Birding in Homer Alaska

Kachemak Bay Bird Alert Information

Sponsored by the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge visitor center, located at 451 Sterling Highway in Homer, these reports are updated weekly during the summer.

Call 907/235-PEEP (or 7337) to report new sightings or listen to a recorded version of this information.

We have added another way to report bird observations. You can email your report to peep@islandsandocean.org

Since this website is updated when I have the time to do it you may see the current report as soon as it is released by going to the Islands and Ocean Visitor Center's website Bird Sightings

2001 Bird Reports
2002 Bird Reports
2003 Bird Reports
2004 Bird Reports
2005 Bird Reports
2006 Bird Reports
2007 Bird Reports

Christmas Bird Count Information

October 28, 2008

A SNOWY OWL was seen on the 25th and 26th up Portlock Rd which is about 5 miles out East End Road.

On the 28th a group of 100 Bohemian Waxwings was seen on Diamond Ridge Rd.

Bohemians were also reported at Fritz Creek along with Brown Creepers, Red-breasted Nuthatches, Pine Siskin, Golden-crowned Kinglets, Varied Thrush, chickadees, and Spruce Grouse.

A Tree Sparrow was seen near the Library in town and by the Islands and Ocean Visitor Center.

Pine Grosbeaks were reported just past McNeil Canyon School on the 26th.

Seaside Farm has so many birds!! Reported on the 23-25th: Orange-crowned and Yellow-rumped Warblers; Ruby-crowned Kinglet; creeper; nuthatch; Downie and Hairy Woodpeckers; Fox, Golden-crowned, White-crowned and Song Sparrows; juncos; redpolls; siskins; cross-bills (probably White-winged?); Wilson’s Snipe; Steller’s Jay; Shrike and possible RUSTY BLACKBIRD.

On 20th about 15 Canada Geese were observed swimming east of Miller’s Landing. (He had never seen that before, was the same area where the swans were seen a few weeks before.)

On the 18th about 35 SNOWGEESE were seen flying over Homer; the report said they were going north (?). At the sod farm on East End Road, there have been several reports of groups of a dozen or so Canada Geese stopping over.

From Bishop’s Beach 2 Common Eiders were seen on the 18th. Also there were Common Loons, scoters and Harlequin Ducks.

On the 16th a group of 5 EUROPEAN STARLINGS was reported near Bishop’s Beach. None of these birds have been seen here for 4-5 years. We would appreciate your reporting these if you see them.

There is still one SHARP-TAILED SANDPIPER in Beluga Slough according to one recent report.

On the 13th a MALLARD-PINTAIL CROSS was reported in Mud Bay. Large numbers of ducks are building up including many Green-winged teal, Pintails, American Wigeon, and Mallards. One Northern Shoveler still here was also reported.

In Beluga Lake 2 RING-NECKED DUCKS were reported and Bufflehead, Greater and a few Lesser Scaup, Common Goldeneye.

Around town the following were reported: Yellow-rumped Warblers, Ruby-crowned Kinglets (Karen Hornaday Park), Wilson’s Warblers, American Robin (by hospital), Fox Sparrow, juncos, Golden-crowned and White-crowned Sparrows.

From the Spit, Long-tailed Ducks, Common Mergansers, scoters, Harlequin Ducks, and many Fork-tailed Storm-Petrels were seen. Herring Gulls and an im. kittiwake were also reported on the 18th.

At Seaside Farms, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, nuthatches, juncos, White-crowned and Golden-crowned Sparrows, Wilson’s Snipe, and a Varied Thrush were seen.

On the Caribou Lake Trail, White-winged Crossbills, a Harry Woodpecker, Gray Jay , raven and magpie were reported.

Wonderful report this morning of 26 TRUMPETER SWANS just off shore east of Miller’s Landing, 20 adults and 6 cygnets. They were feeding with some Mallards and stuck around for a couple hours, much to the delight of folks—birders and non-birders--who live right there!

Near the mouth of the Anchor River the following were seen on the 10th: Pacific Golden Plover (im.), 2 Rock Sandpipers and American Pipits.

Out on the Bay storm petrels were reported on the 11th.

At least one of the SHARP-TAILED SANDPIPERS that were reported in Beluga Slough on the 1st is still there, and some have been seen every day. Also seen there today were 2 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS, 2 GREATER YELLOWLEGS and 5 WILSON’S SNIPE. In addition, some AMERICAN PIPITS and LAPLAND LONGSPURS were seen and one late YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER. On the 7th a very large group of 50 Snipe was reported and a family of TRUMPETER SWANS was also seen in the Slough. What an amazing place for birding right now!

Off the end of the Spit and over toward Halibut Cove and Glacier Spit, small flocks of ANCIENT MURRELETS have been seen since late September. These were reported to be most often seen in groups of 4 to 10.

An OSPREY was seen flying over Diamond Ridge Rd the morning of the 4th.

On the 1st a RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET was reported in with some nuthatches and chickadees at Seaside Farms. WILSON’S SNIPE have been seen there and down on the beach in that general area.

Half way out on the Spit some American Pipits were reported the end of September.

