Fernhill Wetlands

We stopped by the Fernhill Wetlands on a clear day to see what we could see.  The water was much higher than the last time we visited, and the air much colder, but there were still many amazing birds. We found the remains of a large bird, which suggested a predator had seized one of the Canada geese, and the heads of two very large fish, which suggested a raptor had had a nice meal. The sides of the ponds are lined with rocks, which form useful hiding places for amphibians. We heard the loud call of a chorus frog, somewhere invisible at our feet.  When we investigated, we found a long-toed salamander instead.  I don't know who was more surprised; the salamander or us!

Female Northern shoveler.

Great blue heron.

Long toed salamander.

I believe this is a Puget Oregonian snail.

Wild rose hips.