Birdingonthe.Net Recent Postings from Alaska Birding > Home > Mail > Alerts Updated on Thursday, March 18 at 03:45 AM ET The most recently received Mail is at the top.	Little Shearwater,©Tony Disley

18 Mar Dark-eyed Junco ["kbuesseler" ] 17 Mar Summer bird job, Tongass National Forest [Gwen Baluss ] 17 Mar Summer bird job, Tongass National Forest [Gwen Baluss ] 17 Mar Homer/Kachemak Bay Bluebird: 3-17-10 ["lani.raymond" ] 17 Mar FOS Trumpeter Swan ["akdouglloyd" ] 16 Mar Re: Goshawk taking Spruce Grouse? ["victoria_homer_alaska" ] 15 Mar Anchorage Kincaid Park/South Coastal Bluff ["ak_zukes" ] 14 Mar FOS: Kittiwakes are back in Homer ["Martin" ] 14 Mar Anchorage Sat & Sun ["ak_zukes" ] 14 Mar Ninilchik Golden Crowned Sparrows ["kbuesseler" ] 14 Mar Bird Mysteries ["boneman_ak" ] 13 Mar Brandt and more [joe staab ] 9 Mar question about when to visit Alaska given certain circumstances [turismo aves ] 12 Mar Spruce Grouse [Christopher Mannix ] 12 Mar Trumpeters Swans Seward, Alaska ["tjbluebird" ] 12 Mar Spruce Grouse [] 10 Mar Re: Thank You Gordon! ["Gordon Tans" ] 10 Mar HOMER SAW WHET OWL ["bonzeriffic" ] 9 Mar Really wierd owls [joe staab ] 9 Mar Little Su ["Karen Webster" ] 08 Mar Susitna Dr Saw-whet Owl ["tgtljo" ] 07 Mar Shrike ["victoria_homer_alaska" ] 08 Mar Homer/Kachemak Bay Bird Hot Line (235-PEEP): 3-7-10 ["lani.raymond" ] 06 Mar Re: Thank you Gordon! [Chris Maack ] 06 Mar Thank you Gordon! ["paulncess" ] 4 Mar Cedar Waxwings continue in Homer [Aaron Lang ] 03 Mar Fabulous Upcoming Events ["w" ] 03 Mar Little Su Update ["w" ] 03 Mar Late Sat Homer Post ["ak_zukes" ] 03 Mar Anchorage Mon Various Locations ["ak_zukes" ] 2 Mar Visiting Saw-Whet Su [Charles Iliff ] 1 Mar Sharp Shinned Hawk behavior [Erik Hendrickson ] 1 Mar Sharp Shinned Hawk behavior [seasidefarm ] 1 Mar RBA Fairbanks Alaska March 1 2010 [] 1 Mar RBA Fairbanks Alaska March 1 2010 [] 01 Mar Seward: Bohemian waxwings return ["c_griz" ] 28 Feb Seward Winter Birding Trip ["Louann Feldmann" ] 28 Feb Re:Little Su ["Karen Webster" ] 01 Mar Gyrfalcon ["paulncess" ] 28 Feb Lincoln's Sparrow is back [seasidefarm ] 28 Feb Re: Audubon Seward Trip ["cwmaack" ] 28 Feb Audubon Seward Trip [John Fugett ] 28 Feb Homer/Kachemak Bay: 2-28-10 ["lani.raymond" ] 27 Feb Need owl help ["paulmc46" ] 28 Feb Little Su ["w" ] 27 Feb Raptors, raptors, and raptors! ["paulncess" ] 27 Feb Raptors, raptors, and raptors! ["paulncess" ] 27 Feb Owls in Anchorage or the Valley? ["liza-s" ] 26 Feb Seward Hwy condition [joe staab ] 25 Feb Homer 2/25 [Aaron Lang ] 24 Feb Seward Trip Is On [Delesta Fox ] 22 Feb Bohemian waxwings ["DIANNE TOEBE" ] 21 Feb Birding in AK ["to.drum" ] 21 Feb Homer Thayer's Gull [Martin Renner ] 21 Feb Homer/Kachemak Bay Bird Hotline (235-PEEP): 2-20-10 ["lani.raymond" ] 21 Feb Redpolls and Juncos- Huffman & Birch ["Gary" ] 19 Feb Re:Anchorage 17th & 18th [Jean Eaton ] 19 Feb SEWARD TRIP CANCELLED [Delesta Fox ] 18 Feb Anchorage 17th & 18th ["ak_zukes" ] 18 Feb Northern Hawk Owl ["victoria_homer_alaska" ] 17 Feb Seward Birding Trip Saturday ["w" ] 17 Feb hit a double on sparrows at Kenai ["todd_eskelin" ] 16 Feb Re: (unknown) ["Gary and Terri Lyon" ] 16 Feb Robins, etc. [Delesta Fox ] 17 Feb Homer on Monday Feb 15th. ["todd_eskelin" ] 17 Feb Seward and Kenai Flats report ["kennethtarbox" ] 15 Feb (unknown) [] 15 Feb Valentine's Day Birding in Homer [Aaron Lang ] 15 Feb Ring the Bay Bird Tour, Seward AK ["c_griz" ] 14 Feb Homer/Kachemak Bay ROCK SANDPIPERS: (2-13-10) ["lani.raymond" ] 13 Feb Homer/Kachemak Bay: 2-13-10 ["lani.raymond" ] 12 Feb Juncos-Anchorage [] 09 Feb Can a smaller owl kill a larger sloth? ["paulncess" ] 09 Feb Fabulous Audubon Meeting On Thursday ["w" ] 8 Feb Outlawing finches [joe staab ] 8 Feb Own a Domestic Canary, go to jail? [gary rasmussen ] Subject: Dark-eyed Junco From: "kbuesseler" <kbuesseler AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2010 04:32:11 -0000 This evening about 6:00, there was a slate-colored dark eyed junco near the ballfields off DeBarr and Pine. Kathy Buesseler Anchorage Subject: Summer bird job, Tongass National Forest From: Gwen Baluss <gwenbaluss AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 20:22:22 -0700 (PDT) Hello Alaska birders, If you or anyone you know is looking for interesting short-term field work, please see the announcement below. WILDLIFE TECHNICIAN (1)  to conduct avian point counts and other bird projects in Alaska’s Tongass National Forest. This is an opportunity to explore and bird remote areas of America’s largest temperate rainforest. Salary will be GS- 7 plus cost-of-living allowance (about $20 per hour), plus paid annual leave, and overtime after 40 hours per week. Required activities and skills:  identify land birds by sight and sound; good physical condition; camp in a wilderness setting and rise very early in the morning; travel in boats and small aircraft; hike rugged terrain; take basic habitat (plant) information; data entry and paper- work in a forest service office; adhere to strict safety protocols. Other desired skills: previous point count experience, and familiarity with Pacific Northwest or Alaska bird and plant species. Target dates are 26 April through late July but there is some flexibility, and the season potentially may be extended if technician is willing to work on other natural resource projects, depending on funding.  Technician must be available in May and June. Government housing is generally available in Juneau, Alaska. For information on how US citizens can officially apply for this position through the FS temporary hiring system contact: GWEN BALUSS (gwenbaluss AT yahoo.com) and CC to BARB ADAMS (bjadams AT fs.fed.us).  Please include a cover letter or brief resume that outlines relevant experience and write the phrase BIRD CREW in the subject line.  Subject: Summer bird job, Tongass National Forest From: Gwen Baluss <gwenbaluss AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 20:22:22 -0700 (PDT) Hello Alaska birders, If you or anyone you know is looking for interesting short-term field work, please see the announcement below. WILDLIFE TECHNICIAN (1)  to conduct avian point counts and other bird projects in Alaska’s Tongass National Forest. This is an opportunity to explore and bird remote areas of America’s largest temperate rainforest. Salary will be GS- 7 plus cost-of-living allowance (about $20 per hour), plus paid annual leave, and overtime after 40 hours per week. Required activities and skills:  identify land birds by sight and sound; good physical condition; camp in a wilderness setting and rise very early in the morning; travel in boats and small aircraft; hike rugged terrain; take basic habitat (plant) information; data entry and paper- work in a forest service office; adhere to strict safety protocols. Other desired skills: previous point count experience, and familiarity with Pacific Northwest or Alaska bird and plant species. Target dates are 26 April through late July but there is some flexibility, and the season potentially may be extended if technician is willing to work on other natural resource projects, depending on funding.  Technician must be available in May and June. Government housing is generally available in Juneau, Alaska. For information on how US citizens can officially apply for this position through the FS temporary hiring system contact: GWEN BALUSS (gwenbaluss AT yahoo.com) and CC to BARB ADAMS (bjadams AT fs.fed.us).  Please include a cover letter or brief resume that outlines relevant experience and write the phrase BIRD CREW in the subject line.  [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Homer/Kachemak Bay Bluebird: 3-17-10 From: "lani.raymond" <lani.raymond AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:41:23 -0000 I just got a most welcome report that the MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD is back at the Mormon Church!! Survived all that horrid weather and storms. Must be a tough, smart bird. Subject: FOS Trumpeter Swan From: "akdouglloyd" <douglloyd AT gci.net> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 02:02:47 -0000 Being ever the optimist I took a ride a lunch today down E Matanuska road thinking there might be some ducks maybe an eagle hanging around. On the way down the hill to Spring Creek crossing there is a bit of open water on the opposite side of the tracks and glory bee there was a Trumpeter sitting in the snow. I think this is the earliest I have ever seen one in the valley. BTY there were no ducks on the open water below the crossing. Also one singing shrike. Can sprin be far away? Doug Between Wasilla and Palmer Subject: Re: Goshawk taking Spruce Grouse? From: "victoria_homer_alaska" <victoria_homer_alaska AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 01:59:09 -0000 Re: Could the "big gray bird" taking off a Spruce Grouse have been a Northern Goshawk? A long tale, but I think I have your answer... Last winter my chickens received a number of visits from a Northern Goshawk. My Barred Rocks seemed to be targeted far more frequently than the darker breeds, which stand out more against the snow, which leads me to wonder if the Goshawk is more attuned to the plumage similarities... One morning, having