Two SHARP-TAILED SANDPIPERS were reported in Beluga Slough in the tall grass and sedges the morning of the 1st. It was a positive visual ID with the 1-2 note whistled call in flight additionally. 7 Wilson’s Snipe and a Greater Yellowlegs were also seen there. Several Savannah Sparrows have been seen through last week. At the Bioblitz which was the 27th, im. Greater Yellowlegs and Long-billed Dowitchers were seen in the Slough.

An American Three-toed Woodpecker was heard from the Lighthouse Observation Platform.

There was a report of possible group of a small group of Brant seen from the end of the Spit on the 28th. (Lighting was bad and so this is not at all definite.) Many White-winged Scoters, Common Murre, and Red-necked Grebes were seen. And Mallards!

On the 29th a “red” Fox Sparrow was seen in Karen Hornaday Campground.

A group of about 6 Sandhill Cranes was seen on the 27th and there was another report of about 15 flying over near the base of the Spit. If you do see cranes, please call 235-6262 or email reports@cranewatch.org.

A Northern Hawk-owl was reported at Mile 50 Sterling Highway, a great bird although a bit out of our range.

An American Three-toed Woodpecker was heard from the Lighthouse Observation Platform.

On the 29th a “red” Fox Sparrow was seen in Karen Hornaday Campground.

A Northern Hawk-owl was reported at Mile 50 Sterling Highway, a great bird although a bit out of our range.

Our large group of cranes left the morning of the 11th, but there are still some smaller groups around. Today there was a report of a group of 35 in the Skyline Drive area.

There was a wonderful report from Anchor Point near Stariski Creek on the 16th. At about 7:30-8:00 pm there was a huge migration of cranes overhead, coming from the direction of the Inlet and moving toward Anchor Point. There were about 200 cranes in about 7 or 8 different organized flocks. They were heard calling late into the night and again in the morning so they must have spent the night in that general area.

When you do see cranes, please call 235-6262 or email reports@cranewatch.org.

At the mouth of the Anchor River many Harlequin Ducks and some Pacific Loons were seen last week.

On the North Fork Road Sharp-shinned Hawk, many White-winged Crossbills were seen. Hundreds of thrush were seen in large groups leaving the area—Robins and Varied Thrush.

A Tundra Swan was reported in Beluga Slough. These are not often seen here, just occasionally in the spring or fall passing through or stopping briefly in Homer.

Out in the Bay last week the following were reported: Pomarine and Parasitic Jaegers, two Tufted Puffin chicks near Gull Island, hundreds of Murre chicks everywhere in the Bay (more than this person has ever seen before!), Fork-tailed Storm-Petrels at the end of the Spit and in the Harbor. Shearwaters a mile east of the spit, Black Oyster Catchers on Gull Island and Cohen Island (with two chicks on that island), Wandering Tattlers in the Harbor and a Rock Sandpipers.

A Short-eared Owl and Northern Shrikes were reported in the Miller’s Landing area this week.

A single RHINOCEROUS AUKLET was seen on the 24th just north and west of Sixty-foot Rock. It should be noted that this bird is very rare here particularly at this time of the year.

At the base of the Spit on the 16th a BAIRD’S SANDPIPER, SANDERLING, Rock Sandpiper and some Least Sandpipers were seen in with some Westerns. At the Lighthouse Observation Platform HUDSONIAN GODWIT, Solitary Sandpiper, Long-billed Dowitchers and Yellowlegs were seen. In Beluga Slough a PECTORAL SANDPIPER, Merlin and Peregrine Falcon were reported.

At Fritz Creek the following have been reported: Merlin, Sharp-shinned Hawks, and a Rufus Hummingbird. The only hummingbird reports this year have been just recently, later than usual.

There have been many reports of banded cranes. And if you do see cranes, especially colts or any banded cranes, please call 235-6262 or email reports@cranewatch.org.

There was another sighting of a juvenile NORTHERN WHEATEAR east of town. It was seen on the 13th near Alpine Meadows and East End Road. Also seen in this area was a family of Northern Hawk Owls (3 juveniles and two adult). They could now be listed as a “confirmed breeder” here. A Gray-cheeked Thrush was also seen.

In the bog by Circle Lake, a Short-eared Owl was harassed by a Parasitic Jaeger. This is actually the second report of this sort of incident there. In this same bog, another observer witnessed two adult jaegers coaxing their youngsters to practice flying. (At least that’s what seemed to be happening she said. Lots of noise and they were getting them to fly farther and farther each time, and it went on for almost an hour.)

On the 14th near the Lighthouse Observation Platform a juvenile HUDSONIAN GODWIT was seen. Also there: Long-billed Dowitchers; Spotted, Western, and Least Sandpipers; Semipalmated Plovers and Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs.

On the 13th out in the Bay the following were seen (10-15) SABINE’S GULLS; Parasitic, Pomarine, and Long-tailed Jaegers; Ancient Murrelets; Tufted Puffin; Sooty Shearwater; Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel and Northern Fulmar.

On the 9th a KING EIDER (sub-adult male) was seen from the Mariner Park Beach in with a mixed group of Scoters. Also seen in Mud Bay that day were Black Turnstones, Black-bellied Plovers, Pacific Golden-plover (juv.), Surfbirds, Short-billed Dowitchers, Western Sandpipers, Semipalmated Plovers and Wandering Tattlers.

