Moose at Beluga Lake

I headed out early today as I had to take the truck in to have the tires changed out. Knowing that they get very busy, I left early and arrived one hour before they opened, I was third in line. Chatted with a biologist while waiting, he talked about researching Elk antler size, that he had studied in New Mexico. Very nice gentleman from Eastern Europe.

After checking in I set out for, Beluga Lake, I was hoping to see some Sandhill Cranes, I didn't see one. On the walk over, a moose crossed the street in front of me. As I got closer to the airport I saw he had stopped in the field across from the airport.

Moose by the Homer Airport

I was about to go down the steps to the viewing platform, when I saw some moment in the bushes. I went over to investigate and found an Arctic Hare.

Arctic Hare by the Homer Airport

I proceeded on to the viewing area and found many moose out grazing.

Moose and Calf at Beluga Lake
Homer, Alaska

There are more pictures at: ALASKA PORTFOLIO

I hadn't heard from the tire store so I headed back to see how it was going. The truck was still out front so I took a seat and read. After awhile the sales consultant asked which vehicle I was waiting for. I told him and he said he had called and left a message for me at 8:15, which I never received. 

I should say that when I loaded the tires in the truck I saw they were almost bald and had a feeling that they would not put them on the truck. 

That was the reason for the call. 

Now the truck is my sister's the studded tires had to come off and I had now been there since 7am. My sister in out at sea tagging sharks. At the moment they are too far off the coast to receive any phone calls or texts. I sent an e-mail to the boat, which if they are working they will not receive or look at for awhile. Had to make a decision, so there are now four new tires on the truck. finally got out of there at about noon.

Fog on the Bay

Awoke on the 21st to the sun rising over a fog shrouded bay. this shot was captured from Fitz Creek out side of Homer.

Click on the image for a full view.

On Saturday, I took a drive to see if I could find some cranes. Didn't see any, then when I arrived home I saw a post that about 100 took off around noon. I was out at that time and saw none. I did catch this shot at the harbor of a fishing boat departing.

Balls Deep departing the harbor.
Homer Spit, Alaska

Went to a couple of shops in town, at the Homer Book Store, I was able to find a copy "Raised in Ruins, A Memoir" by Tara Neilson. @neilson_tara I will be reading this between customers at the store.
I am looking for some new knives and so I went to the cooking store and checked out Shun Cutlery. I have been doing research online, really wanted to hold them and get the feel. I have narrowed my needs to the; utility/paring, Nakiri and the Kiritsuke. Now, I am debating between the Dual Core or the Premier. I will be going back to check them out again.

Last night I went out in search of the Northern Lights, unfortunately, I did not see them. I did download the "Aurora" app, to get alerts to the nights it may still be visible.

A couple of moose were wandering around the yard this morning, buried in the bushes, therefore, no picture.

ALASKA PORTFOLIO

Moose in the Backyard

 I was standing at the kitchen window, it was early and overcast, so the lighting wasn't great. Having just gotten out of bed and fed the dogs, I was starting to get my vision into focus. Looking up I spied a moose just outside the dogs fenced yard. The dogs were in an after meal coma, sprawled across various dog beds and other pieces of furniture. As I grabbed my camera and iPhone, the dogs sensing something was up, jumped up from their repose and headed out the dog door. I went out and got a few pictures and a short video. Unfortunately, the moose was by the old TV Dish, so I was unable to get a good picture of it. This is what I was able to get.

I drove into Homer, stopped at the store for a few snacks to munch while at work. Filled the truck with gas and went to Bishops Beach, to see if I could see any Sandhill Cranes. There have been postings of sighting, I am hoping to see some. Many of them winter in New Mexico, where I live, so it would be nice to see them at the end of their journey. The Homer shorebird Festival is in a couple of weeks, which welcomes back the migratory birds.

As I drove into the driveway there was a moose in front of me, he casually walked down and then into the woods at the end. Wasn't able to get a picture or record it. It was raining and I couldn't get the iPhone to focus past the windshield.

 I was at the store, so I am posting some more of yesterday's pictures.

This is a shot of the Golden Eagle just before being photobombed by the Bald Eagle.

Golden Eagle
Homer Spit Harbor

This photo is a view from Anchor Point across Kachemak Bay on a partly cloudy day.

View across Kachemak Bay
Anchor Point, Alaska

Made a few sales at the store, I saw that Ken had sold another of my maze books over the weekend. Only one copy left of the six I brought with me.

Came home and had leftovers, then started cooking tomorrow night's dinner. Yes, I prepare in advance, especially, if I am arriving home at the hour I prefer to eat, not, start cooking. Now, I am smelling, the almost done, baked chicken wings. Timer went off.

Fresh out of the oven, I may have to eat one tonight.

Eagles Feeding

I went for a drive on the Sterling Highway, some very beautiful scenery along the way. 

Kachemak Bay
Homer Overlook
Sterling Highway

These are a few shots of a couple of Seagulls chasing off a Golden Eagle.

Saw a bunch of Eagles gathering and followed them, I was rewarded with a bunch of eagles feeding on an otter. 

Eagles feeding on an Otter
Homer Spit Harbor
Alaska

There are more pictures here: ALASKA PORTFOLIO

Around Homer

I was working in the store for a few days, not much exciting happened.

Saturday, I took a drive into the hills and found a great view of the Homer Spit.

I drove out to the Spit to see what was happening at the King Salmon Festival. Loads of cars, not many shops or restaurants are open yet. I was looking forward to a nice seafood lunch, didn't happen. 

I wandered around looking for some activity to photograph, but not much was happening. I did have a seagull that flew straight at me. Too close to get a shot, although, I was in great range for the poop that it let out at the perfect time to get my hat, jacket and camera bag.

I came home and rested a bit before going out to find dinner. I had fish and chips at Alice's Champagne, Laura, my waitress was very nice. When she brought my order she told me the cook said one of the pieces was too small and that he was fixing me another piece. It was served nice and hot, just as I was finishing the last piece on my plate. Good meal, nice service, good social distancing and masks in use.

After dinner I headed toward the water to see what was there. I decided to avoid the Spit, due to the traffic as the fishermen were returning. I had just turned onto Kachemak Bay Road when I spied some crows chasing a bird of prey. I pulled to the side of the road, grabbed my camera and started shooting. The crows took off in one direction and this, Short-eared Owl, headed for the trees behind me.

It is starting to warm up and the snow is melting.

Below is a picture of the Homer Spit and one of the pictures of the Owl. there are more pictures in the:

ALASKA PORTFOLIO

 

Homer Spit
Kachemak Bay
Homer Alaska

Short-eared Owl
Kachemak Bay
Homer Alaska

While wandering around I did find that Santa has come to the King Salmon Festival. I believe he was out fishing at the time.

Just for fun a picture of Lola and her tongue.

Golden Eagle Attack

Awoke to snow falling adding a layer to the melting base layer. The snow had been rapidly melting, though they forecasting more snow, it is getting warmer and it is melting away. Soon it will be a muddy mess around here.

I spent the day at the store, it was soooooo slooooowwww, hard to stay awake. I did have an unexpected passerby just after I got to the store.

A Moose wandered by across the street. I just happened to glance up and see it.

When I was at the, Spit, the other day I captured a sequence of shots of a Golden Eagle attempting to get some dinner. 

The intended prey.

Swooping in to pluck dinner from the bay.

Where did they go?

They're back, is he gone?

After missing his intended dinner, he lands on the rocks to regroup.