Holy summer solstice. With nearly 20 hours of daylight and the sun finally gracing us with its presence, lupine are blooming along the Spit road, veggies are growing in gardens all around the community, and locals and visitors alike are shedding their layers. Soak up the sunshine and take in all the local events and activities listed here in these Best Bets.
In a new podcast series called “Ice and Fire,” University of Alaska Fairbanks graduate takes listeners on an audio tour of climate change in Alaska, weaving together a place-based narrative from soundscapes and sonic textures intertwined with scientific and personal accounts.
Nothing says spring in Alaska like the return of migratory birds and birders. Easily identified by the spotting scopes they carry and the binoculars around their necks are the birders. Also easily identifiable by their call and size, flocks of sandhill cranes have been reported hanging out in Beluga Slough and fields out East End Road. Other migratory birds making their way back include shorebirds like greater yellowlegs and least sandpipers spotted along the shoreline at Bishop’s Beach, seabirds including Pacific loons and Harlequin ducks spotted in the harbor, and woodland birds like sparrows and Canada jays noted along local trails. For a list of birds being seen, visit kachemakbaybirders.org or stop by the Islands &Ocean Visitor Center during Shorebird weekend. Not a birder? Well there’s plenty of other activities going on in town to keep you busy, from baseball to book clubs, fairs to the food hub. Just check out these best bets.
As tech is rocked by layoffs, climate jobs and tools for landing them are on the rise geekwire.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from geekwire.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
While this Betster knows that Pennsylvania’s Punxsutawney Phil and his six more weeks of winter predictions aren’t intended for Alaska, he sure called it for us this year, with snow arriving and continuing since his declaration. Maybe it’s time we integrate a Monty the Moose prediction: How many times does a local moose paw into the snow or brush? Twice for two more months of winter? Just a thought! Anyway, we’ve moved into the second week of February and if, like this Betster, you’ve been trying to keep Cabin Fever at bay, check out this list of Best Bets that includes fun activities including the Chamber’s annual Winter Carnival weekend and educational activities including films, talks, and community conversations! In honor of Valentine’s Day, all of us at the Homer News wish you a love-filled day, however you spend it!