Read on
for some facts, trivia, observations and "tidbits" gleaned from our many years of observing
wildlife in their natural habitat; we hope you find it interesting and
informative.
1. Brown/Grizzly Bears: Though technically the same species, these bears are differentiated by their habitat. Brown bears, also known as Coastal brown bears, including the world famous "Kodiak" bears, live in the south-central and south-eastern coastal regions of Alaska, including major islands; Grizzlies live in the interior of the state. The difference? The coastal regions have shorter, milder winters, AND the rich salmon runs. This allows the browns to grow larger than their grizzly brethren, who subsist mostly on vegetation, with an occasional carcass to gnaw on. Diet, and who stays at the dinner table longest, are the differences! In the "Brown/Grizzly Bear" gallery, the photo "Splash 'n Grab" is of a brown bear, and "Big Bruiser" a grizzly.
2. Black Bears: Though much smaller than brown/grizzly bears, black bears are far more numerous. They are also much more cautious, being lower down on the bear pecking order as they are. When using a fishing hole also frequented by brown bears, blacks approach slowly, looking and sniffing all around, all the time, ever ready to bolt at the approach of a brown. We've seen blacks seemingly disappear before our eyes, when a brown bear was near. When eating the salmon they catch, black bears move into the brush and treed areas, closer to the safety of an escape route; browns usually eat theirs on the spot, or along the stream banks. In the "Black Bears" gallery, the photo "Braveheart" shows white chest markings that occasionally occur on black bears, which also come in a cinnamon color, white (Kermode), and a blue phase called a glacier bear
3. Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights): The "lights" can appear in Alaskan skies anytime it gets dark enough; this is usually late August through mid April. They are most commonly green in color, but often have varying amounts of red, and occasionally a hint of purple. Blue, and all red are the most rare. The greens can come in different shades, and the lights always come in varying shapes, with varying movements. I estimate that only about one in ten aurora displays are intense enough for good photography, so if there is a particularly good night of lights, we shoot as many frames as we can......not to mention the sheer joy of simply watching them! Some displays seem to rise up from the horizon, while others appear to be directly overhead, and spilling towards the horizon in waves, spikes and swirls; these are called "corona." In the "Aurora Borealis" gallery, the photo "Victory Dance" is a corona, and the photo "Aurora Rocket" is the "horizon" type display.
4. Bald Eagles: These magnificent birds are abundant in Alaska, particularly in the coastal regions, where good food sources, like fish, are available year round. Eagles are excellent "fishermen" because of their keen eyesight, spotting fish that are near the surface, then swooping on them to snare them with their talons. Eagles do not have to land to eat their catch, and are often content to fly along leisurely with the fish in their talons, and bending their heads down to snatch a morsel, while not missing a wing beat! Crows and gulls sometimes harass an eagle eating in flight, by squawking and diving at it in an attempt to get the eagle to drop its food. Sometimes it works, but most of the time the eagle just continues to fly along seemingly unperturbed. In the "Bald Eagles" gallery, the photo "Water Wings" is of an eagle that has just made an unsuccessful attempt at catching his next meal.
5. Other Wildlife: Caribou, like many species, do not achieve their best condition, and "look" until autumn, when their coats are in their prime. The males' antlers grow much larger than the females, and they are shed during the winter; in the deer family, caribou are the only females to grow antlers. The peak of autumn colors in interior Alaska is very short, as little as one week before the colors begin to lose their intensity. Most vibrant reds are produced by the low-bush blueberry patches, which can cover whole mountain sides and valleys. Because these berries are a rich food source, these areas are good places to look for not only caribou, but also moose, bears, wolves, and other critters. In the "Other Wildlife" gallery, the photo "Caribou Autumn" shows them at their finest.
6. Scenics/Flora: The most striking feature in Alaska is Mt. McKinley, or Denali as it is known locally, and historically. Alaska is also known for its vastness, and the wild river valleys and forests that span many thousands of square miles. Since the "mountain" is covered in ice and snow year round, every photo shows it white, no matter the season. When the clouds clear, and mighty Denali makes its appearance, it is an awesome sight, as it dominates everything around it, making nearby mountains appear smallish and insignificant. The silhouette of Denali can also be impressive on a dark night, especially if the northern lights make an appearance, and put on a good show. In the "Scenics/Flora" gallery, the photo "Denali Seasons" provides a good view of mountain, forest and river valley. In the "Aurora Borealis" gallery, the photo "Fire in the Sky" shows Denali by night, with its own show!
7. Dall Sheep: Except for a relatively brief mating season, Dall sheep rams remain in groups separate from the ewes and lambs. Within these groups there is a pecking order, or hierarchy, pretty much as one would expect; the youngest "kissing up" to older ones, and so on until the "leader" group, which consists of the oldest, most mature rams, and a dominant leader. At a bleating signal from the leader, all the other sheep in his group heed his instructions, mostly to move to another spot, but sometimes to warn of danger, like approaching grizzlies, which also frequent the high country. Dall sheep also look their best in the fall, when their coats are thick and white, and ready for the long, cold winter soon to arrive. In the "Dall Sheep" gallery, the photo "Ram Council" is a "leadership" group.! The photo, "The Love Connection" shows some of the "kissing up!"
Note: New "Tidbits" will appear with the photo updates.