2/3 Bewick's wren, owl protections, Big Oil future, 'Mosquito Fleet' study

Bewick's Wren [Sylvia Huntapa/Audubon]

Bewick's Wren Thryomanes bewickii
If you come across a noisy, hyperactive little bird with bold white eyebrows, flicking its long tail as it hops from branch to branch, you may have spotted a Bewick’s Wren. These master vocalists belt out a string of short whistles, warbles, burrs, and trills to attract mates and defend their territory, or scold visitors with raspy calls. Bewick’s Wrens are still fairly common in much of western North America, but they have virtually disappeared from the East.

Democrats urge investigation into removal of owl protections
Eight Democratic lawmakers called Tuesday for an investigation into “potential scientific meddling” by the Trump administration in its rule to remove critical habitat protections for the imperiled northern spotted owl in the Pacific Northwest. The group of federal lawmakers, led by Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon, says former Interior Secretary David Bernhardt “appeared to unilaterally act” on his way out of office to remove millions of acres of protected habitat designated for the owl. Sara Cline reports. (Associated Press/Report for America)

After a Bruising Year, the Oil Industry Confronts a Diminished Future
Big Oil isn’t so big anymore. Exxon Mobil, BP and other large oil companies collectively lost tens of billions of dollars last year, posting their worst performance in years and, for some companies, in decades. The pandemic was largely to blame. It sapped demand for gasoline, diesel and jet fuel as countries and states locked down and people stayed home. But such painful years could become more commonplace as growing concerns about climate change, tighter regulations, and the rise of electric cars and trucks force a reckoning for an industry that has dominated the global economy over much of the last century. General Motors further raised the stakes for the industry last week when it said it aimed to do away with internal combustion engines and sell only electric cars by 2035. Clifford Krauss reports. (NY Times)

A new ‘Mosquito Fleet’? Puget Sound Regional Council releases Passenger-Only Ferry Study
This week, a new feasibility study of passenger-only ferry service – a new Mosquito Fleet? – across 12 counties in Western Washington was released by the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC). You can view the study here. The Washington State Legislature commissioned the study, directing PSRC to examine opportunities to expand passenger-only ferry service on Puget Sound, Lake Union and Lake Washington. (B-Town Blog)

Now, your tug weather--West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  257 AM PST Wed Feb 3 2021   
TODAY  E wind to 10 kt becoming NE in the afternoon. Wind waves  1 ft or less. SW swell 5 ft at 8 seconds building to W 7 ft at  10 seconds in the afternoon. 
TONIGHT  W wind to 10 kt. Wind waves 1 ft or less. W swell 7 ft  at 10 seconds.

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