Sitka's New Fire Chief

New Fire Chief from Alaska Video Clips on Vimeo.

Bald Eagle takes over as Fire Chief of local coastal community. Filmed and Produced by Sitka Alaska Cinematographer David Rice. sitkaalaskavideo.com.

Everyone Loves a Fishing Boat

Everyone Love's a Fishing Boat from Alaska Video Clips on Vimeo.

Local Fishing Boats make excellent subjects for filming. David Rice, sitkaalaskavideo.com

Searching Sitka Beaches for Dunlin

Dunlin from Alaska Video Clips on Vimeo.

Dunlin feed along a Ocean Shoreline. Filmed and Produced by David Rice. sitkalaskavideo.com

Double-crested Cormorants of Sitka Sound

Double-crested Cormorant from Alaska Video Clips on Vimeo.

Double-crested Cormorants of Sitka Sound. Filmed and Produced by local Sitka Alaska Cinematographer David Rice. sitkaalaskavideo.com

Short Video Tour of Downtown Sitka

Sitka Alaska from Alaska Video Clips on Vimeo.

Video Tour of Sitka Alaska. Filmed and Produced by David Rice. sitkaalaskavideo.com

Enjoy the Day

Don't Let The Weather Stop You from Alaska Video Clips on Vimeo.

Don't let the weather stop you from enjoying the day. Filmed and produced by David Rice. sitkaalaskavideo.com

Dolly Varden

Dolly Varden Trout from Alaska Video Clips on Vimeo.

Video footage of Dolly Varden Trout in a small stream awaiting the arrival of Pink Salmon. Filmed and Produced by local Sitka Cinematographer David Rice.

Arriving By Tour Ship

Arriving by Cruise Ship from Alaska Video Clips on Vimeo.

Arriving by Cruise Ship in Southeast Alaska Inside Passage. Filmed and Produced by David Rice. sitkaalaskavideo.com

Commercial Fishing Highlights

Commercial Fishing Highlights from Alaska Video Clips on Vimeo.

Commercial Fishing in Alaska. Filmed and Produced by David Rice sitkaalaskavideo.com

Sharing Indian River

Fly Fishermen and the kayakers from Alaska Video Clips on Vimeo.

Fly Fishermen and kayakers share the same waters. Filmed and Produced by David Rice.

The Coast Guard Is Out Training

Coast Gaurd Training Exercise from Alaska Video Clips on Vimeo.

Filmed and produced by David Rice on location in Sitka Alaska. David Rice owns the only professional HD camcorder in Sitka Alaska.

The Scenic Ocean Environment of Alaska

The Scenic Ocean Environment of Alaska from Alaska Video Clips on Vimeo.

Filmed and Produced by Sitka Alaska's local Nature/Wildlife Cinematographer David Rice. sitkaalaskavideo.com

The Most Scenic Boat Harbors in the World

The Most Scenic Boat Harbors in the World from Alaska Video Clips on Vimeo.

Sitka Alaska's scenic Boat Harbors lure visitors from around the world. Filmed and Produced by Sitka Alaska's local cinematographer David Rice.

Boats and Men

Boats and Men from Alaska Video Clips on Vimeo.

Commercial Fishermen are some of the hardest working people in the world. Filmed and Produced by local Sitka cinematographer David Rice. sitkaalaskavideo.com

Abstract Beach Erosion

Abstract Beach Erosion from Alaska Video Clips on Vimeo.

The Beauty of the ever changing Beach. Filmed and produced by David Rice. sitkaalaskavideo.com

Hiking the Beaver Lake trail

Hiking the Beaver Lake Trail from Alaska Video Clips on Vimeo.

Hiking the Beaver Lake Train in Sitka Alaska. sitkaalaskavideo.com

The Sitka Beach

The Beach-Up Close and Personal from Alaska Video Clips on Vimeo.

Close-ups of some of the critters and invertebrates living on Alaska Beaches. Filmed and Produced by David Rice. Mr. Rice owns the only professional HD camcorder in the Sitka area. sitkaalaskavideo.com

BBC in Sitka Alaska

BBC in Sitka Alaska from Alaska Video Clips on Vimeo.

