Swans have arrived early in Southeast Alaska this year, with most lakes still frozen and no green grass anywhere. Most lakes are frozen; the swan is sticking to a small patch of water surrounded by ice.
Large groups of loons are rarely observed in the summer on Homer's Beluga Lake. Over a dozen were observed calling back and forth on Beluga Lake.
Laysan albatross chickens died from causes related to abnormal Santa Ana winds
This small owl was sighted perching under a building. LEO Network looking for some help on an identification.
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Early spring and early waterfowl
Early breakup brings early arrivals.
Leech found on duck near Selawik.
The past couple years have been warmer than normal contributing to where the river is still flowing ice and with some of the plants still green.
Anemone narcissiflora, which typically blooms in June, is experiencing a second bloom in Hatcher Pass.
Flowers blooming near the mouth of the Klamath River
Weather had been pouring rain and 45-degree temps for several days leading up to the sighting.
"Been a cool dry fall. The snow line hit twice in late August and once in September at the 4000 foot level. We saw 22 degrees several times in September and twice in August so general frost is in town. But no ice on shore lines so the rivers and lakes are staying warm even as the chill sets in"
Kettle ponds in Denali National Park contain less water this spring than in previous years, due to low snowfall and permafrost thaw. Shrubs are replacing grasses as the lakes dry.
A 24-hour, 245 mile survey of fireweed plants from Anchorage to Seldovia revealed an almost complete absence of flowering.
There were 231 days between the first and last measurable snow fall in the Anchorage region this year. Temperatures have also been significantly below average.
Late budding alder tree.
During a summer of unusually warm temperatures, highbush cranberries (Viburnum edule) are blooming, using buds that would have normally bloomed next spring.
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