On Diamond Ridge Red Crossbills were heard. On the Northfork Road near Knob Hill the following were reported: a Hermit Thrush; White-winged Crossbills; Wilson’s, Townsend’s and Orange-crowned Warblers and a Northern Hawk Owl.

Near Miller’s Landing a pure white juvenile pheasant appeared in with a large group of other pheasants on the 12th. (That observer wondered if it was an escaped domestic one? Hard to believe a wild one could have survived so long being so extremely visible.) Another observer in this area reported a Belted Kingfisher.

Near Fritz Creek a flock of White-winged Crossbills were being seen. He speculated that with the excellent crop of seeds, they might stick around all year?

There were 3 BAIRD’S SANDPIPERS in MUD BAY on the 4th, possibly were seen on the 1st also. They were mixed in with Semipalmated Plovers, Western and Least Sandpipers.

Near FLAT ISLANDS a CASSIN’S AUKLET and SABINE GULL were seen. (Flat Islands are down past Nanwalek.)

Also an intriguing story from last week of a large group—a hundred maybe—of Black Turnstones on a rock near BEAR COVE and they were singing!

10 miles out EAST END ROAD a hummingbird—species not given—was seen last week. This is the first hummingbird report all summer.

Two SABINE GULLS were seen at GULL ISLAND on the 1st. There was another report of this species which also included reference to a juvenile. This species is a “rare visitor” in our area. Double-crested Cormorants were seen on KOHEN ISLAND and Olive-sided Flycatchers in PETERSON BAY. Aleutian Terns, Kittlitz’s and Marbled Murrelets were seen in various parts of the Bay.

About 5 miles out EAST END ROAD there was a report of a juvenile NORTHERN WHEATEAR. A photo was taken. This species is a “rare migrant” here for sure.

On the 1st many Western and some Least Sandpipers were seen in MUD BAY, plus some others shorebirds that were not positively identified. In LOUIE’S LAGOON many Semipalmated Plovers and a group of 3 Whimbrels were seen. Just after a high tide is the best time to check out these areas.

A RING-NECKED DUCK with a brood of 8 chicks was seen at EAGLE LAKE ,which is east of town about 25 miles. This year would be the first documented nesting. They are listed only as migrants in the CHECKLIST for the Kachemak Bay area. (In 2005 there was a similar report but no one was able to find them later and no photo was taken.) Also at Eagle Lake is a pair of Pacific Loons with a chick.

One cygnet has been observed with the pair of Trumpeter Swans on BELUGA LAKE.

Two Wilson’s Snipes were seen in the ditch at the side of EAST END ROAD about 3 miles east of town on the 10th.

Shorebirds are making their way back through our area. Seen in the last week at the base of the SPIT/MUD BAY were: a few hundred Western Sandpipers, and some Least Sandpipers, Semipalmated Plovers and Yellowlegs. On the western side of the Spit feeding in the rocks, were Black Turnstones and Surfbirds. And near the harbor jetty a small flock of Red-necked Phalaropes was seen on the 18th.

At CHINA POOT a Red-tailed Hawk and Winter Wren were reported on the 18th.

From the BELUGA SLOUGH BOARDWALK three different duck families can be seen—Mallard, Pintail and Green-winged Teal. Females with ducklings for each!

At FRITZ CREEK a Saw-whet Owl and nesting Goshawks were seen; in addition fledgling juncos, Varied Thrush, robin, chickadees, Alder Flycatchers and an eaglet.

A pair of Red Crossbills was reported in the DIAMOND RIDGE area. They were first seen in May and have been seen a couple times since.

East of MILLER’S LANDING, on the 16th, a group of 40-50 Bank Swallows was seen doing synchronized flying for an extended period of time. The next day they had left the area, and the observer speculated that this had been part of a “staging” process. Also seen in this area are some pheasant families with very tiny chicks.

On GULL ISLAND a Parasitic Jaeger was observed harassing birds and about 15 Surfbirds were seen there on July 1st. Yesterday a report said that there were hundreds of Surfbirds and some Black Turnstones on the harbor jetty and on GULL ISLAND and COHEN ISLAND.

In MUD BAY a Yellow-billed Loon continues to be seen. (This bird is assumed to be the “same one” as it has a somewhat darker than usual back, possibly partially molting, and is seen very frequently and always within the same square mile.) Also many Aleutian Terns observed flying there.

A Fork-tailed Storm Petrel was seen 2 miles north of the SPIT over toward Bear Cove.

In the GLACIER SPIT area Arctic Terns were seen nesting, and “good numbers” of Kittlitz’s and Marbled Murrelets are in this area.

A pair of Black Oystercatchers which was nesting on COHEN ISLAND had their nest disturbed by campers who put a tent up nearly on top of the nest and there were some dogs in the area also. (But, according to this report, the birds were able to move the eggs a couple hundred feet away and hopefully they may be successful yet.)

A Parasitic Jaeger was seen in the CIRCLE LAKE ROAD area east of town.

Has anyone seen swan cygnets in Beluga Lake this summer? Any Red-necked Grebe chicks seen? Any hummingbirds anywhere?

