Jan 17, 2015 | Birds, Shorebirds
When I looked up the Rock Sandpiper on Birds of North America the author called it a Pagophilic Sandpiper but did not tell what the word meant. I had to look it up — fun to learn — and a perfect name for it. The captions sort of summarize what these...
Dec 30, 2014 | Birds, Waterfowl
In Alaska these Harlequin Ducks nest along some of our fastest flowing streams. This is quite unusual for ducks to nest in this type of habitat. What would be some of the advantages for doing this? These ducks feed heavily on aquatic insects while in these streams....
Dec 30, 2014 | Birds, Hawks
This happened near the headwaters of a stream in Juneau. This stream is spring-fed and the goshawk is bathing in one of the springs. Many other streams in Juneau had layers of ice on them and were several degrees colder. This is a good example of the value of springs...
Dec 19, 2014 | Birds, Songbirds
This video includes all species of chickadees found in Alaska. The song Chickadee dee dee was created and played by John Palmes For information on chickadees look at Chickadees by Mary...
Dec 17, 2014 | Dipper, Dolly Varden
This video shows a gathering of juvenile Dolly Varden in a stream in Juneau Alaska. An American Dipper dives over them and they swim rapidly away. American Dippers will catch and eat juvenile Dolly Varden so their reaction is understandable. Juvenile Dolly Varden are...
Nov 23, 2014 | Birds, Hummingbirds
Western Columbine flowers are designed to be cross pollinated by hummingbirds. Look at how the hummingbird feeds. How does cross pollination occur when hummingbirds visit these flowers? You can learn more about Rufous Hummingbirds in Alaska by looking at To Mexico and...