Guemes Island Valley: A Beaver-Crafted Wetland Paradise

Bessner Barn

Nestled in the serene embrace of Guemes Island lies a vibrant valley, a haven nurtured by the industrious hands—or rather, teeth—of beavers. This wetlands area is more than a picturesque locale; it’s a living, thriving ecosystem where wildlife flourishes, thanks to the dam-building efforts of these remarkable beavers. The Guemes Mountain Valley Conservation Area encompasses over 400 acres of public and private land on Guemes, all designated for conservation purposes. The Guemes Mountain and Valley Conservation was preserved through an extraordinary collaboration the Skagit Land Trust, the San Juan Preservation Trust, and the residents of Guemes Island. Hundreds of donors generously contributed to safeguarding this treasure of the islands.

Here’s a closer look at some fantastic creatures I photographed from this beaver-engineered paradise.

The Avian Ensemble

The Song Sparrow, with its melodic tunes, can often be seen flitting amidst the reeds, while the Pine Siskin adds a dash of streaked elegance to the scene. And let’s not forget the Red-winged Blackbird, a striking visitor whose crimson shoulder patches gleam against the wetlands’ vibrant greenery. Even the elusive Rufous Hummingbird has been spotted delicately gathering materials, an abundance and diversity of life supported here. A brief glimpse into the life observed on this day, within a small section of the wetlands during a two-hour period of "wait for it".

Song Sparrow

Pine Sisken

Red-winged Blackbird (male)

Red-winged Blackbird (female)

Rufous Hummingbird gathering cattail nesting material. 

Hummingbirds are skilled builders when it comes to constructing their nests. Female hummingbirds take the lead in this process. They use materials such as twigs, plant fibers (like cattails), moss, and lichen, which they bind together with spider silk for added flexibility and durability. These nests are often camouflaged with natural elements, allowing them to blend seamlessly into their surroundings, typically perched on thin branches or shrubs.

The Aquatic Wonders

The wetlands are not just a haven for feathered friends. Painted Turtles basking lazily on logs are a common sight, their shells glistening in the sun as they enjoy the tranquility of their watery world. Amphibians and small fish dart through the shallows, contributing to the delicate balance of this rich ecosystem.

Painted Turtle

Head

Rear Foot

Front Feet

The Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta) is the most widespread aquatic turtle in North America, thriving in slow-moving freshwater habitats such as ponds, marshes, and streams. These turtles have smooth, oval shells with colorful stripes on their legs and neck, making them visually striking. They are omnivorous, feeding on aquatic vegetation, insects, small fish, and crustaceans.

Their nails serve primarily for courtship and gripping surfaces, rather than for hunting or feeding. Painted Turtles are known for their long lifespan, often living up to 50 years in the wild.

The True Architects of the Wetlands

Beavers are nature engineers, transforming barren landscapes into thriving wetland ecosystems. Their dams gracefully slow water flow, transforming landscapes into vibrant ponds and marshes that nurture countless species. These precious wetlands mitigate flooding, filter pollutants, and recharge groundwater, showcasing the incredible impact beavers have beyond merely building structures.

Beavers can be found on Guemes, I photographed this one in 2016 at different location. Another was photographed near the Guemes Ferry landing earlier this year.

© Chris LeBoutillier

“Photographs are silent; one’s thoughts give them life.” ™  -Chris LeBoutillier