Right here we go once more: Introducing the objective to {photograph} 26 animals and bugs you don’t typically see in Southwest Washington

Cade Barker / cade@thereflector.com

For 2026, Reflector reporter Cade Barker will enterprise round Southwest Washington, from Mount Adams to Cape Disappointment, in quest of photographing and highlighting 26 mammals, birds, fish and bugs that aren’t generally seen within the area. 

In 2025, I got down to {photograph} 100 native chook species in Southwest Washington all year long. Before June, I ended up hitting that objective. But alongside the best way, I photographed the smallest owl in Washington, the northern pygmy owl. Due to its soda can measurement, the owl is tough to search out. I additionally photographed a Ross’ goose on the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, marking the primary confirmed sighting of that species on the wildlife refuge since 2013 on eBird. 

After efficiently photographing a couple of birds that aren’t too widespread in that 100-species objective, I started brainstorming 26 wildlife species that are not typically photographed on this area for 2026. 

I’ve been to Alaska, Montana, Wyoming and past to {photograph} black bears, purple foxes, porcupines, you identify it. But what about discovering them proper right here in Clark County’s yard? That is what I’m searching for to attain for this yr’s nature images objective: discover the lesser-known fauna in Southwest Washington. 

A black bear is usually seen by probability on a path digicam or crossing a highway in Southwest Washington, but it surely might not be as abundantly photographed as a deer right here. A sly little fox in Southwest Washington is just not as typically seen as a coyote. 

Maybe a giant cat might be photographed, however hopefully not up shut and private. 

There are species of the evening, as properly. How a few flying squirrel that most likely leaps tree to tree proper right here in Battle Ground or Ridgefield at evening. Other species of owls, just like the northern saw-whet owl, name this space dwelling, too. 

And then there are the creepy crawlies. A northwest forest scorpion might be discovered as far west as Beacon Rock State Park. A western rattlesnake can also be discovered among the many 26 species recognized this yr if the search in Klickitat County is profitable. 

If I do find yourself encountering a rarer wildlife species, the precise location might not be shared to guard it, which is widespread apply within the owl images world. 

I might be conserving an eye fixed out for wildlife, huge and small, on all of my outside adventures this yr. I additionally welcome any wildlife observations or ideas from our readers for this objective, as properly. 

Any wildlife observations or ideas from what you’ll have seen on trails in years previous might be emailed to cade@thereflector.com.