If you see cranes, especially colts or any banded cranes, please call 235-6262 or email reports@cranewatch.org.

Not many reports this time of year. Most observations are of the many parent birds that are busy feeding chicks and fending off predators.

In MUD BAY many Aleutian Terns were reported recently and a juvenile YELLOW-BILLED LOON was seen there. (The previously-reported pair has not been seen for quite a while.)

Large numbers of Marbled Murrelets are being seen in the BAY. Also had a report of Forked-tailed Storm Petrels a few miles northeast of the Spit.

Near GLACIER SPIT Kittlitz’s and Marbled Murrelets, COMMON EIDERS, a group of 40 BRANT, Harlequin Ducks, Common Loons, Red-breasted Mergansers, and 3 sp. of scoters are being seen.

On COHEN ISLAND the nesting Black Oystercatchers are persevering despite large numbers of eagles nearby.

In BELUGA SLOUGH large groups (15+) of Sandhill Cranes have been seen fairly regularly.

Semi-palmated Plovers were reported on the east side of the SPIT in back of the Hockey Rink.

Near MILLER’S LANDING groups of Common Redpolls arrived right on schedule as the fields of dandelions went to seed! (A good use for all those seeds?) Arctic Terns were observed on the beach; it is unusual to see them on the ground in this area.

If you see cranes, especially chicks or banded cranes, please call 235-6262 or email to reports@cranewatch.org .

Near BISHOP’S BEACH a GREAT BLUE HERON was seen on the 6th.

On the 5th at MUD BAY 2 WHIMBRELS were seen at high tide. Off shore a pair of YELLOW-BILLED LOONS was seen which appeared to be a breeding pair. This observer did not remember seeing a breeding pair before. Many Aleutian Terns were observed in this area.

At the OLD TERN COLONY Mew Gulls, Sandhill Cranes, Dowitchers were seen. An Aleutian Tern was observed on the ground but not apparently nesting yet.

At FRITZ CREEK a NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH was observed and heard singing from the top of a tree. They are quite unusual in our area. Also seen in Fritz Creek were: Alder Flycatcher, Saw-whet Owl, Harlan’s Hawk, Wilson’s, Townsend’s and Yellow-rumpted Warblers, Downy Woodpecker, and an eagle pair with 2 chicks a couple weeks old.

Out NORTHFORK ROAD near Knob Hill: Red-breasted Nuthatch; Townsend’s, Yellow-rumped, Yellow and Wilson’s Warblers; Hermit, Swainson’s and Varied Thrush; Wilson’s Snipe; Olive-sided Flycatcher; Lincoln, Fox, Golden-crowned Sparrows; Violet-green and Tree Swallows and Ruby-crowned Kinglets.

In the KACHEMAK DRIVE/MILLER’S LANDING area pheasant chicks are appearing and some interesting yellow warblers whizzing around according to one report.

On the 31st 2 MARBLED GODWITS were seen in BELUGA SLOUGH by the highway.

MOUTH OF THE ANCHOR RIVER: Belted Kingfishers and a Spotted Sandpiper for sure were reported today (28th) plus a probable (“pretty sure”) NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH was heard.

Four miles out EAST END ROAD there was an interesting report today (28th) of a person taking a walk down the beach and seeing no Bank Swallows, but, on his return along the beach, there were many investigating previous nesting sites! This person also reported seeing 4 WHIMBRELS on the beach. Also in this area Townsend’s Warblers, Alder Flycatchers and Hermit Thrush were first reported on the 25th. Wilson’s Snipe were also reported. They nest in boggy areas where their alarm call is unmistakable, and their fascinating winnowing can be heard nearly everywhere.

On BAYCREST HILL a pair of RED CROSSBILLS was seen on the 26th.

Out NORTHFORK ROAD three hawks were seen on the 26th near Knob Hill. One was a Red-tailed Hawk.

BELUGA LAKE/SLOUGH: Canvasbacks and three Lesser Scaup were seen in the lake on the 23rd. A pair of MARBLED GODWITS was seen in the slough on the 20th.

In FRITZ CREEK the first Townsend’s Warblers were heard on the 21st. There was a correction on the previously reported Alder Flycatcher, apparently it was an Olive-sided Flycatcher instead.

On the 19th there was the first pair of Horned Puffins seen at GULL ISLAND.

From the end of the SPIT very large groups of Common Murres are seen flying in the evening out toward Cook Inlet. They are a magnificent sight, thousands and thousands of them flying low just above the water. Also can be seen in the morning returning to the Bay.

Spit: At the end Harbor Jetty, 32 SURFBIRDS were seen on the 19th. At the Deep Water Harbor (which is just south of the Homer Marine Spit Terminal) RUDDY and BLACK TURNSTONES, WANDERING TATTLERS, and American Pipits. Also in many places on the Spit there are Song, Fox and Savannah Sparrows.

Bay: Tufted Puffins at Gull Island but no Horned Puffins yet. LONG-TAILED JAEGER and Murrelets were seen near Glacier Spit. The report stated that “the Murrelets (Kittlitz’s and Marbled) are hanging around the Bay longer than usual this year. There is probably a lot of snow yet where they nest plus the water temperatures are still quite cold.”