been alerted by the alarm calls of the chickens, I ran out to see the hawk leaving the pen, but was relieved to find no dead chicken. Later on however, taking them some scraps, one of my last two remaining Barred Rocks staggered/flopped into sight with the feathers, skin and flesh of her back completely ripped away - I must have interrupted the attack earlier and she'd managed to get away. I rushed her to the house, set her in a box by the woodstove and doused her with Betadine. She could not stand and, even if she survived the horrific wounding, she would surely be unable to rejoin the flock, but rescue her I must try... After a week, a shiny crust had formed on her back, and after 10 or so days she jumped out of her box and began to wobble around. By now she was "House Chicken", and thenceforth considered herself part of the family, even hopping onto the couch next to us as if it were her roost. As she began walking normally I returned her to the coop, but I would go out around roosting time to put her up on the perches with the other birds. I was thrilled at my success. Five days later, on a gloomy snowy day, there was that uneasy, foreboding silence over at the pen. I ran over and there was the Goshawk. With my precious beloved House Chicken. The hawk had returned and had finished what it started. I was devastated - had I put her back out too soon...? At the same time, how could I begrudge this splendid Goshawk its hard-fought meal? I took the carcass away form the coop area, in full view of the hawk who was watching my every move from a distance, but then thought to run and grab a camera (See photos under my name) I placed my benign, ill-fated little hen in the snow and watched as the eager hawk, undaunted by my proximity, returned straight to the carcass. The Goshawk struggled, but in short low bursts it managed to take its prize over the log pile out of my sight. A Barred Rock weighs no less than 6 pounds. A Goshawk weighs in at about 2 pounds. A Spruce Grouse? 1 pound. Victoria Wilson Winne, Homer. Subject: Anchorage Kincaid Park/South Coastal Bluff From: "ak_zukes" <swinak AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 22:44:02 -0000 1 Merlin 4 Black-billed Magpie 2 Common Raven 2 Black-capped Chickadee 15 Snow Bunting The Merlin was chasing a flock Snow Buntings below the bluff just to the west of the Motocross track. Steve W. Subject: FOS: Kittiwakes are back in Homer From: "Martin" <great.auklet AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 21:08:51 -0000 12 Black-legged Kittiwakes, still in winter/basic plumage were on the west side of the spit yesterday in not very spring-like conditions. Land's End was graced with about 300 Long-tailed Ducks but virtually no large gulls. Today, 14 March, about 1000 Redpolls moved through Homer's Bayview neighborhood near the hospital. Martin Renner Subject: Anchorage Sat & Sun From: "ak_zukes" <swinak AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 19:53:52 -0000 Sat - Ship Creek 300+ mallards, 2 Dippers, 2 Bald Eagles, 25 Starlings. 3 Barrow's Goldeneyes at Fish hatchery pond and another Dipper in & out of the culvert! 80 Mallards at Northwood & 47th? park..no pintail this time. Sun - Potter's Marsh, Dozen Black-capped Chickadees, 1 Downy Woodpecker, and the Bald Eagles (2) are watching over their nest site again. steve w Subject: Ninilchik Golden Crowned Sparrows From: "kbuesseler" <kbuesseler AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 06:23:07 -0000 This morning there were two Golden Crowned Sparrows with a couple of Boreal Chickadees at our cabin in Ninilchik, approx. 1 1/2 mi. from Deep Creek. Subject: Bird Mysteries From: "boneman_ak" <boneman AT xyz.net> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 05:02:37 -0000 I just had a Saw Whet Owl land on top of my vinyl windowsill outside the house and did some fast scratching and wing fluttering for 2 or 3 seconds before flying off to the nearest spruce tree. It was dusk. No sign of other birds. What was that about ? 2 days ago I was visited by a very hungry Crow that had an ice cube frozen on the end of it's upper beak. Like one of those big cubes with the hole through it from some restaurants. I gave it some hot water with bread in it . It got some bread down and shrank the cube a little bi but still couldn't come close to closing it's mouth. Go figure And last Sunday at the fishing hole was a happy Common Merganser sunning itself on the bank. Happy because he had 3 fine ladies to himself. Then another couple came splashing in. The new male appeared to want to make an impression and kept going up on the bank and circling the other ladies very closely. They watched but otherwise didn't act interested. The original male was going crazy trying to keep this whirlwind new guy away from his ladies. He kept chasing it into the water where it circled the lady he flew in with until she too chased him off and went up on the bank and sat away from the other three ladies. For 10 minutes the new guy circled the other ladies between being chased into the water by the orginal dude . Eventually he got chased far enough away that he seemed to give up . So Guy looking for new chicks - guy test flying an unnattached chick- Guy losing an old chick to a more desirable fellow -or ???? Lee Post Homer Ak Subject: Brandt and more From: joe staab <staabjoe AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 20:02:28 -0800 (PST) Hi  all, Mary,Bob and I took the M/V Aurora from Whitter to Cordova thru Prince Bill Sound on friday and returned today saturday the 13th. Seas were very calm on friday and the birds were out. We managed the find the usual suspects and a nice surprise was the four brandt that flew along side the boat for a while. There were rafts of c. murres,long-tailed ducks and loons,plus a few horned puffins.pigeon guillemots and a smattering of the cormorant family. The boat captian managed to avoid running over the Dall's porpoises that were constantly interrupting the birding! Joe Staab, ravenshavenbandb.com Seward,AK [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: question about when to visit Alaska given certain circumstances From: turismo aves <turismodeaves AT yahoo.com.mx> Date: Tue, 9 Mar 2010 14:24:37 -0800 (PST) Dear Alaka birders My wife and I are Mexican birders (we live in Mexico City, but do a lot of birding in central and southern Mexico). We will have a chance to visit Alaska for about 2 weeks, travelling on a low budget and we do not drive. Our main aim is to see as many life birds as possible (see list below) but also Kodiak bears (any other mammal would be welcome too, as would aurora borealis). Flying to remote areas will be out of the question, so we were thinking of travelling in Anchorage, Homer, Kodiak Island and maybe Seward. For personal reasons we were thinking about visiting around 8-21 April. We think there is reasonable chance of seeing most of the birds in our target list in that time of the year, and we read that Kodiak bears start emerging from their dens on April 15, more and more bears emerging every day thereafter. So our plan was to leave Kodiak Island until the end of our stay. However, some websites seem to suggest that Kodiak bears can only be guaranteed in summer and that there will be relatively few birds around in April in general (but not necessarily those that are our targets). So we are facing the question of whether we should plan a later visit. We have to decide the dates in a couple of days. So the questions we would like to ask are: is mid-April OK for the birds in our target list, perhaps better than later dates even? Is it possible that we may end up spending a couple of days on Kodiak Island and not see wild bears if we go in those dates? Our target list (with some annotations and questions) is: Yellow-billed Loon --boat to/from Kodiak Red-necked Grebe –Anchorage, elsewhere? Black-footed Albatross--boat to/from Kodiak Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel--boat to/from Kodiak Red-faced Cormorant--boat to/from Kodiak, common? Emperor Goose—outofthequestion unless accidentals show up in Homer King Eider--boat to/from Kodiak Spectacled Eider--outofthequestion Steller’s Eider--boat to/from Kodiak, common? Harlequin Duck--boat to/from Kodiak Long-tailed Duck--boat to/from Kodiak White-winged Scoter--boat to/from Kodiak Gyrfalcon--anywhere? Spruce Grouse--? Willow Ptarmigan--anywhere? Rock Ptarmigan--anywhere? Ruffed Grouse--outofthequestion unless we go to Fairbanks Sharp-tailed Grouse--outofthequestion unless we go to Fairbanks Bristle-thighed Curlew--outofthequestion Rock Sandpiper—any rocky shore, easy? Ivory Gull--outofthequestion Slaty-backed Gull--with luck, Homer Aleutian Tern--any coastal area, common from boat? Common Murre--boat to/from Kodiak, Seward Thick-billed Murre--boat to/from Kodiak, Seward Pigeon Guillemot--boat to/from Kodiak, Seward Black Guillemot--outofthequestion Ancient Murrelet--boat to/from Kodiak, Seward Kittlitz’s Murrelet--boat to/from Kodiak, Seward, easy? Parakeet Auklet--boat to/from Kodiak, Seward Least Auklet--boat to/from Kodiak, Seward Whiskered Auklet--outofthequestion Crested Auklet--outofthequestion Tufted Puffin--boat to/from