Birding in Homer Alaska

I received a nearly-complete list of birds from the Christmas Bird Count which was done on Dec. 14. There were 67 species and nearly 8000 birds seen. Check this link for 2002 Christmas Bird count information.

On Christmas Day on the spit the following were seen: 5 Gray-crowned Rosy Finches, 8 Long-tailed Ducks, 25 White-winged Scoters, and some Gebes and Comorants.

The large group of Rock Sandpipers is still up and down the beach near Miller's Landing. There are 1000 or so in this group. And there were 10-20 Common Meganzers in the water in this area.

December 11, 2002

Notable sightings reported recently:

At Fritz Creek on December 7

Ruby Crowned Kinglets
Bohemian Waxwings
Large groups of gulls feeding in the open fields along the eastend road.

December 5th on the east side of Mud Bay

1000 plus long tailed duck
7 common loons
14red-necked grebes
50 pelagic cormorants
300 mallards
3 red-breasted mergansers
50 Bufflehead

West side of spit to Bishop's Beach

2 Ancient murrelets
30 Marbled murrelets
100 White-winged Scoters
500 Barrow's Goldeneye
1000 plus Black Scoters
2 Harlequin Duck
4 common eiders

Entrance to Boat Harbor to the end of the spit

200 Rock sandpiper
2 horned grebes
100 Common murres

October 8, 2002

10/5/ 02 Trumpeter swans-family of four-Beluga Lake

10/6/02 at Beluga Lake: Common goldeneye, Short-billed dowitcher, Mallard, American widgeon, Green-winged teal, Greater scaup, Bufflehead.

10/7/02 at Mariner Park Beach: bald eagle, peregrine falcon, harlequin, black-scoter, white-winged scoter, red-necked grebe, horned greb, glacous-winged gull, mew gull, northwestern crow, common raven.

10/8/02 at Mariner Park: ring necked duck, northern shoveler, green-winged teal, American widgeon

September sandhill crane sightings per Ann Wheeler:

910/02 Sandhill cranes over Neptune Bay

9/15/02 1000 sandhill cranes riding the thermals at mile 8-10 over East End Road

September 1, 2002

Some recent sitings include the following: On August 23rd, from a boat trip from the Spit to Anchor Point, the following were seen: 1 Long-tailed Jaeger, around 50 Marbled Murrelets, 5 Tufted Puffins, 10 Horned Puffins, 1 Horned Grebe, and 30 or more Sooty Shearwaters. On August 26th, around 50 Common Murres were seen with chicks between the Spit and Bear Cove and toward Eldrich Passage. On August 26th, 2 Ring-necked Pheasants were seen crossing West Hill Road. On Tuesday the 27th, a Juvenile Stilt Sandpiper was observed in the marsh at the base of the Spit near the Lighthouse. On August 28th, 2 Ancient Murrelets were spotted 1.5 miles East of the Spit. On August 30, 3 Orange-crowned Warblers and 1 Wilson's Warbler were seen down by Beluga Lake off Mattox.

Yellowlegs, Dowitchers, Green-winged Teals, and Mallards have all been noted this week from the Lighthouse Viewing Station.

Look for Three-toed, Downy, and Hairy Woodpeckers in spruce and cottonwood forests around Homer (Three-toed Woodpeckers have been noted in the forest around the Airport Viewing Station and on the Homestead Trail). On August 4th, an observation was made of a Pileated Woodpecker on the Homestead Trail, 1-1.5 miles north of the Diamond Ridge Road Trailhead. This species has not been documented for this area, so please contact the wildlife refuge (235-6961) or leave a message on this peep line if you have any information about encountering this species.

Songbirds common in the area include American Robins, Varied and Hermit Thrushes, Black-billed Magpies, Steller's and Gray Jays, Black-capped and Boreal Chickadees, Dark-eyed Juncos, Red-breasted Nuthatches, Orange-crowned, Townsend's, Wilson's, and Yellow-rumped Warblers, Ruby-crowned and Golden-crowned Kinglets, White-crowned, Golden-crowned, Fox, Song, and Savannah Sparrows, and Violet-Green Swallows. Hummingbirds have not been noted lately, and the Thrushes quit singing a while ago.

