Our Yellow Island Preserve is a rich example of the diversity of life present in the San Juan Islands. The prairie savannahs, Yellow Island’s major terrestrial ecosystem, include a unique array of native plants. More than 50 species of wildflowers, including shooting star and harsh paintbrush, bloom on Yellow Island. The only cactus species native to western Washington, the brittle prickly-pear cactus, also makes its home here.
Bald eagles fly majestically above the island’s trees, and harbor seals can be found on the rocks off the island’s west spit. Harlequin ducks and the black oystercatcher can be seen in the intertidal zone, and mink and river otters are common on the island too. Further out in the nutrient-rich waters surrounding the island, marine mammals such as orca whales, harbor porpoises and sea lions can be seen swimming and feeding.
Scroll through the beautiful illustrations of artist Jill Bliss to take a virtual tour.
1. Songbirds provide a rousing chorus to herald the onset of spring. On Yellow Island, you may hear the calls of the American gold finch, violet green swallow, tree swallow, song sparrow and pacific wren.
2. Wildflowers burst through with spectacular colors each spring. The vibrant display includes camas, harsh paintbrush, nootka rose, and stone crop.
3. Sea birds frequent the skies and waters surrounding Yellow Island, and include buffleheads, harlequins and cormorants.
4. Birds of prey soar above in search of a meal, courtesy of the vast biodiversity in these nutrient-rich waters and lands. Raptor species native to the area include bald eagles, ospreys and turkey vultures.
5. Yellow Island enjoys visits from both the Southern Resident pod of killer whales, as well as transient pods migrating through Puget Sound. Other marine mammals spotted on Yellow Island’s shores include harbor seals and stellar sea lions.
