Daily Observations

Today was easily the warmest day that I have experienced in Sitka so far this summer.  I had two tours to work today, with the first landing near Pt. Brown and the second a trip south with a landing at Calligan Island. Weather:  Sunny and warm, with light wind. Birds:  I saw a flock of … Read more

Recent Observations

It’s been a fairly busy week. I’m (still) working on getting my home office cleaned/organized, and that is part of the reason I have not updated so much recently. I also recently was hired by Allen Marine, a local tour company, to be a naturalist. Although I do not feel exceptionally qualified for the job, … Read more

Herring Time

The commercial herring fishery occurred while I was on my trip this year, so I missed seeing it, but I have not missed the herring season. Last night we had an activity at the Coast Guard gazebo and along the shore there I saw more seals and sealions than I had ever seen before in … Read more

Herring Opening

This afternoon I spent some time watching the buildup and start of the herring opening. Initially boats seemed to be fairly evenly distributed from Crescent harbor down to the mouth of Jamestown Bay. The larger tenders seemed to be off to the side, presumably to allow the seiners room to put out their nets before … Read more

Herring Opening

Just heard on the radio that there will be an opening this afternoon. Fishing is expected to take place between Eastern Channel and Japonski island in Crescent Bay and along Galankin Island. This means there could be quite a bit of activity visible from Totem Park and the beach along Lincoln Street. I’ll probably walk … Read more