Archaeology in the Park - An Aniakchak Journal
I have posted on the Aniakchak Wiki excerpts from my field journal. Katie Johnson Ringsmuth, an historian with the Park Service, asked me to put this document together last summer. She’s interested in recording the recent experiences of scientists and researchers that work in the park as part of her park history.
I’m not sure whether my journal excerpts have any historical or literary significance. But, I have always been interested in reading other people’s published field journals because of my fascination with the scientific process. So I offer my own contribution for readers with similar interests. (Note, I carefully censored all reference to that most troublesome member of my crew - JAG- so you won’t find any of my lengthy and justifiable rants about this person in my journal excerpts. Sorry for those of you who were hoping to get the true story behind the canned oranges.)
I remember that last day, our work was finished with those units and therefore that house. One of those things you never want to end. I do remember digging “outside” the house most of the season! So far you’ve failed to mention anything about you and John B wrestling, or are you embarressed?
I have not mentioned my wrestling victory over Burgess because of the obvious embarrassment to John. As you know, there is video evidence of my superior wrestling ability and John is wise not to force me to post the proof for all to see.
I’ve been trying to think of something I could do while I was in AK this year, any suggestions? I don’t know if you were planning on doing any further testing with the coastal predators projects, or searching for more raw material sources? Also, why is there a Village Creek?
My goal for the coastal critters project would be to collect some of the bone accumulations created by the bears. We collected some bear droppings in 2005, but they were so gnarly by the time we got them to the lab that I threw them out. Hopefully this summer we can process the samples in the field. We just have to make sure the bears aren’t in the area when we go checking out their fishing spots.
Since the salmon run was high two summers ago, might it be a low run this summer? I’m just wondering if we can’t find the bears or enough data. I read Erlandson’s article, I was wondering how they were able to excavate an eagle’s nest, is it because it’s historic? The nest could still be used at any time so why can they excavate it? I would have thought that no one would be able to disturb/excavate a nest whether it’s in active use or not. I ask because I was wondering if there are any nests in Aniakchak that are no longer in use that we could do further testing at. And what are the rules reguarding roosts? I wonder if there may be more on the cliff where the roost is, rather than what fell down the cliff.
First, regarding the salmon run, Pink salmon (Humpies) typically have a two-year cycle. So this summer should be another big run. It’ll be interesting to see if our creek fits the general pattern.
Regarding Erlandson’s eagle nest study, you ask a good question. I assume that their nest was inactive at the time of their study. I also assume that they did not “excavate” the nest itself, but the grounds around the nest. I’ll have to look at the article again to see if they actually dismantled the nest or left it alone.
Finally, regarding Aniakchak’s nests and roosts, most of the eagle fauna we collected in 2005 came from the Elephant Head Point nest, which was in use in 2004, but abandoned in 2005. Last summer Ross collected some more fauna from the roost and nest at our site. We also tested the roost at the NE end of the headlands in 2005. That’s where Ross dug up the sea mammal ribs and razor clam shells (which we think were from some human activity, not the eagles).