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Photo by Cephas, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/blackpoll-warbler-dendroica_striata_mn-wikipedia-copy-1.jpgblackpoll warbler Dendroica_striata_MN (wikipedia) copyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/blackpoll-warbler-from-cornell-macaulay-library.pngblackpoll warbler from Cornell Macaulay Library2026-01-07T23:41:14+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/about/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/mike-fitz-on-saddle-between-baked-and-broken-mountain_3_05242015.jpgmike-fitz-on-saddle-between-baked-and-broken-mountain_3_052420152025-06-29T02:42:38+00:00weekly0.6https://fitznaturalist.com/2025/06/10/a-sisterly-brown-bear-bond/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/909-and-910_07062019_3-1.jpgBears 909 and 910_07062019_32025-06-11T04:27:28+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2025/05/20/the-immorality-of-extinction/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/martha_last_passenger_pigeon_1912-public-domain-from-wikipedia-copy.jpgMartha_last_passenger_pigeon_1912 (Public domain from wikipedia) copyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/martha_last_passenger_pigeon_1912-public-domain-from-wikipedia.jpgMartha_last_passenger_pigeon_1912 (Public domain from wikipedia)2025-05-21T01:23:52+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2025/02/17/a-national-park-purge/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/elon-spiderman-pointing-meme.jpgelon spiderman pointing meme2025-02-17T23:59:57+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2024/12/19/tide-watching-at-bay-of-fundy/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/looking-southwest-from-point-wolf-river-estuary-near-low-tide_10232024_2.jpglooking southwest from point wolf river estuary near low tide_10232024_2https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/emergency-tide-escape-platform-hopewell-rocks-provincial-park_10252024.jpgEmergency tide escape platform, Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park_10252024https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bayoffundy.jpgbayoffundyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/barnacles-filter-feeding.gifbarnacles filter feedinghttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/alna-nb-near-low-tide_10222024_1.jpgalna, NB near low tide_10222024_1https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/alna-nb-near-high-tide_10222024_1.jpgalna, NB near high tide_10222024_1https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/alna-beach-near-low-tide_10222024_6.jpgalna beach near low tide_10222024_62024-12-31T00:07:58+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2024/06/04/a-dammed-opportunity/2024-06-06T12:55:12+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2024/04/16/i-was-not-prepared/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/eclipse-totality_04082024-camop-orion.jpgeclipse totality_04082024 (CamOp Orion)https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/nasa-iss-eclips-photo_04082024.jpgNASA ISS eclips photo_040820242024-04-16T02:41:21+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2022/03/25/are-national-parks-accessible-to-everyone/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/people-on-riffles-platform_07142021_2.jpgpeople on riffles platform_07142021_2The view from the Riffles platform on a crowding morning in July 2021.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/screen-shot-2018-09-20-at-2.42.55-pm.pngScreen Shot 2018-09-20 at 2.42.55 PMhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/screen-shot-2018-09-20-at-2.37.53-pm.pngScreen Shot 2018-09-20 at 2.37.53 PMhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/screen-shot-2018-09-20-at-2.37.05-pm.pngScreen Shot 2018-09-20 at 2.37.05 PMhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/screen-shot-2018-09-20-at-2.36.34-pm.pngScreen Shot 2018-09-20 at 2.36.34 PMhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/flamingo-mission-66-ever-12280_5893599_2.jpegFlamingo Mission 66 (EVER-12280_5893599_2)The construction of the Flamingo visitor center and marina in Everglades National Park was a Mission 66 project.2024-01-30T19:01:26+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2024/01/28/fisher-and-other-trails/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/long-tailed-weasel-tracks-from-weasel-carrying-a-vole_01152024_15.jpglong-tailed weasel tracks from weasel carrying a vole_01152024_15https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/long-tailed-weasel-tracks-from-weasel-carrying-a-vole_01152024_13.jpglong-tailed weasel tracks from weasel carrying a vole_01152024_13https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/fisher-tracks_011152024_2-1.jpgfisher tracks_011152024_2https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/fisher-tracks_011152024_1-1.jpgfisher tracks_011152024_12024-01-29T10:43:27+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2023/01/28/confessions-of-an-ev-driver/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/ev-in-snow_01262023_2-1.jpgEV in snow_01262023_2https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/gettysburg-national-battlefied_11272022_5.jpgGettysburg National Battlefied_11272022_5https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/delaware-river-delaware-water-gap-nra_11262022_2.jpgDelaware River, Delaware Water Gap NRA_11262022_2https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/weaving-looms-at-booth-mill-lowell-national-historical-site_11252022.gifweaving looms at Booth Mill, Lowell National Historical Site_11252022https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/northern-maine-charging-stations.pngnorthern Maine charging stations2023-12-18T17:45:00+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2023/12/17/thirteen-mountain-months/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/view-from-mount-chase-summit_12082023.jpgview from Mount Chase summit_12082023https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/mount-chase-trail_12082023_35.jpgmount chase trail_12082023_35https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/mount-chase-trail_12082023_22.jpgmount chase trail_12082023_22https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/mount-chase-trail_12082023_13.jpgmount chase trail_12082023_13https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/mount-chase-trail_12082023_6-copy.jpgmount chase trail_12082023_6 copyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/mount-chase-trail_12082023_2-copy.jpgmount chase trail_12082023_2 copyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/large-marge-on-upper-cyr-road_12082023-copy.jpglarge marge on upper Cyr Road_12082023 copyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/view-from-mount-chase-summit_11162023_1-copy.jpgview from mount chase summit_11162023_1 copyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/old-growth-mount-chase-trail_11162023_2-copy.jpgold growth, mount chase trail_11162023_2 copyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/view-from-mount-chase-summit_10182023_2-copy.jpgview from mount chase summit_10182023_2 copy2023-12-30T10:29:36+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2023/11/24/time-and-change-along-the-south-branch/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/silhouette-acer-saccharum-south-branch-baxter_09042023_129-copy.jpgsilhouette, Acer saccharum, South Branch, Baxter_09042023_129 copyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/small-salt-marsh_07172021-copy.jpgsmall salt marsh_07172021 copyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/spartina-grass-salt-marsh-along-west-ashley-greenway-charleston-sc.jpgspartina grass, salt marsh along West Ashley Greenway, Charleston, SChttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/plant-fossil-south-branch-baxter_09042023_1-1-copy.jpgplant fossil, South Branch, Baxter_09042023_1-1 copyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/plant-fossil-south-branch-baxter_09042023_8-3-copy.jpgplant fossil, South Branch, Baxter_09042023_8-3 copyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/plant-fossil-south-branch-baxter_09042023_5-1-copy.jpgplant fossil, South Branch, Baxter_09042023_5-1 copyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/trout-valley-formation-south-branch-baxter_09042023_2-copy.jpgTrout Valley Formation, South Branch, Baxter_09042023_2 copyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/gifford-conglomerate-trout-valley-formation-south-branch-baxter_09042023_4-copy.jpgGifford Conglomerate, Trout Valley Formation South Branch, Baxter_09042023_4 copyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/summer-foliage-salix-lucida-south-branch-baxter_09042023_27-copy.jpgsummer foliage, Salix lucida, South Branch, Baxter_09042023_27 copyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/fish-south-branch-baxter_09042023_2.giffish, south branch, baxter_09042023_22023-12-17T19:36:09+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2023/10/02/2023-fat-bear-week-endorsement/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/128-fat_npsphotofjimenez.jpg128 Fat_NPSPhotoFJimenezhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/128-grazer_fat-bear-week-2023.png128 Grazer_Fat Bear Week 2023https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/128_07062023_17-copy.jpg128 Grazer_07062023https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/fat-bear-week-bracket-2023-mf-predictions.pngFat Bear Week Bracket 2023 MF Predictions2023-10-11T14:54:36+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2023/05/30/a-turd-of-a-time/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/black-bear-scat_05202023_5-copy.jpgblack bear scat_05202023_5 copyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/black-bear-scat_05202023_7-copy.jpgblack bear scat_05202023_7 copyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/black-bear-scat_05202023_5-1-copy.jpgblack bear scat_05202023_5-1 copyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/black-bear-scat_05202023_2-copy.jpgblack bear scat_05202023_2 copyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/black-bear-scat_05202023_1-copy.jpgblack bear scat_05202023_1 copy2023-06-04T02:22:24+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2023/04/18/action-needed-support-a-permit-system-for-brooks-river/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/brooks-river-permit-corridor.webpBrooks River Permit Corridorhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/photographers-approach-bears-in-riffles_07052019.jpgphotographers approach bears in riffles_07052019https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/482-and-cubs-piggyback-ride_07142021_5.jpg482 and cubs piggyback ride_07142021_52023-04-22T02:22:18+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2023/02/27/does-otis-the-bear-inspire-support-for-conservation/2023-02-28T18:36:15+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2023/02/14/book-talk-at-veterans-memorial-library/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/flyer-for-brooks-river-book-talk-in-patten.001.jpegFlyer for Brooks River Book Talk in Patten.0012023-02-27T13:30:34+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2023/02/04/e-p-a-vetoes-pebble-mine/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/naknek-lake-area-seen-from-katolinat_09082013.jpgNaknek Lake area seen from Katolinat_09082013https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/salmon-at-brooks-falls_07122021_8.jpgsalmon at brooks falls_07122021_82023-02-05T14:51:57+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/links/other-stuff-ive-written/2023-01-31T14:43:39+00:00weekly0.6https://fitznaturalist.com/2022/12/12/ten-years-of-bear-cam-and-counting/2022-12-20T13:34:31+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2022/11/19/little-bog-of-horrors/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/sarracenia-purpurea_07042022_3-copy.jpgSarracenia purpurea_07042022_3 copyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/spotted-salamander-in-sarracenia-purpurea-at-little-messer-pond_11022022-copy.jpgspotted salamander in Sarracenia purpurea at Little Messer Pond_11022022 copyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/little-shop-of-horrors2.giflittle shop of horrors2https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/autumn-meadowhawk-sympetrum-vicinum-prey-in-sarracenia-purpurea_11062022_1-copy.jpgAutumn Meadowhawk (Sympetrum vicinum) prey in Sarracenia purpurea_11062022_1 copyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/insect-prey-in-sarracenia-purpurea_11062022_2-copy.jpginsect prey in Sarracenia purpurea_11062022_2 copyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/insect-prey-in-sarracenia-purpurea_11062022_3-copy.jpginsect prey in Sarracenia purpurea_11062022_3 copyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/insect-prey-in-sarracenia-purpurea_11062022_4-copy.jpginsect prey in Sarracenia purpurea_11062022_4 copyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/insect-prey-in-sarracenia-purpurea_11062022_8-copy.jpginsect prey in Sarracenia purpurea_11062022_8 copyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/sarracenia-purpurea_11062022-copy.jpgSarracenia purpurea_11062022 copyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/little-messer-pond_11022022_6-copy.jpgLittle Messer Pond_11022022_6 copy2022-11-28T16:51:23+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/the-bears-of-brooks-falls-the-book/2022-10-24T18:48:06+00:00weekly0.6https://fitznaturalist.com/2022/10/05/fitzs-fat-bear-week-2022-endorsement/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/homer-on-beach-gif.gifHomer on Beach GIFhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/joe-biden-looks-surprised.gifJoe Biden looks surprisedhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/kirk-and-mccoy-nod-1.gifkirk and mccoy nodhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/kirk-and-mccoy-nod.gifkirk-and-mccoy-nodhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/screen-shot-2022-09-30-at-8.44.46-pm.pngGirl Yells at Boyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/vote-for-747-dr-evil-1.gifVote for 747 Dr Evilhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/vote-for-747-dr-evil.gifvote-for-747-dr-evilhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/747_09062022-nps-lian-law.jpg747_09062022 (NPS- Lian Law)https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/pee-wee-and-amazing-larry.gifPee Wee and Amazing Larryhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/747-before-and-after-fat-bear-week-2022.png747 before and after Fat Bear Week 20222022-10-06T02:06:58+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2022/09/23/an-unexpected-forest/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/mike-fitz-and-a-large-acer-saccharum-iat-on-deasey-mountain-katahdin-woods-and-waters_08122022.jpgMike Fitz and a large Acer saccharum, IAT on Deasey Mountain, Katahdin Woods and Waters_08122022Hemlocks weren’t the only large trees in the grove. This absolute unit of a sugar maple loomed in a shady, sheltered swale. Sugar maples of this size are uncommon in the working forests of northern Maine.