Beluga Slough: The CASPIAN TERN and groups of Greater White-fronted Geese continue to be seen. Hermit Thrush reported on the 19th.

Beluga Lake: Reports continue of the pair of apparently nesting RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS.

Mud Bay: One observer noted that there were a thousand or more Western Sandpipers there on the 18th but were not there on the 19th at a similar tide. (So, are they gone?)

Town: An OSPREY was seen in town flying over Bartlett Street on the 16th but no other reports since.

East End Rd: As of the 19th, WHIMBRELS (6-10) continue evening visits to the yard of a happy birder.

Fritz Creek: Alder Flycatchers, Hermit Thrush were reported on the 20th.

Northfork Rd: Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Yellow-rumped Warblers, Golden-crowned Sparrows and Three-toed Woodpecker reported.

Beluga Slough: (16th ) CASPIAN TERN in with some gulls in the middle, 90 Greater White-fronted Geese.

NOTE Biologists decided that the questioned geese seen during the Shorebird Festival were Cackling Geese, not Aleutian Cackling Geese.

Upper Beluga Lake: (16th) RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD (male defending territory), Short-billed Dowitchers, LESSER SCAUP, Trumpeter Swan, Winter Wren, Snipe, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Gray Jay.

Mud Bay: 3 MARBLED GODWITS (13th)

Land’s End: PACIFIC LOON, GLAUCOUS GULLS (one first year, one second year and one third year).

East End Rd 5 miles out: group of 6-10 Whimbrels visiting grassy yards nearly every day since the 10th. Awesome flight calls!!

Fritz Creek: Yellow-rumped Warblers, 3 Harlan’s Hawks, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Spruce Grouse.

If you see cranes, and especially banded cranes, please call 235-6262 or email to reports@cranewatch.org .

Beluga Slough: RUDDY and BLACK TURNSTONES, Brant,

There is a question whether the previous report of Aleutian Cackling Geese is correct. Several biologists are looking into this sighting, photos, etc. We will let you know what they say. Sorry for the confusion. (The geese were still in the slough as of mid-day on the 11th.)

Bishop’s Beach: Lapland Longspurs

Mud Bay/Lighthouse Observation Platform: RED KNOT, HUDSONIAN GODWIT, Semipalmated Plovers, Semipalmated Sandpipers, Least Sandpipers

Beluga Lake: RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER (upper end), CANVASBACK, Eurasian Wigeon, Bonaparte’s Gull, Swallows (Tree, Violet-green and Bank)

Old Tern Colony: AMERICAN KESTREL, ALEUTIAN TERN, Orange-crowned Warbler

West of the Spit ½ way out: PACIFIC LOON, COMMON EIDERS (also seen east of the Spit)

East of Town (Fernwood Dr): Rufus Hummingbird

Mud Bay: RED KNOT

Beluga Slough: ALEUTIAN CACKLING GEESE

Beluga Lake: CANVASBACK, Eurasian Wigeon, Bonaparte’s Gull, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Swallows (Tree, Violet-green and Bank)

Miller’s Landing: WHIMBRELS in grassy fields, YELLOW-BILLED LOON

Old Tern Colony: ALEUTIAN TERN

Louie’s Lagoon: Semipalmated Sandpipers (forgotten in previous report)

West of the Spit ½ way out: PACIFIC LOON, COMMON EIDERS

MARINER PARK LAGOON

Long-billed and Short-billed Dowitcher, Western Sandpiper, Yellowlegs, MARBLED GODWIT (2).

MUD BAY and LOUIE’S LAGOON

MERLIN, Western Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, Black-bellied Plover, Dunlin, Short-billed Dowitcher, MARBLED GODWIT (2), BRANT.

WEST OF THE SPIT ½ WAY OUT

PACIFIC LOON, COMMON EIDERS, all 3 Scoter sp., Long-tailed Duck, Red-necked and Horned Grebe, Red-breasted Mergansers.

THE END OF THE SPIT

WANDERING TATTLERS, BLACK TURNSTONES (couple dozen), Rock Sandpipers (3), FORK-TAILED STORM PETREL, GLAUCOUS GULL.

BAY

YELLOW-BILLED LOON, Marbled and KITTLITZ’S MURRELETS. Some Common Murres (fewer the last few days). Puffins sp. at Gull Island. 100’s of Surfbirds at Cohen Island. (Interesting report that the water temperature in the Bay is 3 degrees colder than last year.)

BELUGA SLOUGH

Greater White-fronted and Canada Cackling Geese, Violet-green Swallow. (The Emperor and Snow Geese have apparently left.)

EAST OF TOWN

Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Shrike, Golden-crowned Sparrow, WHIMBREL and Harlequin Ducks.

BAYCREST

BOREAL OWL, PEREGRINE FALCON.

BELUGA SLOUGH

6 EMPEROR GEESE and one SNOW GOOSE were seen in with Greater White-fronted and Cackling Canada Geese. Also: Common Merganser, Barrow’s Goldeneye, Bufflehead, N. Shoveler, N. Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Mallard, American and EURASIAN WIGEON, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Least Sandpiper, Long-billed Dowitcher, Lesser Sandhill Crane, Glaucous-winged Gull, Northwestern Crow, Savannah and Fox Sparrows and Ring-necked Pheasant.

