Today, I went for the third time to a spot that has had a fairly regular American Three-toed Woodpecker, but
he has yet to show his yellow head. I will keep checking the area, and maybe eventually I will catch a glimpse. And maybe, just maybe, I'll even get a shot at him! One can hope.
Last weekend I went to the Eagle River Nature Center with some new birding friends and we took some trails in the area in search of a Black-backed Woodpecker that has been reported in the area. We thought we heard drumming and calling several times but never did see anything. When we made our way back to the center we saw plenty of Pine-grosbeaks, Boreal Chickadees, and a Hairy Woodpecker. I also got Redpoll's at my back deck for the first time this year to feed on the black-oil sunflower seeds. There was a mixed flock of both Common and Hoary.
Earlier in the week I walked a bit of the coastal trail in Anchorage betweek Point Woronzof and Point Campbell and didn't get far before I heard a Northern Shrike calling at the top of a tree. That makes 30 species for me this year. Not to bad I would say, for a birder only able to get out on lunch breaks and weekends. I also heard a woodpecker in the woods on the trail but could not ID it. I will probably go back and see if there's still one around as it may be a Black-backed or Three-toed. There were also a few Redpoll's around, giving my lunch walk some variety.
Other highlights from a few lunchtime birding outings include a Brown Creeper, American Dipper, Common Goldeneyes, Steller's Jay, Black-billed Magpie, and of course, plenty of Black-capped Chickadees.
I think this weekend I will go in search of Snow Bunting, Woodpeckers, Ptarmigan and whatever else crosses my path.
Happy birding! Until next time, keep your eyes to the trees and your binoculars handy.
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