A short video of the BBC Nature Crew filming Birds in Sitka, Alaska. Filmed and Produced by David Rice. sitkaalaskavideo.com

Bald Eagles Raid Commercial Fishing Nets

Bald Eagles Raid a Commercial Fishing Net from Alaska Video Clips on Vimeo.

Bald Eagles enjoy the bounty of the Sitka Sound Herring Sac Roe Fishery in Sitka Alaska. Filmed and Produced by David Rice. Mr. Rice owns the only professional HD camcorder in Sitka Alaska. sitkaalaskavideo.com.

Bad Hair Day in Sitka Alaska

Bad Hair Day from Alaska Video Clips on Vimeo.

Local Sitka Alaska Bald Eagle wakes up to a bad hair day. Filmed and Produced by David Rice. sitkaalaskavideo.com

Sitka Alaska's Swan Lake

Baby Duck Hunting from Alaska Video Clips on Vimeo.

Baby Duck Hunting in Swan Lake located downtown in Sitka Alaska. Filmed and Produced by David Rice. Mr. Rice owns the only professional video camcorder in the Sitka area.

Indian Summer in Sitka Alaska

Autumns Last Hurrah from Alaska Video Clips on Vimeo.

Indian Summer in Sitka Alaska. Filmed and Produced by David Rice. sitkaalaskavideo.com

Sitka's Autumn Mystery

Autumn Mystery from Alaska Video Clips on Vimeo.

Autumn comes to Southeast Alaska.
Filmed and Produced in Sitka Alaska by David Rice.
sitkaalaskavideo.com

Sitka's Alpine Adventure Run

Alpine Adventure Run from Alaska Video Clips on Vimeo.

Annual Alpine Adventure Run in Sitka Alaska. Filmed and Produced by David Rice, Sitka's Nature/Wildlife Cinematographer. sitkaalaskavideo.com

Spectacular Sunsets of Sitka Alaska

As The Sun Sets from Alaska Video Clips on Vimeo.

Spectacular Sunsets of Sitka Alaska. Filmed and Produced by David Rice. Sitka Alaska's Nature & Wildlife Cinematographer.

Arriving in Sitka Alaska

Arriving in Sitka Alaska from Alaska Video Clips on Vimeo.

Cruise Ship passengers consider Sitka Alaska, Alaska's most beautiful community. Filmed and Produced by David Rice. Sitka Alaska's Cinematographer.

Sitka's Amazing Event

Amazing Events from Alaska Video Clips on Vimeo.

While the BBC filmed scenes for the Amazing Events, I filmed the BBC. filmed and Produced by David Rice Sitka Alaska's Nature/Wildlife Cinematographer.

A Few Bald Eagles Hanging Around

There are a few Bald Eagles hanging around my home in Sitka. from Alaska Video Clips on Vimeo.

Bald Eagles in Southeast Alaska. Filmed and produced by David Rice in Sitka Alaska.

Sitka's Talking Ravens

Talking Raven's of Southeast Alaska from Alaska Video Clips on Vimeo.

Latin Name: Corvus corax
Habitat: Coastal, forested and mountainous regions in
Alaska, and ranging throughout Europe, North Africa, and
North America
Classification: Aves (Birds)

The Corvus corax is often referred to as the "Common Raven," are the largest members of the Corvidae family, which includes their cousins the crow and magpie.

Researchers believe that ravens' jet-black feathers help them absorb light and heat in the high, cold elevations of Alaska. They have long black feathers on their bodies and wings, and shaggy, shorter feathers on their heads and necks. Even their bills and feet are black. They have wedge-shaped tails and dark eyes. Adult ravens grow to be around 2 feet long. Although they're slightly larger, ravens look a lot like crows. But you'd be able to pick one out by its longer bill and wing tips. Even if you can't see a raven, you can locate one by its distinct calls.

