Good news, the Canada geese are back! The arrival of the geese is a sure sign that spring can't be too far away. They used to visit Marlake every spring, mate, build nests, and raise their goslings on the lake. I loved to watch the trains of fluffy yellow ducklings following their mothers around. For some reason, the geese stopped procreating on the lake. They still stop at the lake for about a week each spring, then fly away to whatever place they've decided makes a better nursery. I appreciate the fact that they still use Marlake as a temporary resting place. I really look forward to their appearance. I know that many people dislike them and see them as nothing but big doodle factories, but I think they're magnificent birds. They're so regal-lookng in their stunning goose tuxeudos.
Female American wigeons have shown up to join the males on Marlake. The males are the ones wearing the white clown make-up and bright green masks. The females aren't nearly as flamboyant, but gorgeous just the same. The Canada geese and American wigeons on Marlake are accompanied by a plethora of ring-necked ducks, buffleheads, and mallards. Actually, I mis-stated that. There must be at least six or eight pairs of mallards on the lake, a pair of wigeons, and a pair of geese, but the little ring-neck and bufflehead are still looking for mates. I hope they find some soon. I didn't see the hooded-merganser today. I usually see the bufflehead and merganser swimming together, but today the bufflehead was swimming solo.
Jason Gerwen, from the City of Federal Way Parks and Recreation Department, sent a work crew over to clean all of those nasty cigarette butts and ashes out of the brochure containers on the sign-in kiosk. They're all spiffied up now and filled with bright new brochures. The kiosk looks lovely, just like it's all dressed up in it's finest and ready for spring. Thanks to everyone who participated in the clean-up. Well done! We appreciate it!
Although the orchard trail is still blockaded with cones and "Trail Closed" placards, the trail appears to be clear of debris now and is negotiable. The ground, trees, and shrubs in the orchard area were popping with robins, black-capped chickadees, dark-eyed juncos, and spotted towhees. The trail around the back side of Marlake is still blocked with fallen trees and remains closed to the public until further notice. You can get just north of the commemorative bench and then the trail is blocked with fallen willows. That's actually a good thing. It gives the ducks a nice quiet place to settle down over there without being disturbed. Everyone needs a santuary, including ducks and geese! I vote to leave the trail closed until after nesting season, so the ducks have a relatively safe place in which to raise their young. How about it? Do you think we can do that?
The temperature is about ten degrees cooler this week than it was last week. As I walked through the park, the light seemed to be getting darker and darker as rain threatened to drop on the park. Never-the-less, happy visitors were braving the elements and visiting the wetland. As I passed this couple, Hella Salatas (in front) looked me in the eye, grinned from ear to ear, spread her arms wide, and intoned the words, "Amazing!" Indeed, it is! She says that Kat Lindholm (in back) brings her to the park to visit at least three times a month and she loves it. I agree, Hella. We're so fortunate to have a park like this in Federal Way. It always seems to have the right medicine to treat whetever's ailing me. It makes me giggle when I'm feeling blue, gives me comfort when I need it, inspires me with awe and wonder with it's variety and astounding beauty, provides me with much needed exercise, and never fails to surprise me with one thing or another. It's a gift!
Teri I. Lenfest
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