Washington Park Arboretum, Union Bay Natural Area, Lake Washington Ship Canal Waterside Trail & Foster and Marsh Island Loop — Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024

Today was a work day but when I arrived at 630 I got canceled! I’d biked to work and had a scheduled maintenance. Taking advantage of this I walked home using this string of wooded and waterfront areas.

Despite it being cold and a little inclement there were tons of birds out, a number of plants were blooming, and all around a surprising amount just going on.

I’m no ornithologist but with a little help from my Merlín app I was capable of identifying ~20 different birds. Most were waterfowl.

Low angle light is wonderful this time of year. Most plants are busy shutting down for the year though the winter garden at the Arboretum features many flowering or simply showy plants.

A great urban ramble. Foster Island was muddy in spots but easily avoided. From end to end I logged about four miles one way, this can easily be shortened or lengthened.