Kodiak, Seward Horned Puffin--boat to/from Kodiak, Seward Snowy Owl--anywhere? Great Gray Owl--Anchorage? Boreal Owl--Anchorage? Northern Hawk Owl--Anchorage? towards Fairbanks? Three-toed Woodpecker--anywhere Black-backed Woodpecker--Anchorage? towards Fairbanks? Gray Jay--anywhere in coniferous forest? Northwestern Crow--anywhere near coast, easy Gray-headed Chickadee--outofthequestion boreal chickadee--anywhere, easy chestnut-backed chickadee--anywhere, easy Arctic Warbler--outofthequestion unless we go to Fairbanks Varied Thrush--conifers, easy? does it visit birdfeeders in Anchorage? Smith’s Longspur--will they be around yet? Lapland Longspur--will they be around yet? McKay’s Bunting--outofthequestion Rusty Blackbird--anywhere, easy? White-winged Crossbill--conifers anywhere? Common Redpoll--anywhere, easy Hoary Redpoll--anywhere, easy We would be very grateful if people can reply to one or both questions above to help us decide. It may be preferable to reply directly to my e-mail so as not to clutter the listserv with messages that would not be of relevance to most people. Sincerely Héctor Gómez de Silva hector.gomezdesilva AT gmail.com Subject: Spruce Grouse From: Christopher Mannix <cmannix AT mtaonline.net> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 21:02:22 -0900 We have had flocks of up to six spruce grouse around the house and under the feeder this winter. Last winter I saw flocks seemingly "swimming" under the deep snow. Upon closer observation they could be seen getting at the numerous birch seeds buried in the snowpack. A question: Is a goshawk capable of flying off with a spruce grouse? Yesterday my son reported that a "large gray bird" nailed a grouse right next to the house and flew off with it. As it was in the middle of the day, and goshawks do inhabit the 'hood, that's what came to mind, but that's a big load for a goshawk. Chris Mannix Talkeetna Subject: Trumpeters Swans Seward, Alaska From: "tjbluebird" <tjbluebird AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 21:06:58 -0000 This morning at 730am there were 2 Adult Trumpeter Swans sitting on the ice at the Stash N Store pond/ warm springs. It was 5 degrees out and only a very small opening of water was ice free. I have never seen Swans here in March. Tasha- Seward Subject: Spruce Grouse From: davidsonne AT aol.com Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 05:22:47 EST Thursday, March 11, 2010 Anchorage Went skiing after work at Kincaid Park and around 6 PM I came on a tree with four male Spruce Grouse in it. I haven't seen many Spruce Grouse in the winter and wondered if forming groups was normal for this time of year. Has anyone else noticed congregations of Spruce Grouse? Other seasons they seem solitary. David Sonneborn [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Re: Thank You Gordon! From: "Gordon Tans" <tansgo AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:06:45 +0300 Hey, I'm still an AKBirder, lurking deep in the list background. Peggy and I are still in Tanzania, east Africa, where our yard birds include Klaas's Cuckoo, Gray Plantain-eaters, Marabou Storks, Variable Sunbirds, and, yes, House Sparrows. Thanks for your thanks (which is a very Tanzanian thing to say). AK Birding succeeded far beyond my greatest hopes, thanks entirely to the pleasant participation of each one of the 460-some members. And also thanks to Aaron Lang who took over when I had dreams of the Serengeti (yes, it is spectacular!). Happy Birthday AKBirding. May it continue to bring Lifers to you all. Gordon Tans Mwanza, Tanzania [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: HOMER SAW WHET OWL From: "bonzeriffic" <sealion AT xyz.net> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:24:41 -0000 Joe, that was an entertaining post.........cabin fever? Anyway we have a regular saw-whet that likes the mouse activity around our bird feeder. I have seen it at night and in the early morning perched in a cherry tree close by the feeder. It has set off the motion detecting light at night. This evening (March 9, 6:30), in the swirling snow, I was approaching our outdoor stairway and was surprised to see it fly out from under the deck. It was about eight feet away from me and flew with really good speed. So far it has not called. We have seen it off and on for about three weeks now. Gary Lyon, perched at 1400' on the snowy ridge above Homer Subject: Really wierd owls From: joe staab <staabjoe AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 9 Mar 2010 22:48:33 -0800 (PST) On the corner of ,,, oh I don't know , is a shorty-long e-mail owl here in Seward!   Just teasing cuz things are slow.   PJ Seward, AK [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Little Su From: "Karen Webster" <akpeac AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 9 Mar 2010 20:18:21 -0900 My friend who lives at the end of Iliamna just called me to report that Little Su's out there right now, singing away! J Karen Webster Anchorage [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Susitna Dr Saw-whet Owl From: "tgtljo" <tgtljo AT gci.net> Date: Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:18:04 -0000 We heard the Susitna Dr Saw-whet calling in the usual north end trees on Friday 5 March. Thede Tobish Subject: Shrike From: "victoria_homer_alaska" <victoria_homer_alaska AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 07 Mar 2010 03:59:40 -0000 I try to swing through the Mormon Church (Homer)loop whenever passing in the hope of the Mountain Bluebird reappearing. Last Thursday, instead of the Bluebird there was a Northern Shrike in the trees on the east side. I hope it wasn't responsible for the lack of recent sightings of rhe Bluebird... Mere conjecture, of course. I found an article stating that they "have been observed killing much larger bird such as Hairy Woodpeckers and Blue Jays". The lack of sightings did seem to coincide with the warm spell we had, which might have opened up new food sources. I think many of us would love to spot it again, to know it's still managing our winter. Had a marvelous view of a Northern Goshawk driving home the other evening. The sound of our truck flushed it and it flew alongside the vehicle for about 40 seconds just 30 feet away. Its crop was visibly engorged, which was good to see. The following evening, at almost the same spot (16-mile East End Rd) and same time, it flew across the road right in front of us. As they are so hugely territorial, I am assuming it was the same one or its mate. Subject: Homer/Kachemak Bay Bird Hot Line (235-PEEP): 3-7-10 From: "lani.raymond" <lani.raymond AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:26:12 -0000 Huge flocks of several hundred GRAY-CROWNED ROSY-FINCHES are coming to feeders on Mansfield Rd. (near McNeil Canyon School). Also many COMMON REDPOLLS are being seen in a cottonwood forest near there. Few reports of many redpolls from anywhere else so far, however. At Seaside Farms a VARIED THRUSH, TREE SPARROW, one REDPOLL, and many PINE SISKINS were reported on the 7th. A LINCOLN'S SPARROW was reported there on the 28th. An aggressive SHARP-SHINNED HAWK was observed trying to get into a brush pile where a dozen sparrows were hiding. That must have been one hungry hawk! A NORTHERN HAWK OWL was reported on China Poot St. On the 4th AMERICAN ROBINS (20) and CEDAR WAXWINGS (2) reported on Rochelle St. Also in that area were DARK-EYED JUNCOS and many PINE SISKINS. A SAW-WHET OWL was seen and photographed near Island View Court. GREAT –HORNED OWLS have been reported from many places in town including on Kachemak Drive across from Lampert Lake. Also at the east end of Kachemak Drive on the 5th an AMERICAN TREE SPARROW and an Oregon race DARK-EYED JUNCO, both males in spring plumage. The EMPEROR GOOSE was still around on the Spit (usually near the Pier One Theater) until this last storm and hopefully is still here. Some interesting gulls reported a week ago: GLAUCOUS GULL (first year), THAYER'S GULL (first year), and HERRING GULL. Also reported on the 25th there might have been up to 5000 ROCK SANDPIPERS (plus a few DUNLIN). Question whether in the past when counting a roosting flock there might have been other roosting places which could double the 2000 total? On the 24th a SWAN was seen flying south along Bishop's Beach toward the Slough, but not seen again. (Possibly a swan from those wintering at the mouth of the Kenai River?) On Knob Hill, up the North Fork Rd, many more birds are coming to feeders: COMMON REDPOLL, PINE GROSBEAKS, PINE SISKINS and DARK-EYED JUNCOS. On the South Fork of the Anchor River an AMERICAN DIPPER was seen. The MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD has not been seen since the 13th of February at the Mormon Church although many birders have looked since then. If anyone has seen it since then, please let us know?! Well, two weeks until Spring officially arrives. Six weeks until the cranes return! Subject: Re: Thank you Gordon! From: Chris Maack <cmaack AT gci.net> Date: Sat, 06 Mar 2010 06:31:51 -0800 Hear, hear! Chris Maack Anchorage On Mar 6, 2010, at 7:12 AM, paulncess wrote: > On the 5th anniversary of this web site I would like to thank Gordon > Tans for starting it. I haven't seen Gordon in years (I assume he is > still in Africa?), but the site has been a great source of Alaskan > birding information. Birders from all over the state and visitors to > our state can easily share their sightings with the rest of us. That > wasn't true before Gordon started this. And I want to thank Aaron > Lang for taking on the job after Gordon left. > > Paul Fritz, Palmer > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Remember -- Be nice!Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AKBirding/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AKBirding/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: AKBirding-digest AT yahoogroups.com AKBirding-fullfeatured AT yahoogroups.com <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: AKBirding-unsubscribe AT yahoogroups.com <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ Subject: Thank you Gordon! From: "paulncess" <pncfritz AT pobox.mtaonline.net> Date: Sat, 06 Mar 2010 15:12:52 -0000 On the 5th anniversary of this web site I would like to thank Gordon Tans for starting it. I haven't seen Gordon in years (I assume he is still in Africa?), but the site has been a great source of Alaskan birding information. Birders from all over the state and visitors to our state can easily share their sightings with the rest of us. That wasn't true before Gordon started this. And I want to thank Aaron Lang for taking on the job after Gordon left. Paul Fritz, Palmer Subject: Cedar Waxwings continue in Homer From: Aaron Lang <birdingak AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 4 Mar 2010 18:16:15 -0900 I didn't have any time to go birding today, but while running errands I accidentally saw a flock of American Robins on Rochelle Street, near the intersection with Shannon in Homer. Since I haven't seen any sizable flocks of Robins in a few weeks I felt compelled to pull over and give the flock a once-over. With the flock of 20 AMERICAN ROBINS were two adult CEDAR WAXWINGS. The group was sitting in tall cottonwoods and spruce. This is only about 1 1/2 blocks from Triton Court where we had two Cedar Waxwings on the Homer Christmas Bird Count. Also in the same area today was a group of 12-15 DARK-EYED JUNCOS and 150 PINE SISKINS. Pretty birdy street--wish I would have had more time. Aaron Lang Homer [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Fabulous Upcoming Events From: "w" <wkeys AT gci.net> Date: Wed, 03 Mar 2010 18:09:13 -0000 March is full of cool events, so we want to give you an early heads-up so you can cancel your Spring Break trip to Cancun! MARCH 9 –The Alaska Society of Outdoor and Nature Photographers presents Milo Burcham speaking about "Photographing Alaska's Shorebirds from the Copper River Delta to the Arctic Breeding Grounds." Milo is an astounding photographer, and this will be a perfect warm-up for the incredible spring migration through the Copper River Delta and the Cordova Shorebird Festival. Tuesday, March 9, 7:00pm at the Anchorage Museum. For more information on ASONP's public events, call Jules Tileston at (907) 561-0540 SATURDAY, MARCH 13, Ramon Wallace and Sirena Brownlee will lead an Evening Owl Prowl and Program at the Eagle River Nature Center. The evening starts at 7:30pm with an informative slide show about Alaskan owls, followed by a 2-3 mile walk. Dress for being outdoors (make sure your clothes are not "noisy") and bring flashlights. Not appropriate for children. Limited to the first 20 people (ages 16 and up) who register by calling the Eagle River Nature Center at 694-2108. THURSDAY, MARCH 25, Anchorage Audubon's Monthly Program will present the perfect way to get ready for the Spring Birding Season. We will gather a panel of some of Alaska's top birders to share their knowledge of "How To Find More Birds." Please note that March's meeting is on the FOURTH Thursday instead of our usual third Thursday, but the time and place are the same—The BP Energy Center at 7:00pm. And of course, there will be fabulous prizes and cookies! At our LAST PROGRAM MEETING, the membership unanimously re-elected the puppet slate put forward by the board: Treasurer Karen Reed, Secretary Kenna Sue Trickey, Vice President Susan Westevelt, and President W. Keys. I personally would like to thank Seward's Peregrine Joe for donating $100 to my campaign fund in exchange for under-the-table favors to be granted later. w. keys Officially Elected Supreme Potentate Anchorage Audubon Society Subject: Little Su Update From: "w" <wkeys AT gci.net> Date: Wed, 03 Mar 2010 18:07:03 -0000 It looks like Little Su's appearance may have drawn to a close. I heard him last on Feb 22, and Thede heard him last on Feb 23. After constant serenading since just before Christmas, the neighborhood is silent. If neighbors start losing sleep again, we'll keep you posted. w keys spenard Subject: Late Sat Homer Post From: "ak_zukes" <swinak AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 03 Mar 2010 06:12:26 -0000 Took side trip to Homer on Sat. Nothing too unusual. A Merlin was chasing Redpolls along the highway north of the dump. 3000+ Rock Sandpipers, and a smattering of Dunlins. 250+ Long-tailed Ducks at Lands End....no Rosy Finches, no Emporer Goose, although the tide was high, the wind brisk, and I didn't spend too much time looking. Steve W. Subject: Anchorage Mon Various Locations From: "ak_zukes" <swinak AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 03 Mar 2010 06:06:48 -0000 14 European Starlings near E6th & Frontage Rd. Birch Rd, Downy Finch, Beverly Dr 3 Black-billed Magpie 12 Black-capped Chickadee 2 Boreal Chickadee 3 Red-breasted Nuthatch 5 Common Redpoll Steve W. Subject: Visiting Saw-Whet Su From: Charles Iliff <ciliff2 AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 2 Mar 2010 19:11:11 -0800 (PST) I was sorry to hear of the "gang war" in her "hood". Could someone please give detailed directions to her tree in Turnagain? Also, what times a day does she most welcome visitors? Kindest regards, Dr. Charles Iliff Palmer, AK [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Sharp Shinned Hawk behavior From: Erik Hendrickson <erik.hendrickson755 AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 1 Mar 2010 20:51:02 -0900 Perhaps a little bit similar: while walking a trail in the southwest mountains of Colorado, I saw a Cooper's hawk on the ground and it appeared to be tangled in some cord. We were about 25 feet away, and though it tried to fly away several times, at each attempt the bird was brought back to the ground by whatever was wrapped around its feet. I was reluctant to abandon a nice day hike, but as a volunteer at a raptor rehabilitation center, I decided to remove my jacket, drape the bird, and take the patient to a local rehab facility. As I approached, the Cooper's hawk finally let go of the shredded squirrel skin it was grasping in its talons, and flew to a perch. The bird was just fine - it was simply trying to take off with more than its payload capacity. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Sharp Shinned Hawk behavior From: seasidefarm <seaside AT xyz.net> Date: Mon, 1 Mar 2010 18:36:53 -0900 Has anyone else seen something like this? A Sharp SHinned Hawk on the ground, walking around and around a brush pile, trying desperately to to force its way through the brush in order to get at the terrified sparrows huddling inside! I was about 5 feet away, but the hawk wouldnt budge, just kept trying to push into the brush. Finally gave up; and flew away, to the relief of about a dozen sparrows which flew out about 5 minutes later! Subject: RBA Fairbanks Alaska March 1 2010 From: Ken_Russell AT fws.gov Date: Mon, 1 Mar 2010 16:58:41 -0900 hotline: Fairbanks and Interior Alaska date: March 1, 2010 number: (907) 451-9213 to report: (907) 451-9213 coverage: Fairbanks and vicinity transcriber: Ken Russell Birds Mentioned American Robin Boreal Owl Snow Bunting Northern Shrike Welcome to the Birding Hotline for Interior Alaska as of March 1, 2010. We're starting to see signs of spring in the bird world. An AMERICAN ROBIN was seen on Birch Hill on February 26. A BOREAL OWL was heard calling on Farmer's loop Road near the golf Course on February 22. SNOW BUNTINGS were seen at 10 miles Chena Hotsprings Road on February 17. NORTHERN SHRIKES were seen on Moose Mountain on February 15. Upcoming events include: Arctic Audubon Society will present Antarctic Stories & Photography Tips on Monday, March 8, at 7:00 PM in the Noel Wien Library Auditorium Preschool Nature Discovery Program will be held by Friends of Creamer's Field on Thursday, March 11th from 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm at the Creamer's Field Farmhouse. This month's program topic is Animal Tracks. A $3 donation per child is suggested and reservations are required. call 452-5162 A Spring Equinox Walk will be held on Saturday March 20th from 1:00 - 3:00pm at Creamer's Refuge. An Owl Program will be held on April 1st at 7:00 at the Taiga Center at Wedgewood Resort. Enjoy a talk and slide show about the ecology of our local owls, how to find them and identify their calls, and meet a live owl! If you'd like to become a member of Arctic Audubon Society, information