Bald Eagles can be seen along the Spit, from the bluffs of Bishop's Beach, and near Beluga Slough. Keep your eyes open for various nesting locations around town.

August 22, 2002

Some recent sitings include the following: Around August 7th, many Robins were seen heading north on Kachemak Drive, apparently moving to get around the corner at Miller's Landing. A flock of Tree and Violet-green Swallows (around 20-30) were seen in Neptune on August 11th apparently getting ready for their trip. On August 12th, White-winged Crossbills were seen in Neptune as they were also 2 weeks ago, and Red Crossbills were seen on Kachemak Drive. Red Crossbills were also seen in Neptune this past weekend (18th). Five Orange-crowned Warblers were observed in some fireweed on Kachemak Drive, and on August 15th, a flock of Orange-crowned Warblers and possibly a Yellow Warbler (it was there a couple hours, then gone) was observed in the fireweed. Also, Merlin was seen in Neptune last week.

The fall migration is slowing down. This week, Western, Baird's, and Semipalmated Sandpipers, Dowitchers, and Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs have all been noted at the Lighthouse Viewing Station. A number of Yellowlegs have been observed along the beaches as well.

On August 19th, Pomarine Jaegers were seen in Kachemak Bay as well as hundreds of Shearwaters. In the waters from the Spit to Neptune Bay, Petrels have ceased to be noted, and the numbers of Shearwaters has drastically decreased. Terns have not been noted in high numbers either lately.

Mallards, American Wigeons, and Red-Necked Grebes can be seen in Beluga Lake, and from the airport viewing station, Trumpeter Swans and Sandhill Cranes can be observed. The cranes can also be seen in Beluga Slough, Lampert Lake, and from the Lighthouse Viewing Station.

Bald Eagles can be seen along the Spit, from the bluffs of Bishop's Beach, and near Beluga Slough. Keep your eyes open for various nesting locations around town. Three active eagle nests were observed in Neptune, two that have even been used for over around 20 years. On the 18th and 19th of August, two young fledged from the same nest, and one fledged from another nest on the 20th. There are still two that have yet to fledge. Besides these 3 pairs of nesting eagles and their young, as many as 18 eagles have been seen at low tide on the shores of Neptune.

August 12, 2002

The fall migration is continuing with southbound shorebirds arriving at many local shores and wetlands. Dowitchers, Yellowlegs, Western Sandpipers, and Spotted Sandpipers have all been noted at the Lighthouse Viewing Station. Black and Ruddy Turnstones and Surfbirds have been noted around Gull Island this week. On August 8th, two dozen Greater Yellowlegs were observed flying back and forth between Mariner Park Lagoon and Mud Bay. Whimbrels were seen on July 30th on the shores of Mud Bay, on August 8th on Bishop's Beach below the Ocean Shores Motel, and on August 9th flying over the offices of the National Estuarine Research Reserve on Kachemak Drive.

On July 29th, an Ancient Murrelet was observed nearshore off Yukon Island. Marbled and Kittlitz's Murrelets, Horned Puffins, and Aleutian Terns have been observed from the end of the Spit this month. On August 4th, about 100 Marbled Murrelets were seen off the mouth to Jakalof Bay, feeding in the waters just east of the Herring Islands. Flocks of shearwaters have been seen one mile off the south and east of the Homer Spit, and Fork-tailed Storm Petrels have also been noted from the Spit this month. On August 9th, all three species of Jaegers were observed between Homer Spit and Glacier Spit. There were two Long-tailed Jaegers, a couple of Parasitic Jaegers, and many Pomarine Jaegers.

A Saw-whet Owl was seen around Fritz Creek in the alder forest on August 7th!!

Bald Eagles can be seen along the Spit, from the bluffs of Bishop's Beach, and near Beluga Slough. Keep your eyes open for various nesting locations around town.