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/perhaps-old-growth-along-werler-trail_08112022.jpgperhaps old growth along Werler trail_08112022https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/perhaps-old-growth-forest-iat-along-deasey-mountain-katahdin-woods-and-waters_08122022_16.jpgperhaps old growth forest, IAT along Deasey Mountain, Katahdin Woods and Waters_08122022_16A grove of older large trees on the slopes of Deasey Mountainhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/monument-loop-road_08102022.jpgMonument loop road_08102022Young paper birch and other trees line a section of the monument loop road.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/rocinante-packed-for-the-trip_08052022.jpgRocinante packed for the trip_08052022Rocinante loaded and ready to carry me on the journey.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/regenerating-logged-area-iat-along-deasey-mountain-katahdin-woods-and-waters_08122022_1.jpgregenerating logged area, IAT along Deasey Mountain, Katahdin Woods and Waters_08122022_1Stumps hidden among the young trees hinted at a harvest within the last few decades.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/section-of-keep-path-along-iat_08112022.jpgsection of keep path along IAT_08112022A section of the IAT follows the Old Keep Path, a long abandoned road.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/logging-roads-in-kaww-near-wassataquoik-lean-to-and-tent-site.jpgLogging Roads in KAWW near Wassataquoik Lean-to and tent siteDendritic-patterned logging roads and trails occupy much of Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. This is the area near the Wassataquoik lean-to and tent site along the IAT.2022-09-24T21:56:19+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2018/03/21/to-change-or-not-to-change-a-national-park-question/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/pelton-basin-from-cascade-pass_3_07282017.jpgPelton Basin from Cascade Pass_3_07282017Should this view be protected or should tree be allowed to encroach on the scene? At North Cascades National Park, tree line is expected to rise in elevation which may threaten views like this one near Cascade Pass.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/iliuk-arm-of-naknek-lake-seen-from-upper-slopes-of-dumpling-mountain_08222015.jpgIliuk Arm of Naknek Lake seen from upper slopes of Dumpling Mountain_08222015In Katmai National Park, shrubs and trees now grow at higher elevations compared to 100 years ago. https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/silhouette_1-hibiscadelphus-giffardianus.jpgsilhouette_1, Hibiscadelphus giffardianusOnly one specimen of Hibiscadelphus giffardianus was ever discovered. The original tree died in 1930. Luckily seeds from the last plant were collected and propagated. Now over 200 individuals of this species are growing, but it is only found in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/silhouette-of-the-general-sherman-tree-sequioa-giganteum-the-largest-tree-in-the-world-sequoia-national-park.jpgSilhouette of the General Sherman Tree (Sequioa giganteum), The largest tree in the world, Sequoia National ParkThe largest tree on Earth, by volume, is the General Sherman tree in Sequoia National Park. Sequoia trees are endemic to small groves in the western Sierra Nevada.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/nene-at-kulanaokuaiki-campground-hawaii-volcanoes-national-park_12_11022015.jpgnene at Kulanaokuaiki Campground, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park_12_11022015The nene, or Hawaiian goose, only lives on the Hawaiian Islands. National parks like Haleakala and Hawaii Volcanoes provide it with important habitat.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/mike-fitz-and-stout-tree-jedediah-smith-redwoods-state-park_01152018.jpgMike Fitz and Stout Tree, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park_01152018Only four percent of the original, old growth redwood trees remain. The largest pockets of remaining old growth redwood trees are now protected in a series of national and state parks in northern California. (Photo of the author standing beneath the Stout Tree in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.)https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/island-fox-3-scorpion-canyon-loop-trail-santa-cruz-island-channel-islands-national-park.jpgIsland Fox (3), Scorpion Canyon Loop Trail, Santa Cruz Island, Channel Islands National ParkThe island fox is endemic to Channel Islands National Park. It is one of the smallest canids in the world.2022-09-22T20:16:12+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2022/05/25/hummingbird-tongue/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/sm04-2011-rico-guevara-and-rubega.gifSM04 (2011) Rico-Guevara and Rubegahttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/sm03-2011-rico-guevara-and-rubega.gifSM03 (2011) Rico-Guevara and Rubegahttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/sm01-2011-rico-guevara-and-rubega.gifSM01 (2011) Rico-Guevara and Rubegahttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/ruby-throated-hummingbird_05242022.jpgruby-throated hummingbird_05242022https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/ruby-throated-hummingbird_05222022.jpgruby-throated hummingbird_052220222022-06-17T19:47:18+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2022/05/19/bird-bird-bird-bird-is-the-word/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/chestnut-sided-warbler_05202020_5-copy.jpgchestnut-sided warbler_05202020_5 copy2022-05-20T02:46:10+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2021/11/23/a-most-impressive-bog/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/crystal-bog_06132021_16-copy.jpgcrystal bog_06132021_16 copyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/sarracenia-purpurea_07112020_11-copy.jpgSarracenia purpurea_07112020_11 copyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/sarracenia-purpurea_07112020_7-copy.jpgSarracenia purpurea_07112020_7 copyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/sarracenia-purpurea_06132021_3-copy.jpgSarracenia purpurea_06132021_3 copyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/drosera-rotundifolia_07112020_1-copy.jpgDrosera rotundifolia_07112020_1 copyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/drosera-sp._06132021_2-copy.jpgDrosera sp._06132021_2 copyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/utricularia-cornuta_07112020_2-copy.jpgUtricularia cornuta_07112020_2 copyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/calopogon-tuberosus_06132021_1-copy.jpgCalopogon tuberosus_06132021_1 copyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/rhododendron-groenlandicum_06132021-copy.jpgRhododendron groenlandicum_06132021 copyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/kalmia-angustifolia_06132021-copy.jpgKalmia angustifolia_06132021 copy2021-11-25T07:17:19+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2021/09/28/2021-fat-bear-week-endorsement/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/2021-bracket-fitz-choices.jpg2021 Brackethttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/747_beforeafter.png747_Before&After2021-10-02T04:40:30+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/the-bears-of-brooks-falls-the-book/media-and-press-bears-of-brooks-falls-book/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/cover-design-wide-shot.001.jpegBook Cover Design Wide Shot.001https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/cover-design-wide-shot-2.001.jpegBook Cover design wide shot 2.0012021-09-28T03:08:20+00:00weekly0.6https://fitznaturalist.com/2021/09/21/book-event-paulina-springs-books/2021-09-21T01:21:09+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2021/09/08/that-is-bear-747/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/747_070611_14.jpg747_070611_142021-10-16T01:46:55+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2021/08/31/guess-the-cover-bear-winners/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/856_070606_05.jpg856_070606_05https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/489_080307_02-e1630374841542.jpg489_080307_02https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/489_072812_1.jpg489_072812_1https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/032_070412_9.jpg032_070412_9https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/thebearsofbrooksfalls_cover_bookshot-otis-detail.jpgTheBearsofBrooksFalls_Cover_bookshot Otis detailhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/thebearsofbrooksfalls_cover_bookshot-heabob-detail.jpgTheBearsofBrooksFalls_Cover_bookshot Heabob detailhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/thebearsofbrooksfalls_cover_bookshot-856-detail.jpgTheBearsofBrooksFalls_Cover_bookshot 856 detailhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/bearsbrooks_audiobook-cover-ted-detail.jpgBearsBrooks_Audiobook cover Ted detailhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/bearsbrooks_audiobook-cover-chunk-detail.jpgBearsBrooks_Audiobook cover Chunk detail2021-09-01T19:57:35+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2021/07/21/book-events-july2021/2021-07-22T13:55:48+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2021/06/27/bookgiveaway2021/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/bearsbrooks_audiobook-cover.jpgBearsBrooks_Audiobook cover2021-07-24T23:53:22+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2021/06/16/qa-book-club/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/856-eating-a-fish_09_07122014.jpg856 eating a fish_09_07122014https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/brooks-falls-and-margot-creek.jpgBrooks Falls and Margot Creek2021-06-25T01:56:37+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2021/06/09/inspiration-at-katmai-pass/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/waiting_for_supper_to_cook.jpgWaiting_for_supper_to_cookhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/sunrise-at-three-forks.jpgSunrise at Three Forkshttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/katmai-pass-area_1_08062015.jpgKatmai Pass area_1_08062015https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/katmai-pass-historic-photo.jpgKatmai Pass historic photohttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/extinct-fumarole-near-knife-creek-gorge-west-of-mount-griggs_2.jpgExtinct fumarole near Knife Creek Gorge west of Mount Griggs_22021-06-10T15:46:20+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2021/05/10/questions-about-the-bears-of-brooks-falls/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/128-and-cubs_39_07022016-copy.jpg128 and cubs_39_07022016 copyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/128-and-cubs_39_07022016.jpg128 and cubs_39_070220162022-08-23T13:59:58+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2021/04/20/a-big-night-amphibians/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/spotted-salamander_04172021-1.jpgspotted salamander_04172021https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/blue-spotted-or-jefferson-salamander_04102021_1_4-1.jpgblue-spotted or jefferson salamander_04102021_1_4Blue-spotted and Jefferson's salamander form a hybrid complex in Maine. This fine specimen I found is likely a hybrid.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/spotted-salamander_04102021_10_1-1.jpgspotted salamander_04102021_10_1A spotted salamander glares at me as it crosses the road.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/gray-tree-frog_04102021_1_3-1.jpggray tree frog_04102021_1_3Gray tree frog.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/spring-peeper_04102021_1_1-1.jpgspring peeper_04102021_1_1Spring peeper.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/wood-frog_04102021_3_1-1.jpgwood frog_04102021_3_1Wood frog.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/spotted-salamander_04102021_2_2-1.jpgspotted salamander_04102021_2_2https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/spotted-salamander_04102021_25_3-1.jpgspotted salamander_04102021_25_3Spotted salamander.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/google-earth-spotted-salamanders.jpgGoogle Earth Spotted SalamandersIn this Google Earth image the yellow pins mark a concentrated area of spotted salamander sightings on April 10, 2021. A small pond at bottom-center is the salamanders’ destination. The mature forest north of the road offers salamanders with good habitat the rest of the year.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/spotted-salamander_04102021_16_2.jpgspotted salamander_04102021_16_22021-04-21T19:37:35+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2021/03/09/bears-of-brooks-falls-unleashed/2021-06-08T01:12:02+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/contact/2021-02-25T12:53:23+00:00weekly0.6https://fitznaturalist.com/2021/02/23/qitrwik/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/bears-at-brooks-falls_06302019_2.jpgbears at Brooks Falls_06302019_2Although the scene appears timeless, Brooks Falls is a very young geologic feature, and people may have excluded bears from fishing there for much of its relatively short history.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/outlet-of-lake-brooks-and-head-of-brooks-river_2_06062018.jpgoutlet of Lake Brooks and head of Brooks River_2_06062018The head of Brooks River. The line of ripples across the center of the photo mark the bedrock shelf that maintains the level of Lake Brooks.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/head-of-brooks-river-outlet-of-lake-brooks_09042018_3.jpghead of Brooks River, outlet of Lake Brooks_09042018_3Brooks River begins its journey to Naknek Lake at the northeast corner of Lake Brooks.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/brooks-river-lidar.001.jpegBrooks River LIDAR.001The Beaver Pond is a former embayment of Naknek Lake. It was separated from the lake by longshore currents that deposited nearly parallel arcs of sediment from east to west as seen in this LIDAR imagery.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/naknek-lake-beach-at-brooks-camp_04292016.jpgNaknek Lake beach at Brooks Camp_04292016The beach at Brooks Camp in springtime. Photo looks south toward the outlet of Brooks River.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/melgenak-and-angasan-families-at-qitrwik-nps-photo-screen-shot-from-at-the-heart-of-katmai-pg-167.pngMelgenak and Angasan families at Qit’rwik, NPS photo, screen shot from At the Heart of Katmai pg 167The Melgenak and Angasan families at Qit’rwik in 1950. National Park Service Photo.2021-03-05T23:46:56+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2021/02/07/sculptor-of-katmai/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/turquoise-water-of-iliuk-arm-copy-1.jpgturquoise water of iliuk arm copyThe turquoise water of Iliuk Arm.