First Snow

Snowy Day at Totem Park from back in February Yesterday dawned with the first snow of the year down at sea level. There was less than an inch, but it was enough to make the ground look white. Temperatures warmed throughout the day and by this evening it was raining, heavy at times. This morning … Read more

Red Phase Western Screech-Owl

Red Phase Western Screech-Owl photographed by P. Deviche and shared with permission Considered Rare in Alaska, Western Screech-Owls seem to be at least Uncommon around Sitka. Though they are infrequently seen by the general population due to their nocturnal habits, they can be heard at night (and occasionally during the day) throughout the year in … Read more

Indian River Valley

Connor, Rowan, and I took advantage of the clear (but cool, and fortunately calm) weather to swap out the ibuttons. The overnight low in the low 20s (coldest of the season so far) actually made things a bit easier, as the muskeg (and wet areas surrounding it) were frozen enough to support my weight. Ordinarily … Read more

Harbor Mountain ibuttons

I had hoped to get the ibuttons on Harbor Mountain changed before the third gate closed, and even had tentative plans to do so back on the first weekend of the month (the gate had originally be scheduled to close on 3 November). However, when the snow level dropped low enough to start hitting the … Read more

Raven Radio Show #67 – Ryan Carpenter

Download Radio Show The 23 November show featured a conversation with Ryan Carpenter, education specialist at Sitka National Historical Park. We talked about some of the programs that have been offered at the park, as well as his birding experiences over the past year. If you have questions or observations you want to share, please … Read more

Totem Park Walk; Whale Watching

I walked around Totem Park this morning with the intention of getting some photos of the huckleberry leaves that were still persisting. This afternoon I went on an Allen Marine trip for Mt. Edgecumbe seniors that was focused on recording sea birds and dive times of whales. It was an exercise intended to give students … Read more