Birding in the last frontier

I'm finding that posting once a week is a good pace for me, unless something major happens that I absolutely can't wait to post like some rare bird that I came across or the birth of the newest birder in my family (looking for mid March for that action). This past week was fairly active for me as far as photography is concerned, but I did not add any new birds to my list. I came across a couple of Hairy Woodpeckers and a Downy as well, at my usual lunch break stomping grounds. And I also saw my little Boreal Owl friend again too, which was very nice. Although, it was being harassed by quite a few Jay's and Magpie's.

I tried a new spot last week too. Trying a new spot is always interesting as it can be both exciting and potentially no activity whatsoever. You just never know what you're going to see if anything, especially during the winter months. During that outing, I saw some Pine Grosbeaks, Chickadees, a Bald Eagle, Raven, Steller's Jay's, and Red-breasted Nuthatches. I was hopefull to see something new to add to my list but that day it wasn't to be.

I got some great tips on some birds I will most definitely be following up on and I am very excited about the possibilities. And also I am meeting up with a fellow birder this coming week during my lunch outing.

Today I packed up my family and we headed out to the Eagle River Nature Center. I have been told there are Gray Jay's out there which I was hoping to add to my list, so I was eager to see if they were out and about. While inside the center we saw a Hairy Woodpecker eating from a suite cage, as well as both Boreal and Black-capped Chickadees. We made our way to a couple of lookout areas and saw a couple of American Dippers fishing and singing. It was nice seeing them out. I also saw a Golden-crowned Kinglet in the spruce trees near the lookouts. And finally, as I was looking around, I heard the faint call of a Gray Jay in the distance, and shortly thereafter, it made it's appearence. I had to view it with my binoculars but it was definitely the Jay I had come for. There ended up being three of them there as we watched them fly. My wife commented how neat they looked flying overhead. I tried shooting them, but they were to far for my 300mm lens. Maybe next time. I am grateful to have seen them even if I didn't get a clear shot.

I'm looking forward to a great week, and maybe I'll get to 30 by the end of January! A birder can hope.

Until next time, keep your eyes to the trees and your binoculars around your neck.