August 11

It's early afternoon under sunny skies and temperatures in the mid 80’s, when Caroline, Riley and I hike a trail through the Tualatin River Wildlife Refuge, near Sherwood Oregon. This place spans 1,856 acres, including wetlands and lowlands, providing habitat for a diverse range of wildlife. Following the trail, I hear the familiar song of a House Finch (stock photo). Approaching a large pond, I spot both a dark, Great Blue Heron and a white, Great Egret. Herons are year-round residents in Oregon. While they don't undertake long-distance migrations, they may move to lower elevations or coastal areas during the winter,. Egrets are partial migrants, meaning some individuals migrate while others remain resident. Near shore I spot a foraging Nutria. These beaver-size rodents are an invasive species, causing damage to wetlands and agricultural areas. With no license or limit required, Oregonians are encouraged to hunt and eat them as a way to control their population. The meat is considered a cheap and available source of protein. Some people describe the taste as similar to rabbit or the dark meat of a turkey. Looking skyward, I see a perching Tree Swallow. These birds are common summer residents in Oregon, particularly near wetlands and waterways. They are long-distant migrants that soon will gather in large flocks before heading south. These swallows are thought to migrate along the Pacific coast and eastern Rockies. While some winter in the southern United States, many continue south to Central America and the Caribbean. Next to the path, I pause to watch yellow button-like blossoms of Common Tansy sway in the breeze. Up ahead, I notice the tiny, pink blossoms of Slender Centaury, a plant native to Mediterranean Basin of Africa, Asia and Europe. Down the trail, I come upon a Snowberry shrub displaying clusters of white, pea-size berries. While the fruit is not poisonous to birds and other wildlife, it can cause stomach upset in humans if ingested. Nearby, I spot an Oregon Grape plant with its holly-like leaves and clusters of small, blue-black berries that are edible but tart and are a favorite of birds and other wildlife. Close to the car, I observe an Oregon White Oak tree with some pool-ball size galls attached to a branch. Previously, a small wasp (stock photo) deposited eggs on the branch, inducing the formation of these galls around the larvae who then feed on the inner tissue. After the larvae pupate in late summer, they bore their way out of the gall, fly off to lay eggs in other trees to repeat the cycle.

Why do I walk in distant lands

Hiking trails in rain or shine

Why do I get up early and go

Start before the stroke of nine

What brings me to these places

With wetlands, river and hill

What draws me to the wild

There’s a need I wish to fill

My spirit connects to nature

Feelings for her are strong

Another place on earth

She’s been waiting all along

 

D. DeGraaf