August 7, 2002

The fall migration is in full swing with southbound shorebirds arriving at many local shores and wetlands. Dowitchers, Yellowlegs, Western Sandpipers, and Spotted Sandpipers have all been noted at the Lighthouse Viewing Station. On July 29th, a flock of Black Turnstones, with a few Surfbirds and a Ruddy Turnstone intermingled, was seen around Gull Island.

On July 29th, an Ancient Murrelet was observed nearshore off Yukon Island. From the end of Homer Spit, Marbled Murrelets and Kittlitz's Murrelets were seen, as well as Horned Puffins and Aleutian Terns. On July 30th, a large flock of Shearwaters was observed one mile east of the Spit; the observer noted that they mostly looked like Sooty Shearwaters. On August 4th, two flocks of Shearwaters, species not known, were seen one mile south of the Homer Spit, totaling about 70-75 individuals. On July 31st, six Fork-tailed Storm Petrels were seen off the eastern tip of the Homer Spit, and a few were seen there as well on the 29th. Also, on July 29th, a Parasitic Jaeger was seen by Glacier Spit.

Songbirds common in the area include American Robins, Varied and Hermit Thrushes, Black-billed Magpies, Steller's and Gray Jays, Black-capped and Boreal Chickadees, Dark-eyed Juncos, Red-breasted Nuthatches, Orange-crowned, Townsend's, Wilson's, and Yellow-rumped Warblers, Ruby-crowned and Golden-crowned Kinglets, White-crowned, Golden-crowned, Fox, Song, and Savannah Sparrows, and Violet-Green Swallows. On July 29th, an immature Northern Shrike was seen at the Airport Viewing Station.

Bald Eagles can been seen along the Spit, from the bluffs of Bishop's Beach, and near Beluga Slough. Keep your eyes open for various nesting locations around town.

July 29, 2002

The fall migration has begun!!! Several Spotted Sandpipers were seen near the Martin River on the 21st.; a single Spotted Sandpiper was seen in Beluga Slough on the 23rd, and another was seen on the 20th at the end of the Spit near Land's End, as well as Semi-palmated Sandpipers and Plovers and Sanderlings. Black Turnstones, Surfbirds, Western Sandpipers, Whimbrels, Semi-palmated Plovers, Arctic Terns, and Glaucous-Winged Gulls were seen on the 24th along the Spit, between Honey's Place B&B and the logging area. On July 21st, at the head of the Bay near the Bradley River around 150 Bonaparte's Gulls were seen in breeding plumage.

In Beluga Lake, Mallards, American Wigeons, and Red-Necked Grebes can be observed with chicks. At the airport viewing station, Trumpeter Swans with chicks can be seen, as well as Three-toed Woodpeckers, Gray Jays, Yellowlegs, and Sandhill Cranes, which have also been observed in Beluga Slough and near Lampert Lake. At the Lighthouse Viewing Station, Dowitchers can be observed, as well as Yellowlegs, Bald Eagles, and Western Sandpipers.

On July 22nd a flock of White-winged Crossbills was viewed in the area west of Neptune Bay, toward the entrance of Eldrich Passage in the trees. On July 26th, a pair of Red Crossbills was seen around Kachemak Drive, the observer never having seen these in this area before.

Look for Three-toed, Downy, and Hairy Woodpeckers in spruce and cottonwood forests around Homer. Songbirds common in the area include American Robins, Varied and Hermit Thrushes, Black-billed Magpies, Steller's and Gray Jays, Black-capped and Boreal Chickadees, Dark-eyed Juncos, Red-breasted Nuthatches, Orange-crowned, Townsend's, Wilson's, and Yellow-rumped Warblers, Ruby-crowned and Golden-crowned Kinglets, White-crowned, Golden-crowned, Fox, Song, and Savannah Sparrows, and Violet-Green Swallows.

On July 27th, on Olsen Mountain Rd. near the intersection of Skyline Drive, a Humminbird was seen. The observer had never seen this species this high in town before.

A Rufous Hummingbird was also seen in the flowers outside the Ocean Shores Motel on July 24th and along Kachemak Drive on July 22nd.

