On a Lifelong Journey to Learn my Place
A couple of days ago I was standing on a sidewalk downtown when I felt something brush against my bag and then noticed a smack of something hitting the ground. I looked down to see the cantaloupe sitting there, and just as I was recognizing what it was I looked up to see someone I … Read more
Although the first two openings occurred in sight of the road, I did not make it out towards Starrigavan to watch. Today the third opening took place over a large area including Crescent Bay and Middle Channel. I did not know that when I was headed home this afternoon, but noticed a bunch of planes … Read more
Gavan Hill is a fairly nondescript mountain that rises to the north of downtown. It doesn’t have the sharp peaks, extensive high country, or steep avalanche prone slopes of many of the other mountains close to town. However, over the years I’ve noticed interesting variations in the color and texture of the forest. Especially in … Read more
While walking along the road finishing up the Estuary Life Trail loop at Starrigavan back in January, I was a little surprised to see a pair of Black Scoters in with a small group of Surf Scoters. My impression is that most winters only a few Black Scoters winter in the area, and only occasionally … Read more
I recently set up some pages and forms to document glacial striations around Sitka. It’s a project suggested by Jim Baichtal, a geologist for the forest service, while he was in town recently. The main intent is to document striations on islands in and around Sitka Sound to get a better sense the direction of … Read more
Today was the annual WhaleFest fundraiser food web cruise. I’m not sure how long it’s been an annual fundraiser, but I’ve been invited to talk about birds for the past several years. I always enjoy participating on these trips and appreciate the opportunity. Although it was a little slow for birds this year, the weather … Read more