location earlier in the season, but when I'd stopped on my way up, I discovered that the Vanilla Leaf had overgrown the smaller plants.

Wild Ginger is something of a rarity, and I've only seen it in a few spots. I checked out the easy one first, found a couple of young leaves but no blossoms or even evidence of a blossom forming. Plan B took me three miles up a trail, and once again, no Ginger was to be seen. Despite my lack of success in that regard, I hit the Mycoheterotroph Jackpot with several specimens of Candy Stick, one of the least common varieties and arguably the most showy member of the family. Related to Pinesap and Indian Pipe, Candy Stick is aptly named. Its red and white markings and straight stem make it look like a stick of peppermint candy. This specimen was about two feet tall.

Queen Cup Bead Lily With Passenger

Day 271 (bonus edition): Normally a June-flowering species, the Bead Lilies are just beginning to emerge on the Eagle Peak trail. Also known as Queen Cup, Clintonia uniflora bears a one-inch flower crowned by golden stamens, but its alternate name more aptly describes the plant. Later in the year, a single dark blue inedible berry will develop at the end of the flower stalk, looking ever so much like a large bead on the end of a stick. Shown here with a "passenger," Bead Lily thrives in "sun-fleck" forest where light appears only sporadically through the overstory.

Pinesap, Monotropa Hypopitys

Day 271: I have my good friend Kevin Bacher to thank for helping bring this shot to you today. During our "lunch break" walks, he went one way and I went another. We both returned with photos, and I was so impressed with his capture of a cluster of Pinesap that I asked him if we could swing through the campground on our way home from work. While I was down on my knees addressing Monotropa hypopitys, Kevin was taking pictures of my least glamorous side, the stinker!

Pinesap is closely related to Ghost Pipe (M. uniflora), another of those wonderful mycoheterotrophs you've heard me discuss previously. These fascinating plants lack chlorophyll, and form a complex symbiotic relationship with a fungus in order to draw nutrients from their environment. You will find them in shady forested areas, glowing like tiny torches amongst moss and other greenery, often appearing in colonies such as this one at Longmire.

Pretty As A Pitcher

Day 270: I took a trip to Watson's Nursery again today, and decided that since one Pitcher Plant seems to be surviving my clumsy gardening skills, I could risk adding another. After all, a single plant looks rather lonely even if it does have multiple heads. I knew that selecting only one from several different varieties wasn't going to be easy. It took several false starts and re-comparisons before I finally settled on this deep red mottled specimen. It appears to have a more open pitcher than my other plant, but it has the same scalloped edge. On the horticulturist's recommendation, I have placed both in the same pot. If all goes well, I may add a third variety.

Philadelphus

Day 269: The Philadelphus -a very fragrant flower I normally associate with June weddings- has just opened in the last few days. Summer was slow in arriving, and the Swallowtail butterflies have been searching in vain for the tree's blossoms for the last two weeks. Today, they were hovering on the highest, sunniest ones where warm nectar was the most plentiful. Soon they'll be down in camera range!

An Undervalued Grain

Day 268: In the United States, millet is known largely as birdseed, a primary component in most mixed seed. In other parts of the world, however, it is regarded as a valuable food source and for good reason. It is versatile, nutritious and delicious. Millet for human consumption may be purchased in bulk at many health food stores.

Many of my readers are already familiar with my recipe for Birdseed Bread, so I thought I would feature another favorite today: Birdseed Crackers. The recipe is not my own. It comes from "Crackers!" by Linda Foust and Tony Husch. These nutty, crunchy gems are best made with freshly ground flour and served up with lashings of unsalted butter.

1/4 cup whole millet
1/2 cup millet flour
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup vegetable shortening
5/8 cup (1/2 cup plus 2 Tablespoons) milk
1 Tablespoon honey

Preheat the oven to 350°. Stir together the millet, flours and salt in a large bowl and cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Warm the milk and honey in a small saucepan and add to the flour mixture. Blend to form a dough which sticks together nicely. If it is too dry, add a little more milk. Handle the dough as little as possible. Overworking it will make your crackers tough.

Roll the dough out as thinly as possible on a floured surface. You'll find that the whole millet limits the thickness nicely. Cut into circles or squares and prick each piece three or four times. Place on parchment or a lightly greased baking sheet. Bake for ten minutes, then turn over and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes (my personal recommendation) or until golden brown.

Western Scrub Jay, Aphelocoma Californica

Day 267 (Fourth and last edition): Western Scrub Jay (Aphelocoma californica) has been on my "problem" species list for some time. Because of their habit of perching on telephone lines, they are nearly always in too strong contrast with the background. There is only so much tweaking you can do to a photo before it becomes apparent, so I am enormously proud to say that this one is SOOC ("straight out of camera"). Mr. Jay and a friend caught my eye as I sped past and I fully expected them to fly off at the squeal of brakes which always accompanies a bicycling bird sighting. One did, but this chap didn't get the memo. A hazelnut bush provided me with the necessary cover, and I took this shot between branches. I only got one chance. Jay must have seen a glint on the lens. He was out of there like a shot in the next second, and into the safety of dense evergreen boughs.

