Alaska Outdoors

Starlings, like the one shown in this photo, are among the birds known to mimic the songs of other species. (Pixabay)

Birds may prefer novel songs, sing for fun and other birdsong facts

They’re no longer singing in the rain.

Starlings, like the one shown in this photo, are among the birds known to mimic the songs of other species. (Pixabay)
This July 1998 photo shows the Bristol Bay shoreline near Naknek. (Courtesy Photo / Stan Shebs)

Bristol Bay deals with latest challenge: COVID-19

Bristol Bay fishermen, processors and communities are under threat — and not for the first time.

This July 1998 photo shows the Bristol Bay shoreline near Naknek. (Courtesy Photo / Stan Shebs)
Researcher recalls lonely night spent in fiberglass hut on volcanic crater’s lip

Researcher recalls lonely night spent in fiberglass hut on volcanic crater’s lip

Guy Tytgat’s room was 4 feet wide and 5 feet tall, made of fiberglass and near a volcanic crater.

Researcher recalls lonely night spent in fiberglass hut on volcanic crater’s lip
(Jeff Lund / For the Juneau Empire                                 Down at the ocean is a reward dinner of…Cheetos?

Food for thought

It might be best to stay out of the chip aisle before a trip to the alpine

(Jeff Lund / For the Juneau Empire                                 Down at the ocean is a reward dinner of…Cheetos?
Pride of Bristol Bay: Lessons from a Bristol Bay ‘salmon mama’
Pride of Bristol Bay: Lessons from a Bristol Bay ‘salmon mama’
Courtesy Photo / David Bergeson                                 This photo shows a watchful young ptarmigan in Granite Basin.

Tales from 2 trails and some bird stories

By Mary F. Willson For the Juneau Empire A group of friends went up the Granite Basin Trail in mid-August. Lots of work has improved… Continue reading

Courtesy Photo / David Bergeson                                 This photo shows a watchful young ptarmigan in Granite Basin.
Howler monkeys, like the ones seen here, protest intruders by making a great racket and pelting the intruders with feces. (Courtesy Photo / Wikimedia)

Gross but good: How dung, mucus and more are used in nature

Animals (and people) make use of many things we find icky

Howler monkeys, like the ones seen here, protest intruders by making a great racket and pelting the intruders with feces. (Courtesy Photo / Wikimedia)
Konrad Steffen, wears glasses and a yellow tie, at the White House in 2016, where he represented Switzerland at the first Arctic Ministerial Conference. (Courtesy Photo / Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape)

Glaciologist dies in Greenland crevasse

The glaciologist never worked in Alaska, but Steffen’s work influenced a scientist here.

Konrad Steffen, wears glasses and a yellow tie, at the White House in 2016, where he represented Switzerland at the first Arctic Ministerial Conference. (Courtesy Photo / Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape)
Why are Alaska’s salmon shrinking?

Why are Alaska’s salmon shrinking?

Researchers have found an answer —and explored what it means.

Why are Alaska’s salmon shrinking?
Wild Shots: Photos of Mother Nature in Alaska

Wild Shots: Photos of Mother Nature in Alaska

Reader-submitted photos for July 2020.

Wild Shots: Photos of Mother Nature in Alaska
More than 13 acres of land on North Douglas now owned by Southeast Alaska Lad Trust and known as the Grummett Wetlands will be open to the public for passive recreation. That includes activities such as hiking, birding and exploring. (Courtesy Photo / Southeast Alaska Land Trust)
More than 13 acres of land on North Douglas now owned by Southeast Alaska Lad Trust and known as the Grummett Wetlands will be open to the public for passive recreation. That includes activities such as hiking, birding and exploring. (Courtesy Photo / Southeast Alaska Land Trust)
Frustration is part of hunting, but only a fool would let it ruin the entire experience. (Jeff Lund / for the Juneau Empire)

Sometimes you have to stop and smell the alpine

There is no dignity in a tantrum on the mountain or otherwise.

Frustration is part of hunting, but only a fool would let it ruin the entire experience. (Jeff Lund / for the Juneau Empire)
Salmon derby soldiers on for 74th year
Salmon derby soldiers on for 74th year
Meet the percussionists of the animal world

Meet the percussionists of the animal world

It might get loud.

Meet the percussionists of the animal world
Canada’s last intact ice shelf collapses due to warming

Canada’s last intact ice shelf collapses due to warming

Much of Canada’s remaining intact ice shelf has broken apart.

Canada’s last intact ice shelf collapses due to warming
Swamp gentian flowers are common in the meadows at Eaglecrest Ski Area. (Courtesy Photo / Bob Armstrong photo)

Getting in July explorations while the sun shined

We reveled in the dazzling light and warmth.

Swamp gentian flowers are common in the meadows at Eaglecrest Ski Area. (Courtesy Photo / Bob Armstrong photo)
A grizzly bear sow and cubs that are fishing for chum salmon in Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, northern Alaska. (Courtesy Photo / Matt Cameron, National Park Service)

Bears alert scientists to secret salmon streams

How could people have missed those salmon runs?

A grizzly bear sow and cubs that are fishing for chum salmon in Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, northern Alaska. (Courtesy Photo / Matt Cameron, National Park Service)
This gastropod has appeal

This gastropod has appeal

Banana slugs ooze all over Alaska.

This gastropod has appeal
Jokes aside, August is a pretty special month in Southeast Alaska and it is probably Jeff Lund’s favorite. If you disagree, that’s fine. (Jeff Lund / For the Juneau Empire)

Southeast Alaska’s best month is right around the corner

The totally non-biased data is in: August is the most desired month in Southeast Alaska.

Jokes aside, August is a pretty special month in Southeast Alaska and it is probably Jeff Lund’s favorite. If you disagree, that’s fine. (Jeff Lund / For the Juneau Empire)
A red-breasted sapsucker braces its strong central tail feathers against the tree trunk. Mary F. Willson notes the bird is not excavating. (Courtesy Photo / Kerry Howard)
Video

How tails help birds get ahead

Focusing on particular uses of tails that have special functions.

A red-breasted sapsucker braces its strong central tail feathers against the tree trunk. Mary F. Willson notes the bird is not excavating. (Courtesy Photo / Kerry Howard)
Video