Date: 12/4/19 10:21 am From: Katherine McLaughlin <alaskahummingbird...> [AKBirding] <AKBirding-noreply...> Subject: [AK Birding] Cordova Christmas Bird Count info
Cordova’s 48th AnnualChristmas Bird Count
When: Saturday, December 14 Where to Meet: 8 AM Cordova Center's education room to getyour route assignment.Who: Open to the public. Beginner birders are welcome! If youhave a feeder and want to record birds during count day – pleasegive us a call!
Results: Pot luck Saturday evening at 6 pm to tally sightings
Questions? Call Milo Burcham at 907-429-5878
Kate McLaughlin
Alaska Hummingbird Project, Inc.
PO Box 561
Cordova, AK 99574
907/<429-4014www.alaskahummingbird...>
Date: 12/3/19 3:13 pm From: David Sonneborn <davidsonne...> [AKBirding] <AKBirding-noreply...> Subject: Re: [AK Birding] RUFF (?) in Soldotna
It's hard to say much from that picture. I don't believe it's a snipe. Maybe a Sharp-tailed which should still be possible this time of year.David Sonneborn
-----Original Message-----
From: Isaac Helmericks <isaac.helmericks...> [AKBirding] <AKBirding-noreply...>
To: kenaibirder <kenaibirder...>
Cc: AKBirding <AKBirding...>
Sent: Tue, Dec 3, 2019 1:13 pm
Subject: Re: [AK Birding] RUFF (?) in Soldotna
I’m having a hard time seeing a Ruff in that picture. The tertials are heavily barred which should not be in a juvenile or winter plumaged Ruff. Also the dark capped look isn’t typical for Ruff.
Isaac Helmericks Palmer
On Dec 3, 2019, at 12:45 PM, <kenaibirder...> [AKBirding] <AKBirding-noreply...> wrote:
On December 2, Billie and Joe Hardy found a shorebird sheltering from the snow storm behind the Safeway in Soldotna, near the loading dock. The photo they shared looks like a Ruff to me. This ebird checklist has their photo, try to enlarge and lighten and see what you think. I spent about an hour looking for the bird yesterday with no luck.https://ebird.org/checklist/S6 1946294
Laura BurkeKenai, AK
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Date: 12/3/19 2:13 pm From: Isaac Helmericks <isaac.helmericks...> [AKBirding] <AKBirding-noreply...> Subject: Re: [AK Birding] RUFF (?) in Soldotna
I’m having a hard time seeing a Ruff in that picture. The tertials are heavily barred which should not be in a juvenile or winter plumaged Ruff. Also the dark capped look isn’t typical for Ruff.
Isaac Helmericks
Palmer
> On Dec 3, 2019, at 12:45 PM, <kenaibirder...> [AKBirding] <AKBirding-noreply...> wrote:
>
>
> On December 2, Billie and Joe Hardy found a shorebird sheltering from the snow storm behind the Safeway in Soldotna, near the loading dock. The photo they shared looks like a Ruff to me. This ebird checklist has their photo, try to enlarge and lighten and see what you think. I spent about an hour looking for the bird yesterday with no luck.
>
> https://ebird.org/checklist/S6 1946294
>
> Laura Burke
>
> Kenai, AK
>
>
On December 2, Billie and Joe Hardy found a shorebird sheltering from the snow storm behind the Safeway in Soldotna, near the loading dock. The photo they shared looks like a Ruff to me. This ebird checklist has their photo, try to enlarge and lighten and see what you think. I spent about an hour looking for the bird yesterday with no luck.
https://ebird.org/checklist/S6 1946294 https://ebird.org/checklist/S61946294
Anchorage Audubon presents
"Shorebird Ecology and Conservation:
Ensuring the Survival of our Alaska-born Globetrotters"
by Rick Lanctot
Join Dr. Rick Lanctot, Shorebird Coordinator for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, as he describes the importance of Alaska to shorebirds, the amazing migration pathways learned recently using state-of-the-art satellite technology, and most importantly, the many threats facing shorebirds throughout their annual cycle. Be prepared to think about how you can make a difference to not only shorebirds, but to migratory birds in general.
PLEASE NOTE: This meeting on December 12 is NOT on our usual third Thursday because of the holiday season. So please join us one week early for a fabulous program and last minute information for The Christmas Bird Count which will take place two days later on Saturday, December 14.
And since December is also Cookie Season, we’ll jump right into the spirit of the Holidays.
The Anchorage Christmas Bird Count
Is Less Than 2 Weeks Away!
Most of your leftovers are gone, so it’s time to start thinking about The Christmas Bird Count on Saturday, December 14!