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/pike-ridge_07152018-copy-1.jpgPike Ridge_07152018 copyPike Ridge is the terminal moraine of a glacier. In this view, the moraine is the hummocky area at center covered in sparse spruce woodlands. Ice flowed from left (east) to right (west) when it deposited the moraine. Naknek River through the moraine at the center of the photo.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/bristol-bay-lowlands-approaching-king-salmon_03252015_1-copy-1.jpgBristol Bay Lowlands approaching King Salmon_03252015_1 copyThe Bristol Bay Lowlands are composed almost entirely of glacial sediments deposited during the last ice age.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/tundra-of-bristol-bay-lowlands-near-king-salmon_4_02152016-copy.jpgtundra of Bristol Bay lowlands near King Salmon_4_02152016 copyWet sedge tundra is the dominant plant cover across much of the Bristol Bay lowlands.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/dumpling-mountain-overlook-panorama-05-19-2013-copy.jpgDumpling Mountain Overlook Panorama (05-19-2013) copyThe view looking east from an overlook on Dumpling Mountain. Brooks River is located at lower right.2023-06-06T04:24:40+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2020/10/05/bears-of-brooks-falls-book-annoucement-2020/2022-04-07T02:20:53+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2021/01/28/bear-necessities-intensifies/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/fat-747_09062017-screen-shot-2021-01-26-at-11.00.58-am.pngFat 747_09062017 Screen Shot 2021-01-26 at 11.00.58 AMhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/screen-shot-2021-01-22-at-9.03.55-pm-1-e1611675551409.pngScreen Shot 2021-01-22 at 9.03.55 PMhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/screen-shot-2021-01-22-at-8.54.00-pm-2-e1611675519515.pngScreen Shot 2021-01-22 at 8.54.00 PMhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/screen-shot-2021-01-22-at-8.46.28-pm-1-e1611675460697.pngScreen Shot 2021-01-22 at 8.46.28 PM2021-03-04T12:33:59+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2021/01/01/poop-in-the-woods-does-a-ranger-clean-it-up/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/compositing-toilet_3-pelton-basin-admin-camp_07292017-copy.jpgcompositing toilet_3, Pelton Basin Admin Camp_07292017 copyCovered up and ready to stir. (Remember the days when N95 masks didn’t need to be rationed? Good times.)https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/compositing-toilet_2-pelton-basin-admin-camp_07292017-copy.jpgcompositing toilet_2, Pelton Basin Admin Camp_07292017 copyLong sleeves? Face mask? Disposable gloves? Some sort of eye protection? Check.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/compositing-toilet-pelton-basin-admin-camp_07292017-copy.jpgcompositing toilet, Pelton Basin Admin Camp_07292017 copyA compositing toilet at Pelton Basin.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/questionable-toilet-setup-fireweed-stock-camp_08282017-copy.jpgquestionable toilet setup, Fireweed stock camp_08282017 copyA privy box sits above a too large hole at Fireweed Camp in North Cascades National Park. Once filled to capacity a ranger or, more often, the trail crew digs a new hole nearby and moves the box seat over it or replaces it with a new one.2021-01-04T17:27:52+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2020/12/08/a-victory-for-bristol-bay_122020/2020-12-10T18:11:19+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2016/10/27/brown-bear-fatness-index/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/obese-409-beadnose_45_09232015.jpgobese-409-beadnose_45_09232015https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/obese-747.jpgobese-747https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/fat-747.jpgfat-747https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/fat-89-backpack_03_09132015.jpgfat-89-backpack_03_09132015https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/average-505.jpgaverage-505https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/average-89-backpack.jpgaverage-89-backpackhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/thin-503.jpgthin-503https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/thin-234-evander-fishing-near-the-far-pool-2.jpgthin-234-evander-fishing-near-the-far-pool-2https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/emaciated-16-cinnamon_2.jpgemaciated-16-cinnamon_2https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/emaciated-16-cinnamon.jpgemaciated-16-cinnamon2020-10-28T23:09:38+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2020/09/29/2020-fat-bear-week-endorsement/2020-09-30T05:28:23+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2020/09/15/early-sept-bearcam-qas/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/24-bb-july-2007-nps-photo.jpg24 BB July 2007 (NPS photo)2020-09-17T19:08:04+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2020/06/16/mount-katmai-caldera/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/mount-katmai-caldera-vtts_06102019_9.jpgMount Katmai caldera, VTTS_06102019_9https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/mount-katmai-caldera-vtts_06102019_7.jpgMount Katmai caldera, VTTS_06102019_7https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/mount-katmai-caldera-panorama-vtts_06102019_23-1.jpgMount Katmai caldera panorama, VTTS_06102019_23https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/panoramic-view-of-katmai-crater-from-notch-in-the-south-rim-sayre-1919-1.jpgPanoramic view of Katmai Crater from notch in the south rim (Sayre 1919)Jasper Sayer took this remarkable photograph of the Mount Katmai caldera in 1919. It had been seen for the first time only three years prior. I reached the caldera on the opposite side from this photo, near the low point in the rim at left.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/route-to-mount-katmai-caldera-vtts_06102019_11.jpgroute to Mount Katmai caldera, VTTS_06102019_11The final two miles leading to the calderahttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/knife-creek-glaciers-vtts_06092019_18-1.jpgknife creek glaciers, VTTS_06092019_18Lower sections of the Knife Creek Glaciers are a badlands of ice covered with as much as six feet of ash and pumice.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/knife-creek-glaciers-vtts_06092019_4-copy.jpgknife creek glaciers, VTTS_06092019_4 copyI explored the termini of the Knife Creek Glaciers the day before my ascent to the caldera, partly to scout a way through the badlands. My approximate route through a corner of the Knife Creek Glaciers is shown in blue. The view looks east toward the caldera.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/route-to-mount-katmai-caldera-vtts_06102019_2.jpgroute to Mount Katmai caldera, VTTS_06102019_2Early morning light on Trident Volcanohttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/novarupta-area-vtts_06082019_3.jpgNovarupta area, VTTS_06082019_3Novarupta lava dome2020-07-28T16:10:36+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2020/01/22/a-step-to-protect-brooks-rivers-bears/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/brooks-camp-bear-orientations-1999-2019-1.pngBrooks Camp Bear Orientations 1999-20192020-01-25T17:28:13+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2019/09/29/fat-bear-week-2019-endorsement/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/fat-bear-week-2019-bracket.jpgFat Bear Week 2019 Brackethttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/747-bleeding_07022019.jpg747 bleeding_07022019747 bleeds from the mouth after his fight with 68 on July 2, 2019.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/747_08292019-nps.jpg747_08292019 (NPS)https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/435-holly_09252019.gif435 Holly_09252019https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/747_09182019-nps-and-naomi-boak-copy.jpg747_09182019 (NPS and Naomi Boak) copyDon't you call me pudgy, portly or stout. Just now tell me once again who's fat? (NPS photo by N. Boak)2019-10-01T15:52:14+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2019/05/25/pebble-mine-draft-eis-comments/2020-07-24T16:57:49+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2019/05/17/a-plant-with-teeth/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/urtica_dioica_stinging_hair-wikipedia.jpgUrtica_dioica_stinging_hair (Wikipedia)Photo courtesy Jerome Prohaska and Wikipedia.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/making-pesto-from-stinging-nettle-urtica-dioica_4_05022018.jpgmaking pesto from stinging nettle (Urtica dioica)_4_05022018https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/making-pesto-from-stinging-nettle-urtica-dioica_3_05022018.jpgmaking pesto from stinging nettle (Urtica dioica)_3_05022018https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/pesto-urtica-dioica-stinging-nettle_05042019.jpgPesto, Urtica dioica, stinging nettle_05042019https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/urtica-dioica-stinging-nettle_05042019_13-copy.jpgUrtica dioica, stinging nettle_05042019_13 copyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/urtica-dioica-stinging-nettle_05152019_1-copy.jpgUrtica dioica, stinging nettle_05152019_1 copyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/urtica-dioica-stinging-nettle_05042019_3-copy.jpgUrtica dioica, stinging nettle_05042019_3 copyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/urtica-dioica_05222016_3-copy.jpgUrtica dioica_05222016_3 copyStinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)2019-08-24T23:55:19+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2019/03/22/bristol-bay-at-risk/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/silver-salmon-face_10022018.gifsilver salmon face_10022018https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/calvin-and-hobbes-sept.-12-1988_2-copy.jpgCalvin and Hobbes, Sept. 12, 1988_2 copyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/salmon-fry-in-brooks-river_06172018_2.gifsalmon fry in Brooks River_06172018_2Young salmon fry feed in one of Bristol Bay untarnished rivers.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/sockeye-salmon_09072018.gifsockeye salmon_09072018https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/pebble-mine-falsehood-screen-shot-2019-03-20-at-8.26.26-pm.pngPebble Mine falsehood Screen Shot 2019-03-20 at 8.26.26 PM2019-03-25T02:36:29+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2019/02/25/a-sometimes-overlooked-significance/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/forest-along-stehekin-river-trail_10212016.jpgforest along Stehekin River Trail_10212016Stehekin River Trailhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/agnes-creek-valley-from-pct_08162016.jpgagnes creek valley from PCT_08162016https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/fall-colors_3-stehekin-valley-road_10092017.jpgfall colors_3, Stehekin Valley Road_10092017https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/fall-colors-at-buckner-orchard_11012016.jpgfall colors at Buckner Orchard_11012016https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/apples_5-harvest-fest_10072018.jpgapples_5, Harvest Fest_10072018The apples from Buckner Orchard make wonderful cider, trust me.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/avalanche-damage_2-brush-creek-trail_08172017.jpgavalanche damage_2, Brush Creek Trail_08172017Avalanches can sometimes devestate otherwise healthy stands of trees. This example comes from the upper Brush Creek vallely.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/2015-burn-park-creek-trail_08272107.jpg2015 burn, Park Creek Trail_08272107A recently burned forest along the Park Creek Trailhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/mike-fitz-and-large-populus-trichocarpa-upper-stehekin-river-valley-north-cascades-national-park.jpgMike Fitz and large Populus trichocarpa, upper Stehekin River Valley, North Cascades National ParkBlack cottonwood, Upper Stehekin Valley Trailhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/mike-fitz-and-a-large-pinus-monticola-pacific-crest-trail-north-cascades-national-park.jpgMike Fitz and a large Pinus monticola, Pacific Crest Trail, North Cascades National ParkWestern white pine, Old Wagon Road Trailhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/mike-fitz-and-a-large-picea-engelmannii-mcalester-lake-trail-lake-chelan-national-recreation-area.jpgMike Fitz and a large Picea engelmannii, McAlester Lake Trail, Lake Chelan National Recreation AreaEnglemann spruce, McAlester Creek Trail2019-03-04T16:11:02+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2019/02/11/fishers-return-to-north-cascades/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/forest-along-stetattle-creek-trail_05112016.jpgforest along Stetattle Creek Trail_05112016Potential future fisher habitat along Stetattle Creek in North Cascades National Park.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/fisher-release-buck-creek-campground-mount-baker-snoqualmie-national-forest_02062019_7.jpgFisher release, Buck Creek Campground, Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest_02062019_7https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/fisher-release-buck-creek-campground-mount-baker-snoqualmie-national-forest_02062019_6.jpgFisher release, Buck Creek Campground, Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest_02062019_6https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/fisher-release-buck-creek-campground-mount-baker-snoqualmie-national-forest_02062019_4.jpgFisher release, Buck Creek Campground, Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest_02062019_4https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/fisher-release-buck-creek-campground-mount-baker-snoqualmie-national-forest_02062019_1.jpgFisher release, Buck Creek Campground, Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest_02062019_1https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/fisher-release_02062018-nps-photo.jpgfisher release_02062018 (nps photo)One of the first fishers to be released on February 6.2019-02-14T23:04:52+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2019/02/01/happy-birthday-bear/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/40928nps29_09142018_17.jpg40928nps29_09142018_17Female bears utilize their fat reserves to support the growth and nourishment of their cubs.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/273andspringcub_040_07162015.jpg273 and spring cub_040_07162015https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/polarbearcubsatdenentrance28usfws29.jpgpolarbearcubsatdenentrance28usfws29Polar bears play at the entrance to their mother's den. These cubs are probably several weeks old.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/newbornblackbearcubs28usfws29.jpgnewbornblackbearcubs28usfws29Newborn black bear cubs. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service photo.2019-02-02T13:49:56+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2019/01/03/hair-ice-is-doped/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Hair-ice_12312018_15-copy.jpgHair ice_12312018_15 copyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Hair-ice_12312018_7-copy.jpgHair ice_12312018_7 copyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Hair-ice_12312018_2-copy.jpgHair ice_12312018_2 copy2019-04-12T14:13:29+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2018/04/08/hibernation-hangover/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/black-bear-in-tree-cavity_screen-shot-2018-04-08-at-11-29-03-am.pngblack bear in tree cavity_Screen Shot 2018-04-08 at 11.29.03 AMhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/black-bear-glacier-national-park-screen-shot-2018-03-30-at-11-24-28-am.pngblack bear, Glacier National Park, Screen Shot 2018-03-30 at 11.24.28 AMThe transition from hibernation to fully active includes lots of resting.2018-12-27T22:41:37+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2018/12/26/francis-beilder-forest/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/silhouette-Taxodium-distichum_12152018_13.jpgsilhouette, Taxodium distichum_12152018_13https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/silhouette-Taxodium-distichum_12152018_9.jpgsilhouette, Taxodium distichum_12152018_9https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/silhouette-Taxodium-distichum_12152018_8.jpgsilhouette, Taxodium distichum_12152018_8Some time ago, a large branch broke off of this tree, perhaps allowing carpenter ants an easy means of entry. Larger holes in the same branch are the work of large woodpeckers like pileated woodpeckers. One hundred and fifty years ago, ivory-billed woodpeckers would’ve inhabited this place too. Could some of these woodpecker holes be from this extinct bird?https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/silhouette-Taxodium-distichum_12152018_6.jpgsilhouette, Taxodium distichum_12152018_6The charcoaled interior of this large bald cypress preserves a moment in time when it was struck by lighting and burned.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/silhouette-Taxodium-distichum_12152018_4.jpgsilhouette, Taxodium distichum_12152018_4https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Francis-Beilder-Forest_12152018_7.jpgFrancis Beilder Forest_12152018_7https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/approximately-1000-year-old-Taxodium-distichum_12152018_4.jpgapproximately 1000 year-old Taxodium distichum_12152018_4A thousand year-old giant in Francis Beilder Forest. This tree grows adjacent to the boardwalk and is identified by a sign.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Meeting-Tree-Taxodium-distichum_12152018_1.jpg'Meeting Tree' Taxodium distichum_12152018_12018-12-28T05:19:08+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2018/12/15/live-bearcam-broadcasts-2018/2018-12-15T21:47:20+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2018/12/12/stuff-i-wrote-in-2018/2018-12-14T00:26:34+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2018/10/31/vote-on-climate-2018/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/yes-on-16311.jpgYes on 1631https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/banded-glacier-comparison-for-web_11.jpgBanded-Glacier-comparison-for-web_1Banded Glacier in 1960 (left) and 2016 (right) in North Cascades National Park. 2018-11-03T17:42:43+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2018/10/27/origin-alpine-lake/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/sedge-meadow-above-monogram-lake_08282018.jpgsedge meadow above Monogram Lake_08282018https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/monogram-lake_08282018.jpgMonogram Lake_08282018Monogram Lakehttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/monogram-lake-area_08272018_3.jpgMonogram Lake area_08272018_3https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/glacier-south-of-little-devil_08282018.jpgglacier south of Little Devil_08282018https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/glacier-south-of-little-devil_08282018_2.jpgglacier south of Little Devil_08282018_2The glacier south of LIttle Devil Peak as seen from an unnamed peak above Monogram Lake.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/glacial-striations_08282018.jpgglacial striations_08282018Many faint striations were scored into the bedrock near the glacier. The striations run roughly parallel to the hiking pole.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/chattermarks_08282018.jpgchattermarks_08282018Chatter marks are small, crescentic grooves formed in bedrock by rocks frozen in ice as they move along and chip the glacier's bed. The convex face of the marks point in the direction of movement.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/boulder-field-and-meadow-south-of-little-devil_08282018.jpgboulder field and meadow south of Little Devil_08282018https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/blueberries_08282018.jpgblueberries_082820182018-10-30T20:19:22+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2018/10/02/fat-bear-week-2018-endorsement/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/katmai-fat-bear-week-bracket-2018-fitz-choices.pngKatmai Fat Bear Week Bracket 2018 Fitz choiceshttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/747-rests-and-snorkels_09122018_1-nps.jpg747 rests and snorkels_09122018_1 (NPS)https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/719-nps_09102018_2.jpg719 (NPS)_09102018_2https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/503-nps_09132018.jpg503 (NPS)_09132018https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/480_09122018_1-nps.jpg480_09122018_1 (NPS)https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/402_07062016.jpg402_07062016https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/68-nps_09102018_2.jpg68 (NPS)_09102018_2https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/410_6_07022016.jpg410_6_07022016https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/747-nps_09102018_6.jpg747 (NPS)_09102018_6747 on September 10, 2018.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/747_07052018_4.jpg747_07052018_4747 on July 5, 2018.2018-10-03T23:39:48+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2018/09/07/mountain-lion-prowls-neighborhood/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/sit-spot_09022018.jpgsit spot_09022018https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/mountain-lion-tracks_09032018_1.jpgmountain lion tracks_09032018_1https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/mountain-lion-tracks_09022018_2.jpgmountain lion tracks_09022018_2https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/mountain-lion-tracks_09022018_1.jpgmountain lion tracks_09022018_1https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/mountain-lion-scrape_09022018.jpgmountain lion scrape_09022018https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/mountain-lion-scrape_2_09022018.jpgmountain lion scrape_2_09022018https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/area-where-i-first-found-mountain-lion-tracks_09032018.jpgarea where I first found mountain lion tracks_090320182018-09-09T04:41:44+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2017/12/23/drivers-of-hibernation-in-bears/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/figure-two-from-drivers-of-hibernation-study.gifFigure Two from Drivers of HIbernation Studyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/89-backpack_09162015.jpg89 Backpack_09162015All brown bears, like this adult male known as 89 Backpack, get fat to survive.]2018-08-16T00:35:48+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2018/08/14/gee-point/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/little-gee-lake_08052018_2.jpgLittle Gee Lake_08052018_2https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/view-from-gee-point-trail_08052018.jpgview from Gee Point Trail_08052018https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/view-from-gee-point-trail_08052018_6.jpgview from Gee Point Trail_08052018_6https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/view-from-gee-point-trail_08052018_3.jpgview from Gee Point Trail_08052018_3https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/old-growth-forest-gee-point_08052018_7.jpgold-growth forest, Gee Point_08052018_7https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/old-growth-forest-gee-point_08052018_5.jpgold-growth forest, Gee Point_08052018_5https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/old-growth-forest-gee-point_08052018_4.jpgold-growth forest, Gee Point_08052018_4https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/old-growth-forest-gee-point_08052018_2.jpgold-growth forest, Gee Point_08052018_2https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/veratrum-viride_08052018_1.jpgVeratrum viride_08052018_1Veratrum viridehttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/arnica-cordifolia_08052018_3.jpgArnica cordifolia_08052018_3Arnica cordifolia2018-08-15T13:52:56+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2018/08/01/bear-wolves-moose-carcass/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/747_2_06272018.jpg747_2_06272018https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/20180629-brookscamp-nonnps-amr-13-anela-ramos-photo.jpg20180629-brookscamp-nonnps-amr-13 (Anela Ramos photo)Two wolves tear into a moose carcass soon after a brown bear left it unattended. Photo courtesy of Anela Ramos.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/20180629-brookscamp-nonnps-amr-12-anela-ramos-photo.jpg20180629-brookscamp-nonnps-amr-12 (Anela Ramos photo)A bear defends a moose carcass by charging a wolf who approached too closely. Photo courtesy of Anela Ramos.2018-08-01T20:12:54+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2018/06/13/return-to-bearcam-2018/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/lots-of-bears-at-brooks-falls-7_19_2013-8.jpgLots of Bears at Brooks Falls 7_19_2013 (8)Brooks Falls on a busy eveninghttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/brooks-falls_06042018.jpgBrooks Falls_060420182018-06-14T15:25:20+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2018/05/06/the-worst-place-in-the-world-for-a-mine/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/sockeye-salmon-schooling-at-the-mouth-of-dumpling-creek_4_07292014.jpgSockeye salmon schooling at the mouth of Dumpling Creek_4_07292014https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/salmon-in-mouth-of-hidden-creek-2.jpgSalmon-in-mouth-of-Hidden-Creek-(2)https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/salmon-fishing-boats-in-naknek.jpgSalmon fishing boats in Naknekhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/kvichak-nushagak-watershed-map-epa.jpgKvichak-Nushagak watershed map (EPA)2018-05-24T00:52:40+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2018/05/23/pebble-mine-scoping-comments/2018-05-23T16:56:01+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2018/05/12/the-swarm/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/honeybee-swarm-establishes-new-hive-in-tree-cavity_13_05102018.jpghoneybee swarm establishes new hive in tree cavity_13_05102018https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/honeybee-swarm-establishes-new-hive-in-tree-cavity_2_05102018.jpghoneybee swarm establishes new hive in tree cavity_2_05102018https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/bee_swarm-wikipedia.jpgBee_Swarm (wikipedia)2018-05-24T01:11:44+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2018/05/10/spring-cycling-along-the-north-cascades-highway/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/looking-toward-easy-pass-from-north-cascades-highway_05042018.jpglooking toward Easy pass from North Cascades Highway_05042018https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/new-blueberry-leaves-near-pelton-basin-admin-camp_07292017.jpgnew blueberry leaves near Pelton Basin Admin Camp_07292017https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/glacier-lily_05042018.jpgglacier lily_05042018https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/north-cascades-highway_8_05042018.jpgNorth Cascades Highway_8_05042018https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/north-cascades-highway_5_05042018.jpgNorth Cascades Highway_5_05042018https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/big-leaf-maple-flowers_05042018.jpgbig leaf maple flowers_05042018At low elevations along the Skagit River, big leaf maple has already finished blooming, but it was still in full flower around 3000' in elevation along the highway.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/cycling-north-cascades-highway_05042018.gifCycling North Cascades Highway_05042018https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/road-closed-at-ross-dam-trailhead_2_05042018.jpgRoad closed at Ross Dam trailhead_2_05042018https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/diablo-lake_05042018.jpgdiablo lake_05042018https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/avalanche-on-hwy-20_02252018-wa-dot.jpgAvalanche on Hwy 20_02252018 (WA DOT)2018-05-12T03:20:38+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2016/12/03/brooks-river-bears-need-your-help/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/402-coys-10_22_20331.jpg402-coys-10_22_20331402's spring cubs rest near the Lower River Platform at Brooks River on October 24, 2013.2018-04-11T00:25:42+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2018/03/29/difference-brown-and-grizzly-bears/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/grizzly-bear-grazing-old-faithful-2.jpgGrizzly Bear grazing Old Faithful (2)A grizzly bear grazes on springtime vegetation near Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/brown-bear-clades-in-north-america-002.jpegBrown bear clades in North America.002Within mammals, mitochondrial DNA can only be inherited through the maternal line. The Y chromosome is only passed from father to son. MtDNA tends to stay within genetically related clades because female bears are philopatric. Male bears, due to their inclination to disperse farther and have larger home ranges than females, can spread Y chromosomes over bigger areas. Unlike nuclear DNA, neither mtDNA nor the Y chromosome are a mix of maternal and paternal genes.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/brown-bear-clades-in-north-america-001.jpegBrown bear clades in North America.001Clades of brown bears in North America based on mtDNA. Different clades are represented by horizontal and vertical lines. The solid red circle marks the location of brown bears on the ABC islands.2018-05-31T10:28:56+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2018/03/15/a-winter-cycling-in-death-valley/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/dust-storm-approaching-from-north-2.jpgDust Storm Approaching From North 2A dust storm blows across Death Valley.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/badwater-from-dantes-view.jpgBadwater from Dante's ViewLooking into Death Valley from Dante’s View.2020-01-22T13:15:23+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2018/03/01/northern-elephant-seals/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/elephant-seals-at-life-saving-station_2-point-reyes-national-seashore_01192017.jpgelephant seals at life saving station_2, Point Reyes National Seashore_01192017A subadult male elephant seal rests on a cobble beach in the Chimney Rock area at Point Reyes National Seashore.