BELUGA LAKE—LOWER END

CANVASBACK (15), LESSER SCAUP (2), Greater Scaup, Bonaparte’s Gulls, Barrow’s and Common Goldeneyes, Red-necked Grebes, Bufflehead, N. Shoveler, N. Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Am. Wigeon, Trumpeter Swan (2), Fox Sparrow, Common Snipe, Greater Yellowlegs, Long-billed Dowitcher, Least Sandpiper.

MARINER PARK LAGOON

Whimbrels (2).

MUD BAY and LOUIE’S LAGOON

Semipalmated Plover, Least Sandpiper, Western Sandpiper, Black-bellied and American Golden Plovers, Dunlins, Dowitchers, Lapland Longspur.

BAY and FROM THE END OF THE SPIT

Groups of Red-necked Phalaropes.

OLD TERN COLONY

Aleutian Terns (5/3) and Mew Gulls nesting. Sandhill Cranes, Pintails, Yellowlegs, Mallards and Bald Eagles.

MUD BAY

Western Sandpipers, Dunlins, Dowitchers, Black-bellied Plovers, Yellowlegs, Bonaparte’s Gulls.

AIRPORT OBSERVATION PLATFORM/BELUGA LAKE—UPPER END

Snow Goose (5/1), Greater White-fronted Geese, Canada (or probably Cackling) Geese, Trumpeter Swans, Sandhill Cranes, Barrow’s Goldeneyes, Pintails, Green-winged Teal, American Wigeon, Shovelers, Mallards, Yellowlegs. Common Snipe winnowing.

BELUGA LAKE—LOWER END

Bonaparte’s Gulls, Barrow’s and Common Goldeneyes, Red-necked Grebes, Greater Scaup. On the 4th there was a possible sighting of a Canvasback.

BELUGA SLOUGH

Eurasian and American Wigeon, Northern Shovelers, Yellowlegs, Common Merganser, Bufflehead, Green-winged Teal; at times: Greater White-fronted and Canada (Cackling) Geese and Trumpeter Swans.

EAST OF TOWN

A Merlin has been spotted about 5 miles out East End Rd. Some nesting Northern Shrikes seen up Greer Road and near Kachemak Drive. A few American Robins were reported.

HERRING ISLANDS

5 Blue herons were reported there on the 30th.

UPDATE

6 Emperor Geese were sighted in Beluga Slough mid-afternoon today.

Also there with them were: one Snow Goose, several Greater White-

fronted Geese and some Canada/Cackling Geese.

Small groups of Red-necked Phalaropes were seen out in the Bay

yesterday.

SPIT

HARBOR BREAKWATER (JETTY): Surfbirds, Black Turnstones, Rock Sandpipers

OFF END OF SPIT: Brant, Fork-tailed Storm Petrels

BAY

GULL ISLAND: Murres and Kittiwakes

COHEN ISLAND: Oystercatcher

ELDRED PASSAGE: Marbled and Kittlitz’s Murrelets

MUD BAY

Golden Plovers, Black-bellied Plovers, Yellowlegs, Bonaparte’s Gulls, Glaucous Gull (im.) 27th , Canada Geese (27th)

AIRPORT OBSERVATION PLATFORM/BELUGA LAKE—UPPER END

Goshawk (27th), Trumpeter Swans, Greater White-fronted Geese, Pintails, Green-winged Teal, American Wigeon, Yellowlegs.

Lower Beluga Lake (29th) 24 swans!

BELUGA SLOUGH

Eurasian and American Wigeon, Yellowlegs, Common Merganser, Bufflehead, Green-winged Teal; at times: Greater White-fronted and Canada Geese and Trumpeter Swans, (so far no Shovelers reported).

FRITZ CREEK

Harlan’s Hawk (dark Red-tailed), Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Snipe.

On the 16th a Peregrine Falcon was reported up McLay Rd. chasing birds near a feeder.

On the 23rd 2 Brant were seen between Mud Bay and Miller’s Landing.

Groups of 20-40 Greater White-fronted Geese have been seen for a few weeks, sometimes in Beluga Slough and other times at the head of Beluga Lake. One Canada Goose was observed with the group on the 19th.

Seen recently at Beluga Lake were Trumpeter Swans, Buffleheads, Common Mergansers, Common and Barrow’s Goldeneyes, Mallards, Red-necked Grebes, Mew Gulls and a Gray Jay. Yellowlegs were heard.

In Beluga Slough: Green-winged Teals, N. Pintails, Mallards, American and Eurasian Wigeon, Buffleheads, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Trumpeter Swans, Glaucous-winged and Mew Gulls, Common Mergansers, Fox and Savannah Sparrows.

At Bishop’s Beach on the 19th 3 Black-bellied Plovers were seen. Also a Common Loon and Song Sparrows were seen and heard.

On the west side of the Spit out from the Glacier Drive-in Long-tailed Ducks, Harliquins, 2 species of scoters, Red-breasted Mergansers, Common Loon, 2 species of grebe, Pelagic Cormorant, Glaucous-winged and Mew Gulls were seen.

