On the Trails

The Mating Game

The Mating Game

This one’s for the birds.

 

This is how the animal kingdom reproduces

This is how the animal kingdom reproduces

Live-bearing, egg-laying and everything in between.

 

Long-distance migrations: How birds fly thousands of miles

Long-distance migrations: How birds fly thousands of miles

These birds cover a lot of mileage.

 

Tracking animal footprints in the snow

Tracking animal footprints in the snow

Few critters are making themselves visible.

Tracking animal footprints in the snow
Something to mink about

Something to mink about

These weasel family members are all over Alaska.

Something to mink about
Eagle eyes

Eagle eyes

How does visual acuity work?

Eagle eyes
The Kaxdegoowu Heen Dei (Brotherhood Bridge) Trail is close to being eroded away by the Mendenhall River on Monday, Nov. 26, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

The fight against trail erosion

This is Rain Country.

The Kaxdegoowu Heen Dei (Brotherhood Bridge) Trail is close to being eroded away by the Mendenhall River on Monday, Nov. 26, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Flying — with or without wings

Flying — with or without wings

How many other little tricks of flight are out there, still to be discovered?

Flying — with or without wings
High-bush cranberries on Douglas Island on Thursday, Sept. 20, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

On the Trails: Berries and cherries

It is advantageous for plants to disperse their seeds away from the parent plant. If all the seeds just fell under the parent, the high… Continue reading

High-bush cranberries on Douglas Island on Thursday, Sept. 20, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
On The Trails: Bears in autumn

On The Trails: Bears in autumn

What happens to bears in years when food sources are poor?

On The Trails: Bears in autumn
This October, think about blood-sucking ticks

This October, think about blood-sucking ticks

This tick is very rare in Alaska, but that could change.

This October, think about blood-sucking ticks
Brilliant fall foliage reflected in a pond near the glacier. (Courtesy Photo | Bob Armstrong)

Autumn leaf colors

Juneau leaf-peepers don’t have to travel to the upper Midwest or New England for a view of lovely fall colors.

Brilliant fall foliage reflected in a pond near the glacier. (Courtesy Photo | Bob Armstrong)
Two rusty blackbirds, in winter plumage, forage at the edge of Mendenhall Lake. (Courtesy Photo | Bob Armstrong)

Embrace September’s slowing pace

In September, the natural world slows down.

Two rusty blackbirds, in winter plumage, forage at the edge of Mendenhall Lake. (Courtesy Photo | Bob Armstrong)
A doe is mirrored by her reflection as she forages in the pond. (Courtesy Photo | Pam Bergeson)

In search of cranes

Our boots rustled noisily through the tall sedges and sweetgale shrubs as we wended our way into the wetland. When we stopped to listen, we… Continue reading

A doe is mirrored by her reflection as she forages in the pond. (Courtesy Photo | Pam Bergeson)
On the Trails: Early fall in Cowee Meadows

On the Trails: Early fall in Cowee Meadows

A trip to Cowee Meadows usually provides a curious naturalist with something to contemplate. It’s also a good idea to keep an eye out for… Continue reading

On the Trails: Early fall in Cowee Meadows