is available at their web site: www.arcticaudubon.org . Thanks for calling the Birding Hot Line. -End Transcript Visit Arctic Audubon Society's website: http://www.arcticaudubon.org/. Site includes information on birding locations in Interior Alaska as well As a calendar of Arctic Audubon programs. Also visit Alaska Bird Observatory's website: http://www.alaskabird.org/ Directions to the sites mentioned in the report can found in A Birder's Guide to Alaska by George C. West; American Birding Association; [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: RBA Fairbanks Alaska March 1 2010 From: Ken_Russell AT fws.gov Date: Mon, 1 Mar 2010 16:58:41 -0900 hotline: Fairbanks and Interior Alaska date: March 1, 2010 number: (907) 451-9213 to report: (907) 451-9213 coverage: Fairbanks and vicinity transcriber: Ken Russell Birds Mentioned American Robin Boreal Owl Snow Bunting Northern Shrike Welcome to the Birding Hotline for Interior Alaska as of March 1, 2010. We're starting to see signs of spring in the bird world. An AMERICAN ROBIN was seen on Birch Hill on February 26. A BOREAL OWL was heard calling on Farmer's loop Road near the golf Course on February 22. SNOW BUNTINGS were seen at 10 miles Chena Hotsprings Road on February 17. NORTHERN SHRIKES were seen on Moose Mountain on February 15. Upcoming events include: Arctic Audubon Society will present Antarctic Stories & Photography Tips on Monday, March 8, at 7:00 PM in the Noel Wien Library Auditorium Preschool Nature Discovery Program will be held by Friends of Creamer's Field on Thursday, March 11th from 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm at the Creamer's Field Farmhouse. This month's program topic is Animal Tracks. A $3 donation per child is suggested and reservations are required. call 452-5162 A Spring Equinox Walk will be held on Saturday March 20th from 1:00 - 3:00pm at Creamer's Refuge. An Owl Program will be held on April 1st at 7:00 at the Taiga Center at Wedgewood Resort. Enjoy a talk and slide show about the ecology of our local owls, how to find them and identify their calls, and meet a live owl! If you'd like to become a member of Arctic Audubon Society, information is available at their web site: www.arcticaudubon.org . Thanks for calling the Birding Hot Line. -End Transcript Visit Arctic Audubon Society's website: http://www.arcticaudubon.org/. Site includes information on birding locations in Interior Alaska as well As a calendar of Arctic Audubon programs. Also visit Alaska Bird Observatory's website: http://www.alaskabird.org/ Directions to the sites mentioned in the report can found in A Birder's Guide to Alaska by George C. West; American Birding Association; Subject: Seward: Bohemian waxwings return From: "c_griz" <c_griz AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 01 Mar 2010 19:34:58 -0000 This morning I heard a familiar chirring and spotted a small flock of about 20 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS sitting in a cottonwood with a few RAVENS at the corner of Third Ave and Madison. Great way to start March! So sorry to have to miss the field trip. Sounds like everyone had a great time. Happy Birding! Carol Griswold Sporadic Bird Report Reporter Subject: Seward Winter Birding Trip From: "Louann Feldmann" <louannf AT alaska.net> Date: Sun, 28 Feb 2010 22:28:23 -0900 A big thank you to Delesta and Chris for arranging and rearranging the Anchorage Audubon birding trip to Seward and to Peregrine Joe and all the other Seward birders who did such a great job of hosting us and finding us 33 species of birds yesterday. Louann and Mike [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Re:Little Su From: "Karen Webster" <akpeac AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 28 Feb 2010 20:47:35 -0900 'keys wrote: Monday afternoon there was a fracas at Little Su's house. Generally, he occupies 4-5 lots on the street. A group of 5 Steller's Jays were raising a ruckus across the street, and they were very quickly joined by a few ravens, 3-4 magpies, and one hairy woodpecker. All were calling very excitedly as were some of the neighborhood chickadees, but I couldn't locate the cause." Not sure if this was the cause of the fracas, but Sunday and Monday we had an adult bald eagle hanging out in a tree normally occupied by ravens. This is the tree the merlins had their nest in in 2007 and 2008. This is the first time I've seen a bald eagle perched on a tree in this area for this length of time. Lots of "fly-bys", but not perching. I loaned out my 400mm lens to someone taking photos of the dog sled races, so I didn't get any decent shots. Karen Webster Managing Director, Anchorage Parrot Education & Adoption Center - www.akpeac.org Certified Parrot Behavior Consultant - www.iaabc.org [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Gyrfalcon From: "paulncess" <pncfritz AT pobox.mtaonline.net> Date: Mon, 01 Mar 2010 03:23:50 -0000 Today while watching the final sprint dog sled race in Anchorage I saw a gyrfalcon. It was at 2:15 and an adult gray gyr. It flew down Cordova Street and right over me at 4th Avenue. The bird flew towards the inlet when I lost it, so I don't know if it flew towards the valley or not. It appeared to be a male, but since it wasn't interacting with any other birds I'm not positive. I saw 9 moose on the way to town, from Lazy Mountain to the Knik River. But the vast majority of the wildlife I saw was the 2-legged kind on 4th avenue at the "running of the Reindeer". Paul Fritz, Palmer Subject: Lincoln's Sparrow is back From: seasidefarm <seaside AT xyz.net> Date: Sun, 28 Feb 2010 14:00:04 -0900 A Lincoln's Sparrow is here again this weekend, feeding with at least a dozen White Crnd. and 6 Golden Crnd. Sparrows, 21 Juncos and a big flock of Pine Siskins. Will try to post a photo of LIncoln's. . A Northern Shrike has been lurking round as well. Mossy, Seaside Farm in Homer: Subject: Re: Audubon Seward Trip From: "cwmaack" <cmaack AT gci.net> Date: Sun, 28 Feb 2010 22:21:36 -0000 Nice to have such a good turnout for the trip. I counted 16 at one point, including Delesta, me and Joe. More Sewardites join us every year, which is cool. Before the 10:00 a.m. rendezvous, we saw the overwintering Sharp-shinned Hawk swoop at a flock of pigeons. Delesta and I also saw a Steller's Jay and with the Staabs, we saw a lone robin. So those can be added to the day list. When I entered the list on eBird, it totalled 35 species. Chris Maack Anchorage Subject: Audubon Seward Trip From: John Fugett <jmfugett AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 28 Feb 2010 12:18:39 -0800 (PST) Wanted to thank Joe Staab, Chris Maack, and Delesta Fox for a great Audubon event to Seward yesterday.  The day couldn't have been better with some snow showers here and there, but largely perfect weather and a clear pass through the mountains.  The following species were seen (I may be missing one or two, feel free to correct my list): King Eider Surf Scoter Bufflehead Common Merganser Glaucaus-winged Gull Song Sparrow Harlequin Duck Northwestern Crow Greater/Lesser Scaup Belted Kingfisher Bald Eagle Horned Grebe Common Redpoll Common Goldeneye Barrow's Goldeneye Long-tailed Duck Pine Grosbeak Hairy Woodpecker Downey Woodpecker Black-capped Chickadee Dark-eyed Junco Green-winged Teal Mallard Marbled Murrelet Common Murre Pelagic Cormorant Common Raven Black-billed Magpie Red-breasted Nuthatch Chestnut-backed Chickadee Red-necked Grebe And the sighting that everybody raved about...Rock Pigeon! Chris and Delesta did the pathfinding Friday night to make sure the road was clear to Seward, and Perigrine Joe did the tour.  Great time had by all! Thanks Again, John Fugett Anchorage [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Homer/Kachemak Bay: 2-28-10 From: "lani.raymond" <lani.raymond AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 28 Feb 2010 17:03:53 -0000 Just a heads up if you're out birding in Homer today... I was just told about the sighting of a lone swan flying south along Bishop's Beach heading toward the Slough. (Unfortunately this was four days ago.) She went to look for it in the Slough but couldn't find it and there have been many very high tides flooding this area since then. Maybe someone else will spot it somewhere? Subject: Need owl help From: "paulmc46" <paulmc46 AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 27 Feb 2010 08:39:30 -0000 We have family visiting us in Anchorage for the next week and I'd like them to hear if not see our Anchorage owls. What is the best time to hear the Susitna Street saw whet? Is anyone hearing other saw whet owls or boreal owls? Is it time for great horned owls to be calling? If so, what is the best time to hear them, and where? Any recent sightings of northern hawk owls? Any suggestions appreciated. Please contact me at pjmac AT gci.net. Thanks. Paul McIntosh South Anchorage Subject: Little Su From: "w" <wkeys AT gci.net> Date: Sun, 28 Feb 2010 07:58:00 -0000 Liza--funny you should ask. Monday afternoon there was a fracas at Little Su's house. Generally, he occupies 4-5 lots on the street. A group of 5 Steller's Jays were raising a ruckus across the street, and they were very quickly joined by a few