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/elephant-seal-penis-pink-floyd-screen-shot-2018-03-01-at-7-07-04-pm.pngelephant seal penis (pink floyd) Screen Shot 2018-03-01 at 7.07.04 PMI had no idea what was going on here, but later learned this is an elephant seal’s penis. (Also, I’m told, these are nicknamed a “pink floyd.”)https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/elephant-seal-battle-nps-photo.jpgBull elephant seals fightingBull elephant seals fighting (NPS photo)2018-03-05T04:16:45+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2018/02/26/winter-frogs/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/pacific-treefrog-hyla-regilla_4-south-beach-state-park-or_011320181.jpgPacific treefrog (Hyla regilla)_4, South Beach State Park, OR_011320182018-02-28T01:59:00+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2018/02/17/fault-creep/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/fault-creep-002.jpegLand on the south and west side of the San Andreas Fault is on track to meet Alaska in couple hundred million years.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/fault-creep-001.jpegSan Andreas Fault on roadYour’s truly straddles the plate boundary between North America and the Pacific.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/ca-25-fault-google-earth-screen-shot.jpgCA 25 Fault, Google Earth Screen ShotYou can visit this site on CA 25 at 36°35'54.27"N, 121°11'40.19"W . Please be cautious though; this is a busy highway with a high speed limit. It’s also surrounded by private land, but you can find a couple of small pullouts about a hundred yards from the fault.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/displaced-pavement-where-san-andreas-fault-crosses-ca25_4_01312018.jpgdisplaced pavement where San Andreas Fault crosses CA25_4_01312018View is looking north.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/displaced-pavement-where-san-andreas-fault-crosses-ca25_6_01312018.jpgdisplaced pavement where San Andreas Fault crosses CA25_6_01312018Your’s truly straddles the plate boundary between North America and the Pacific.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/displaced-pavement-where-san-andreas-fault-crosses-ca25_2_01312018.jpgdisplaced pavement where San Andreas Fault crosses CA25_2_01312018https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/carrizo-plain-nov-2007.jpgCarrizo-Plain-Nov-2007The San Andreas Fault cleaves the land on the Carrizo plain. Photo courtesy of Ikluft and Wikipedia.]https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/buildings-on-both-sides-of-san-andreas-fault-googleearth-screen-shot.jpgBuildings on both sides of San Andreas Fault (GoogleEarth screen shot)This group of buildings, sitting just to the east of CA 25, is bisected by the San Andreas Fault. The red line marks the fault’s approximate location.]2018-02-22T18:17:38+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2017/12/18/filling-the-gaps-274/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/274_093012.jpg274_093012Bear 274 in September 2012.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/469_062015.jpg469_062015https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/438-and-3-5-year-old-cubs-in-the-lower-river-2.jpg438 and 3.5 year old cubs in the lower river 2438 (center right) sits with her two 3.5 year-old offspring in 2010. One of these cubs, perhaps the bear on the far left, is believed to be 274.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/274_09272017.jpg274_09272017Bear 274 Overflow on September 27, 2017. NPS photo.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/274_6_06282016.jpg274_6_06282016Bear 274 in July 2016.]2017-12-21T16:33:26+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2017/12/10/filling-the-gaps/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/611_09162015.jpg611_09162015611 in September 2015, the first year he was identified.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/747_2_06272016.jpg747_2_06272016747 in 2016https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/747_071204_02.jpgBear walking in Brooks River.747 in 2004.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/611-nps-d-kopshever-copy.jpg611 (NPS-D. Kopshever) copyBear 611 at Brooks Falls. Photo courtesy of Dave Kopshever and Katmai National Park.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/bear-avoids-32-chunk_07132017.gifBear avoids 32 Chunk_07132017In this GIF, a bear avoids the approach of 32 Chunk.2017-12-19T04:51:27+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2017/11/01/hey-national-parks-you-need-more-webcams/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/nai-bearcam-presentation-description-screen-shot-2017-10-31-at-12-07-50-pm.pngNAI bearcam presentation description Screen Shot 2017-10-31 at 12.07.50 PMhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/708-amelia-screen-shot-2017-10-22-at-6-55-43-pm.png708 Amelia Screen Shot 2017-10-22 at 6.55.43 PMBear 708 Amelia sits on a rock--a typical scene on Katmai's webcams.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/mount-griggs-and-baked-mountain-seen-from-east-mageik-lake-area_2_08012015.jpgMount Griggs and Baked Mountain seen from east Mageik Lake area_2_08012015Mount Griggs towers behind Baked Mountain in the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes.2017-12-09T07:07:12+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2017/07/15/chunk-didnt-displace-856/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/unidentified-male-7-13-2017.pngunidentified male (7-13-2017)This is a screen shot of the unidentified adult male who displaced by 32 Chunk.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/856_02_07192015-copy.jpg856_02_07192015 copy856 walking on the island near Brooks Falls in July 2015.2017-12-09T05:51:24+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2017/12/08/burpee-hill/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/mount-baker-from-boulder-creek-bridge_12052017.jpgMount Baker from Boulder Creek Bridge_12052017https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/burpee-hill-lidar-0011.jpegBurpee Hill LIDAR.001Glacial ice from the Puget Sound area flowed east over the current location of Concrete. The sediments that make Burpee Hill were deposited in front of the advancing ice. Courtesy of Washington DNR.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/burpee-hill-glacial-outwash-and-till-exposure_12052017.jpgBurpee Hill glacial outwash and till exposure_12052017A few exposures of loose and coarse sediment can be found on the Burpee Hill Road.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/concrete-silos-concrete-wa_12052017.jpgConcrete Silos, Concrete, WA_12052017Why was Concrete named Concrete? You only get one guess.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/garter-snake-south-skagit-road-concrete-wa.jpggarter snake, South Skagit Road, Concrete, WAThis tiny garter snake was basking on the side of the road on a warm fall day in late October. Concerned it might become road kill, I moved it off of the pavement.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/vashon-stade-wa-dnr.pngVashon Stade (WA DNR)Image courtesy of Washington DNR.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/screen-shot-2017-12-08-at-9-35-22-am.pngScreen Shot 2017-12-08 at 9.35.22 AMBurpee Hill is the wedge-shaped feature in the center of the image.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/screen-shot-2017-12-07-at-8-07-10-pm.pngScreen Shot 2017-12-07 at 8.07.10 PMhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/screen-shot-2017-12-06-at-10-26-41-pm.pngScreen Shot 2017-12-06 at 10.26.41 PMNo, I didn’t ride the hill as slowly as Google Maps says it will take.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/burpee-hill-lidar-001.jpegBurpee Hill LIDAR.0012023-04-11T01:36:30+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2017/10/17/late-season-bears-on-dumpling-mountain/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/lingonberry-near-margot-falls_1_08232015.jpglingonberry near Margot Falls_1_08232015Lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea)https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/dumpling-mountain-and-head-of-brooks-river-panorama_1.jpgDumpling Mountain and head of Brooks River Panorama_1https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/crowberry-filled-bear-scat-along-ukak-falls-trail_1_09202014.jpgcrowberry-filled bear scat along Ukak Falls Trail_1_09202014This dark purple bear scat is filled with black crowberry (Empetrum nigrum).https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/blueberries-on-dumpling-mountain_2_08162015.jpgblueberries on Dumpling Mountain_2_08162015Bog or alpine blueberry (Vaccinium uliginosum)https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/mike-at-the-entrance-to-a-bear-den-dumpling-mtn.jpgMike at the entrance to a bear den, Dumpling Mtn.Your’s truly sits at the entrance of a bear den on Dumpling Mountain.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/screen-shot-2016-10-30-at-10-41-34-am.pngScreen Shot 2016-10-30 at 10.41.34 AMAll the dens I found on Dumpling Mountain were around the 2,000 foot elevation line or lower. The purple area represents the Dumpling Mountain Cam viewshed.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/upper-dumpling-mountain-09302015.jpgupper Dumpling Mountain 09302015Tundra on upper Dumpling Mountain on September 30, 2015.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/tundra-on-upper-slopes-of-dumpling-mountain_1_08222015.jpgtundra on upper slopes of Dumpling Mountain_1_08222015Tundra on upper Dumpling Mountain on August 22, 20152017-10-24T03:48:17+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2017/10/07/what-is-hyperphagia/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/747-fat-bear-week-2017.jpg747 Fat Bear Week 2017Photos of bear 747 from late spring and late summer illustrate this bear's substantial weight gain. Photos courtesy of Katmai National Park.2017-10-09T16:26:06+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2017/10/03/747-should-be-your-choice-for-fat-bear-week/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/fat-bear-week-2017-bracket-mike-fitz.jpgFat Bear Week 2017 Bracket Mike FitzThis is my 2017 #FatBearWeek bracket. I look forward to seeing your bracket and campaign posters in the bearcam chat on explore.org. https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/747-video-screen-shot.png747 video screen shot747 is so fat, his belly almost touches the ground.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/747-summer-fatbear-profile-david-kopshever-photo.jpg747 Summer fatbear profile (David Kopshever photo)747 in mid June 2017. Photo courtesy of David Kopshever.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/747_09062017.jpg747_09062017747 displays his massive silhouette near Brooks Falls on September 6, 2017.2017-10-08T17:42:50+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2017/10/02/testing-the-water/2017-10-03T02:59:17+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2017/09/29/injured-nose-bears/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/screen-shot-2017-09-28-at-8-37-06-pm.pngScreen Shot 2017-09-28 at 8.37.06 PMThe lump on 83's rump marks the scar from his 2015 injury.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/253_092711_13.jpg253_092711_13Bear 253 on September 27, 2011. NPS Photo.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/253_091711_08.jpg253_091711_08Bear 253 on September 17, 2011. NPS Photo.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/253_091711_02.jpg253_091711_02Bear 253 on September 17, 2011. NPS Photo.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/253_-100810_13.jpg253_ 100810_13Bear 253 on October 8, 2010. NPS photo.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/253_-090610_08.jpg253_ 090610_08Bear 253 on September 6, 2010. NPS photo.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/253_-090610_07.jpg253_ 090610_07Bear 253 on September 6, 2010. NPS photo.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/83s-wound_1_07032015.jpg83's wound_1_07032015Bear 83 had a large wound on his rump i 2015.2022-11-06T18:01:08+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2017/09/20/my-trip-to-brooks-camp-2017-day-four/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/young-subadult-fishing-lip-of-brooks-falls.jpgyoung subadult fishing lip of Brooks FallsThis young subadult has fished the lip of Brooks Falls often recently. While bearcam viewers have speculated she might be one of 402’s emancipated cubs, this bear looked too big for a 2.5 year-old.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/magpie-gathering_09062017.jpgmagpie gathering_09062017Magpie conventionhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/879_09062017.jpg879_09062017https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/854-and-yearlings_09062017.jpg854 and yearlings_09062017854 Divot and her yearling cubshttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/708-and-2-5-year-old_09062017.jpg708 and 2.5 year-old_09062017708 Amelia and one of her 2.5 year-old cubs.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/435-holly-and-cubs_09062017.jpg435 Holly and cubs_09062017435 Holly and spring cubshttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/435-holly-and-410-on-the-spit_2_09062017.jpg435 Holly and 410 on the spit_2_09062017435 Holly and her two spring cubs stand near 410 on the spit at the mouth of Brooks River.2017-09-25T16:30:45+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2017/09/19/my-trip-to-brooks-camp-2017-day-three/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/view-from-brooks-falls-platform_09052017.jpgView from Brooks Falls platform_09052017https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/lingonberry-filled-bear-scat-brooks-falls-trail_09952017.jpglingonberry filled bear scat, Brooks Falls Trail_09952017Even with the high abundance of salmon, bears were still feeding on berries.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/brooks-falls-trail_09052017.jpgBrooks Falls Trail_09052017https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/747-and-480_09052017.jpg747 and 480_09052017480 fishes in his office at Brooks Falls shortly after arriving. 747 sits in the water nearby.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/503_8_07022016.jpg503_8_07022016503 as a 3.5 year-old subadult in 2016.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/503-and-747_09052017.jpg503 and 747_09052017503 stands in the far pool behind 747 in September 2017.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/435-hollys-adopted-cub_06272015.jpg435 Holly's adopted cub_06272015503 as a 2.5 year-old in 2015.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/409-beadnose-and-yearling_09052017.jpg409 Beadnose and yearling_09052017https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/402s-yearling-cub_1_07082014.jpg402's yearling cub_1_07082014402's yearling cub in 2014 before his emancipation and adoption.