If you have participated in The Count before, just contact your Area Leader and tell them you’ll be back. You DO NOT have to register through National Audubon this year. If you don't know your area leader, you can contact Louann Feldmann at: louannf at alaska dot net.
If you want to join the Christmas Bird Count for the first time, contact Louann and she’ll help you find a place in the count.
PLEASE REGISTER WITH YOUR AREA LEADER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE—it’s way more fun for everyone if you do.
Following the Christmas Count on Dec. 14 is the fabulous Chili Feed and Tally Party on Saturday, December 14; 6:00pm at the Congregational Church at 2610 E. Northern Lights.
We'll provide chili and corn bread. Salads, side dishes, and desserts are a potluck. So bring a dish to share, and join in the live tally of the day's results. It's Citizen Science at it's best accompanied by fabulous food, good times, great people, and tall tales of the day's conquest.
It’s the 119th annual count and we’d love to have you join us for the biggest national birding event of the year.
Hello everyone, it has been a long while and felt the need to post. Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving and ate well with the important people in your lives:) Anyway, I was not able to attend with my family in Valdez as Weather thought differently and got flights cancelled. Better safe than sorry as they say.
As a result I made sure to enjoy some birding and avoid the Black Friday chaos! The weather was downright perfect with partly sunny skies and mid 30s temps and no wind! The activity was amazing with birds sounds everywhere and many seen. The species of note were both Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers, several Canada Jays, more than any I have ever seen in Anchorage. They are actually very attractive birds. Red-Breasted Nuthatches, both Boreal and Black-Capped Chickadees. Several others observed but a complete list is forthcoming on eBird. Even mammals were represented with a moose and many active squirrels.
Spent time chasing a good sized Am Robin flock (75+) mostly along Lord Baranof Dr mid day 11/29. Also included several hairy/downy woodpeckers. Swainsons Thrush still at our feeder.
Date: 11/26/19 7:33 pm From: <akjohnm...> [AKBirding] <AKBirding-noreply...> Subject: [AK Birding] CRAU and more in the Chiswells
A short break in the weather allowed us to get out into the Chiswell Islands today for other work but was able to do a little birding anyway.
A single Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel was still hanging around in upper Resurrection Bay on the way out, and a couple of late season Northern Fulmars were seen northeast of Chiswell Island.
Also saw 2 Gray-crowned Rosy-Finches on Chiswell Island proper.
But the highlight was 3 Crested Auklets on the water between Chiswell and Natoa Islands. We don't see those every winter around here, so it is special when they do show up. As a birder, these were even cooler than the super-pod of killer whales that we ran across on the way out.
Cool Birds!
--
John M. Maniscalco, Ph.D., Capt. Senior Research Scientist, Alaska SeaLife Center
Owner/Operator, Alaska Seabird Charters
www.alaskaseabirds.com http://www.alaskaseabirds.com PO Box 1675
Seward, AK 99664
Today, November 19, 2019, at 3:20 p.m., a flock of ~100 Canada geese flew eastward in a V at an elevation of ~125 feet over the Turnagain neighborhood in Anchorage. If they stick around for just a few more weeks, we can count them at Christmas.
Date: 11/19/19 9:45 pm From: Aaron Lang <birdingak...> [AKBirding] <AKBirding-noreply...> Subject: [AK Birding] AMERICAN COOT in Homer
Yesterday afternoon (11/18) there was an AMERICAN COOT on the east end of Beluga Lake. I first saw it from the end of Landings Street, near the Homer Brewery, and was able to relocate it from the upper platform at the end of FAA Drive. It was not visible from the lower platform.
Also, yesterday morning a mixed blackbird flock was perched in the spruce trees between the RV dump station and Beluga Slough contained 6 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS and two RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS!
The Western Tanagers have not been reported since 11/12 when one was in our yard off Portlock Drive. A WHITE-THROATED SPARROW is still in town on Danview Street and an ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRD continues on Lee Street.
Date: 11/19/19 8:58 am From: <wkeys...> [AKBirding] <AKBirding-noreply...> Subject: [AK Birding] Audubon Program This Thursday
NORTH TO SOUTH
This Thursday, Anchorage Audubon presents a super-special program featuring work by Jamin Taylor. Jamin is a stunningly spectacular photographer, and at our November meeting, he will share photos from our beautiful state of Alaska as well as from trips to Florida and Mexico.
This will be an incredibly special presentation of photography that is nothing short of amazing.
And of course, cookies will be served. Who could ask for more?
Bird TLC has a Hermit Thrush ready for release but also snow now. Apparently they are not in Seward any longer. Has anyone seen them elsewhere recently?
