Forest King

By Ken Marsh Here in Alaska our moose, Alces alces gigas, are icons. The subspecies designation gigas is Latin for … Continue reading Forest King

adventure, foraging, Literature, nature, Reading, wild mushrooms

Morel Passion

By Ken Marsh “There is something inscrutably satisfying about finding a good patch of morel mushrooms that travels far beyond … Continue reading Morel Passion

Alaska Birds, Alaska Wildlife, nature

Spring Update: Waterfowl

No luck this morning on my annual quest for Morchella, but it’s early yet. The springtime dance has barely started here at north latitude 61.2 degrees. We’re getting close, though. The birch buds are just one sunny afternoon away from popping the country into an explosion of green. The morels will appear soon after, but for now signs of the season can be found in the arrival of winged things. Continue reading Spring Update: Waterfowl

Alaska Birds, Alaska Wildlife, nature

The Alpine News

The hike begins early in the morning, around 5:30 for we with creatures to meet and places three miles up … Continue reading The Alpine News

Alaska Birds, Alaska Wildlife, nature

Spring Dispatch

It’s happening already. Springtime has barely arrived and I’m already so busy outdoors hiking, photographing, and watching nature that I’m … Continue reading Spring Dispatch

Alaska Birds, Alaska Wildlife, nature

And Just Like that, Spring Was Here

So last week’s subzero temperatures finally vanished. Overnight. And just like that the snow started melting as days warmed into … Continue reading And Just Like that, Spring Was Here

Alaska Birds, Alaska Wildlife, nature, winter

Snow White & Waiting for Spring

Just over a week ago, the temperatures in Anchorage were dipping below zero degrees F. This white-tailed ptarmigan tried to … Continue reading Snow White & Waiting for Spring

adventure, Alaska History, Alaska Travel, Fishing Alaska, nature

Three-Thousand Rivers

To greater or lesser extents, Alaskans depend upon rivers to lead us to our homes, livelihoods, recreation, and food sources as surely as citizens of Seattle, Los Angeles, Memphis or Pittsburg rely upon freeways to access the same things. Continue reading Three-Thousand Rivers

Alaska Birds, Alaska Travel, Alaska Wildlife, nature

Alaska Wildlife Viewing: The Urban Option

By Ken Marsh Every city, village and community in this wilderness state has its own birds, animals and viewing treasures. … Continue reading Alaska Wildlife Viewing: The Urban Option

Alaska Birds, Alaska Travel, nature

Confessions of a Casual Birder

Alaska’s wild side is home to a distinctive assortment of birds. By Ken Marsh “One touch of nature makes the … Continue reading Confessions of a Casual Birder