ravens, 3-4 magpies, and one hairy woodpecker. All were calling very excitedly as were some of the neighborhood chickadees, but I couldn't locate the cause. They then moved across the street into Su's territory. I was hoping they hadn't found Su. But that night Su was calling as usual. Tuesday I left for 3 days in Juneau (report to follow) and I have not heard Su since I got back on Thursday night. Perhaps he found a girlfriend, and perhaps they annoyed him too much. The latter is probably not the reason because he was still calling AFTER the fracas on Monday. Maybe I'm only listening sporadically and I'm missing him. Thede first located him just before Christmas, and it's now been two months of consistent calling. Maybe he just got lucky. We'll continue our fair and balanced reports as they happen. w keys Spenard Subject: Raptors, raptors, and raptors! From: "paulncess" <pncfritz AT pobox.mtaonline.net> Date: Sat, 27 Feb 2010 16:08:56 -0000 Apparently the Matanuska River cliff nest of a Great Horned Owl (in Palmer) is not going to be occupied again this spring. For many years a GHO nested here and raised young, but unfortunately they haven't been seen the last couple of years. Typically GHOs in south-central Alaska are sitting on eggs by 2nd or 3rd week of February, so I don't expect them to be on this particular ledge this year. Okay, now for the "good" stuff. Here is a link for amazing pictures of a Golden Eagle trying to kill a deer. (Something a Bald eagle would never attempt) Continue to scroll down to the bottom and you will see a picture showing the size of a Golden's huge talons, and why they are so deadly. Check it out at http://tinyurl.com/y9yeqz8 This next site has great photos of Ivory Gulls, but if you scroll down you will see an even better photo of a gyrfalcon killing an Ivory gull! What's cooler than that? Read the photographer's description of what he saw and heard about the incident. See it at http://tinyurl.com/ybmwpuk. Soon, we'll be seeing the migrants at Gunsight. Paul Fritz, Palmer Subject: Raptors, raptors, and raptors! From: "paulncess" <pncfritz AT pobox.mtaonline.net> Date: Sat, 27 Feb 2010 16:09:16 -0000 Apparently the Matanuska River cliff nest of a Great Horned Owl (in Palmer) is not going to be occupied again this spring. For many years a GHO nested here and raised young, but unfortunately they haven't been seen the last couple of years. Typically GHOs in south-central Alaska are sitting on eggs by 2nd or 3rd week of February, so I don't expect them to be on this particular ledge this year. Okay, now for the "good" stuff. Here is a link for amazing pictures of a Golden Eagle trying to kill a deer. (Something a Bald eagle would never attempt) Continue to scroll down to the bottom and you will see a picture showing the size of a Golden's huge talons, and why they are so deadly. Check it out at http://tinyurl.com/y9yeqz8 This next site has great photos of Ivory Gulls, but if you scroll down you will see an even better photo of a gyrfalcon killing an Ivory gull! What's cooler than that? Read the photographer's description of what he saw and heard about the incident. See it at http://tinyurl.com/ybmwpuk. Soon, we'll be seeing the migrants at Gunsight. Paul Fritz, Palmer Subject: Owls in Anchorage or the Valley? From: "liza-s" <liza-s AT rocketmail.com> Date: Sat, 27 Feb 2010 07:12:39 -0000 I am doing a presentation on owls on Sunday for the Eagle River Nature Center. Wondering if anybody has been hearing any owls lately? There have not been any posts on owls in Anchorage or the Valley lately. Is Su still hooting away in Turnagain? Anybody seen any short-ears out at the Anchorage airport? Thanks, Liza liza-s AT rocketmail.com Subject: Seward Hwy condition From: joe staab <staabjoe AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 26 Feb 2010 19:23:00 -0800 (PST) Hello all, Delesta and Chris successfully navigated their way to Seward this friday and are happy to report that the highway is clear and snow free! So there is no reason not to come down to bird on saturday with Anchorage Audubon.   Peregrine Joe, ravenshavenbandb Seward,AK [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Homer 2/25 From: Aaron Lang <birdingak AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 25 Feb 2010 17:40:08 -0900 Spent most of today (2/25) birding Homer with Rich MacIntosh of Kodiak. Between Land's End Hotel and the ferry dock was a flock of about 4000 gulls actively feeding on fish offal. Nearly all of the gulls were GLAUCOUS-WINGED and MEW GULLS. We did find one first cycle THAYER'S GULL as Martin Renner had previously reported, 1 adult HERRING GULL, and 1 first cycle GLAUCOUS GULL. The high-tide shorebird roost in the harbor contained about 2000 ROCK SANDPIPERS today. There were no Dunlin in the harbor today. However, a few hours later as the tide was receding we saw flocks of ROCK SANDPIPERS and DUNLIN strung out along the mud flats from Louie's Lagoon to Mud Bay. It seemed like there were at possibly 5000 or more shorebirds on the spit, so there must be other high-tide roosts for the Rock Sandpiper/Dunlin flock on the spit. Maybe on the gravelly beaches on the east side of the spit at Green Timbers or Louie's Lagoon? Also at Mud Bay were 400 GREATER SCAUP, 100 MALLARDS, 50 AMERICAN WIGEON, 3 EURASIAN WIGEON and the hybrid American X Eurasian Wigeon. Another drake EURASIAN WIGEON in Beluga Slough brings the winter 2009/2010 Homer Eurasian Wigeon count to 4 1/2. On Sunday 2/21 Rich and I found the Mallard X Pintail hybrid drake at Miller's landing with several hundred Mallards. Good birding, Aaron Lang Homer [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Seward Trip Is On From: Delesta Fox <dfox AT ak.net> Date: Wed, 24 Feb 2010 07:53:43 -0900 The Audubon Seward birding trip for this Saturday, Feb. 27, is a GO. Meet at 10 a.m. in front of the restrooms near the Harbor Master's Office. If you have any questions, contact Delesta Fox AT 258-6425 or Chris Maack AT 278-4265, prior to noon on Friday. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Bohemian waxwings From: "DIANNE TOEBE" <afdmt AT uaa.alaska.edu> Date: Mon, 22 Feb 2010 11:40:13 -0900 Flock of about 30 Bohemian waxwings today on UAA campus. A similar sized flock was on campus last Friday, too. Eating on ornamental cherry trees. Dianne Toebe [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Birding in AK From: "to.drum" <to.drum AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 21 Feb 2010 23:48:38 -0000 I joined this group a few months ago because I knew that I would be visiting AK and wanted to hear what birds were where. I have really enjoyed getting my digest from this group. My friends and I are planning to visit in July this year and will be staying for 2 weeks. We plan on doing some camping, hiking and some of the "Tourist" stuff as well but most of all I just want to see the beauty and wildlife of every day Alaska. We will be in Anchorage, Homer, Skilack lake area as well as a treck up to Danali. I truely enjoy the post from this group and who knows, if there is a program going on while we are in the area maybe I can come! Thanks again, Beth Subject: Homer Thayer's Gull From: Martin Renner <great.auklet AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 21 Feb 2010 16:00:17 -0800 (PST) A 1st winter Thayer's Gull mingled with the usual Glaucous-winged, Herring, hybrid and Mew Gulls at Land's End on the 20th. A species that's easily missed. Martin Renner [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Homer/Kachemak Bay Bird Hotline (235-PEEP): 2-20-10 From: "lani.raymond" <lani.raymond AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 21 Feb 2010 17:57:49 -0000 The Great Backyard Bird Count was the 12-15th and 45 species were reported from Homer/Kachemak Bay. There is an error on the Rock Sandpipers number (4,400 were recorded--obviously the same ones were counted twice!) and a NORTHERN FLICKER is not on there yet. If you are interested in checking the results: http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/howto.html A NORTHERN FLICKER was reported on Kachemak Drive near Lampert Lake on the 13th. A NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL was seen within the first 100 yards of the Calvin and Coyle Trail. Reported to be very tame and easy to photograph. Also near there (as the owl flies) a GREAT GRAY OWL and a GREAT HORNED OWL, SHARP-SHINNED HAWK and NORTHERN GOSHAWK. On the 17th 40 STELLER'S EIDERS were seen from the west side of the Spit. Also a MERLIN was seen in the area chasing ROCK SANDPIPERS. The EMPEROR GOOSE is still on the Spit and was seen on the 19th on the beach behind the Pier One Theater and Fishing Hole. It is harder to find at high tide, especially very high tides, but has been seen in the water feeding at least once then. Also seen on the Spit: PIGEON GUILLEMOT, COMMON MURRE, BUFFLEHEAD, both GOLDENEYE sp., both GREBE sp., YELLOW-BILLED and COMMON LOONS (in the Harbor), HARLEQUIN DUCKS, 3 species of SCOTERS, both MERGANSER sp., SONG SPARROWS (in several places), GRAY-CROWNED ROSY-FINCHES, HERRING GULLS. On the 14th in Mud Bay AMERICAN WIGEON (150), EURASIAN WIGEON (3 males), and one of mixed heritage were seen. Also in with the approximately 1900 ROCK SANDPIPERS there are about 100 DUNLIN. The MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD was has not been seen since the 13th at the Mormon Church . If anyone has seen it since then, we'd love to know! On the 15th a flock of over 100 COMMON REDPOLLS was seen 2 miles east of town. On the 18th near Sibson Rd (by the Lynx golf course) a NORTHERN HAWK OWL was seen. FOX, TREE, AND GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROWS were reported up on Fernwood. Also a NORTHERN GOSHAWK in the area regularly. A theory was advanced as to why there are so few songbirds coming to feeders this winter. Perhaps it is because it has been so warm and other food is available? Subject: Redpolls and Juncos- Huffman & Birch From: "Gary" <gbullockak AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 21 Feb 2010 07:06:14 -0000 2/19/2010: Flock of 9 Dark eyed Juncos through the yard, and also a flock of 50+ redpolls. First of either species I've seen in well over a month. 