9/16 Killdeer, BC toxic runoff grants, Farmland Legacy Program, WDFW commission ills, Hispanic Heritage Month, democracy watch.

 

Killdeer [Brad Imhoff]

Killdeer Charadrius vociferus
Killdeer are graceful plovers common to lawns, golf courses, athletic fields, and parking lots. These tawny birds run across the ground in spurts, stopping with a jolt every so often to check their progress, or to see if they’ve startled up any insect prey. Their voice, a far-carrying, excited kill-deer, is a common sound even after dark, often given in flight as the bird circles overhead on slender wings. (All About Birds)

Today's top story in Salish Current:  New poetry collection speaks to ‘Women, Madness, Whiteness’

2 UBC researchers awarded $1M each to study toxic tire particles, microbial ocean life
University of British Columbia researchers Patrick Keeling and Rachel Scholes have been granted $1 million each for projects that study microscopic ocean organisms and toxic road run-off. Marissa Birnie reports. (Canadian Press) 

Farmland Legacy Program adds 219 acres of protected land
Skagit County has protected 219 acres of agricultural land southeast of Samish Island owned by Jerry Nelson and Jenny Nelson of Double N Potatoes through the county's Farmland Legacy Program. Cameron Martinez reports. (Skagit Valley Herald) 

Governor’s response to WDFW investigation sows more discord
Hunters’ demands for spring bear kills led to dubious reprimand, tarnished reputations, say commissioners. K.C. Mehaffey reports. (Columbia Insight)  Gov. Ferguson orders investigation of WDFW commissioners following hunting group’s petition, leaked letters An out-of-state group angry over the end of spring bear hunts says the commission is guilty of “politicking” and “backroom dealing” (Columbia Insight) 

National Hispanic Heritage Month begins with celebrations across the US
Celebrations across the U.S. are expected in observance of National Hispanic Heritage Month, showcasing the vast diversity and culture of Latinos. Marked each year from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, the month is an opportunity for many in the U.S. to learn about or be reminded of the contributions of Hispanic people. The nation’s largest racial or ethnic minority, over 70 million ethnically Hispanic residents make up one-fifth of the total U.S. population. (Associated Press) 

Democracy Watch

• US Supreme Court blocks Trump rule limiting mail voting, sides with Dem states (Washington State Standard) 
• Trump’s push to restrict mail ballots has failed. Other efforts to reshape the midterms are ongoing (AP) 

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Here's your tug weather— 
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  143 PM PDT Tue Sep 15 2026    
WED  E wind around 5 kt. Seas around 3 ft. Wave Detail: W 3 ft  at 7 seconds.  
WED NIGHT  NW wind around 5 kt, veering to E after midnight.  Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W 4 ft at 9 seconds.

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"Salish Sea News & Weather" is compiled as a community service by Mike Sato.  To subscribe? Questions? Email msato(at)salish-current.org. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.



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