On Sunday, I visited Point Defiance Park, which is densely forested and not managed for logging - quite a lot of snags and also many older trees. Good place to see pileated woodpeckers, but I was there to look down, not up.
I observed at several spots close together, and with the iffy GPS reception, I'm not sure there's much point trying to differentiate. If I wanted to be more methodical, I'd have to keep better records of what I observed where. I did notice that the beetle mites (which were very common) were mostly associated with locations containing decaying wood.
I observed mostly on and near the bluffs above the water, so these were fairly exposed locations. On another day I'll see what I can find near the center of the park.
I found different springtails here than I found at the other locations, and I was able to observe several different varieties. That was exciting! I also saw a couple interesting-looking snails and some very cool mites. My favorite observation of the day, however, was a little purple globular springtail - I suspect of a cosmopolitan species - who displayed very actively, seemingly in response to my camera. I have to admire the pluck. Imagine challenging the Death Star to a duel...
The springtail must have won, because my camera and I departed.
I will never learn to identify all these tiny spiders!
Found these beetle mites throughout the observation area, both at the bluffs and in the forest, especially near wood debris.
Appeared to be alive but was not active when observed. A little under 1cm.
I always get excited when I find a land snail that's not a garden snail.
Probably not a good enough picture for an ID… only good enough to indicate “there are snails at this observation site.” Less than 1/4 cm and too small to get a closer look without risking hurting it.
A silver springtail with fine short hair that could easily be mistaken for a very small silverfish.
Also some interesting brown and white objects.
Interesting mass with a springtail hanging out by it.
Moss at observation location. Not a good enough image for a specific ID, just a quick snap to give an idea of what was there.
Another of the silver springtails.
A different species of springtail I believe. May be immature.
This springtail was displaying vigorously at the camera. I think I annoyed him(? I think it’s the males who display like this?)…
Last beetle mite, I think…
Not many critters at this site. It was a little dry.
No better images of this skittish individual.
Nice coloration on this smallish poduromorph...
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