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/402-and-spring-cubs-near-the-lower-platform_09112013-5.jpg402 and spring cubs near the Lower Platform_09112013 (5)One of these cubs from 402's 2013 litter is 503.2017-09-20T19:02:49+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2017/09/18/my-trip-to-brooks-camp-day-two/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/pumice-sand-naknek-lake-beach-brooks-camp_4_09042017.jpgpumice sand, Naknek Lake Beach, Brooks Camp_4_09042017Fine pumice sand, evidence of the powerful winds from the previous day’s storm, was all over the beach.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/possibly-273s-former-cub_09042017.jpgPossibly 273's former cub_09042017One light brown subadult bear out of this bunch very much resembles 273’s yearling in 2016. This bear appears to be a young subadult, but is large for a 2.5 year-old.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/my-tent-at-brooks-camp-campground_09042017.jpgMy tent at Brooks Camp Campground_09042017My tent in the far southwest corner of the campground, as far away from other people as I could get.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/mount-brooks_090420171.jpgMount Brooks_09042017Looking southwest toward Mount Brooks from the air.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/lower-brooks-river-panormama_09042017.jpgLower Brooks River Panormama_09042017https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/lake-brooks-and-dumpling-near-head-of-brooks-river_2_09042017.jpgLake Brooks and Dumpling near head of Brooks River_2_09042017Dumpling Mountain and the outlet of Lake Brookshttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/bear-orientation_090420107.jpgBear Orientation_090420107es, even former rangers are required to attend the bear safety talk upon arrival at Brooks Camp.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/68-left-and-879-right_09042017.jpg68 (left) and 879 (right)_09042017Two adult male bears, 68 (left) and 879, fish the far pool of Brooks Falls.2017-09-20T23:38:14+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2017/09/11/my-trip-to-brooks-camp-2017-day-one/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/screen-shot-2017-09-11-at-9-01-41-pm.pngScreen Shot 2017-09-11 at 9.01.41 PMOn September 3, 2017, the highest wind gust recorded at Brooks Camp was 60 miles per hour (97 kph) at 12:27 p.m.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/pumice-abrasion-on-baked-mtn-huts.jpgPumice abrasion on Baked Mtn. HutsNails on the Baked Mountain Huts in the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes are one of the few things on the building that can withstand abrasive, wind-driven pumice.]https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/wind-abraded-pumice-between-mt-cerberus-and-mt-mageik.jpgwind abraded pumice between Mt. Cerberus and Mt. MageikRocks near Katmai Pass show signs of abrasion from blowing pumice. The strongest winds through the pass blow from south to north (right to left in the photo).https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/screen-shot-2017-09-11-at-8-50-47-pm.pngScreen Shot 2017-09-11 at 8.50.47 PMA strong low pressure system centered over Kodiak Island brought gale force winds to the northern Alaska Peninsula on September 3, 2017.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/naknek-lake-seen-from-penair-flight_09032017.jpgNaknek Lake seen from PenAir flight_09032017Naknek Lake and Katmai National Park. (Pro tip: Never sit in row two on PenAir’s Saab 2000 airplanes as there is no window. I usually try to sit in rows 3-4 and 14-16 for the most unobstructed views of the landscape. To see Katmai, weather permitting, on flights from Anchorage to King Salmon sit on the left side of the plane.)2017-09-19T21:25:12+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2017/08/21/there-is-no-average-bear/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/32-chunk_23_09272015.jpg32 Chunk_23_092720152017-09-18T22:41:42+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2017/08/10/viral-bear-encounter-with-435-holly/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/screen-shot-2017-08-10-at-7-27-35-pm-copy.pngScreen Shot 2017-08-10 at 7.27.35 PM copyIt’s not a wise move to leave the safety of your group when a mother and cubs is only feet away.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/435-holly_2_09132015.jpg435 Holly_2_09132015435 Holly in September 2015.2017-12-22T16:53:16+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2017/08/05/an-old-bears-teeth/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/480-otis_09072014.jpg480 Otis_09072014https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/480_07052016.jpg480_07052016480 Otis often bites the tails off of salmon by utilizing his molars, a method that younger bears with all their canine teeth do not use.2017-08-09T22:19:26+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2017/07/27/a-close-encounter-at-brooks-river/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/screen-shot-2017-07-27-at-7-40-42-pm-copy1.pngScreen Shot 2017-07-27 at 7.40.42 PM copy2017-07-29T07:09:11+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2017/07/26/brooks-river-water-temperature/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/sockeye-salmon-near-the-lower-platform-3.jpgsockeye salmon near the lower platform (3)https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/brooks-river-water-temperature-august-2015-001.jpegBrooks River Water Temperature August 2015.001https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/screen-shot-2017-07-25-at-7-22-56-pm.pngScreen Shot 2017-07-25 at 7.22.56 PMThis graph displays sockeye and coho egg mortality compared to water temperature. Graph courtesy of the Alaska Department of Fish of Game.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/brooks-river-water-temperature-and-weather-data-june-12-august-31-2015-001.jpegBrooks River Water Temperature and Weather Data June 12-August 31, 2015.001On the weather graph, the red line represents the daily maximum temperature, the blue line represents the daily minimum temperature, and the green line represents the dew point. Weather data graph courtesy of wunderground.com.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/outlet-of-lake-brooks_04292016.jpgoutlet of Lake Brooks_04292016Brooks River begins at the northeast corner of Lake Brooks. The beginning of the river can be seen at center right.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/google-earth-lake-brooks-outlet-area-screen-shot-2017-07-20-at-9-08-09-pm.pngGoogle Earth Lake Brooks outlet area Screen Shot 2017-07-20 at 9.08.09 PMNear the head of Brooks River, a shelf of sediment extends far out into Lake Brooks. In this Google Earth image, the shelf is outlined in blue.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/brooks-river-water-temperature-2015.pngBrooks River Water Temperature 2015This graph plots water temperatures for the head of Brooks River from mid June to late August 2015. The blue line is a daily average of hourly temperature readings. The horizontal red, yellow, and orange lines represent State of Alaska water temperature threshold standards for fish habitat. Data courtesy of the National Park Service Southwest Alaska Network.2017-07-27T17:51:32+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2017/07/22/end-of-an-era/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/32-chunk_1_07242015.jpg32 Chunk_1_0724201532 Chunk in 2014, while he ranked in the middle of the bear hierarchy for adult males.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/screen-shot-2017-07-21-at-9-09-04-pm-copy.pngScreen Shot 2017-07-21 at 9.09.04 PM copyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/856-backs-747-out-of-the-jacuzzi.jpg856 backs 747 out of the jacuzzi856 (right) displaces 747, another large adult male bear, from the jacuzzi in 2013.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/856_2_06302016.jpg856_2_06302016https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/32-chunk-early-june-2017-nps-photo.jpg32 Chunk, early June 2017 (NPS Photo)32 Chunk in early June 2017. Photo courtesy of Katmai National Park.2017-07-26T03:14:36+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2017/07/10/hierarchy-shift/2017-07-28T20:29:57+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2017/07/07/keep-jumping-salmon-you-can-do-it/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/sockeye-salmon-jumping-at-brooks-falls_1_06152015.jpgsockeye salmon jumping at Brooks Falls_1_061520152017-07-08T03:37:04+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2017/06/26/cycling-north-cascades-highway/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/skagit-river-gorge_06212017.jpgSkagit River gorge_06212017The Skagit River gorgehttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/ross-lake_06212017.jpgRoss Lake_06212017Ross Lake is the highest and largest reservoir in the Skagit watershed.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/rainy-pass-area_06212017.jpgRainy Pass area_06212017Rainy Pass on June 21, 2017.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/mountains-along-highway-20_2_06212017.jpgmountains along highway 20_2_06212017https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/mountain-along-highway-20_06212017.jpgmountain along highway 20_06212017https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/gorge-dam_06212017.jpgGorge Dam_06212017Gorge Dam is the first of three hydroelectric dams on the Skagit River. Skagit gorge runs empty almost always because the river’s water is diverted from Gorge Dam through a tunnel to a powerhouse in Newhalem.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/forest-and-moutains-at-rainy-pass_2_06142016.jpgforest and moutains at rainy pass_2_06142016Forest at Rainy Pass on June 14, 2016. Note the light snow on the trees.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/diablo-lake_06212017.jpgDiablo Lake_06212017Diablo Lake is deep in the heart of the North Cascades. Its aquamarine color is the product of glacial flour backscattering blue and green wavelengths of light.]https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/charlies-group-at-rainy-pass_06212017.jpgCharlie's group at Rainy Pass_06212017Clif Read (center) and some of his riding companions pause at Rainy Pass on their tour to raise awareness of epilepsy. Follow their journey at c2c4charlie.org/.2017-08-10T16:57:04+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2017/06/27/when-mother-bears-collide-again/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/screen-shot-2017-06-26-at-7-54-03-pm.png128 and 409, Screen Shot 2017-06-26 at 7.54.03 PMhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/screen-shot-2017-06-26-at-7-52-32-pm-copy.png128 and 409, Screen Shot 2017-06-26 at 7.52.32 PM copyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/screen-shot-2017-06-26-at-7-51-57-pm-copy.png128 and 409, Screen Shot 2017-06-26 at 7.51.57 PM copyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/screen-shot-2017-06-26-at-7-51-29-pm-copy.png128 and 409, Screen Shot 2017-06-26 at 7.51.29 PM copyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/screen-shot-2017-06-26-at-7-51-29-pm.png128 and 409, Screen Shot 2017-06-26 at 7.51.29 PMhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/screen-shot-2017-06-26-at-7-50-42-pm.png128 and 409, Screen Shot 2017-06-26 at 7.50.42 PMhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/screen-shot-2017-06-26-at-7-49-15-pm.png128 and 409, Screen Shot 2017-06-26 at 7.49.15 PMhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/screen-shot-2017-06-26-at-7-48-50-pm.png128 and 409, Screen Shot 2017-06-26 at 7.48.50 PMhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/128-left-and-409_1_07192015.jpg128 (left) and 409_1_07192015128 Grazer (left) and 409 Beadnose are familiar with each other and often use the same areas to fish.2017-06-29T17:34:24+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2017/06/23/bear-courtship/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/856-courting-708-4.jpg856 courting 708 (4)https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/814-lurch_1_06182015.jpg814 Lurch_1_06182015In June 2015, 814 Lurch returned to Brooks Falls missing an ear and with a large wound in his right cheek. These wounds could have been received during a fight with another male over access to a female.]https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/634-popeye-and-409-beadnose-mating-near-brooks-falls_09.jpg634 Popeye and 409 Beadnose mating near Brooks Falls_09https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/218-mates-with-402-5.jpg218 mates with 402 5218 Ugly mates with 402 at Brooks Falls in 2010.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/32-tries-to-mate-with-289_5_07132015.jpg32 tries to mate with 289_5_07132015In this series of photos 289, a female, decides that she’s not ready to mate with 32 Chunk.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/32-tries-to-mate-with-289_4_07132015.jpg32 tries to mate with 289_4_07132015In this series of photos 289, a female, decides that she’s not ready to mate with 32 Chunk.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/32-tries-to-mate-with-289_3_07132015.jpg32 tries to mate with 289_3_07132015In this series of photos 289, a female, decides that she’s not ready to mate with 32 Chunk.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/32-tries-to-mate-with-289_2_07132015.jpg32 tries to mate with 289_2_07132015In this series of photos 289, a female, decides that she’s not ready to mate with 32 Chunk.2017-06-27T05:34:10+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2017/06/19/someones-eating-the-berries/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/salmonberry-marblemount-wa_06092017-12-27-13-pm.jpgsalmonberry, marblemount, wa_06092017 12.27.13 PMhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/salmonberry-stripped-by-cedar-waxwing_06162017-e1497927694384.jpgsalmonberry stripped by cedar waxwing_06162017https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/rubus-spectabilis-salmonberry-marblemount_2_04182017.jpgRubus spectabilis, salmonberry, Marblemount_2_04182017The salmonberry flower.]2017-06-21T00:50:50+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2017/06/16/a-short-brown-bear-story/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/451-sits-near-injured-cub-10-23-2015-688-px.jpg451-sits-near-injured-cub-10-23-2015-(688-px)2017-06-27T01:11:31+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2017/06/12/deer-fawn/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/doe-blacktail-deer-and-fawn-in-marblemount_2_06112017.jpgDoe blacktail deer and fawn in Marblemount_2_061120172017-06-13T20:41:02+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2017/06/05/flower-you-stink/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/fly-on-yarrow-achillea-millefolium-fields-point-landing_06032017.jpgfly on yarrow, Achillea millefolium, Fields Point Landing_06032017https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/rosa-nutkana-nootka-rose-stehekin_06032017.jpgRosa nutkana, nootka rose, Stehekin_06032017https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/flowers-sorbus-scopulina.jpgflowers, Sorbus scopulinahttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/flowers-prunus-serotina-moraine-state-park_05182017.jpgflowers, Prunus serotina, Moraine State Park_05182017https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/ceanothus-velutinus-snowbrush-ceanothus_05242017.jpgCeanothus velutinus, snowbrush ceanothus_05242017Ceanothus velutinus, snowbrush ceanothushttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/asarum-caudatum-wild-ginger-stehekin-river-trail_06042017.jpgAsarum caudatum, wild ginger, Stehekin River Trail_06042017Asarum caudatum, wild ginger, flowers hide on the forest floor.2017-06-07T00:39:41+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2017/05/20/cross-country-by-rail-continued/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/rocky-mountain-front_05082017.jpgRocky Mountain Front_05082017https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/prairie-in-montana_05082017.jpgprairie in Montana_05082017https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/mississippi-river-valley-in-minnesota_2_05092017.jpgMississippi River valley in Minnesota_2_05092017https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/kootenai-river_05082017.jpgKootenai River_05082017https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/jack-pines-and-glacial-topography-in-wisconsin_05092017.jpgJack pines and glacial topography in Wisconsin_05092017You’ll have to take my word for it: Those are jack pines in the middle ground.