First migrants arrive

The last two weeks have seen some new species arrive here in Southcentral Alaska (seems my weekly blog has turned into a bi-weekly blog lately). Last week, at one of my usual birding spots I saw a pair of Gadwall ducks and also a lone Green-winged Teal drake. It was a beautiful sunny day and I was able to get some nice shots off. I wasn't alone there, as someone I admire and respect a great deal was there ahead of me and saw me arrive. he motioned for me to come over to the water and pointed out the Gadwall. While we were shooting, the Teal showed up. Two new species in one day is a good day this time of year.



I have also seen 3 Northern Saw-whet Owls in the last two weeks. Each time, I was alerted to their presence by alarm calls by Black-capped Chickadees, Red-breasted Nuthatches, Steller's Jays and Black-billed Magpies, and then I observed them as they mobbed spruce trees. Being willing to investigate these behaviors is key to finding these beautiful little predatory birds. It should be noted that it is not always these four species, as today it was only the chickadees and nuthatches sounding the alarm.

On today's lunchtime outing, not only did I see my third Saw-whet Owl but I also saw about 30 Herring Gulls in the inlet on a piece of ice. Their familiar call was heard long before I spotted them.
Nice to see some regulars starting to show up, which tells me spring is not far behind regardless of the six inches of snow we got blanketed with over the weekend.

Yesterday in Eagle River I spotted a Red Crossbill in an area where I was shooting Brown Creepers and Golden-crowned Kinglets. Rarity for sure, but a welcome sight indeed.

My wife and I are still waiting for our little one to show up, but it won't be long now. We are a week past due date so she's coming out one way or another. I have been praying that we have a natural and safe delivery for our baby girl. We are looking forward to seeing her beautiful little face. And her brother is eager to have a little play mate.

Below are some recent photographs I have taken around Anchorage and Eagle River.
As always, keep your eyes (and ears) to the trees and your binoculars handy.

Happy birding!