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. Later I recognized the value it had as a reminder and reference for myself.
I’ve only begun to understand what others have reflected back to me over the years. There are some who are touched by this place and how it comes through what I share here. The quote from Merrill has helped crystallize this in my awareness.
Though still rooted in its beginnings, this project is now starting to feel bigger than me. I see myself working to be more open, with an intention to do my best to stay out of the way of what this place would convey through me for others.
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.
If you are in Sitka, I will have calendars and prints for sale at the Made in Sitka Holiday Market at the Centennial Building on December 14th and 15th.
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.
Thunder Shower
Price Street Vegetation
Beaver Lake Uplands
Radio Show/Podcast
Sitka Nature Show #345 – Elizabeth Thomas
Sitka Nature Show #344 – Ron Heintz
Sitka Nature Show #343 – Rick Taylor
Explore the Archive
Today in Sitka Nature History:
Harbor Mountain Road and Crescent Harbor Gulls
January 21, 2025
Mostly cloudy to overcast with rain later in the day. Temperatures in the 40s. Skies must have at least partially cleared overnight, as I saw frost on neighborhood roofs this … Read more
Breaking Clouds and Waves
January 21, 2023
Overcast with showers. Breezy, with temperatures in the low 40s and dropping later in the day. As forecast, the winds died down overnight. Yesterday evening folks posted on Facebook places … Read more
Sitka Nature Show #149 – Sitka Big Year Wrap Up Conversation
January 21, 2018
Download Radio Show The January 21st show featured a conversation with Paul Norwood, Roland Wirth, Kitty LaBounty and Karen Johnson, all of whom participated in the Sitka Big Year Project … Read more
- 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, please
subscribe here. There is also a Sitka Birds Facebook Group (while both are active, the Facebook group has more active participants). - Sitka Natural History Seminar Series
- To be notified of upcoming talks in the series, you can
subscribe hereto 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.