Described as beautiful, aggressive and at once both soft and sharp, barred owls are an object of fascination and concern. Recent national news reports that barred owls are displacing spotted owls have the Sounder wondering just how the species fits into our island ecosystem, and did it force spotted owls from our isles?
On any given day you can see a full spectrum of folks engrossed in everything from books to audio CDs to movies to computers at the Orcas Island Public Library.
Rainfall is to be expected in the Pacific Northwest. It’s the kind of rain that visited islanders last week that has local weather experts saying, “wow.”
When physical education teacher Dan Drake found an octopus on the school grounds this morning he thought it was unusual.
Trying to find the right career or a purpose in life is a common struggle. For Roger Gossler, the answer was simple.
After a morning of heavy rain, the sky cleared just hours before the Orcas Viking soccer team faced the Friday Harbor Wolverines’ junior varsity team. The small, but fierce Vikings played hard against the Wolverines who had advantage in numbers. In the end the Vikings were defeated 4 – 0.
New residents seem to be appearing on the island everyday. They are found on windowsills, porches, hanging off plants and in nooks and crannies.
When opera emerged in the 16th century, did audience members think this music would still be performed 450 years later?
Recent accidents, budgets and new appointments were discussed at the Eastsound Fire Hall. The San Juan County Fire District #2 held their regular meeting on Sept 10, 5:30 p.m. Two big items on the agenda were the chief’s report and the 2014 budget.
A 28-foot sailboat sunk after it was struck by the Hyak on Sept. 13. The lone occupant, a man in his mid-60s, was taken to Peace Island Hospital on San Juan Island but did not sustain major injuries.
Death is certain, but as the old saying goes, life is not. How we die can also raise terrifying questions about the unknown. That does not mean that we don’t have choices that can help guide us through the metaphorical and emotional darkness of the end of life.
It was an emotional day at Orcas Fire and Rescue as policemen, firefighters, community members and students gathered to honor those lost on Sept. 11, 2001.
The mornings come so reliably – a cup of coffee, familiar faces and the daily sifting of emails. At the Sounder we write, we read, we juggle to be fair and ethical and still remain sensitive to our neighbors.
