Molly Taylor, Coastal Programs Intern
Coastal Cutthroat Trout
Coastal cutthroat trout (resident) (Oncorhynchus clarkii clarkii) are one of four major subspecies of cutthroat trout in North America. All cutthroat trout belong to the same genus as Pacific Salmon, Genus Oncorhynchus. As coastal residents, cutthroat trout can be found along the coastal regions from Northern California to Alaska, inhabiting estuaries, lagoons, and small, gently flowing coastal streams. They prefer cold, clean water with ample shade and cover. They can spawn repeatedly between December and May if they have a comfortable nesting stop with healthy water and clean gravel. Remarkably sensitive to changes in water quality and oxygen levels, the health of these trout often serves as an indicator of the overall conditions within the river ecosystem.
On average, coastal cutthroat trout are 8-9 inches in length. Coastal cutthroat trout are distinguished by the vibrant red slashes of color beneath each side of their lower jaw, which gives them their name “cutthroat.” They are sleek fish with blueish-green backs, adorned with black spots visible on their bodies and fins. These trout exhibit aggressive feeding behavior and eagerly consume a diet of insects, leeches, crustaceans and other fish.
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
The Chestnut-backed chickadee (Poecile rufescens), is one of seven chickadee subspecies commonly found in North America. These distinctive birds inhabit the West Coast and the Pacific Northwest, preferring moist conifer forests, oaks, and shade trees. Their diet primarily consists of insects, berries, and seeds.
Similar to other chickadees, the Chestnut-backed chickadee is a “secondary cavity nester,” indicating their tendency to reuse old woodpecker holes for nesting. Inside these nests, female Chestnut-backed chickadees diligently construct a cozy nest full of moss, bark, feathers, and animal fur. They typically lay 6-7 eggs, which are white with reddish-brown dots. These birds often return to the same nesting spot for several years, but will happily accept a nest box as their home.
Chestnut-backed chickadees have black and white markings on their heads, which is consistent with other Chickadees species. They differ from the rest because of their back color, which is a rich chestnut. This coloring helps them blend seamlessly into the brown trees they inhabit, making them challenging to spot visually. The most effective way to identify them is through their distinctive call. Unlike having a whistled song, the Chestnut-backed chickadee communicates with a series of chip notes, reminiscent of the chick-a-dee-dee of their chickadee relatives.
Northern Red-Legged Frog
The Northern red-legged frog (Rana aurora) is native to an extensive region, spanning from southern Mendocino County to Southwestern British Columbia. These frogs are adaptable, inhabiting elevations ranging from sea level to 4,680 feet. They can be found in various aquatic habitats, such as ponds and marshes. During the breeding season, they prefer slow-moving water that persists into the season to support the metamorphosis of their juvenile frogs. During non-breeding seasons, they seek refuge in damp brush or under forest debris near bodies of water. These red-legged frogs are not freeze resistant, so during freezing temperatures, they will take shelter in stream banks or at the bottom of ponds.
Northern red-legged frogs are medium-sized amphibians, with the males reaching up to 2.7 inches and the females growing as much as 5 inches in length (not including their legs). Their distinctive feature is the bright red coloring on the lower half of their hind legs, which gives them their name. The rest of their body varies in color, ranging from greenish-gray to reddish-brown, with dark flecks all over. Juvenile frogs display yellow coloring on their legs and belly, while the older frogs have the iconic red coloring on their legs.
In terms of hunting, these frogs are quite patient. Once they locate their prey, they use their large sticky tongue to catch a wide variety of invertebrates. Adult Northern red-legged frogs are known to consume smaller frogs, salamanders, and various invertebrates. Their tadpoles feed on algae.