Date: 11/17/19 2:41 pm From: Paul Lehman <lehman.paul...> [AKBirding] <AKBirding-noreply...> Subject: [AK Birding] Book "The Birds of Gambell and St. Lawrence Island, Alaska" now published and available
The book I authored on "The Birds of Gambell and St. Lawrence Island, Alaska" and published by Western Field Ornithologists has now been printed and is available. It is approx. 360 pages, soft cover, and contains almost 800 color photos of habitats and multiple photos of virtually every species recorded (all taken on site by a myriad of photographers). Includes several introductory chapters and then detailed species accounts covering the 290 species recorded at Gambell and on the island between the late 1880s and early 2019.
Ordering information can be found at www.WFOPublications.org or, more specifically, at www.WFOPublications.org/Gambell-order.html. One can order on-line using a credit card, or via mail with a check. A Kindle eBook version is also available.
Cost for the book is $50 plus shipping, with sales tax only for California residents. The Kindle version is about half that. For what it's worth, this book is a labor of love, and nobody is making any money on it. WFO, a non-profit organization, receives all funds from sales and is hoping to just recoup most of the fairly high printing costs. My personal funds spent getting the book produced are my contribution to getting the information out, and in support of WFO.
On-line detailed island databases I compiled and which cover all records of note from all seasons (through early 2019) are also available (free) at a different WFO website discussed in the book.
Our Christmas Bird Count in Homer will be on Saturday, December 14th.
Meet in the Seminar Room at Islands and Ocean Visitor Center at 8:30 am to
get your team assignments and area. Tea, coffee and breakfast breads will
be served. Count in your area and then we will all return to the Visitor
Center by 4:30 pm to tally what we’ve found. As always, we will have a
warm pot luck meal which is very welcome to all us cold, tired, hungry
birders! (Bring a dish to share or you can have a crock pot cooking through
the day if you’d like.)
For more information about the count itself, contact Dave Erikson,
coordinator, 907-441-7931. For more information about the potluck, Lani
Raymond, 399-9477.
In preparation for the CBC, Dave Erikson will teach his class, WINTER BIRD
IDENTIFICATION, on Wednesday, December 11th at 6:00 pm in the Auditorium of
the Islands and Ocean Visitor Center. His class provides a good review of
winter birds in Homer for folks intending to help with the Count. It is
also a good, comprehensive introduction to our winter birds for any new
birders.
Both events are free and open to the public cosponsored by the Kachemak Bay
Birders and Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge. We welcome any
out-of-town birders to come and join us. The more birders helping, the
more birds we'll see!
Date: 11/15/19 10:09 am From: <c_griz...> [AKBirding] <AKBirding-noreply...> Subject: [AK Birding] Tuesday, November 12, 2019 Lowell Point Road Seabirds
Tuesday, November 12, 2019 Lowell Point Road Seabirds
Seward, Alaska
Another mild, calm, overcast day with unseasonally warm temperatures continuing in the 40s.
I drove slowly along Lowell Point Road, stopping at pullouts to enjoy the seabirds. A frenzy of Gulls, mostly GLAUCOUS-WINGED and MEW GULLS, with a sprinkling of BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKES, flocked and squawked at the seafood processing plant. At least five STELLER SEA LION’S dove among them, adding to the chaos when they suddenly surfaced and the seabirds leapt up. Goosed?
The only vessel on the bay besides the outward-bound USCG Cutter Mustang, was the Alaska Sealife Center seabird survey crew doing their monthly count.
They reported the Gulls, lots of BARROW’S GOLDENEYES and a good number of MARBLED MURRELETS, an unusual PIGEON GUILLEMOT (not usually here in November), several COMMON LOONS, a possible YELLOW-BILLED LOON (not confirmed), and seven GREAT BLUE HERONS perched on the blue coal dipper just outside the harbor. Other expected species included COMMON GOLDENEYES, HARLEQUIN DUCKS, SURF SCOTERS, COMMON MERGANSERS, HORNED GREBES, and PELAGIC CORMORANTS.
A raft of handsome Barrow’s Goldeneyes paddled serenely just offshore until the leaders dove, followed by successive ranks until no birds were visible. After a short time, they popped up nearby and resumed hunting.
I enjoyed watching and listening to a pair of Marbled Murrelets in winter plumage call to each other as they paddled side by side before diving in synchrony. They swam a surprising distance before reappearing.
Two COMMON LOONS fished successfully just off Lowell Point Beach. So great to see Loons!
