End of the year looming

I have not posted as often as I would have liked to. I have no excuse. I have definitely been out birding, despite temperatures being a bit frigid. I have still been seeing new birds and even achieved my goal of identifying 70 bird species for 2015. The last few new bird sightings have been: Common Murre, Snow Bunting and just last week I saw number 69 at my most frequent spot at Spenard Crossing, a Pacific Wren! This little bird is no bigger than a chickadee. It was a little brown puff ball darting around in the underbrush and grass. They are a very handsome bird, and
of course, I did everything I could to shoot it a few times. These little birdies are quick however and I was only able to get off a few

shots before it darted away. I was thrilled to see this rare little bird in this area this time of year. I had seen reports on ebird.com that there was one in the area but to finally see it for myself was a special treat. I have been out looking, in hopes of spotting bird #70. Not an easy task in the winter, when the wintering birds are scarce. I even made a list of possibilities. It is a short list. They are: Northern Flicker, Northern Shrike, Hoary Redpoll, Ptarmigan, Grouse, various Owl species, or something rare.

My family and I spent the weekend in Hope, AK for a little getaway. It was so nice and quiet. However the first day we spent there it was windy and not a lot of birds were out. The second day was better and I saw a Bald Eagle, American Dippers, American Robins, Magpie, Steller's Jay, Black-capped Chickadee's and a couple Common Redpoll's. I heard Pine Grosbeaks, but never saw them. But that was about it for Hope. I had hoped (pun intended) that I would see #70 while down there, but it wasn't happening. We left Hope on Sunday morning and saw four Bald Eagles on the way back home. I even managed to get a few shots. Using your camera is the only legal way to shoot a Bald Eagle by the way. We made it to Anchorage in the early afternoon and lingered there for a few hours. I took my wife and son to see the Northern Hawk Owl, which was still at the same place I saw him initially. We also saw another eagle, although this one was tagged. It was a fun day around town and then we headed home.

With only a few days before the year end, I was getting antsy to meet my goal of 70 species. It would be a shame to come so close and be off by one. So today, my family and I loaded up and headed to Palmer to go up to Hatchers Pass. There have been Ptarmigan frequently seen along that stretch of road so I was hopeful to see one or two. I figured that might be an easy #70. We stopped at a scenic overlook to stretch our legs and look around. A couple of nice older gentlemen stopped also and we talked for a bit. They had come from the opposite way and mentioned they had seen no Ptarmigan. My hopes were crumbling. They didn't stay long and soon it was just my wife, son and I again standing around as our bellies began to rumble. As I looked around, suddenly, I saw a bird way up in a tree. It was very high, but luckily I had my binoculars handy and was able to spot him quickly. It was a Northern Shrike! I was absolutely thrilled! Not what I had gone up there seeking but more than a welcome sight anyways. I made it. I met my goal!

It just goes to show you what you can do when you set goals and work hard to achieve them. What's great about this years list, is that it will turn into my life list and continue to grow. Next year, I have big goals of seeing and identifying 150 bird species. Sounds fun huh! I can't wait to get started. I wonder what my first bird of the year will be?!

Here's some recent photos of my adventures in birding. That's all for now, until next time, look up and keep your binoculars handy.