Springtime at Port is an event in itself

The flowers know.

Judging by the Port’s beautiful floral plantings, we appear to be destined for an impressive springtime, even after last weekend’s unseasonable snowfall.

Everywhere in our community, Mother Nature is picking up where she left off. Buds are becoming blossoms and birds and wildlife are behaving like nothing happened.

All of this is especially true here at the Port of Edmonds. On sunny days in particular the walkers on our scenic boardwalk come out in droves, some in short sleeves and others wearing parkas and carrying umbrellas. Just in case.

The Port’s signature award-winning flower program is at its best right now. Our landscape specialist has prepared a number of beautifully planted beds and containers that extend the full length of the marina.

Most are in full bloom. The daffodils and tulips are right now at their colorful best. There are many other varieties – geraniums, fuchsias, impatiens, petunias, dahlias, roses, daisies, pansies and dozens more; many are currently blooming.

A comprehensive listing of all our plants and flowers, complete with answers to frequently asked questions, is available on the Port website at www.portofedmonds.org.

The Port is also home to a variety of native birds and animals. The waterfront marsh, south of Harbor Square, is a favorite with local birdwatchers.

Right here in the marina and on the adjoining beaches there are many kinds of shorebirds and waterfowl: seagulls, of course, and wild ducks, geese and a number of diving birds. Graceful, elegant blue herons are much in evidence these days.

Playful otters abound in the marina and are often seen both on the docks and in the water.

Unfortunately, there is a downside to all this wildlife. Birds and otters, being what they are, tend to leave their calling cards behind. Cleaning up after them is a major chore for our maintenance crew. This winter, 12 percent of their time was spent removing otter and bird droppings from the docks, a not insignificant expense item.

Another form of wildlife important to our local citizens is the Puget Sound salmon population. Recently the media reported that commercial fishing will be shut down this year off the coasts of California and Oregon and restricted in Washington’s offshore waters.

A few days later we received a briefing that essentially offered good news for local saltwater anglers. The salmon fishery in our area will not only have a number of openings, but may well be the best opportunity for sportsfishing anywhere on the West Coast. I will have more to say on this topic in an upcoming column.

For now, let me urge you to come down and enjoy your Port of Edmonds. It is never better than in springtime and our flowers are telling us there are many more sunny days to come.