Many years July is not very sunny. This year has been an exception with many nice sunny days and temperatures in the upper 60s and low 70s during the day.  I haven’t been out hiking as much as I might like, but I have been getting some progress made on my yard with the help of my parents who have been visiting this week. This evening’s sunset was pleasant, so I stopped to take a picture that also showed how little snow is left on the mountains compared to last year when I am not sure this much ever melted off.

After yesterday’s snow, today brought clear blue skies and a brightly shining sun. I am still fighting a head cold, and wasn’t able to enjoy the weather as much as I might have liked (Connor and Rowan were able to spend much of the day sledding at the golf course with friends, which they enjoyed greatly). I did shovel off part of the deck on the south side of the house. Although the air temperature may not have been above the mid-30s, the direct sunlight and calm air made for quite pleasant sitting outside. I was even able to lay down and rest for a while, hoping that getting some sun exposure might help me get well sooner. Not sure if it will work that way, but the warmth of the sun on my skin was very nice, regardless.

This evening it was nice to see color in the sky north of west as the sun set this evening. A welcome sign of the increasing day length, despite the snow remaining on the ground.

Another clear day and night. As I write this, temperatures have dropped to 8F after reaching a high of only 14F. It seems unlikely we’ll reach a record low for this date (7F in 1971), but perhaps we’ll match or break the record low for tomorrow (8F in 1969) before temperatures warm up for the day. Fortunately winds have been calm around the house, so it hasn’t felt too bad.

The view of Orion from the south side of the house inspired me to brave the cold for a couple of minutes to take some pictures.

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Taken through a window, I could not see the reflected light until looking at the 30 second exposure.

Orion in the southern sky.

Orion in the southern sky.

Today was the Christmas Bird Count for Sitka. Unfortunately there were strong winds and heavy rain for most of the day. Despite this I managed to walk over 10 miles and tallied over 30 species of birds. I’ve had a bit of computer trouble this evening, or I would offer a better summary of my results. I didn’t really find anything unexpected, but it was nice to find the things I figured were around but would be easy to miss, such as the two coots.

I may write up a more thorough account later, but right now I think it’s probably time to get some rest and let my body recover (it’s been quite sometime since I walked so much in one day).

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When Swan Lake first froze, these American Coots moved to the Channel and have stayed there since.

When Swan Lake first froze, these American Coots moved to the Channel and have stayed there since.

There was at least one Ring-necked Duck in with the scaups at the cove by North Pacific Seafoods today.

I'm not sure which species of Scaup these are.

I'm pretty sure this is a Lesser Scaup.

Common Loon between the fingers at Eliason Harbor.

After heavy overcast, rain, and wind all day, there was a small break in the clouds to provide an accent of color at the end of the day.

After heavy overcast, rain, and wind all day, there was a small break in the clouds to provide an accent of color at the end of the day.

The sky turned pink and purple as the sun was setting this evening. This picture was taken from the south deck of the house.

I took some pictures of a young Hooded Merganser and a Green-winged Teal on a sunny day at Swan Lake. The sunset was also quite colorful.

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First year Hooded Merganser at Swan Lake.

First year Hooded Merganser at Swan Lake.

Green-winged Teal at Swan Lake.

A colorful sunset that intesified as the sun dropped.

A colorful sunset that intesified as the sun dropped.

A colorful sunset that intesified as the sun dropped.

A colorful sunset that intesified as the sun dropped.

Pictures from a couple of different trips to and through Totem Park.

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Connor and Rowan spotted this Stonefly when we were walking through the park.

Mt. Edgecumbe is due west from downtown. Just a few days after spring equinox, the sun is low enough to be behind Mt. Edgecumbe, but ultimately sets to the north of west.

Mt. Edgecumbe is due west from downtown. Just a few days after spring equinox, the sun is low enough to be behind Mt. Edgecumbe, but ultimately sets to the north of west.

Mt. Edgecumbe is due west from downtown. Just a few days after spring equinox, the sun is low enough to be behind Mt. Edgecumbe, but ultimately sets to the north of west.

The kids and I walked down to Crescent Harbor this morning to see the unusual currents flowing in and out of the harbor mouth as a series of small tsunamis reached the shore. The largest water level change I noted was probably about a bit over 1 foot, but it was an impressive amount of water to move in the few minutes it took for the water level to change.

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Unusual currents were flowing in and out of Crescent Harbor every few minutes due to small tsunamis from the large earthquake in Japan.

Unusual currents were flowing in and out of Crescent Harbor every few minutes due to small tsunamis from the large earthquake in Japan.

Unusual currents were flowing in and out of Crescent Harbor every few minutes due to small tsunamis from the large earthquake in Japan.

Unusual currents were flowing in and out of Crescent Harbor every few minutes due to small tsunamis from the large earthquake in Japan.

Unusual currents were flowing in and out of Crescent Harbor every few minutes due to small tsunamis from the large earthquake in Japan.