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/fracking-well-in-north-dakota_05082107.jpgFracking well in North Dakota_05082107https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/crossing-the-mississippi-near-la-crosse-wi_05092017.jpgCrossing the Mississippi near La Crosse, WI_05092017https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/badlands-in-western-north-dakota_05082017.jpgBadlands in western North Dakota_05082017https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/approaching-the-continental-divide_05082017.jpgApproaching the continental divide_050820172017-05-21T03:04:58+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2017/05/14/xcountry-by-rail-day-1/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/puget-sound_05072017.jpgPuget Sound_05072017Puget Sound is a glacially carved trough. The boulder in the middle foreground is likely a glacial erratic.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/puget-sound-farmland_05072017.jpgPuget Sound Farmland_05072017https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/crow-killing-rabbit_05072017.jpgCrow killing rabbit_05072017Life and death struggles happen even in city parking lots.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/cascades-seen-from-snohomish-river-valley_05072017.jpgCascades seen from Snohomish River Valley_05072017https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/cascade-forest_05072017.jpgCascade forest_05072017Lush forest cloak the western slopes of the Cascades.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/cascade-forest_2_05072017.jpgCascade Forest_2_05072017Many mountainsides east of the Cascade crest are noticeably drier and less forested than equivalent areas to the west.2017-05-24T07:00:42+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2017/05/12/nests-and-fledglings/2017-05-24T06:49:00+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2017/04/07/trail-cam/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/black-bear-at-tumwater-bridge_04022017.gifBlack bear at Tumwater Bridge_04022017https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/black-bear-at-tumwater-bridge_04022017.jpgBlack bear at Tumwater Bridge_04022017https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/trail-cam-nudge_04022017.gifTrail Cam nudge_04022017https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/mike-fitz-checks-trail-cam_03232017.jpgMike Fitz checks trail cam_03232017https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/mountain-lion-at-tumwater-bridge_03232017.gifMountain Lion at Tumwater Bridge_03232017https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/mountain-lion-at-tumwater-bridge_03202017.jpgMountain lion at Tumwater Bridge_03202017Mountain lionhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/mike-fitz-on-trail-cam_03162017.gifMike Fitz on Trail Cam_03162017https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/trail-cam-installed-at-tumwater-bridge_2_03162017.jpgtrail cam installed at Tumwater Bridge_2_031620172017-04-08T00:47:33+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2017/04/06/lake-chelan/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/castle-mountain-above-lake-chelan.jpgCastle mountain above Lake ChelanKnife-edged ridges and peaks were not completely glaciated. Glacier ice eroded lower ridges, smoothing them over.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/mountainside-near-deepest-point-on-lake-chelan.jpgMountainside near deepest point on Lake ChelanSheer cliffs plunge steeply into Lake Chelan above the deepest areas of the lake. Below the boat on which I stand, the water is over 1,000 feet deep.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/screen-shot-2017-04-04-at-8-12-28-pm.pngBathymetic map of Lake ChelanThe steep mountain topography continues underneath the lake.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/screen-shot-2017-04-04-at-8-11-40-pm.pngLucerne Basin on Lake ChelanThe upper basin of Lake Chelan is its deepest and most voluminous. Near mile 16 on the horizontal axis lies a submerged glacial moraine.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/avalanche-chutes-along-lake-chelan.jpgavalanche chutes along Lake ChelanWith ample snow melt, water is easy to find on the mountainsides next to the lake. In mid to late summer however, many of the gullies will become completely dry.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/burned-mountainside-near-lucerne.jpgburned mountainside near LucerneIn 2015, wildfires burned large areas near Lucerne, a small village on the lake.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/dry-habitat-along-lake-chelan.jpgDry habitat along Lake ChelanSparse vegetation along the lower half of the lake is the result of an arid climate with hot, dry summers.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/view-from-ridge-south-of-rainbow-mountain_panorama-1-1_06012016.jpgview from ridge south of rainbow mountain_Panorama 1-1_06012016Upper Lake Chelan and the lower Stehekin River valley seen from a ridge above Rainbow Creek.2017-04-08T04:02:24+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2017/04/04/restoring-grizzlies-wilderness/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/green-view-lake-16.jpgGreen View Lake - 16Green view lake sits below Goode Mountain in the Stephen Mather Wilderness, North Cascades National Park.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/screen-shot-2017-04-02-at-11-20-08-pm1.pngMap of grizzly bear population status in British ColumbiaThis map shows the current status of grizzly bear populations in British Columbia. Many areas of B.C. have healthy populations of grizzlies, but every population in southwest B.C. is either threatened or already extirpated. Red Circle is approximate area of North Cascades ecosystem. 2017-04-07T02:35:48+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2017/03/25/bufflehead-demise/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/bufflehead-killed-by-peregrin-falcon_6-stehekin-valley-road_03232017.jpgbufflehead killed by peregrin falcon_6, Stehekin Valley Road_03232017By mid afternoon, only feathers and a few blood spots remained of the bufflehead.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/peregrin-falcon_6-stehekin-valley-road_03232017-copy.jpgperegrin falcon_6, Stehekin Valley Road_03232017 copyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/peregrin-falcon_3-stehekin-valley-road_03232017-copy.jpgperegrin falcon_3, Stehekin Valley Road_03232017 copyPeregrin falcon.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/bufflehead-killed-by-peregrin-falcon-stehekin-valley-road_03232017-copy.jpgbufflehead killed by peregrin falcon, Stehekin Valley Road_03232017 copyThe peregrines were feeding on a bird when I accidently spooked them.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/bufflehead-killed-by-peregrin-falcon_3-stehekin-valley-road_03232017-copy.jpgbufflehead killed by peregrin falcon_3, Stehekin Valley Road_03232017 copyPeregrine falcons had not been feeding long on this bufflehead when I found it.2017-03-27T23:13:38+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2017/03/12/alaska-vs-the-feds-predator-control/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/pacific-ocean-coast-between-aniakchak-and-chignik_03232015_4.jpgPacific Ocean coast between Aniakchak and Chignik_03232015_42017-03-24T06:37:04+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2017/03/21/first-flowers/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/unplowed-stehekin-valley-road_3_03162017.jpgunplowed Stehekin Valley road_3_03162017Stehekin River Valley upstream of Tumwater Bridge on March 16, 2017https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/plants-along-lakeshore_03192017.jpgplants along lakeshore_03192017Green leaves and vibrant moss are a welcome sight after a snowy winter.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/moss-along-lakeshore_2_03192017.jpgmoss along lakeshore_2_03192017Anyplace it is exposed near upper Lake Chelan, moss is saturated with snow melt.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/lomatium-geyeri-along-the-lakeshore_2_03202017.jpgLomatium geyeri along the lakeshore_2_03202017Geyer’s biscuitroot (Lomatium geyeri) near Stehekin Landinghttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/lomatium-ambiguum-along-lakeshore_2_03202017.jpgLomatium ambiguum along lakeshore_2_03202017Wyeth biscuitroot (Lomatium ambiguum) near Stehekin Landing2017-03-22T06:17:18+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2017/03/20/springtime-emergence/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/courting-bears-854-and-634_2_05172015-resized.jpegcourting bears (854 and 634)_2_05172015 resized2017-03-20T17:55:17+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2017/02/23/go-further-so-bears-can-go-farther/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/upper-stehekin-river-valley-02.jpgupper-stehekin-river-valley-02Many places in the North Cascades ecosystem, like the upper Stehekin River valley, provide excellent habitat for grizzly bears.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/screen-shot-2017-02-22-at-9-31-19-pm.pngscreen-shot-2017-02-22-at-9-31-19-pmThe North Cascades Ecosystem in Washington. (From the Draft Grizzly Bear Restoration Plan, pg. 2).2017-03-14T04:28:34+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2017/03/09/of-bears-and-bicycles/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/black-bear-near-high-bridge-camp_07132016.jpgblack bear near High Bridge Camp_07132016I let this black bear in North Cascades National Park know I was human by talking in a normal tone of voice. Once the bear realized I was human, he walked calmly into the forest.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/bear-tracks-on-the-valley-of-ten-thousand-smokes-road.jpgbear tracks on the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes RoadSometimes bears like to use roads as much as people, giving new meaning to the “share the road” concept.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/bear-marking-tree-on-vtts-road_3_06132015.jpgbear marking tree on VTTS road_3_06132015Look for signs of bears like scat, tracks, and marking trees when you choose a campsite. Move on if the area seems to be frequently used by bears. This marking tree indicates plenty of bears use the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes road.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/bear-marking-tree-along-vtts-road_3_09202014.jpgBear marking tree along VTTS Road_3_09202014Look for signs of bears like scat, tracks, and marking trees when you choose a campsite. Move on if the area seems to be frequently used by bears. This marking tree indicates plenty of bears use the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes road.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/bear-along-vtts-road_02_06202015.jpgbear along VTTS road_02_06202015This bear in Katmai was intent on using the road. To safely avoid a stressful encounter with him, I stopped, picked my bike up, carried it off of the road into the forest to let the bear pass. Had I been traveling too fast, I would have risked surprising the bear at a very close range.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/500-on-vtts-road_3_06202015.jpg500 on VTTS road_3_06202015Cyclists need to be prepared for bear encounters. I found this bear walking toward me while I pedaled the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes road.2017-03-11T01:38:11+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2017/03/06/stehekin-grizzly-bear-meeting/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/bear-watching-on-the-north-hallo-bay-beach-34-gyre-trip-hallo-bay-june-2013.jpgbear watching on the north Hallo Bay beach (34), GYRE Trip, Hallo Bay June 2013https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/grizzly-bears-adf-and-2-yr-old-cubs-on-swan-lake-flat-3.jpgGrizzly bears (AdF and 2 yr old cubs) on Swan Lake Flat (3) Yellowstone2017-03-09T18:57:29+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2017/02/25/a-january-bear/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/p1240950.jpgBig Bend Black Bear 1-26-2017My soon-to-be award winning wildlife photo of a black bear in Big Bend National Park. Move over Tom Mangelsen.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/p1240944.jpgBlack bear scat filled with pinyon nuts 1-26-2017Pinyon pine nut shells and fragments fill this fresh pile of bear scat. I found this scat just moments before seeing an active bear.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/p1240917.jpgblack bear claw and teeth marks on Arizona Cypress near Boot Spring, Big Bend National Park_1-26-2017Black bears used this Arizona cypress (Hesperocyparis arizonica) near Boot Spring as a marking tree.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/p1240911.jpgBear Country Do Not Leave Back Packs Unattended, Big Bend National Park_1-26-2017https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/p1240878.jpgEmory Peak, Big Bend National Park 1-25-2017The pinyon-oak-juniper habitat near Emory Peak (center) is preferred habitat for the Big Bend's black bears.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/p1240783.jpgMexican pinyon pine (Pinus cembroides) cones, Big Bend National Park_1-25-2017These Mexican pinyon pine (Pinus cembroides) cones still hold their fatty nuts.2017-02-26T11:34:18+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2017/02/18/the-other-wanderer/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/wolverine-or-fisher-tracks-next-to-marten-tracks-tumwater-bridge_02142017.jpgwolverine-or-fisher-tracks-next-to-marten-tracks-tumwater-bridge_02142017Wolverine tracks (bottom) run parallel to marten tracks.