Ravens are the largest all-black birds, and they are also the noisiest. Ravens are the largest existing group of songbirds. While crows stick mostly to their famous "caw caw" noises, ravens squawk over thirty distinct calls. Ravens also make a variety of more musical noises that are less threatening. These mischievous birds are clever copycats. They can mimic many noises they hear, and may do so to tease or infuriate other animals. I have heard Ravens mimic cat and dog sounds. Ravens can even mimic human noises too, and some tamed ravens have even be taught to talk.

Sitka's Fly Fisherman and the Swan

Fly Fishermen and the Swan from Alaska Video Clips on Vimeo.

Fly Fishermen in the Southeast Alaska community of Sitka share their favorite fishing spots with Trumpeter Swans. Filmed and produced by Sitka Alaska's Old Duffer.

Filming in Southeast Alaska

Filming Wildlife and Nature on Gray Cloudy Days from Alaska Video Clips on Vimeo.

Don't let Southeast Alaska's gray cloudy days and poor light keep you from getting great shots. The above video provides examples of what is possible when filming conditions are sub par.

David Rice, Sitka Alaska's Cinematographer.

Sitka Alaska's Giant Banana Slugs

Crawling After Banana Slugs from Alaska Video Clips on Vimeo.

This last months increase in precipitation has brought out the Banana Slugs. Banana Slugs are abundant, and can be found everywhere in the lower elevations of the Tongass Rain Forest here in Southeast Alaska.
I enjoy filming Banana Slugs. Like me, they are slow moving, and for a old cripple like me, they are easy to follow as they slim their way across the forest floor. You don't want to touch the slugs slime, or get any on your shoes. Like most slimy gluey substances, it is hard to remove. What ever you do, don't get the slugs slime on your camera lens!

I have heard that some people in California eat Banana Slugs. Which could explain a lot of things.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Banana slug is a common name for three species of air-breathing land slug in the genus Ariolimax. These slugs are often yellow in color and are sometimes spotted with brown like a ripe (or overripe) banana.
Ariolimax is a genus of terrestrial pulmonate gastropod molluscs in the family Ariolimacidae.
Ariolimax is the type genus of the family Ariolimacidae. It was previously placed in the family Arionidae.

Banana slugs are usually bright yellow (giving rise to the banana sobriquet) although they may also be green, brown, or white. Some slugs have black spots (Ariolimax columbianus) which may be so extensive as to make the animal look almost solid black.
The Pacific banana slug is the second-largest species of terrestrial slug in the world, growing up to 25 centimetres (9.8 in) long,[4] and weights of 115 gram (4 oz).[5] (The largest slug species is Limax cinereoniger of Europe, which can reach 30 centimetres (12 in) in length.)
Banana slugs can move at 6 ½ inches (16.5 cm) per minute.[6]

Slugs use two pairs of tentacles to sense their environment. The larger, upper pair, termed "eyestalks," are used to detect light or movement. The second, lower pair are used to detect chemicals. The tentacles can retract and extend themselves to avoid damage.
Banana slugs have a single lung which opens externally via pneumostome. The pneumostome lung cavity is heavily vascularized to allow gas exchange. Dehydration is a major problem for the mollusk. Banana slugs excrete a thick coating of mucus around their bodies and can also estivate. They secrete a protective layer of mucus, and insulate themselves with a layer of soil and leaves. They remain inactive in this state until the environment is moist again.

Courtship
The slime also contains pheromones to attract other slugs for mating. Slugs are hermaphrodites, and reproduce by exchanging sperm with their mate. They produce up to 75 translucent eggs, which are laid in a log or on leaves. Slugs mate and lay eggs throughout the year. The adults provide no further care for their eggs beyond finding a suitable hiding spot, and the eggs are abandoned as soon as the clutch is laid.[7]

Banana slugs are detritivores, or decomposers. They process leaves, animal droppings, and dead plant material, and then recycle them into soil humus. They seem to have a fondness for mushrooms, and they spread seeds and spores when they eat, and excrete a nitrogen rich fertilizer.[7][8] By consuming detritus (dead organic matter) slugs contribute to decomposition and the nutrient cycles[9] and are an important aspect of the ecosystem.

