Hard at work...and play.

Today we went to the Islands and Ocean Center and the Kachemak Bay Research Reserve. We spoke with several people whose research centered around various aspects of Alaska wildlife and nature being affected by global warming (coastal erosion, seabird populations, marine mammals, spruce bark beetle). We also set up future meeting dates with other specialists and we are excited to have made such helpful connections!


Later today, we went on a guided hike through the Wynn Nature Center (part of the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies). We learned all about local flora and fauna and saw more of the damaging affects of the spruce bark beetle.
Here are some pictures we took along the way...

Here is a picture of a fallen tree after being infested with the spruce bark beetle, and picture of a cross section of a tree that suffered the same fate. We learned about the beetle's life cycle and the gradual process of infestation in addition to how the trees attempt to defend themselves.

Here is a photo of a few sand cranes we took on the way to the Wynn Nature Center. Apparently the sand crane is endangered and birders come from all over to see them (Click to enlarge).
We also fished a little bit more off the spit. The amount of fish around the spit is unbelievable. Here are few pictures of Pollock that we caught on either herring or spoons. We also caught flounder and the strange-looking irish lord fishHopefully we'll get our hands on some halibut. The Homer Chamber of Commerce tagged random halibut with dollar amounts on them and whoever catches them wins the alotted money.

Here's a big ol' pile of bear poo we found around the yard. Hopefully we never get too close to its owner...