Ya, You're On The Wild Side Now...

ROOSEVELT ELK

Our area is home to the largest herd of Roosevelt elk West of the Rockies. Unless it's the very hot months (late summer) you're very likely to run into them. Often on our lawn. They're the only traffic jam you'll ever get (that's them in front of our house!) The locals are very protective of them and if you are seen messing with the elk, the locals will mess with you. They mostly mind their own business, but sometimes you'll hear them bellowing at night and it's the creepiest sound you'll ever hear. Fun fact, that's what they used as the basis for the sound of attacking Orcs in the Lord Of the Rings movies!

BALD EAGLES

We're not saying you'll get sick of them while you're here, but you will get used to them. There are SO MANY of them. They can be found in trees, flying above the water, even sitting on rocks in low tide for the "babe, can you bring me a sandwich" lazy form of hunting. During the fall salmon run in front of our house, there are so many feasting on the salmon that didn't make it. If you don't know what they sound like, they're the high-pitched chirping sound, believe it or not. And they are SUPER chatty in the morning. 

RIVER OTTERS

Hands down, the loudest I've ever screamed in my whole life is when one of these little dudes popped up to say hi when I was down on our river bank. There are lots of them, and, like the eagles, they love to fish in "our" river by our house. They're both fast and sneaky, so you'll probably scream too. They're also not very nice, so don't be fooled by their cuteness, just let them do their thing and we'll all get along. 

HARBOR SEALS

Or, as we call them, "sea puppies." I love them so much. It's an unrequited love, though they are VERY curious. If you are on the water, like in kayaks, you will see dozens, if not hundreds, of them. They will pop up, check you out, swim by, then go away. During the summer months, you can sit on the deck at the Geoduck and watch them play in the estuary, while Bald Eagles sit on logs and rocks. It's kinda perfect. They are also, of course, a favorite meal of the Orcas, which is sad for them but great for the Orcas, and those of us who are always hoping to see the big whales!

ORCA WHALES

This is Orca country, and they are often spotted in the Hood Canal. It's not unlikely to see them almost on shore, chasing seals who escape by coming all the way on shore. They've surprised friends of ours who were out kayaking, or fishing, or.... If you're in power boat, you are legally required to stay away from them. If you're in a kayak and they surprise you, well, you just scream and have a story to tell. But there are a lot of them here. No promises, but it's certainly possible that you'll see some when you're least expecting it.

BLACK BEARS

There are absolutely Black Bears in the woods around our house, and up in them thar hills. We've never actually seen them, but we've seen lots of their scat on our lawn, and the neighbors have posted lots of videos of them. Are they adorable? Yup. Are they snuggly? Absolutely not. Don't leave food out overnight, that attracts them. As does the garbage. We do NOT let our dogs run free out here. Bears are omnivores, and although there's plenty of fish and other good things to eat, we don't want to risk it. 

COYOTES

So. Many. Coytoes. That said, they're shy, so they try to stay away from people, but we're constantly hearing reports from neighbors that the "yotes" are out and about. This is another reason we don't let our dogs roam free. As far as I can tell, they fill up on local chickens, and are generally thriving, as they should be. This was their house first, we're just guests and we should try to be nice. 

WOMBICORNS

Rumor has it that this mythical creature originated right here on the shores of the Duckabush. The stories vary, but seem to agree that generations ago a researcher brought a Wombat back from Australia and kept it as a pet in a log home that was once on our property. Around the same time, an ill-fated romance between a unicorn and a local Sasquatch ended, and the unicorn also wandered to our little bend in the river, seeking solace and a place to reflect. Having felt very alone and isolated in a dark woods so unfamiliar to it, the wombat was grateful not just for the surprise company of the unicorn, but the many forms of light it brought with it. The two fell in love, as you do in such a magical place. Not long after, the wombicorn was born. You may or may not see one during your stay, but you will absolutely feel their love, which still nourishes the very earth we call home.