Raccoons, garter snakes, ducks, geese and salamanders sometimes eat banana slugs; they roll the slugs in soil to bind the slime. Juvenile banana slugs are sometimes eaten by shrews or moles, and people from California.

Sitka Bears Roam Free

In My Back Yard from Alaska Video Clips on Vimeo.

This morning I couldn't decide weather to grab my fly rod, or camera. So I grabbed my fly rod and walked the short distance over to Indian River, which is behind my home in Sitka. When I arrived, I looked out at a stream full of fish, and with excited anticipation, I started to tie on a fly. After tying my fly, I look down the beach, and to my amazement I saw a Alaska Brown Bear looking back at me. I slowly backed away, and then hurried home, exchanging my fly rod for the video camera. Luckily, the Brown Bear was still near by. The above video was filmed with a Canon EOS 60D with a 100-400mm lens. 1080 30p.

The Brown Bear looked like a 300 pound three year old, and it wondered aimlessly around acting dumber than the rock he seemed so fond of.



From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The brown bear (Ursus arctos) is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and North America. It can weigh from 300 to 780 kilograms (660 to 1,700 lb) and its largest subspecies, the Kodiak Bear, rivals the polar bear as the largest member of the bear family[2] and as the largest land-based predator.[3]

There are several recognized subspecies within the brown bear species. In North America, two types are generally recognized, the coastal brown bear and the inland grizzly, and the two types could broadly define all brown bear subspecies. Grizzlies weigh as little as 350 lb (159 kg) in Yukon, while a brown bear, living on a steady, nutritious diet of spawning salmon, from coastal Alaska and Russia can weigh 1,500 lb (682 kg). The exact number of overall brown subspecies remains in debate.

While the brown bear's range has shrunk, and it has faced local extinctions, it remains listed as a least concern species by the IUCN, with a total population of approximately 200,000. Its principal range countries are Russia, the United States (mostly in Alaska), Canada, the Carpathian region (especially Romania, but also Ukraine, Slovakia, and so on), the Balkans, Sweden and Finland, where it is the national animal. The brown bear is the most widely distributed of all bears.

Sitka Alaska When The Rain Stops

One Day-Between Rain Storms from Alaska Video Clips on Vimeo.

I was able to get out between rain storms and shot a little video of the beautiful Sitka Alaska scenery. You could even see the Mt. Edgcumbe Volcano.

They say that if you can't see the Mt. Edgumbe Volcano it's raining, and if you can see the Volcano, it's going to rain.....

Sitka has an oceanic climate (Köppen Cfb) with moderate, but generally cool, temperatures and abundant precipitation.

Average annual precipitation is 86.1 inches (2,190 mm); average seasonal snowfall is 30.9 inches (78 cm), falling on 233 and 19 days respectively.

The mean annual temperature is 45.0 °F (7.2 °C), with monthly means ranging from 34.9 °F (1.6 °C) in January to 57.2 °F (14.0 °C) in August.

Only 5.1 days per year see highs at or above 70 °F (21 °C); conversely, there are only 13 days with the high not exceeding freezing.

Extremes range from 0 to 88 °F (-17.8 to 31.1 °C), on January 15, 1971, and July 30, 1976, respectively.

Even with all the rain, Sitka is still one of the worlds premier travel destinations.

Sitka's Abundant Pink Salmon

River of Plenty from Alaska Video Clips on Vimeo.

Rivers of Pleny

Large numbers of Pink Salmon are now entering Alaska Rivers. The above short video was shot a few days ago, as thousands of Pink Salmon began to enter Indian River near Sitka Alaska. Commercial Fishermen, Fly Fishermen, Brown Bears, Eagles, and other predators eagerly await the arrival of the Pacific Pink Salmon.

From en.wikipedia.org

Pink salmon or humpback salmon, Oncorhynchus gorbuscha, (from a Russian name for this species gorbuša, горбуша) is a species of anadromous fish in the salmon family. It is the smallest and most abundant of the Pacific salmon.

