Weather can dictate movement and survival for animals, including us.
The avalanche chutes are filling up, and since what goes up often comes down, a 37-mile section of Highway 20 closed recently at mileposts 134 (near Diablo) and 171 (near Mazama). Although you can’t drive over the pass, snowshoers, cross-country skiers, snowmobilers and fat-tire bikers can access the closed area through a gate, with parking nearby.
It’s never too late to brush up on your winter survival skills, particularly on snow. It’s never too early, either. If you want to experience camping in the snow, a good starting point is the winter camping basics section of rei.com.
Winter weather definitely impacts wildlife, when easy foraging is replaced with the need to expend more effort to find food and stay alert for hungry predators.
The Department of Fish and Wildlife’s predator-prey study is running in northeast Washington. The study started two years ago, and this month more deer will be wearing radio collars. The study will run at least five years to help assess the impact of predators on deer and elk.
The study plan also calls for radio-collaring wolves, cougars, bobcats and coyotes. In addition to learning about direct interactions between predators and prey, researchers also will track distribution, movements, habitat use, diet, productivity and survival. Cougars also will be monitored to learn about changes in social behavior, population dynamics and survival.
No matter the weather, birders will be out counting bills during the annual Everett-Marysville Christmas Bird Count on Dec. 29. The count started in 1976. And it still will be winter for the Feb. 23-24 Stanwood Camano Snow Goose and Birding Festival.
In time for the holidays. The Washington State Parks 2019 wall calendar is on sale, featuring color photos of several parks. The photos include a wintry scene at Lake Easton State Park, a coastal shot of Ebey’s Landing Heritage Site and a cabin hidden away at Brooks Memorial State Park.
It sells for $20.99 plus tax with discounts for additional calendars. To order, visit myprint.wa.gov and enter “calendar” into the search box. Orders must be made by Dec. 17 to guarantee delivery by Christmas.
High tech. I’m going to stress the words “bring a printed pass” if for no other reason than to mention the irony of the opportunity to purchase Olympic National Park entrance passes electronically while also needing to remember to print it before leaving home.
While in the park, the paper copy is presented at entrance stations and displayed on the vehicle dashboard. Internet connectivity is limited or non-existent in the park, therefore printing the permit in advance is required.
Purchase your pass at yourpassnow.com. It costs $15-55. The federal interagency pass is not available through that website. Other sites using the new pass include Glacier and Mount Rainier national parks and the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.
Out and about. A Freeland birder was driving west of Rainy Pass on Highway 20 when he almost hit a very confused juvenile snow goose running down the middle of the road. “I stopped and tried to catch (it) — I work with wildlife — to release in a more suitable location. I just ended up making the bird more agitated, so I quit. I hope the bird made it through the night!”
Columnist Sharon Wootton can be reached at 360-468-3964 or songandword@rockisland.com.
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