Temperatures remained quite cold, but winds diminished significantly by later this afternoon. It was interesting to see all the polished ice intermixed with thin patches of wind sculpted snow. As windy as it got here over the last couple of days, it was much stronger elsewhere.

From today’s weather synopsis:

THE WEATHER PATTERN THAT CAUSED FREQUENT WIND GUSTS OVER 50 MPH
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY FROM JUNEAU TO SKAGWAY AND THE CENTRAL OUTER
COAST IS GRADUALLY WEAKENING. THE HIGHEST MEASURED WIND GUST WAS
150 MPH /130 KNOTS/ AT SHEEP MOUNTAIN SOUTH OF JUNEAU AT 3540
FEET ELEVATION. HIGHEST WIND GUST AT SEA LEVEL WAS 103 MPH /90
KNOTS/ AT CAPE SPENCER IN CROSS SOUND.

Forecast is for relative calm tomorrow and winds picking back up later in the week s a low approaches the coast of British Columbia. Fortunately, temperatures are also forecast to rise.

Pictures from today were taken as I walked across Swan Lake near sunset – hence the shift towards blue and lack of brightness (though I could have neutralized these things in processing, I found the contrast on the snow made it easier to see the texture and shapes if I left it as it was).

I didn’t notice too much unusual in the way of birds today, but one thing did stand out – there were three Great Blue Herons flying south over Swan Lake as I started across it. Perhaps they had all been roosting in trees around the lake and were headed to the beach for low tide. There certainly wasn’t any open water for them to fish around the lake.

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Wind blowing snow across Swan Lake caused sculpted drifts where something was able to capture snow.

Much of Swan Lake was wind polished ice, but there were still patches of snow that held on.

Wind blowing snow across Swan Lake caused sculpted drifts where something was able to capture snow.

Wind packed cold snow did not allow for very deep track impressions.

I spent most of today trying to sleep off a cold, but finally decided I should get out for at least a little while late this afternoon. So I used a trip to the post office as an excuse and walked there via Totem Park.

It was cloudy for much of the day, but as the sun dropped toward the horizon, it broke through. There was a pretty good east wind blowing – but I mostly noticed it out toward the southeast end of the flats – other parts of the walk were more protected.

The usual birds were out and about along the shore – including a Common Murre or two in Crescent Bay. The Bald Eagles were apparently feeling predatory or something – they don’t always spook the Mallards off the beach, but a couple of times today I noticed them responding to the flight of Bald Eagles. Also of note were 10 Canada Geese feeding along the flats in front of the Visitor Center.

On the way back from the post office I was able to catch a pretty nice sunset.

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A gull soars in front of the front peak of The Pyramids.

Snow blows off the twin peaks which make up the the southeastern end of the Pyramids.

Middle Sister illuminated by a late afternoon sun that broke out from behind the clouds as dropped low in the sky.

Canada Geese at Totem Park feeding in a shalllow tidepool that reflects the colorful sky at sunset.

Canada Geese at Totem Park feeding in a shalllow tidepool that reflects the colorful sky at sunset.

Winds gusting much stronger than at sea level were blowing snow off the peaks of the Pyramids.

Pilings off of Sage Beach are silhouetted by the colors of sunset reflecting off the water.

Pilings off of Sage Beach are silhouetted by the colors of sunset reflecting off the water.

Temperatures got down in the teens overnight. I spent some time over at the house this morning, but didn’t pay too much attention to what was going on – I did notice that winds were calm however.

On the way over to UAS I saw several American Robins. I’m not sure if it’s just the weather, or if more have shown up recently, but it does seem like there are more around than there had been.

After calm conditions through much of the day, it seemed like a breeze picked up a little bit around sunset this evening.

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Snow persists where bushy trees block much of the sunlight over the course of the day.

American Robin observed along Crescent Harbor greenbelt.

American Robin observed along Crescent Harbor greenbelt.

Vitskari Island as seen from O'Connell Bridge a little over 8 miles distant.

Sunset light turns snow covered mountain peaks pink.

Sunset light turns snow covered mountain peaks pink.

Another busy day kept me from spending much time outside. Temperatures were pretty chilly today, and there was enough wind to keep the warmth of the sun from helping too much. While at the house this afternoon, the kids told me the Eurasian Collared-Dove dropped by the yard near where they were watching the fire (burning up the scrap wood).

I headed home around sunset, and thought I had a chance to look for a green flash. I was a little surprised at how far north the setting sun has moved since I last watched it set from near Hillcrest. I didn’t have much time, but was able to just catch it going down from Lincoln Street near Sage Rock. I’m not positive I was seeing the horizon, however – as there was just a small gap between other islands and such.

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Mountains called The Pyramids make up the skyline looking south from Sage Beach.

Mountains called The Pyramids make up the skyline looking south from Sage Beach.

Wind blown snow off the Pyramids reflects the pink light of the setting sun.

The sun is now setting to the north of Turning Island as seen from the vicinity of Sage Beach.