During their spawning migration, males develop a pronounced humped back, hence their nickname "humpies". Pink salmon average 4.8 pounds (2.2 kg) in weight.[1] The maximum recorded size was 30 inches (76 cm) and 15 pounds (6.8 kg).[2]

Adult pink salmon enter spawning streams from the ocean, usually returning to the water course, or race, where they originated. Spawning occurs between late June and mid-October. Pink salmon spawn in coastal streams and some longer rivers, and may spawn in the intertidal zone or at the mouth of streams if hyporheic freshwater is available. Using her tail, the female digs a trough-shaped nest, called a redd (Scandinavian word for "nest"), in the gravel of the stream bed, wherein she deposits her eggs. As she expels the eggs, she is approached by one or more males who fertilize them as they fall into the redd. Subsequently, the female covers the newly-deposited zygotes, again with thrusts of her tail against the gravel at the top of the redd. The female lays from 1000 to 2000 eggs in several clutches within the redd, often fertilized by different males. Females guard their redds until death, which comes within days of spawning. In dense populations, a major source of mortality for embryos is superposition of redds by later-spawning fish. The eggs hatch from December to February, depending on water temperature, and the juveniles emerge from the gravel during March and April and quickly migrate downstream to estuaries at about one-quarter gram. The fish achieve sexual maturity in their second year of life. They return to freshwater in the summer or autumn as two year old adults. Pink and chum salmon sometimes interbreed in nature to form the hybrid known as the miko salmon; the hybrids are reproductively sterile.

The commercial harvest of pink salmon is a mainstay of fisheries of both the eastern and western North Pacific; over 100 million have been taken in recent annual harvests in Alaska alone.[4] More than 20 million harvested pink salmon are produced by fishery-enhancement hatcheries, particularly in the northern Gulf of Alaska.[5] Pink salmon are not grown in significant numbers in fish farms. The fish are often canned, smoked or salted. Pink salmon roe is also produced commercially for caviar, a particularly valuable product in Asia.

Sitka Alaska Raptors

My Raptor from Alaska Video Clips on Vimeo.

American Bald Eagle
This morning I got lucky close to a Bald Eagle feeding on a fish. Filmed near my home in Sitka Alaska. Canon 60D with a 100-400mm lens. Filmed by David Rice in 60p.

Sitka Sound Commercial Fishing

Commercial Fishing Sample Clips from Alaska Video Clips on Vimeo.

Sample video clip of Commercial Fishing in Sitka Alaska. Filmed and produced by David Rice, who films with the only HD Professional Video Camera available in the Sitka Borough. Filmed in full 1920 x 1080 HD. Mr. Rice has filmed commercial fishing activities in Sitka Sound for over 5 years, and has over 20 hours of commercial fishing related video footage.

David Rice also films Nature, Wildlife, Cultural, and Historical activities in Sitka.

Exploring Sitka Alaska's Ocean Environment

Living Under a Rock-Between Alaska Tides from Alaska Video Clips on Vimeo.

There is nothing more colorful, nor more intriguing, than what one can find living under a rock, on a Sitka Alaskan beach. One of the best places to view shoreline and marine life is Sitka Alaska. All you need is a pair of rubber boots and gloves, and the courage to lift and look under a rock. Filmed and produced by David Rice, Sitka's very own professional cinematographer.

Sitka is the fifth largest city in Alaska with a population of 8,881 (2010 US Census). It is located in the outer coast of Baranof Island, and is a port of call for major cruise lines that travel the Inside Passage in summer.
alaskavideoclips.com

Shot with a Canon EOS 60D
100-400mm lens
60mm Macro Lens

Video Vegas Pro 10

Bald Eagles of Sitka Alaska

Bald Eagles feeding and drying their wings after a heavy rain storm. Some of the Eagles look like drowned rats. Filmed on location in Sitka Alaska with a Canon 60D in HD 1080p.

Sitka Alaska receives over 80 inches a rain annually and is located in the Tongass Rainforest. Large numbers of Bald Eagle visit Sitka in the Spring during the arrival of the Pacific Herring. Sitka is fast becoming a world destination for nature and wildlife viewing. For more information: sitkaoldduffer@gmail.com.