Sleeping Slugs, Wary Squirrels and Crotchety Jays
As usual, if I go hiking to find something specific, I usually find something else instead. This morning, I headed to Ginnett Hill in Deception Pass State Park. My quest was to check out midsummer wildflowers. Last year, they were prolific , but it looks like now is too early. There were basically none to speak of. Instead, I had some interesting wildlife encounters. I spotted several Banana Slugs (Ariolimax columbianus) on the trail. The two sleeping on the cut end of a fallen tree were the most interesting. My theory that Fidalgo Island slugs have no spots is now officially refuted. Ginnett Hill is in the Fidalgo section of the park. Shortly after beginning the hike, I encountered this Douglas Squirrel (Tamiasciurus douglasii) . It was notable that he wasn't barking at me. Persistent chattering and scolding is their usual demeanor when humans enter their territory. Unlike the Eastern Gray Squirrel which has been introduced, this is one of the two native s