Whatcom Falls, Fish, and Bald Eagles

One day we decided to check out another of many parks we haven't made it to in Bellingham, so we drove about 10 minutes to Whatcom Falls Park and were quite surprised at it's offerings. As soon as I opened the car door, I heard the rushing of a waterfall which to our surprise was about 50 yards from where we were. Around a short path, the first thing that struck me was the gorgeous moss and fern covered stone bridge, and then the waterfall off to the right. This park was just gorgeous and full of hiking trails. We didn't go on a hike due to the rather cold and rainy weather, but we did explore the trail and trout hatchery that run along side the river.

*One thing we seem to keep encountering in our Pacific Northwest environment is the vitality of local fish populations. Salmon and trout populations are the staple of the PNW food chain. They feed both omnivores and carnivores throughout the fall and winter, as each fish species has different spawning route and time. Fish carcasses that have been moved by animals even fertilize the soil up to several hundred yards into the forests. Over fishing is definite threat to many animal populations throughout the region. There used to be nearly 90 Orca whales living in the waters of the Puget Sound and now there are under 80. This is also due to several factors, including boat noise and traffic, pollution and decreased food sources. Unless something is done to aid the recovery of salmon populations, many species, and industries will be affected.* Great article on Orca's in the Puget Sound:  http://www.nwf.org/News-and-Magazines/National-Wildlife/Animals/Archives/2006/Orcas-on-the-Edge.aspx

                                            Marcus and Ben observing a pool of trout fry.

                                  Some big guys (over 14")  Not sure, but I think they are steelhead trout.

A kiss for mommy!

                                                       
Back to that lesson about the salmon...Five years ago when we first moved to Washington I had read about a gathering of eagles in Northwest Washington. It is the largest gathering of Bald eagles in the lower 48 states. Each year as the Chum salmon spawn from November through February over 750 bald eagles gather along the rivers and feast on the weak and vulnerable fish. I unofficially had this on my list of things to do one day, and quite by chance I got the opportunity to witness this gathering of the bird that symbolizes our nation. On our way up to Mt. Baker (previous post) I had seen a massive grouping of trees full of bald eagles from the road. Their white heads and large size stood out in the bare trees they were perched in. Usually, I'll see a single eagle at a distance, but this time there were nearly a dozen in each tree! This sighting reminded me of the "gathering" and I knew we had to find a good spot to view them the next chance we got. So the following weekend we went in search. I found an eagle park in the area that proved disappointing as there were only few eagles which were very far away, so we decided to just drive towards the stretch of highway where I had seen them. My husband, the great navigator that he is took a random turn that led us up to a small bridge over the Nooksack river in a rural area....Bazinga! There they were, perched in the trees, on tree stumps in the shoals, and flying above and below. Amazing! I'm not particularly patriotic, but when it comes to seeing a natural spectacle like this, it's just really cool.  After all bald eagles were chosen as the symbol of America for their strength, beauty and longevity which is more evident when you see a grouping such as this.

I have since gone back to show some family members, and plan on visiting again in early February though the numbers of eagles is declining with the fish. Unfortunately none of my pictures are even close to good. I need a MUCH better zoom capability on my camera, but nonetheless here are some of them.

Though our time in Washington is getting short for now, we keep getting opportunities to experience the things we haven't in nearly five years of living here. With each new experience, Marcus and I agree, we are falling more in love with this place than anywhere we have been before. Maybe it's what happens when you have open eyes, or maybe we belong here. Only time will tell...

Interested in some Bald Eagle Fun Facts?:  http://www.baldeagleinfo.com/eagle/eagle-facts.html

Here are some great photos from the same area: http://exoticfarm.net/?p=5261