River Critters

The rivers, wetlands, and shores of the Pacific Northwest are home to many fascinating creatures. Here, we’ve compiled spotlights on some of our favorite local water-dwellers.

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Importance of Clean Water for Amphibians

This post is part of our collaboration with Portland State University and Dr. Alida Cantor’s…

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American Coot

Is that a duck or a chicken? Actually, it’s an American Coot! The most aquatic…

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Water Striders

Water striders are thin, long-legged insects that use surface tension to walk on the water’s…

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Pigeon Guillemots

Pigeon Guillemots, known as PIGU, are charismatic seabirds that are true gems of the marine…

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South Resident Orcas

In the eastern North Pacific, there are three populations of resident killer whales: Alaska residents,…

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The Difference Between Rainbow Trout and Steelhead Trout

Rainbow trout and steelhead trout are actually the same species. They have the exact same…

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Gooseneck barnacle

What barnacle resembles a goose? The gooseneck barnacle! Common around tidepools, they are often found…

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The Humble Caddisfly Helps Clean Our Rivers

Have you ever noticed small tubes of pebbles in the river? Those are the cocoons…

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Beavers Help Slow Wildfires

You may already know that beavers have many positive impacts on their local river, but…

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Water Ouzel or The American Dipper

The American Dipper, also known as a Water Ouzel, is unique in being one of…

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Aggregating Anemones

The Oregon Coast is known for its breathtaking views, but zoom in to the tidepools…

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Good Things Come From Small Places

I hear this line often when I’m out working in a stream: “There’s no fish…

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