5-12 Pine Grosbeaks now coming to the tray feeders for black oil sunflower seeds daily. No Pine Siskins since December. No woodpeckers or Gray Jays since november (I was late getting my suet up this winter). Daily visits from Black Capped and Boreal Chickadees, Red Breasted Nuthatches, Black Billed Magpies and Steller's Jays. Occasionally see a Brown Creeper on a spruce trunk. Days are getting longer! Gary Bullock. Downey Finch off of Birch Drive, just north of Huffman. Anchorage [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Re:Anchorage 17th & 18th From: Jean Eaton <eaton AT alaska.com> Date: Fri, 19 Feb 2010 12:17:43 -0900 Thank you for posting your local bird sightings at Huffman and Birch. I live on the north side of Upper Little Campbell Creek below Woodburn Ave and a little to the North of Upper Huffman. I have not seen a single red poll or red breasted nuthatch. I was wondering where they were. Pine Grosbeaks have always been rare here, haven't seen one this year. A few bc and boreal chickadees are coming around. Hairys and Downys and Gray Jays show up most days. I especially enjoy the woodpeckers, because they let me know when they are here. I'll be busy doing something, and I'll hear the chirp! Their acrobatics are fun to watch on the hanging suet feeders. I rendered some fat (can't remember what it was) and they won't touch it, they want the nasty ground fat from a grocery store meat department. I always worry that it will kill them. I enjoy all the birding reports, but especially want to know what people are seeing on their feeders. 42 degrees, shining and dripping out there! Jean Subject: SEWARD TRIP CANCELLED From: Delesta Fox <dfox AT ak.net> Date: Fri, 19 Feb 2010 07:31:11 -0900 DUE TO CONTINUOUS RAINS AND FLOODING IN AREAS, THE AUDUBON TRIP SCHEDULED FOR TOMORROW, SAT. FEBRUARY 20 IS CANCELLED. Delesta Fox 258-6425 Chris Maack 278-4265 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Anchorage 17th & 18th From: "ak_zukes" <swinak AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 18 Feb 2010 22:03:15 -0000 Huffman & Birch area yesterday around noon 1 Bald Eagle 1 Downy Woodpecker 1 Hairy Woodpecker 2 Gray Jay 4 Steller's Jay 5 Black-billed Magpie 4 Common Raven 5 Black-capped Chickadee 1 Boreal Chickadee 6 Red-breasted Nuthatch 7 Pine Grosbeak 35 Common Redpoll Today at the park at Northwood & 47th 400+ Mallards & 1 Pintail Steve W. Subject: Northern Hawk Owl From: "victoria_homer_alaska" <victoria_homer_alaska AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 18 Feb 2010 08:17:02 -0000 Northern Hawk Owl: Saw this chap just past Sibson Drive ( last Nth road before the Lynx Golf Course, East End Rd)perched in a birch tree at 5.40PM, Tuesday 16th Feb. I would have posted it earlier, but was awaiting acceptance in to the hallowed ground of this website...! I spent about 15 mins observing him (?) from about 15 yards. He was most alert, casing the joint. When I drove away, he scooted up to a higher branch, but was otherwise unperturbed. (For EERd folk - the first house on the left after Sibson, at the end of their driveway, the large birch at the top right.) Victoria Homer Subject: Seward Birding Trip Saturday From: "w" <wkeys AT gci.net> Date: Wed, 17 Feb 2010 20:21:15 -0000 This Saturday Anchorage Audubon is going to Seward! The Seward Winter Birding Trip is always a Fabulous relief from the 4 mid-winter species normally seen in Anchorage. Meet Delesta Fox and Chris Maack at 10:00am in front of the Harbor Masters restrooms and spend the day seeing oodles of Seward birds. Bring warm clothes and a scope if you have one. Full information is posted under "Field Trips" at www.anchorageaudubon.org A winter birding trip to Seward is always a total treat, and we hope to see you there. And one final note of Immense Congratulations to board member Jean Tam who has just succeeded in getting live streaming video from the Connor's Lake Loon Cam placed on the website of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology! They have only selected a handful of webcams this year and we are one of them. This is the Big Time! When the loons arrive in May, the whole world will be watching, and it's all thanks to Loon Goddess Jean! W. Keys Commander In Chief Anchorage Audubon Society Subject: hit a double on sparrows at Kenai From: "todd_eskelin" <t.eskelin AT acsalaska.net> Date: Wed, 17 Feb 2010 18:04:25 -0000 Yesterday around 5pm I went to Salamatof Seafoods to look for the Iceland Gull and the tide was too high, but I scored with a White-throated Sparrow and a Golden-crowned Sparrow hanging out in the rip-rap. I am sure a few folks will go look for them again today and we will keep you posted. White-throated is almost annual now in Seward or Homer in winter, but I don't recall any sightings in the central Kenai Peninsula. Mary Miller might have had one. Todd Eskelin Kenai NWR Subject: Re: (unknown) From: "Gary and Terri Lyon" <sealion AT xyz.net> Date: Tue, 16 Feb 2010 16:52:01 -0900 This link is against the protocol of this group! ----- Original Message ----- From: jmfugett AT yahoo.com To: sale-629664061 AT craigslist.org ; lspikol AT philadelphiaweekly.com ; beenbroken AT gmail.com ; mnoren AT acmhs.com ; Alaska_Outdoors-unsubscribe AT yahoogroups.com ; confirm-unsub-dwao2fz0ngvhm5dsois5bcdqbnxek2lq AT yahoogroups.com ; chadd AT audubon.org ; flybynightclub AT gci.net ; AKBirding AT yahoogroups.com ; ebird AT cornell.edu Sent: Monday, February 15, 2010 9:41 PM Subject: [AK Birding] (unknown) http://sites.google.com/site/vcypiosunj/bgov4eavcj [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Robins, etc. From: Delesta Fox <dfox AT ak.net> Date: Tue, 16 Feb 2010 16:35:32 -0900 Had a group of about 8-10 robins in the yard eating the thawed crab apples.that is until a flock of about 30-40 Waxwings chased them off and dined on the apples. delesta fox [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Homer on Monday Feb 15th. From: "todd_eskelin" <t.eskelin AT acsalaska.net> Date: Wed, 17 Feb 2010 01:06:08 -0000 Only had a moment to throw the scope up on the spit near the mariner memorial. Spotted a nice group of about 40 Steller's Eiders quite a ways off shore on a line in about the direction of Bluff Point. They were raising quite a ruckus, but without the scope I think bino's would have just produced some birds splashing around. Anyway, nice group to see from the spit. Also had a merlin headed across the bay after likely bombing some rock sandpipers. 15 minutes at the church produced no Bluebird. Todd Eskelin Subject: Seward and Kenai Flats report From: "kennethtarbox" <tarbox AT ptialaska.net> Date: Wed, 17 Feb 2010 01:00:55 -0000 Went to Seward on Feb. 15th and had a great day. The female king eider is still at the entrance to the boat harbor. She was with a group of goldeneyes. We also found the hooded merganser at the small pond just outside of town where it has been hanging around. Other birds included marbled murrelets, surf scoters, a flock of about 30 juncos, 20 redpoles, lots of pelagic cormorrants, H. ducks, and other fairly common birds. Thanks goes to Robin for showing us around. The eider was a life bird for my wife. On the Kenai flats this morning, at the river mouth, there was a slaty backed gull and this afternoon at the fish processing plant an iceland gull was observed first by Toby Burke and then myself. About 150 mew gulls came into feed on the plant discharge and with them was the iceland gull. Subject: (unknown) From: jmfugett AT yahoo.com Date: Mon, 15 Feb 2010 22:41:30 -0800 (PST) http://sites.google.com/site/vcypiosunj/bgov4eavcj Subject: Valentine's Day Birding in Homer From: Aaron Lang <birdingak AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 15 Feb 2010 10:04:25 -0900 I spent yesterday (2/14) birding Homer with my Valentine's date, Dave Sonneborn. Except for a few small flocks of GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROWS, WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS and JUNCOS birding on the passerine front was a bit slow. We found a flock of about 50 AMERICAN ROBINS still subsisting on a few remaining mountain ash berries near Clayton Drive (East End Road). We failed to find the Bluebird