To my amazement, there were many dozens of tiny sea stars and a few baby green sea urchins and clams scattered along the wrack on the west end of the beach like stars fallen from the sky. I have never seen this. A scientist at the ASLC speculated that the warmer water temperature may be responsible. It would be interesting to learn if this phenomenon is occurring in Kachemak Bay, Kodiak, or other coastal communities.
I was fascinated by the miniatures and arranged them for photographs. Even in death, they added beauty and mystery to a continually changing, dynamic environment.
Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter
Date: 11/14/19 12:33 pm From: Steve Friend <sjfriend...> [AKBirding] <AKBirding-noreply...> Subject: [AK Birding] Anchor Point birds
Above Anchor Point about 10 miles up North Fork rd. Thought I'd drop a note showing what birds I saw this morning at my place (plus other recent observations)A flock of about 120 song birds flying around the area. A few stopped in a nearby spruce revealing a mixed flock. I could ID 20 Pine Siskins, 5 Red Crossbills, and 2 Common Redpolls. Guessing by these numbers and size of birds in flyby I'd say most are probably Siskins.As these birds were buzzing around I heard a ticking sound nearby but couldn't pin it down to tree or bird type. Then a couple landed in a spruce snag. When they did they made a Hairy Woodpecker jump around from the back side. Haven't seen one of those in quite a while.A couple Red-breasted Nuthatches were chatting back n forth while a few Black-capped Chickadees bounced from limb to limb. Might have been a Boreal Chickadee or two as well but those were just quick glances as they shot between trees.Had 3 Spruce Grouse in the driveway. Then when I walked up to see about photos, 5 more exploded from a tree next to the drive, no photos this time :(My usual Canada Jays stopped by for a quick visit early as well. A pair of Stellar Jays were by earlier in the week. They have been hit or miss in the last month. Here one day gone for a week or more then back again.Oh, almost forgot, last evening just before sunset had 3 Varied Thrush along the driveway. Heard one this morning calling. So shocked to still have them around!Steve Friend Anchor Point Sent from my Samsung Galaxy smartphone.
The Seward Audubon Christmas Bird Count will be Saturday, December 21 (Happy Winter Solstice!)
Field counters will meet at our traditional spot at Resurrect Art Coffee House Gallery, 320 Third Avenue at 9 am to verify teams and field assignments. From 4 to 5 pm, we will meet there again for the unofficial tally and best sightings. Bird feeder watchers are welcome to join the tally.
Be prepared to be outside all day in whatever-the-weather: bring appropriate clothing; food, water, and other provisions; binoculars; notepaper and pencils; and cell phone with charger. A spotting scope and camera are helpful, as is a friend.
Volunteer field counters are welcome but please email me ahead of time.
Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Seward CBC Compiler
c_grizATyahoo.com
Thank you for the input from other members of the group. With that info I was able to compare the WINTER and PACIFIC WREN. I finally found one pic of a Pacific that was like the one I watched today.
Just as an interesting side note, the bird population around my home has changed gradually over the past 10 years I've been making notes. The absence of warblers is the most notable. We still had many ORANGE CROWNED WARBLERS but other warblers I was used to seeing did not come this year. However, the number of FOX SPARROWS, WHITE -CROWNED and GOLDEN CROWNED SPARROWS didn't leave much tree space for anything else.
Kathy Buesseler Ninilchik, AK
Saw my first WINTER WREN in Ninilchik today. Description and picture in Sibley's matches adult Western--very small, dark brown, thin dark bill, yellow legs, and the little stubby tail that sticks up. I was able to watch him from very close for several minutes.
Kathy Buesseler Ninilchik, AK
Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android
Date: 11/9/19 6:48 pm From: Aaron Lang <birdingak...> [AKBirding] <AKBirding-noreply...> Subject: [AK Birding] Homer Frugivores
A few interesting birds are hanging out in the growing AMERICAN ROBIN flocks along East End Road, Homer, which are mainly feasting on mountain ash fruit. At least one of the two WESTERN TANAGERS on Cannonball Circle, first found on 31 October is still present. Today (9 Nov) a RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD also joined that flock. Yesterday, two RUSTY BLACKBIRDS and three CEDAR WAXWINGS were in our yard in a robin flock on Portlock Dr.
There are RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS everywhere! There were at least nine today at Mossy's Seaside Farm and there have been at least six in our yard this week.
We also noted several dandelions and a buttercup in bloom in the yard yesterday.
A SNOWY OWL was seen on the Kenai Flats directly across from the Kenai City dock on Friday evening. It was sighted at 4:40 PM and remained perched on a post during the entire time we observed it. The bird appeared to be very heavily barred dorsally, its relatively dark body contrasting sharply with its very white face. It is likely a hatch-year female.
