8/22 Downy woodpecker, Cowichan R dead zone, Phil Levin, WA forests, detours and delays, ferry Chelan

Downy Woodpecker (Avibirds)

Downy Woodpecker Dryobates pubescens
The Downy Woodpecker is the smallest woodpecker in North America. They make a loud series of whinnying notes that decrease in pitch from the start to the end of the series. Another call that they make is a pik note. This species uses fence posts, dead trees, and dead areas of live trees to nest. They excavate nesting holes on the undersides of stubs and make a new one every year. The Downy Woodpecker’s diet consists of insects – especially ants, beetle larvae, caterpillars, and corn earworms. They also feed on acorns, grains, and berries. (Avibirds)

Calls to close fishing in Cowichan River as ‘dead zone’ forms
The Sept. 1 fishing opening on the Cowichan River should be cancelled because the river is in a “catastrophic” state due to a perfect storm of factors such as high-water temperatures and drought, say advocates. A 6.4-kilometre “dead zone” has formed in the upper part of the river, said Joe Saysell, 75, who has lived on the river all his life. “It’s the worst thing that’s ever happened in my 75 years of living here on the river.” Carla Wilson reports. (Times
Colonist)

Seattle area scientist leads U.S. efforts toward 'holistic picture' of the climate crisis
Conservation scientist and University of Washington professor Phil Levin will lead the Biden administration's National Nature Assessment, a study has been sold as the most ambitious, all-encompassing review ever of the United States' natural world. Libby Denkmann and Alec Cowan report. (KUOW)

Are WA forests worth more as carbon sponges or timber harvests?
‘Working forests’ like state-run Tiger Mountain retain greenhouse gases — but logging is deeply entrenched in Northwest economies. Ashli Blow reports. (Crosscut)

Detour? Delays? Drivers and businesses cope with summer road construction
Road construction projects throughout Whatcom County are creating challenges now — for benefits later. Matt Benoit reports. (Salish Current)

Ferry runs aground in San Juan Islands; no estimate for return of service
The ferry Chelan will be sidelined for an undetermined amount of time after it ran aground Sunday night while heading from Orcas Island to Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. The Chelan was on its last run of the night when it hit the shoreline in the narrow Wasp Passage around 9:40 p.m. It will remain out of service, with no estimate for its return, while crews investigate and make repairs. Vonnai Phair and David Kroman report. (Seattle Times)

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Now, your tug weather--
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  253 AM PDT Tue Aug 22 2023   
TODAY  Light wind becoming SW to 10 kt in the afternoon. Wind  waves 1 ft or less. W swell 3 ft at 9 seconds. A chance of rain  in the afternoon. 
TONIGHT  W wind 5 to 15 kt becoming to 10 kt after midnight.  Wind waves 2 ft or less. W swell 4 ft at 8 seconds. A chance of  rain.

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