Common Eiders were seen on the 18th close in near Mariner Park.

Songs are being heard. Some reports of Varied Thrush in several places, Fox Sparrows, Song Sparrows and White-crowned Sparrows.

We have not heard if the Spotted Towhee is still around. It was reported on the 13th at Seaside Farms.

A Trumpeter Swan was reported in Nanwalak on the 19th.

Cranes are being seen in many places, some on the ground and other large groups flying overhead. If you see cranes, please call 235-6262 or email to reports@cranewatch.org .

A Spotted Towhee was reported at Seaside Farms on the 13th. This is so rare that it’s not even in the Checklist of Birds of Kachemak Bay! But is listed as an accidental in SE Alaska in other publications.

Greater Yellow-legs and Pacific Golden-Plovers were seen in Beluga Slough on the 15th, both first of season. Eurasian Widgeons were also reported there earlier. The pair of Trumpeter Swans has been observed in Beluga Slough and other times at the head of Beluga Lake—where things are still pretty much frozen.

In Mud Bay some Dunlin were observed in with the Rock Sandpipers. (Some were previously reported on March 11th.) Groups of Lapland Longspurs and groups of Snow Buntings have been seen on the Spit between Mariner Park and the Hockey Rink.

A Yellow-billed Loon (first winter) and several common Loons were seen from Land’s End. One person reported counting over 50 Bald Eagles in the area between the Harbormaster’s to the end of the Spit.

The only crane sighting so far was on April 3rd when four Sandhill Cranes were seen flying east along the edge of the Bay. If you see cranes, please call 235-6262 or email to reports@cranewatch.org .

On April 9th a pair of Trumpeter Swans was observed in Beluga Slough right by the road. And on April 8th some Eurasian Widgeons were also reported in Beluga Slough.

At Bishop’s Beach on the 8th a flock of about 25 Lapland Longspurs was observed.

A 3rd year Slaty-backed Gull was reported on the 8th at the end of the Spit by the Ferry Dock.

On April 3rd four Sandhill Cranes were seen flying east along the edge of the Bay.

Some songbirds have been heard recently, specifically: Varied Thrush, White-crowned Sparrows, and Juncos.

Folks ask if some of these arrivals are early? According to George West’s data, the average earliest arrival date is April 19 for resident Sandhill Cranes and Trumpeter Swans and April 13th for Lapland Longspurs. So this year’s dates are early although the cranes were probably just passing through. We might be seeing Terns, Pintails and Yellowlegs pretty soon; they have mid-April arrival dates.

On April 9th a pair of Trumpeter Swans was observed in Beluga Slough right by the road. And on April 8th some Eurasian Widgeons were also reported in Beluga Slough.

At Bishop’s Beach on the 8th a flock of about 25 Lapland Longspurs was observed.

A 3rd year Slaty-backed Gull was reported on the 8th at the end of the Spit by the Ferry Dock.

On April 3rd four Sandhill Cranes were seen flying east along the edge of the Bay.

Some songbirds have been heard recently, specifically: Varied Thrush, White-crowned Sparrows, and Juncos.

Lapland Longspurs were seen beside the road at the Lookout Mountain ski area on the 30th and at Bishop’s Beach on the 27th. Some were also reported in the grassy area by the Marine Terminal on the Spit on the 23rd.

A Northern Flicker was seen on the 19th on Kachemak Drive a mile and a half from the base of the Spit. A Sharp-shinned Hawk continues to be reported at the other end of Kachemak Drive stirring things up for the smaller birds.

On the 31st there were 35 Steller’s Eiders and 2 Common Eiders seen midway out the Spit off the west side. Also seen were 3 species of Scoters, 2 species of Grebes. From the end of the Spit, Long-tailed Ducks, Common Mergansers, Common Goldeneyes, Bufflehead, a Common Loon, Pelagic Cormorants, and Common Murres were reported. Black-legged Kittiwakes have been seen in their nesting areas on Gull Island and on the Deep-water Dock and Ferry Dock.

At Knob Hill up the North Fork Road, both Northern Saw-whet and Boreal Owls are being heard.

At Fritz Creek a Sharp-shinned Hawk was reported frequently actively hunting. Also Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers, Brown Creepers, Pine Siskins, Red-breasted Nuthatches, Boreal and Black-capped Chickadees. A Saw-whet Owl has been heard every night for quite a while up the hill above Fritz Creek so he must have a territory staked out up there.

Spruce Hens were reported on a very wooded road near the Dump.

I am resisting the temptation to report an April Fool’s bird…

Some intriguing gulls were seen out on the Spit: on the 10th a Slaty-backed Gull (3rd-year) and a Glaucous Gull (2nd year) with many Glaucous-winged Gulls, some Mew Gulls and about 5 Black-legged Kittiwakes.

In Mud Bay 4 drake Eurasian Widgeons were seen also on the 10th. And about 50 Dunlin were spotted in with the large group of Rock Sandpipers. There was an earlier report of a drake Mallard X Pintail hybrid in Mud Bay. Also there were American Widgeons and Northern Pintails.

