Thursday, April 21, 2016

Spring continues to blossom

Well we are in full on spring mode now, with leaves blossoming and more and more migrants returning to mate and nest in our local woodlands, and wetlands. I've continued to get out and explore new areas and revisit regular spots, seeing new birds quite often.



The same area that I found the Black-backed Woodpecker, I discovered American Three-toed Woodpeckers, which look similar but are a bit smaller with slightly different plumage. I was able to confirm the remains of the Black-backed Woodpecker as it likely got eaten by a Northern Goshawk that a birding friend saw in the area.

Local trips to one of my usual spots has revealed Red-necked Grebe, American Wigeon, Greater & Lesser Scaup, while another place had Sandhill Cranes.

Last weekend I took my family up to Arctic Valley Ski area which is just outside of Anchorage heading toward my home of Eagle River. There's still snow up there and people have been reporting Ptarmigan for some time there. It didn't take us long to find one. We were paying the parking fee when I looked up above the parking lot and saw a male Willow Ptarmigan in full breeding plumage strutting his stuff. Very cool find! I found the hen as well and was able to get nice portraits of them both.

I'm still eagerly awaiting the return of the Warblers and the Thrushes but it won't be long. A friend of mine recently saw a Varied Thrush so I know they are starting to arrive.

I heard my first Robin singing in the morning at my house in Eagle River. I have seen them in Anchorage over a week ago, but this was the first one in Eagle River. That's a very good sign.

That's all for now, as usual, keep your eyes to the trees, and your binoculars handy.













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