Sun Returns

From mid-November until January 21 the sun does not shine in this part of the Eagle River Valley because it is too low behind the mountains. We have approx. 4 1/2 hours of daylight during this time but have to drive out the valley or hike in about 4 miles to actually see the sun. From January 21-25 this year the sky was over cast in the AM so it was the 26th before we saw about 20 minutes as the sun passed between two mountains. We now have about 8 hours of daylight and this will continue to increase about 5 minutes a day until during the summer much of Alaska experiences 24 hours of daylight.

Chickadee Study

The USGS is studying the chickadee problem with their beaks being crossed resulting in feeding difficulty. They capture the birds, weight them, take blood samples, tag and release them. Over the four years some of the recaptured birds have a greater problem and some no longer have the crossed beak but no explanation. This bird does not have the problem.

Small Animals

The squirrel population is also here. This guy does not like for the birds to feed in peace and his job is the chase as many as possible away. This picture was taken Jan. 22, 2008.

NOTE THE LACK OF SNOW. The winds from Prince William Sound came in like a hurricane (nor really). Top winds at 9 AM on Jan. 20 were 52 miles an hour. This causes the temperature to rise and away goes our snow. If the winds and warmer tempertures stay long enough we have a big melt down and the ice resulting is really bad.

Two Woodpeckers Feeding

When we first arrived at the Nature Center (2004) the woodpeckers were busy cutting holes in the building. David Lee told us we needed suet feeders and they would discontinue attacking the building. Francis built two feeders using hardward cloth and broken ski poles and now we enjoy many birds at these feeders as well as the sunflower seed feeders. This was Jan. 17, 2008 with lots of snow.

Snow and Ice

The snow melting off the roof (we have heat tape) forms beautiful huge icicles all around the building. Some folkes laugh and say it appears they support the roof or railings around the deck.

Ice Carving in Anchorage

This entry into a local ice carving contest is called "Comet" and was carved by our fellow winter volunteer, Paul Hanis. This was supposed to be a team effort but his team mate was unable to come so he worked alone (for 2+ days in single digit weather). The team of orientals (3 members) that won only beat him by two points. He will be representing Alaska in a snow carving competition in Wisconsin the first weekend in Feb., 2008.

Large Female Moose

Moose frequently come into the parking lot to lick the cars (guess it is to get the salt but not sure). This large cow (notice her size compared to truck and car) had a calf about half her size.