California Quail, Callipepla Californica

Day 267 (Second extra! One more edition to come!): This species merits a special place in 365 Caws because it has been a very long time since I observed California Quail in our area. They used to be plentiful, and it was quite common for drivers to stop their cars to wait for Mom and a line of babies to cross the road. Everyone loved them, but perhaps the hunters loved them too much, if you take my meaning. I was quite suprised to see this specimen strutting along the top of a cyclone fence surrounding a golf course, golfers no more than a hundred feet away. All I had to do was wait for him to walk into the lighter background for the shot.

Columbia Spotted Frog, Rana Luteiventris

Day 267 (Extra edition): As I was biking down the trail, I noticed three boys of teenage or pre-teen years intently watching a small bog. Their posture was unmistakable: frog hunters. I dropped my bike off to the side and went over to see for myself.

I have to say that these were the most mannerly young gentlemen I've met in some time. I would guess the oldest at perhaps 17, and he asked the youngest (about 12) to stand back until I had gotten my pictures. There were quite a few subjects to choose from, and although this fellow had dived into protection earlier, he re-emerged in the same spot five minutes later. I believe this is a Columbia Spotted Frog, although I'm not positive of that identification.

Cute Chickadee Trumps Uncommon Wildflower

Day 267 (Standard Edition): Sheesh, I went out for another bike ride today (34 miles before I got too hot and called it quits), and I saw more cool things along the trail than I've seen in a long time. I couldn't get a picture of the Western Tanager, but I did manage to capture this Black-Capped Chickadee which, in my opinion, is one of the toughest photographic subjects you'll ever meet. This is only the second photo I've ever gotten of the species, and is by far the better of the two.

But only a few minutes earlier, I'd discovered a small grouping of Large-Flowered Collomias (Collomia grandiflora). Oh dear! I couldn't make a decision between the two subjects in the field, but even once I had them at full size on the screen, the choice was difficult. I finally decided that a cute Chickadee trumps an unusual wildflower...but then what do I do with the California Quail and the Columbia Spotted Frog and that pesky Western Scrub Jay who finally allowed me a good shot? Today's 365 Caws has gone into extras! "Read all about it! Read all about it! Get yer papers here!"

Do As I Say, Not As I Do

Day 266: Kiddies, you did NOT see the ranger doing this! I'm ratting out my good friend and colleague Kevin who looked like he was break-dancing as he balanced precariously on the edge of the stone guard rail at Sunrise Point, Mt. Adams in the distance and a precipitous drop only a step away. We were called out from our regular duties today to go to Sunrise and couldn't resist stopping at this popular viewpoint for a few photos. Even rangers like to take pictures of the Park's many magnificent features and vistas, and Sunrise offers some of the best at 6400' elevation. Right now, there is still quite a bit of snow on the ground and the trails are largely obscured, but the wildflowers are beginning to emerge at the margins. Come visit us and bring your camera, but please keep your feet on solid ground!

Fourth Of July Sparklers

Day 265: I can't think of a better way to wish my friends a happy Fourth of July (regardless of their nationality) than with a handful of "sparklers" right from my own garden! I am a lousy vegetable grower and even worse when the weather isn't cooperative, but somehow circumstances came together to allow the radishes to develop without getting wormy. These didn't even make it to the salad I'm taking to a friend's picnic this evening. I just rinsed 'em off and gobbled 'em down.

A Birthday Party For George

Day 264: Today would have been my mother's 91st birthday, and I am remembering her according to her beliefs. She was a devotee of Ganesha, son of Shiva and Parvati, a deity known for his ability to intervene in difficult situations. She often offered him sweets, flowers and incense, and had a number of different representations of him in her home.

My mom got tagged with the nickname George before I entered my teenage years and it stuck with her all her life. It came about when she botched cutting her hair and emerged from the bathroom with it pulled back into a short queue secured with a rubber band. I remarked, "Mama, you look just like George Washington," and from that day on, George she was to family members as well as friends and a number of business associates who knew the history. It frequently drew stares when one of us addressed her in public, but the story always gave the hearer a chuckle once it was explained.

Each year on her birthday, I set Ganesha in a place of honor, pick some flowers for him, lay out a piece of candy or a sweet pastry by his side, and add some other bits of motherly memorabilia to the altar before lighting incense in the burner at his feet. As the scent of pine fills the air, I mentally walk the trails my mother loved best, trails we shared when she was in her prime. Happy Birthday, George.

Bluebells, Mertensia Paniculata

Day 263: Mertensia...I dislike calling it "Bluebells" because the common name applies to several different plants...is a frequent sight in moist areas in the Pacific Northwest. It occurs primarily in lowland areas, but may be found at elevations of 6000' or higher if conditions are otherwise good with respect to its growing requirements. The blue flowers turn pink with age, much like Forget-me-nots. Each bell is approximately 1/2" in length, lovely little gowns for the neighborhood faeries.

Long-Term Parking

Day 262: I stumbled across this gem last year while hiking in a little-used area managed by Cowlitz Wildlife, but only took a shot of the broken wooden spokes of the front wheel. I kept promising myself I'd go back to get a full view of the car. I never seem to remember to grab the tripod on my way out the door, so today I made a point of it. I was unable to find any type of insignia or other indication of the make, but you can see from the paint which still remains on the door that the vehicle was at one time dark green.

Let this be a warning to any of you planning to visit the Evergreen State. We don't barrel your car when you overstay the meter. We just let the moss anchor it in place!