Today ended up being a bit more full than I planned, as it took longer to get stuff ready for my dad’s arrival in town this evening. I was able to walk over to the bridge after class and catch the sunset, which was nice. Temperatures were cooler today, but the forecast is for even colder tonight and tomorrow. Winds were minor on the ground, though I noticed the wind turbine going at a moderate pace, so there was apparently at least some breeze aloft (strangely, I don’t recall noticing it much when I was upon the bridge). I took additional note of the patterns of snow on the trees covering the mountains and hills around town. I plan to write a post about my observations later this week.

On my walk I saw a Red-breasted Merganser in the Channel. Their were lots of them in the bays south of town during the Christmas Bird Count, but for some reason they’ve been mostly absent along the road system this winter. It was also interesting that I noticed the smell of seaweed and whatever else goes into the mix to create the fairly distinct low tide smell. (Interesting because I hadn’t noticed it yesterday when I was trying to pay more attention.) Several gulls seemed to be taking advantage of the low water levels to try and find food along the shoreline. I didn’t have enough time to watch and see if they were finding any success. I imagine at other times of year, they wouldn’t even bother, but from now until the herring run is probably the most difficult time of the year for them food-wise.

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Low angle light illuminates the snow covered Sisters and Mt. Verstovia.

Vitskari Rocks can be seen along the horizon.

View to the Southeast from O'Connell Bridge.

There have been some spectacularly colorful sunsets this winter (as is true many winters – now that I think of it), but the one today was much more subdued. Although the location where it drops below the horizon is moving north again, it’s still well in the south. Mt. Edgecumbe is approximately west of town, and the sun is clearly a ways out of the frame.

A layer of stratus clouds was well-positioned to catch the light of the setting sun, resulting in a very colorful sunset.

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While walking through town on my way to UAS, I was inspired to take a series of tree silhouette photos. It was interesting to see how distinct they looked, even in silhouette. Of course the colorful sky as a backdrop didn’t hurt.

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One of a series of tree silhouettes to illustrate differences in growth paterns between species.

One of a series of tree silhouettes to illustrate differences in growth paterns between species.

One of a series of tree silhouettes to illustrate differences in growth paterns between species.

One of a series of tree silhouettes to illustrate differences in growth paterns between species.

One of a series of tree silhouettes to illustrate differences in growth paterns between species.

One of a series of tree silhouettes to illustrate differences in growth paterns between species.

One of a series of tree silhouettes to illustrate differences in growth paterns between species.

One of a series of tree silhouettes to illustrate differences in growth paterns between species.

One of a series of tree silhouettes to illustrate differences in growth paterns between species.

One of a series of tree silhouettes to illustrate differences in growth paterns between species.

Pink clouds color the sky behind O'Connell Bridge with Mt. Edgecumbe in the distance.

Colorful winter sunset observed from O'Connell Bridge.

One of a series of tree silhouettes to illustrate differences in growth paterns between species.

One of a series of tree silhouettes to illustrate differences in growth paterns between species.

One of a series of tree silhouettes to illustrate differences in growth paterns between species.

One of a series of tree silhouettes to illustrate differences in growth paterns between species.

One of a series of tree silhouettes to illustrate differences in growth paterns between species.

One of a series of tree silhouettes to illustrate differences in growth paterns between species.

One of a series of tree silhouettes to illustrate differences in growth paterns between species.

Colorful winter sunset observed from O'Connell Bridge.

Colorful winter sunset observed from O'Connell Bridge.

Colorful winter sunset observed from O'Connell Bridge.

I caught the sun dropping below the horizon hoping for a green flash, but atmospheric conditions were evidently not conducive.

The saying goes that every cloud has a silver lining, but it seemed closer to gold as the sun was setting near these clouds.

As we head toward solstice and the sun sets ever further to the south, it becomes much easier to observe the last moments that the sun is peaking above the horizon – at least on those days with clear skies. I would like to capture a nice image of the green flash that can occur at sunset when atmospheric conditions are right, so yesterday afternoon I went out to observe the setting sun.

While waiting for the sun to start moving below the horizon, I noticed at least three different birds sounding like they were alarming below me (I was at the top of a small hill). I could not tell what was causing the issue for them, but shortly thereafter, a Red Squirrel noticed me and gave a bit of a scolding before settling down to make a snack of the Sitka Spruce seeds it found in a cone.

Unfortunately for my attempts to capture a green flash event, there was a layer of mid or upper-level stratus clouds out over Sitka Sound. The last direct rays of the sun faded slightly to a still-very-bright, but more diffused light from the clouds reflecting and/or obscuring the sun. What the clouds took away in terms of a chance to see the green flash, they more than made up for in their vivid yellows, oranges, pinks, and purples as the sun continued to drop further below the horizon.

More pictures from this Sunset

A possible Ruddy Duck was reported on Swan Lake. I was able to find and photograph it, but hope to get better pictures tomorrow. Clear and chilly weather resulted in a reasonably colorful sunset shortly before 4pm this afternoon.

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Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) observed on Swan Lake.

Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) observed on Swan Lake.

Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) observed on Swan Lake with Mallards.

Sunset from Sandy Beach.

Sunset from Sandy Beach.