On the 10th a Lapland Longspur was seen flying over Mariner Park. A group of 25 Snow Buntings was seen in that area and a ways south on the 2nd.

On the 11th in the Miller’s Landing area, a Northern Shrike was observed in a lilac bush eating an impaled mouse! (Just like they say in the books…)

A Brambling returned to the McNeil Canyon area last week, or perhaps was around all the time at others’ feeders? Also reported there on the 3rd were Red Crossbills and a Tree Sparrow.

The Brambling has returned to the McNeil Canyon area, or perhaps was around all the time at others’ feeders? Also reported there on the 3rd were Red Crossbills and a Tree Sparrow.

In the Fritz Creek area Great Horned Owls and Northern Saw-whet Owls are being heard. A Northern Goshawk and a Sharp-shinned Hawk were seen there also.

In the Miller’s Landing/Kachemak Drive area, there was a very active Sharp-shinned Hawk reported several days this week. Also White-winged Crossbills and Bufflehead seen out in the Bay.

About a mile south of the base of the Spit on the 2nd, the group of about 25 Snow Buntings was spotted. Many Black Scoters, plus Surf and White-winged, Long-tailed Ducks, both species of Grebes, both species of Mergansers, Song Sparrows and the large group of Rock Sandpipers were also seen out there on the 2nd.

In the Bay on the 23rd a Red-throated Loon and a pair of Yellow Loons were seen (a definitive report received on the 26th). 70 Steller’s Eiders were reported west of the Spit plus Marbled Murrelets, Harlequins, Goldeneyes, and Buffleheads. The report of a drake Mallard X Pintail hybrid in Mud Bay was also verified. Also seen there were American Widgeons and Northern Pintails.

The Great Backyard Bird Count is from the 15-18th of February. For more information you can go to www.birdsource.org. This is an excellent opportunity to participate in citizen science and help monitor our bird populations.

East of Miller’s Landing a Belted Kingfisher was seen briefly on the 27th.. A Short-eared Owl continues to be seen hunting there and also west in the Kachemak Drive area. Northern Shrike, many Pine Siskins (actually “jillions” was the quantifier used), Dark-eyed Juncos, White-crowned Sparrows, Red-breasted Nuthatches, plus one Bohemian Waxwing were all recently reported. Rock Sandpipers are frequently seen on the beach.

On the 26th at the end of the Spit, a Northern Goshawk was seen hunting the huge flock of Gray-crowned Rosy Finches. Many Long-tailed Ducks were seen near Land’s End, and some Mew Gulls in with the Glaucous-winged Gulls, Goldeneyes, both Mergansers; Bufflehead and Scaup were seen in the Deepwater Harbor. Rock Sandpipers were seen by Mariner Park, on the rocks and in Mud Bay. On the 22nd a Sharp-shinned Hawk was reported near the Marine Terminal. Not many Loons reported this winter.

A Harris’s Sparrow was still being seen at Seaside Farms east of town as of the 16th. Also seen there were: a Brambling, Lincoln’s Sparrow, a Varied Thrush, Townsend’s Solitaire, and Orange-crowned Warbler.

A Harris’s Sparrow was seen at Seaside Farms east of town on the 12th. Its coloration was reported to be “very dull” and it was with some Juncos. There was one here two or three years ago at the other end of town near Baycrest Hill; they are listed as “accidental” here in winter (“Checklist of Birds of Kachemak Bay”). Also seen at Seaside Farms were a Brambling and a Lincoln’s Sparrow; a Varied Thrush, Townsend’s Solitaire, and Orange-crowned Warbler were reported on the 7th.

A Brambling continues to visit a feeder up on Mansfield Ave. This week they also reported an American Tree Sparrow. Huge flocks of Gray-crowned Rosy Finches (~150), some Pine Grosbeaks, Pine Siskin, a couple Common Red Polls, Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers, a Goshawk and a Shrike were seen recently.

East of the Miller’s Landing Area, a Short-eared Owl has been seen several times hunting along the bluff.

A Townsend’s Solitaire has been seen in town, above Pioneer Ave. It was in with a group of American Robins. (Last week one was reported out East End Road on Glacier View Drive.) Also in town, Cedar Waxwings were observed in with a group of Bohemians. Large groups of Pine Siskins, some Red-breasted Nuthatches, Downy Woodpeckers, Juncos, and both Chickadee species have also been seen. A Goshawk was also reported.

A Brambling continues to visit a feeder on Mansfield Ave. Huge flocks of Gray-crowned Rosy-Finches (~150) and Pine Grosbeaks are also appearing plus a marauding Goshawk out there also.

At Fritz Creek the following were reported: Steller’s Jay, Pine Siskins, Dark-eyed Junco, both Chickadees and Red-breasted Nuthatch.

On Kachemak Drive and in the Miller’s Landing Area, large groups of Bohemian Waxwings are being seen.

If you have any questions about birding in the Homer area, call the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge at 235-6961.

We encourage you to report the sighting of any bird not mentioned in this report or any birds that you find interesting. To leave a report, leave the name of the bird or its description (color, size, etc.), the date and exact location of the observation, your full name and a telephone number so that we can contact you to discuss the observation if necessary. It is also helpful, if you know a sighting to be unusual, to mention so.