or Solitaire (my brother-in-law had seen the Bluebird at the Mormon Church as recently as February 7th). Mossy's farm had a very cooperative NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL, which I've posted one photo of. Mud Bay was the hottest spot with a large congregation of ducks and MEW and GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULLS. The duck group here included at least 500 GREATER SCAUP (I think this estimate is conservative, I'll try to get a solid count later this week), 150 AMERICAN WIGEON, 150 MALLARDS, 3 drake EURASIAN WIGEON, and a drake wigeon with mixed heritage. There were probably other things here that we missed, but most birds were distant and our time was waning. The flock of 1,900 ROCK SANDPIPERS that Lani reported from the high-tide roost in the harbor also contained at least 100 DUNLIN. Would be very interested to hear more about the Northern Flicker from Kachemak Drive if it's seen again. Good birding, Aaron Lang Homer [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Ring the Bay Bird Tour, Seward AK From: "c_griz" <c_griz AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 15 Feb 2010 07:33:48 -0000 Seward, Alaska Sporadic Bird Report Sunday, February 14, 2010 Happy Valentine's Day! Sunrise 8:38 am, sunset 5:46 pm, length of day 9 hours, 8 minutes; tomorrow will be 5 minutes and 21 seconds longer. Weather: Temps in the high 30s to lower 40s with rain beating down on ice; more of the wash and spin cycle forecast for the rest of the week until Saturday. Despite the gloomy weather, some Sitka willows are already budding out in anticipation of spring. Yesterday was a gift of blue skies and warm sun in the morning, becoming partly cloudy by afternoon. A perfect day to go birding! Feeders around town are slow, slower, and stagnant. The local regulars, BLACK-CAPPED and CHESTNUT-BACKED CHICKADEES, RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES, and DARK-EYED JUNCOS, seem to favor a progressive dining style, dashing in for a few moments, then off to the next feeder. Most feeders have not had enough business to warrant refilling this year. BROWN CREEPERS have been sighted but are never common. Even the usually reliable SONG SPARROW is scarce. A single GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW, WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW, and VARIED THRUSH popped up momentarily at a feeder in Clearview on February 3, but none have been seen since. The only yard lucky enough to have the occasional GRAY CROWNED ROSY-FINCH has also attracted a very hungry and alert SHARP-SHINNED HAWK. Within seconds of the finch's arrival, dinner is served for the hawk. While Duane appreciates the beauty and skill of the hawk, he is so discouraged, he is considering not feeding anymore. Too bad the hawk can't enjoy a fat pigeon feast instead! A nice flock of COMMON REDPOLLS was reported from Skilak Lake Road today, but none have been seen in Seward since the Christmas Bird Count. No PINE SISKINS, PINE GROSBEAKS, or CROSSBILLS either. BALD EAGLES, RAVENS, NW CROWS, MAGPIES, and STELLER'S JAYS seem to be holding steady. A NORTHERN SHRIKE, not seen since the December CBC showed up at the airport on February 10th. A flock of nine ROBINS perched quietly in the bare cottonwoods on Saturday, silhouetted against the sky. Thank goodness we have Resurrection Bay and many flowing streams and open ponds! Yesterday, the gorgeous male HOODED MERGANSER with his COMMON GOLDENEYE Valentine swam alongside the road at Mile 3 ½. The tiny male GREEN-WINGED TEAL hung out with the multitudes of domesticated MALLARDS and hybrids at Clear CREEK. And over at NE Beach, the female KING EIDER swam by her lonesome near the end of the jetty. A BELTED KINGFISHER enjoyed the view from the powerline at the Nash Road intersection. A DIPPER in its gray raincoat dipped along the stream by the horse corral, where a moose lay camouflaged in the alders and willows. A single LONG-TAILED DUCK was spotted at SMIC, and a lone female GREATER SCAUP swam just off shore from the Alaska Sealife Center. At the mouth of the harbor, 4 river otters cavorted near the rocky jetty. Four COMMON LOONS paddled in close formation. A mob of GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULLS and a few MEW GULLS checked out the cannery bird feeder with small groups of SURF SCOTERS, BARROW'S and COMMON GOLDENEYES, COMMON and RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS, HORNED GREBES, RED-NECKED GREBES, and PELAGIC CORMORANTS. A large raft of Barrow's Goldeneyes swam just south of Lowell Point where four MARBLED MURRELETS dove as soon as they were spotted. Other birds spotted included BUFFLEHEAD and wild MALLARDS. It was a bountiful day around the bay! It's not too late to participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count, Feb 12-15. For more information go to http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc. Join the Anchorage Audubon Society next Saturday, Feb 20 for their annual Seward field trip. Meet at the harbormaster's office at 10 am. Dress for the weather and bring your binocs, scope, and snacks for a fun day in the field. Seward birders, please let me know if you have any birds at your feeder to share with the group. Keep your feeders full, especially the suet feeders which are greatly appreciated by our hungry feathered friends. Happy Birding! Carol Griswold Sporadic Bird Report reporter Seward, Alaska Subject: Homer/Kachemak Bay ROCK SANDPIPERS: (2-13-10) From: "lani.raymond" <lani.raymond AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 14 Feb 2010 17:16:41 -0000 Photos were taken of the ROCK SANDPIPERS resting in the Harbor (about 2:30). The photos were enlarged, printed and then carefully counted. The number he reported was 1900. His methods were impeccable but no telling if that is the whole group? Anyone else take a count on the Spit yesterday? Or see any to the east along the Bay about that time? Subject: Homer/Kachemak Bay: 2-13-10 From: "lani.raymond" <lani.raymond AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 13 Feb 2010 22:02:26 -0000 NORTHERN FLICKER reported on Kachemak Dr. across from Lampert Lake. Seen at least twice there in the last two days. 350 MALLARDS and 250 GREATER SCAUP on the Bay seen from Miller's Landing. FOX, TREE, and GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROWS, 40 AMERICAN ROBINS, and a juv. GOSHAWK reported on Fernwood Dr. Happy to have some much better weather today for the GBBC!! Subject: Juncos-Anchorage From: davidsonne AT aol.com Date: Fri, 12 Feb 2010 21:11:16 EST There were 5 Dark-eyed (Slate-colored) Juncos near the Chalet at Kincaid Park in Anchorage this afternoon. This is not any where near a feeder (probably over two miles to the nearest feeder). I didn't think that juncos could survive in Anchorage in Winter but maybe they wander that far or maybe they can survive without feeders. David Sonneborn 2/12 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Can a smaller owl kill a larger sloth? From: "paulncess" <pncfritz AT pobox.mtaonline.net> Date: Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:06:57 -0000 Click on http://tinyurl.com/yz5qvj5 Paul Fritz. Palmer Subject: Fabulous Audubon Meeting On Thursday From: "w" <wkeys AT gci.net> Date: Tue, 09 Feb 2010 04:35:02 -0000 Thursday night, our monthly meeting will be a total treat. Carol McIntyre will present a program on the Golden Eagles of Denali National Park. Carol has studied Golden Eagles for 23 years as a National Park Service biologist. She has used satellite telemetry to document the movements of Denali's Golden Eagles, and her findings are a treasure trove of avian knowledge. We're only 6 weeks from the beginning of Golden Eagle migration back into the state, and this is the perfect way to get ready for Spring! Meet us Thursday, February 11 at 7:00pm in the BP Energy Center at Benson and the Seward Highway. There'll be a brilliant speaker, fabulous prizes, The Bird of the Month, cookies and treats. And if that's not enough, the February meeting features the Election of Officers for 2010. The Anchorage Audubon Society is famous for its vicious political mud-slinging campaigns. This is the election of the century. The winners of this election could later run for Mayor of Wasilla, and from there... the sky is the limit. See you on Thursday, w. keys Commander In Chief Subject: Outlawing finches From: joe staab <staabjoe AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 8 Feb 2010 20:24:36 -0800 (PST) Greetings all, Let's get back to wild birds and leave all this stuff to the people that must 'own' birds.   Peregrine Joe Seward,AK [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Own a Domestic Canary, go to jail? From: gary rasmussen <gary_rasmussen2002 AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 8 Feb 2010 20:15:01 -0800 (PST) Defiantly an excise in stupidity outlawing finches, considering the common Domestic Canary is a finch.   The Domestic Canary (Serinus canaria domestica) is a domesticated form of the a small songbird in the finch family.   You can now go to jail for owning a canary ? ? ? ?   Gary Rasmussen Anchorage [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]