I like to think that my pictures go out into the world taking the healing spirit of my country to those who need it, to those who understand it.
– E.W. Merrill (1870-1929), Sitka-based photographer 1899-1929
I’ve been documenting Sitka’s natural environment and sharing it on the web for over 25 years. It started as a way to document and share with family and friends what I was observing while exploring around the area but now has taken on a life of its own.
My 2026 Sitka Birds Calendar is available for purchase. The price is $20 (+$6 shipping). It features photos I’ve taken of birds in and around Sitka.
Photojournal
The core of this site is my photojournal, featuring photos and written journals from my experience in nature. In recent years, I have a practice of journaling daily, though publishing entries often follows more of a seasonal rhythm, as I work to catch up during the long nights of winter. Recent Photojournal Updates will link to the new/old posts and other updates.
Weather Delay and Wet Beginnings
Offshore Outing and Green Lake Road
Erratic Hunting on Beaver Lake Uplands
Radio Show/Podcast
Sitka Nature Show #350 – Brie Drummond
Sitka Nature Show #349 – Kitty LaBounty
Sitka Nature Show #348 – Gavin McNichol (encore)
Explore the Archive
Today in Sitka Nature History:
Gavan Hill Trail and Baranof Street Cemetery
April 21, 2025
Overcast with light rain in the afternoon. Light winds (at least where I was). Gavan Hill ibuttons were due for a visit. With rain forecast to be most likely later … Read more
Sitka Nature Show #313 – Richard Nelson (encore)
April 21, 2024
Download Radio Show The April 21st show featured a conversation with Richard Nelson. Originally recorded and aired in spring 2017, we shared recordings and discussed some of mysterious calls and … Read more
Birding on a Sunny Spring Day
April 21, 2022
Sunny and calm this morning, light to moderate breeze this afternoon. Overnight lows were down to 36F. Connor had the day off got an early start birding. He texted me … Read more
Sitka Natural History Seminar Series
The Natural History Seminar series is sponsored by UAS Sitka Campus and the Sitka Sound Science Center. Started in 2006-2007 by Matt Goff and Kitty LaBounty, it was run for many years by Kitty. Since her passing, a team of folks are collaborating to keep the series going. I’ve compiled a brief overview of the history and a listing of all the speakers over the years. If you would like to subscribe to get emails about upcoming events, click on the button below.
- SitkaBirds email List (
subscribe here– the old list is getting shut down, I’m planning to set up something new)
SitkaBirds List is an e-mail list for birding around Sitka. It serves as to share photos and ask questions about birds or birding in Sitka. Also to notify others of sightings that may be unusual or of interest. If you are interested, pleasesubscribe here. There is also a Sitka Birds Facebook Group (while both are active, the Facebook group has more active participants). - you can
subscribe here(coming soon) to receive the announcements - Pre-2007 Photojournal
Photos and journal entries from 1998-2006 (on a different site – I eventually intend to migrate entries to this one) - Sitka Trails (on another site)
A trail guide I am working on for trails on the Sitka Road system. It was on (or just off of) many of these trails where I took many of the photos seen here. I started redoing it in early 2024, but haven’t completed the remodel.
