Narowleaf sword fern (Polystichum imbricans) at the Hoh River unit of Olympic National Park, Washington.
Tag: Washington
Untitled.
Wood duck (Aix sponsa), at the Hoh River unit of Olympic National Park, Washington. I lack the experience with these birds to tell whether this duck is an immature male or an adult male in eclipse plumage. Your insights are welcome.
Hoh River.
Olympic National Park, Jefferson County, Washington.
Ducks. In a row.
Immature and/or female hooded mergansers (Lophodytes cucullatus), at the Hoh River unit of Olympic National Park, Washington.
Please click photo for an enlarged view.
Columbian black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus) at Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge, Hoquiam, Washington.
Columbian black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus) with signs of hair loss,
at Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge, Hoquiam, Washington.
About 25 years ago wildlife biologists first noticed black-tailed deer in western Washington and Oregon afflicted with severe hair loss, thought to be caused by hypersensitivity to Eurasian lice, coupled with poor immune function. Adult females and fawns are more likely to experience hair-loss syndrome, and afflicted fawns consequently experience higher mortality rates. Hair loss during late-summer molt usually results in a scruffy appearance, but the new growth of hair is visible through the patches. The deer in this photo has lost most of its hair across its back and haunches, with no sign of new hair.
Red slug sex.
So. Much. Mucus.
The folks at Deep Look/PBS Digital Studios have produced an informative/disturbing video about snail/slug reproduction. You can view it/or not here.
Red slug (Arion rufus), at Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge, Hoquiam, Washington.
Untitled.
Dithyramb 