ACFL North 03.09.2023

Whistle Lake Area, Wildlife

I started early morning hiking to Whistle Lake in the ACFL South from a new direction. I covered over seven miles and was there for close to six hours. It was a beautiful and peaceful day in the forest. I could hear a lot of birds, Varied Thrush, Woodpeckers, Dark-eyed Juncos, Song Sparrows, and Pacific Wren.

Douglas Squirrel

I found a beautiful Douglas Squirrel running up and down an old tree. I noticed that sometime the lighting would make the browns on the back shine. I did my “wait for it” to capture the beautiful coloring. This squirrel is the fourth one I have seen with a tic. Be careful out there hiking.

Bald Eagle

I was closing in on Whistle Lake and got to an edge overlook in the southwest. I could hear water splashing but could not locate where it was coming from. At first, I thought it was the river otters I had seen there before. I moved to a different spot and saw this beautiful Bald Eagle bathing. I had one area through the tree branches to get the shot.

Hooded Merganser

I started again around the lake to the west and located the Hooded Merganser. She was quite a ways away from where I was, so I started my wishful thinking. Well, you guessed it, she headed my way.

The Tree Shot

I was able to get a great capture through the tree branches. I find many times you just need to do the “wait for it” in the hope it all works out. I find the best location with several possible capture spots. Then it is all up to your subject to head in the correct direction into the opening. The green circles are where the Hooded Merganser ended up!  

Bald Eagle Sunshine

I continued working my way around Whistle Lake on the east side and headed north. I found the same Eagle drying in the sunshine. It was great to get a capture of the Bald Eagle in fantastic sunlight. I noticed there is one loose feather on the right side. Eagles shed worn or damaged feathers regularly to maintain their impressive flying ability.

Whistle Lake, Anacortes

03.09.2023

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