A red-winged blackbird bathes in a pond in Central Washington. (photo by Cheryl Landes) Organizers for the Leavenworth Spring Bird Fest decided to fly ahead with an event this spring. It's scheduled Thursday-Sunday, May 13-16. In a post on the festival's Facebook page, the organizers wrote: "We are currently planning for a hybrid festival model … Continue reading 2021 Leavenworth Spring Bird Fest taking flight in June
The free-roaming area along Northwest Trek's Wild Drive (photo by Cheryl Landes) Before the COVID pandemic started, Northwest Trek had tram tours that took visitors through the free-roaming area, where they could see animals native to the Pacific Northwest. Now tour has transformed into a drive-through experience called the Wild Drive. At the Wild Drive, … Continue reading Go on a Wild Drive at Northwest Trek
Sandhill cranes in a field near Othello, Washington (photo by Cheryl Landes) The COVID pandemic hit the United States in 2020 shortly before the Sandhill Crane Festival in Othello, Washington, was scheduled to start. Because of continued restrictions on large gatherings and safety concerns this year, organizers moved the festival online for anyone interested to … Continue reading Othello Sandhill Crane Festival holds virtual celebration March 20
Drumlin Farm in Lincoln, Massachusetts (photo by Cheryl Landes) Check out five Mass Audubon sites this week for free. A different property is featured each day. Although admission is free, reservations are required because capacity is limited due to COVID-19 restrictions. The featured properties are: Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary in Lincoln on Monday, February 15Broadmoor … Continue reading Free admission at five Mass Audubon sites this week for Winter Recess
A humpback whale diving in the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary east of Boston (photo by Cheryl Landes) Take ride on the Aurora with Boston Harbor Cruises and Laura Howes, the head naturalist at the New England Aquarium in Boston, to the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary east of Boston. The sanctuary was created in … Continue reading Go on a whale watch at home with the New England Aquarium
Piper's Creek at Carkeek Park in Seattle Photos by Cheryl Landes From November through January, the salmon return to Carkeek Park in northwest Seattle after a long journey at sea. The journey marks the end of their life cycle and the start of a new one as they lay eggs in the creek. By the … Continue reading Armchair photo tours: Salmon spawning season at Carkeek Park in Seattle
The Mima Mounds Naural Area Preserve in Olympia, Washington Photos by Cheryl Landes The Mima Mounds is a mystery. No one knows for sure how the bumpy landscape originated in these 637 acres of prairie grasslands. Theories are abundant, from pocket gophers excavating nest chambers to permafrost cracking near the end of the Ice Age. … Continue reading Armchair photo tours: Fall at the Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve
A view of Rainbow Falls from the viewpoint in Rainbow Falls State Park west of Chehalis, Washington Photos by Cheryl Landes Rainbow Falls State Park is a popular place for camping, picnicking, hiking, cycling, horseback riding, wildlife watching, birdwatching, and fishing. A short trail from the day-use parking lot ends at a viewpoint for a … Continue reading Armchair photo tours: Rainbow Falls State Park
A view of the early fall colors in the Connecticut River Valley near East Haddam Photos by Cheryl Landes The Connecticut River Valley is a beautiful mix of scenery, history, and wildlife. In the fall, the changing colors enhance the experience. I joined some local friends on a day trip through the valley one day … Continue reading Armchair photo tours: A fall day trip in the Connecticut River Valley with a stop at Gillette Castle
A bald eagle perched on a pine branch overlooking Lake Coeur d'Alene in northern Idaho (photo by Cheryl Landes) Every year in December and early January, hundreds of bald eagles stop at Lake Coeur d'Alene in northern Idaho during their migration to Alaska for the summer. They congregate at Wolf Lodge Bay at the north … Continue reading Watch bald eagles on a Lake Coeur d’Alene cruise
Tabby Cat's Pawprints 