Author Archives: matt goff

About matt goff

I am an aspiring naturalist who seeks to learn all that I can about the more-than-human aspects of this place that is my home.

Possible Blueberry Patch Die-off

Posted on July 2, 2014 by matt goff

Earlier this summer I had a chance to visit Blue Lake Creek valley and was interested to find an fairly extensive patch of blueberries (probably Vaccinium ovalifolium) that appeared to be pretty much dead. I did break a stem on … Continue reading →

Posted in flora, Mystery | Leave a comment

Sea Cauliflower (Leathesia marina)

Posted on July 1, 2014 by matt goff

Sea Cauliflower (Leathesia marina) seems to be a relatively easy to identify seaweed with relatively thick flesh growing in lumpy masses. It was abundant at John Brown’s beach early this summer, though I’ve not been familiar with it long enough … Continue reading →

Posted in algae, tidepooling | Leave a comment

New Breakwater

Posted on June 27, 2014 by matt goff

While at John Brown’s Beach during a recent low tide series, I noticed a distinct contrast between the new addition to the breakwater and that which had been there a while. I guess I am not surprised that there are … Continue reading →

Posted in algae, marine | Leave a comment

Great Blue Heron Nest

Posted on June 26, 2014 by matt goff

There have been herons reported nesting out at Starrigavan several times over the years. This year there is a nest in the forest bounded by the estuary, the road, and the viewing platform parking lot. It’s a little hard to … Continue reading →

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Young Surf Scoters

Posted on June 25, 2014 by matt goff

Young Surf Scoters between Shoals Point and St. Lazaria Surf Scoters are a common wintering bird on the near shore waters around Sitka, but most of them head north (or maybe east?) to nest on freshwater lakes. However, young birds … Continue reading →

Posted in birds, photo | Leave a comment

Winter on Verstovia

Posted on June 24, 2014 by matt goff

As it’s just past summer solstice, it seemed an opportune time to post a picture from a few years back (that I just recently got processed and uploaded) that makes me feel a little chill just looking at it. Winter … Continue reading →

Posted in photo, winter | Leave a comment