Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 07/29/2009 - 14:14
Forums
Seabird Ecology in the Bering Sea

Hi Daddy,

Have you seen any bears yet? Good luck with everything.

Love Jake

Thu, 07/30/2009 - 02:15

Thomas Harten

Hi Jake!
I'm so glad that you wrote! Actually, there are no bears on this
island. There are LOTS of fur seals and arctic foxes around here
though. Of course you know that there are tons of birds!
I'm looking forward to seeing you in a couple of weeks. Be a good boy
for Mommy!
Love,
Dad

Thu, 08/06/2009 - 13:34

Robert Campanelli

What?! no bears? BOR-RING!Hey Tom!
Just catching up on your blog. Great stuff. Looks like you're having a blast out there. Post more pictures! I didn't notice any video links. Have you posted any vids?
Rob

Fri, 08/07/2009 - 07:52

Thomas Harten

Hey Rob, 
Good to hear from you!  Not a bear to be found here, although I read that a dead polar bear washed ashore many years ago.  That would have been interesting.  I'll try to get some more video and photos up on the site.  The video on the little camera that I'm using seems to come out a little grainy for any wildlife or scenery, but works ok for real close up shots like for an interview with one of the team.
I'll see you back in MD or DC soon,
 
Tom

Sat, 08/08/2009 - 06:47

Guest- rob DeJulia

Hi Tom,
Rob DeJulia here- from Blauvelt. I met up with your brother Ken at Gerard Doyles wedding and he passed on to me what you are up to. I teach freshman earth science at Vernon Township High School- NJ. I love it. Your research/expedition sounds amazing up in Alaska. Do you see the Northern Lights up there?
Thanks Rob D

Sat, 08/08/2009 - 08:45

Thomas Harten

webmaster@polartrec.com wrote:Hi Rob,
Great to hear from you and so glad to hear that you're a teacher!
Actually I've not seen the Northern Lights, the length summer day up
here is so long that the Northern Lights aren't visible. I was in
Fairbanks last winter for a conference and had high hopes of seeing
them, but there was very low auroral activity at that time.
The other part of the issue here is the weather. In fact, yesterday was
the first time that I've seen the moon or the sun set in nearly a month.
Otherwise, we're socked in with fog or really low ceiling cloud cover.
You should definitely keep the PolarTREC site bookmarked for when your
classes start back up. There will be several expeditions that tie into
earth science. Your students could ask questions of the teachers in the
field or of the researcher, participate in live web events, etc.
Enjoy the rest of your summer!

Sat, 08/08/2009 - 15:54

Charlie

Hi Uncle Tom:
Have you worn your camo lately?
Love Charlie
PS I just got home from boy scout camp.

Sat, 08/08/2009 - 18:30

Thomas Harten

webmaster@polartrec.com wrote:Hey Charlie,
We only use the camo for catching kittiwakes,which are a kind of gull.
Now we are catching murres, which look a little like a penguin and we
don't use camo to catch those birds.
I am sure that you had a great time at camp. I know that Jake is
excited to visit with you next week. I'll see you in about a week!
Love,

Mon, 08/10/2009 - 17:40

Jake, Charlie …

Hi Daddy, Uncle Tom, and Bro:
Good for the hungry fox, not so good for the Murre Chicks. Jake arrived in West Nyack today. Hi Daddy!!!!! I am being a good boy. I miss you very much and I can't wait to see you.
We will be on line Thursday evening so give us a shout out!!!!

Mon, 08/10/2009 - 22:45

Thomas Harten

webmaster@polartrec.com wrote:Hi Guys!
Thanks for writing! Hope all is well in West Nyack! Looking forward to
talking with you all on Thursday. I miss you too buddy and will see you
real soon!