Since we have not had a lot of rain this year, I have been taking more neighborhood walks. On one of my walks early this year, I noticed that I could hear a lot of birds along 11th Ave, 12th Ave, and Plymouth St between 12th and 9th. It was a walk where I was present in my surroundings, enjoying the diversity of our neighborhood.
I went out at the end of February to try to re-create that walk and the sounds I’d heard. What I found was that certain areas of our neighborhood had more audible bird activity than others. I could not hear the birds as much on busier streets — 9th Ave, 4th Ave, Decatur, or Percival Street for example, due to the vehicle noise. Once I got away from these streets, either ‘within’ these streets, or ‘outside’ – I could detect the bird activity. If you take this walk, along with the birdsong you’ll enjoy, if you bring some binoculars maybe you’ll get a glimpse of our avian neighbors.
Other items that enhanced the walk…
I noticed flowers are starting to appear. I really enjoy that spring starts early in this part of the country. I grew up in Minnesota where it takes April showers to bring flowers, and then not until May. Getting spring 2 months earlier is great. Maybe recent snows will delay our spring a bit, but I hope not.
I also noticed two yards with signs indicating that they were recognized wildlife habitats. One was through the State of Washington, and the other was not. There is obviously more than one program for those of us who like wildlife habitats where you can get certified. The National Wildlife Federation and the Department of Ecology has tips for backyard wildlife.
And I even know of some tracks for a tiny train being laid in our neighborhood…. Do you know where?
One last item for all of us walkers: the rains are still with us. If you take a rake on your walk, you can easily clean a storm drain and help prevent flooding. — Brad O”Brien