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/wolverine-or-fisher-tracks-near-tumwater-camp_02142017.jpgwolverine-or-fisher-tracks-near-tumwater-camp_02142017The set of tracks I found. What animal made them?https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/wolverine-or-fisher-tracks-near-tumwater-camp_3_02142017.jpgwolverine-or-fisher-tracks-near-tumwater-camp_3_02142017Wolverine tracks in snow. Each set of three, starting from the bottom, represents a one lope made by the animal.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/wolverine-or-fisher-tracks-near-tumwater-camp_2_02142017.jpgwolverine-or-fisher-tracks-near-tumwater-camp_2_02142017This fairly distinct wolverine track clearly shows the animal's five toes. The basket on the ski pole is 7.5 x 7 cm.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/p1250190.jpgp1250190Pillows of snow sat on rocks in Stehekin River downstream of High Bridge in Lake Chelan National Recreation Area.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/p1250187.jpgp1250187Good thing I didn't have to use a toilet, because this outhouse at High Bridge wasn't accessible.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/p1250169.jpgp1250169A Douglas squirrel had recently torn apart a Douglas-fir cone on this pile of snow.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/p1250154.jpgp1250154The NPS cabin at High Bridge was mostly buried by snow.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/hare-or-rabbit-tracks-near-tumwater-camp_2_02142017.jpghare-or-rabbit-tracks-near-tumwater-camp_2_02142017Snowshoe hares were also moving about the forest.2017-02-20T06:10:30+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2017/02/17/national-parks-arent-pure/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/wolf-photo-nps.jpgwolf-photo-npsPhoto courtesy of Isle Royale National Park.2017-03-19T22:52:11+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2017/02/10/more-snow-yes-more-snow/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/snow-outside-home_02092017.jpgsnow-outside-home_02092017https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/snow-at-neighbors_02092017.jpgsnow-at-neighbors_02092017https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/mike-fitz-in-snow-65-in-deep-snow-pit-outside-of-stehekin-home_02092017.jpgmike-fitz-in-snow-65-in-deep-snow-pit-outside-of-stehekin-home_02092017I’m really not that short, am I?https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/digging-snow-pit-outside-of-stehekin-home_02092017.jpgdigging-snow-pit-outside-of-stehekin-home_02092017https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/digging-snow-pit-outside-of-stehekin-home_3_02092017.jpgdigging-snow-pit-outside-of-stehekin-home_3_02092017https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/digging-snow-pit-outside-of-stehekin-home_2_02092017.jpgdigging-snow-pit-outside-of-stehekin-home_2_02092017https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/65-in-deep-snow-pit-outside-of-stehekin-home_02092017.jpg65-in-deep-snow-pit-outside-of-stehekin-home_02092017https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/65-in-deep-snow-pit-outside-of-stehekin-home_2_02092017.jpg65-in-deep-snow-pit-outside-of-stehekin-home_2_020920172017-04-12T20:43:26+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2017/02/09/let-it-snow/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/stehekin-river-stehekin-river-trail_02042017.jpgstehekin-river-stehekin-river-trail_02042017Stehekin River.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/stehekin-river-and-rainbow-falls-area-stehekin-river-trail_02042017.jpgstehekin-river-and-rainbow-falls-area-stehekin-river-trail_02042017https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/snowy-trees-near-stehekin-valley-lodge_02052017.jpgsnowy-trees-near-stehekin-valley-lodge_02052017https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/snow-covered-stehekin-river-trail-stehekin-river-trail_02042017.jpgsnow-covered-stehekin-river-trail-stehekin-river-trail_02042017Where’s the trail?https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/short-steep-tricky-slope-along-river-trail_02042017.jpgshort-steep-tricky-slope-along-river-trail_02042017Caption: Short, steep bluffs next to the river’s side channels were difficult to negotiate on narrow skis. I often side-stepped up and down these places instead of risking a fall into open water.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/my-ski-tracks-stehekin-river-trail_02042017.jpgmy-ski-tracks-stehekin-river-trail_02042017I encountered little fresh powder where conifer trees grew thickly. In open areas, my feet plowed through several inches of newly fallen snow. These areas are often preferred places for other animals to travel and rest.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/mule-deer-near-weaver-point-stehekin-river-trail_02042017.jpgmule-deer-near-weaver-point-stehekin-river-trail_02042017https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/large-marge-and-skis_02042017.jpglarge-marge-and-skis_02042017Two tools of winter exploration: Large Marge and cross-country skis.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/lake-chelan-seen-from-weaver-point-stehekin-river-trail_02042017.jpglake-chelan-seen-from-weaver-point-stehekin-river-trail_02042017Lake Chelan seen from Weaver Point.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/elk-browse-on-douglas-fir-twig-stehekin-river-trail_02042017.jpgelk-browse-on-douglas-fir-twig-stehekin-river-trail_02042017Twigs nibbled by members of the deer family have ragged edges. An elk recently nipped the end of this Douglas-fir twig.2017-02-10T21:03:52+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2017/01/14/joyce-kilmer-memorial-forest/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/mike-fitz-and-a-large-tulip-tree_2.jpgmike-fitz-and-a-large-tulip-tree_2https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/dead-hemlocks.jpgdead-hemlocksThese hemlocks were killed by hemlock woolly adelgid. https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/crown-of-large-tulip-tree.jpgcrown-of-large-tulip-treehttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/mike-fitz-and-a-large-tulip-tree.jpgmike-fitz-and-a-large-tulip-tree2017-02-09T06:07:30+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2016/12/30/in-the-salt-marsh/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/muddy-legs-and-footware.jpgmuddy-legs-and-footwareSalt marsh trekking is dirty business.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/semipalmated-plover-with-worm.jpgsemipalmated-plover-with-wormWorms are yummy for plovers.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/saltwort.jpgsaltwortSaltwort is a noticeable member of the mid to high marsh community.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/low-high-marsh-transition.jpglow-high-marsh-transitionThe transition between from the low marsh to the high marsh is marked by plants other than salt marsh cordgrass. The high marsh lies above the typical high tide line. Plants like black needlerush (Juncus roemerianus), salt meadow hay (Spartina patens), salt grass (Distichlis sp.), and saltwort (Salicornia sp.) begin to compete with cord grass where tidal flooding is less frequent. Needlerush is the taller plant on the left of the photo.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/spartina-cordgrass.jpgspartina-cordgrassSalt marsh cordgrass is the most abundant and ecologically important plant in East Coast salt marshes.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/translucent-oyster-shell.jpgtranslucent-oyster-shellThe edges of many oyster shells are thin and fragile, but also very sharp. https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/boots-in-mud.jpgboots-in-mudhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/mud-flats-and-grass.jpgmud-flats-and-grasshttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/typical-salt-marsh-scene.jpgtypical-salt-marsh-sceneA typical salt marsh scene in winter: golden-colored cordgrass.2017-01-01T04:00:30+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2016/12/16/earth-time-lapse/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/amazon-rainforest.gifamazon-rainforest2016-12-17T15:34:14+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2016/11/29/sometimes-indivuals-lose-while-species-win/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/screen-shot-2016-11-29-at-8-29-06-pm.pngscreen-shot-2016-11-29-at-8-29-06-pmMany seeds in these cones wait to be released.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/1024px-lodgepole_pine_yellowstone_1998_near_firehole.jpg1024px-lodgepole_pine_yellowstone_1998_near_fireholeAfter huge wildfires burned large swaths of Yellowstone National Park in 1988, lodgepole pine sprouted back in earnest. This NPS photo was taken ten years after the ’88 fires. The lodgepole trees are much larger now.2016-12-01T18:11:59+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2016/11/25/bears-have-long-memories/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/wader-shack-and-electric-fence.jpgwader-shack-and-electric-fenceThis building was damaged by 273 and cub in August 2015. I helped to erect the electric fence as a temporary deterrent to further damage.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/journal-pone-0165425-g003-copy.jpgjournal-pone-0165425-g003-copyBears raised by mothers with a history of bear-human conflict have a higher likelihood of conflict with people. http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0165425.g002https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/journal-pone-0165425-g002-copy.jpgjournal-pone-0165425-g002-copyBehavior of offspring was not related to the behavior of the father bear. http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0165425.g002https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/273-and-cub.jpg273-and-cub2016-12-03T15:36:07+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2016/11/09/squirrels-and-truffles/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/glaucomys_sabrinus-usfws.jpgglaucomys_sabrinus-usfwsNorthern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys_sabrinus), USFWS photo.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/truffle_3_11032016.jpgtruffle_3_11032016This is the truffle at the end of the excavation. Over 350 truffle species in 50 genera inhabit the Pacific Northwest.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/truffle_11032016.jpgtruffle_11032016The small depression next to the tip of my shoe contains a truffle.2024-12-22T15:34:23+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2016/11/03/todays-post-is-courtesy-of-explore-org/2016-11-04T00:28:47+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2016/11/01/on-election-day-vote-to-actonclimate/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/p1230484.jpgp1230484https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/505-with-fish-07072016.jpg505-with-fish-07072016https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/sockeye-salmon-jumping-brooks-falls_03_06272015.jpgsockeye-salmon-jumping-brooks-falls_03_062720152016-11-09T21:18:35+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2016/10/21/the-best-thing-youll-read-about-bark-today-if-you-dont-read-anything-else-about-bark/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/p1230575.jpgp1230575https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/p1230573.jpgp1230573https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/black-bear-claw-marks-on-quaking-aspen-beaver-ponds-trail.jpgblack-bear-claw-marks-on-quaking-aspen-beaver-ponds-trail2016-10-28T18:12:01+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2016/10/19/short-ride-up-stehekin-valley/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/p1230547.jpgp1230547https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/p1230546.jpgp1230546https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/p1230545.jpgp1230545https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/p1230544.jpgp1230544https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/p12305431.jpgp1230543https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/p1230543.jpgp1230543https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/p1230533.jpgp1230533https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/p1230532.jpgp1230532https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/p1230529.jpgp1230529https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/p1230525.jpgp12305252016-10-21T21:08:49+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2016/10/06/when-mother-bears-collide/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/409-left-and-128_1_07292015.jpg409-left-and-128_1_07292015409 Beadnose (left) stands near 128 Grazer on the lip of Brooks Falls in 2015.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/screen-shot-2016-10-06-at-10-23-32-am.pngscreen-shot-2016-10-06-at-10-23-32-amBeadnose and Grazer face one another while their cubs remain in nearby trees.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/screen-shot-2016-10-06-at-10-22-56-am.pngscreen-shot-2016-10-06-at-10-22-56-amBeadnose (left) and Grazer (right) face off as Grazer stops her charge just short of contact.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/screen-shot-2016-10-06-at-10-22-13-am1.pngscreen-shot-2016-10-06-at-10-22-13-am409 Beadnose stands the in grass right before Grazer charges.https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/screen-shot-2016-10-06-at-10-21-21-am1.pngscreen-shot-2016-10-06-at-10-21-21-am128 Grazer stands next to her cubs. Her excessive salivation is a sign of stress. 2023-10-06T14:36:17+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/2016/10/14/strut-your-stuff/https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/747_06272016.jpg747_06272016https://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/screen-shot-2016-10-14-at-10-55-34-am.pngscreen-shot-2016-10-14-at-10-55-34-amhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/screen-shot-2016-10-14-at-10-54-21-am.pngscreen-shot-2016-10-14-at-10-54-21-amhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/screen-shot-2016-10-14-at-10-53-59-am.pngscreen-shot-2016-10-14-at-10-53-59-amhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/screen-shot-2016-10-14-at-10-53-28-am.pngscreen-shot-2016-10-14-at-10-53-28-amhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/screen-shot-2016-10-14-at-10-52-50-am.pngscreen-shot-2016-10-14-at-10-52-50-amhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/screen-shot-2016-10-14-at-10-51-34-am.pngscreen-shot-2016-10-14-at-10-51-34-amhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/screen-shot-2016-10-14-at-10-50-10-am.pngscreen-shot-2016-10-14-at-10-50-10-amhttps://fitznaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/screen-shot-2016-10-14-at-10-49-25-am.pngscreen-shot-2016-10-14-at-10-49-25-am2016-10-18T05:15:02+00:00monthlyhttps://fitznaturalist.com/links/2016-10-10T06:28:41+00:00weekly0.6https://fitznaturalist.comdaily1.02026-02-17T16:01:00+00:00