> On 6 Nov 2019, at 12:23, Lisa Holzapfel <lrholzapfel...> [AKBirding] <AKBirding-noreply...> wrote:
>
>
> Pretty amazing. It’s great Clarence loves birds! Hope you are both doing well.
> Cruising again?
>
>> On Wed, Nov 6, 2019 at 4:16 AM Paul Lehman <lehman.paul...> [AKBirding] <AKBirding-noreply...> wrote:
>>
>> Following my mid-October departure from Gambell, local resident and bird
>> photographer Clarence Irrigoo Jr. has soldiered on, weather permitting.
>> The most unusual bird of the period was actually not found by him--an
>> apparent PACIFIC WREN on 22-23 October that entered a home and
>> subsequently died. The specimen has made it to Fairbanks, where Jack
>> Withrow at UAM has tentatively identified it as one of the MAINLAND (or
>> near mainland) subspecies, rather than an Aleutian or Pribilofs bird.
>> More details from Jack within the next week or so. This is the first
>> island record and one of very few "vagrant" records of this species in
>> the state. From Asia, Clarence had glimpsed a thrush a few times since
>> 21 Oct which he finally well-photo'd on 4 Nov...a DUSKY THRUSH. The
>> third fall record at Gambell (where ca. 6 spring records), and certainly
>> the latest. There was a RUSTIC BUNTING photo'd on 18 Oct. Highlights
>> from the North American mainland included a casual PURPLE FINCH (likely
>> of the eastern subspecies) on 17-18 Oct, the fourth fall record, a
>> record late and very rare LINCOLN'S SPARROW on 29 Oct, and up to 2
>> record late RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS from 27-29 Oct. The last of the Sooty
>> Fox and Golden-crowned Sparrows lingered through 18+ October.
>>
>> --Paul Lehman
>>
>>
> --
> *******************************************
> Lisa Holzapfel
>
Pretty amazing. It’s great Clarence loves birds! Hope you are both doing
well.
Cruising again?
On Wed, Nov 6, 2019 at 4:16 AM Paul Lehman <lehman.paul...>
[AKBirding] <AKBirding-noreply...> wrote:
>
>
> Following my mid-October departure from Gambell, local resident and bird
> photographer Clarence Irrigoo Jr. has soldiered on, weather permitting.
> The most unusual bird of the period was actually not found by him--an
> apparent PACIFIC WREN on 22-23 October that entered a home and
> subsequently died. The specimen has made it to Fairbanks, where Jack
> Withrow at UAM has tentatively identified it as one of the MAINLAND (or
> near mainland) subspecies, rather than an Aleutian or Pribilofs bird.
> More details from Jack within the next week or so. This is the first
> island record and one of very few "vagrant" records of this species in
> the state. From Asia, Clarence had glimpsed a thrush a few times since
> 21 Oct which he finally well-photo'd on 4 Nov...a DUSKY THRUSH. The
> third fall record at Gambell (where ca. 6 spring records), and certainly
> the latest. There was a RUSTIC BUNTING photo'd on 18 Oct. Highlights
> from the North American mainland included a casual PURPLE FINCH (likely
> of the eastern subspecies) on 17-18 Oct, the fourth fall record, a
> record late and very rare LINCOLN'S SPARROW on 29 Oct, and up to 2
> record late RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS from 27-29 Oct. The last of the Sooty
> Fox and Golden-crowned Sparrows lingered through 18+ October.
>
> --Paul Lehman
>
>
>
--
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Lisa Holzapfel
Following my mid-October departure from Gambell, local resident and bird photographer Clarence Irrigoo Jr. has soldiered on, weather permitting. The most unusual bird of the period was actually not found by him--an apparent PACIFIC WREN on 22-23 October that entered a home and subsequently died. The specimen has made it to Fairbanks, where Jack Withrow at UAM has tentatively identified it as one of the MAINLAND (or near mainland) subspecies, rather than an Aleutian or Pribilofs bird. More details from Jack within the next week or so. This is the first island record and one of very few "vagrant" records of this species in the state. From Asia, Clarence had glimpsed a thrush a few times since 21 Oct which he finally well-photo'd on 4 Nov...a DUSKY THRUSH. The third fall record at Gambell (where ca. 6 spring records), and certainly the latest. There was a RUSTIC BUNTING photo'd on 18 Oct. Highlights from the North American mainland included a casual PURPLE FINCH (likely of the eastern subspecies) on 17-18 Oct, the fourth fall record, a record late and very rare LINCOLN'S SPARROW on 29 Oct, and up to 2 record late RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS from 27-29 Oct. The last of the Sooty Fox and Golden-crowned Sparrows lingered through 18+ October.