Bald Eagles have been seen along the Spit, from the bluffs of Bishop's Beach, and near Beluga Slough. Keep your eyes open for various nesting locations around town.

The Pratt Museum and Seldovia Native Association have set up several remote cameras on Gull Island with a live video hook-up at the museum's Marine Room. Call the Pratt Museum at 235-8635 for museum hours or any questions regarding this unique exhibit.

July 10, 2002

On June 21, a Parasitic Jaeger was seen in Chignik. On June 28, Surfbirds were observed in Nanwalek. On June 29, a nesting Three-toed Woodpecker was observed on the Sadie Knob Trail. Also, Alder Flycatchers were seen in the Fritz Creek area. On July 1, around 2000 Shearwaters were spotted around the NW side of Elizabeth Island. Also, 400 Sooty Shearwaters and 300 Fork-tailed Storm Petrels were seen on the SE side of the Barren Islands. On July 4, a flock of Bonaparte's Gulls (5-25) was seen along Kachemak Drive beach. On July 5, on Jakalof Creek, 2 Semipalmated Sandpipers were observed. On July 6, a Northern Shrike was seen on East End Road, mile 6, diving on a Harlan?s Has Hawk (Red-tailed Hawk). On July 9, 5 Black Turnstones were seen in breeding plumage on the end of the Spit, to the right of Land's

July 1, 2002

On June 24, an Aleutian Tern was seen at Lampert Lake, a Eurasian Wigeon was spotted amongst American Wigeons in Mariner Park Lagoon, and at Sixty-foot Rock 16 Surfbirds and 5 immature Glaucous Gulls were seen!

On June 25, off McDonald Spit, a Parasitic Jaeger in its dark phase was viewed. A Crested Auklet was observed off Port Graham, and a Brant was seen in Mud Bay!

On June 27, three Trumpeter Swam chicks were observed from the Airport Viewing Station! Also, Sandhill Cranes and an Alder Flycatcher were seen at the east end of Beluga Lake. Three to four pairs of Savannah Sparrows were observed around the Bishop's Beach Parking Area.

On June 29, two Townsend's Warblers were sited in the woods off Diamond Ridge Road, around mile 4 from town!

June 18, 2002

On June 18, 6 Whimbrels were seen flying over the Homer Spit, from East to West between Louie's Lagoon and the first house along the east side of the Spit. On June 22, a male King Eider was seen amongst 6 male Common Eiders at Glacier Spit. Kittlitz's and Marbled Murrelets were seen here as well.

June 8, 2002

On May 28, a Three-toed Woodpecker was observed on Jakolof Bay Road near the dock.

A Pacific Loon was seen on Eagle lake on June 4.

The following were observed on June 7th: A pair of Trumpeter Swans on Beluga Lake across from the airport terminal and a Ring-necked Pheasant near the old tern colony on East End Road. Off the side of the Homer Spit Road a pair of Pacific Loons were observed as well as Marbled Murrelets, two Long-tailed Ducks, seven Common Eiders, Black, White-winged, and Surf Scoters, an Aleutian Tern, AND a male Steller's Eider!!

On June 8th, a male King Eider was noted amongst the Common Eiders, and a Pacific Loon and Black Scoters were seen as well.

May 29, 2002

On May 13th, a Ring-necked Pheasant was spotted along the side of Kachemak Drive beyond the pond near the airport runway. Whimbrels and nesting Sandhill Cranes are also here.

Four Horned Puffins were spotted at Gull Island on May 23rd.

On May 25th, Wandering Tattlers were seen on the beach off Kachemak Drive. Belted Kingfishers were noted in Neptune. They were paired off, apparently looking for a new nest site after years of using the same one. Violet-green Swallows (around eight) seem to be up in numbers here relative to previous years. Also, Hermit and Varied Thrushes have been spotted around Neptune Bay.

An Eagle was observed swimming in the bay! About 200 yards from shore, it was swimming a weak butterfly stroke until making it to an exposed sandbar. Other eagles circled above as this one rested while the tide receded. After a half hour, it waved its wings a few times and flew away. This is the same area where the observer has seen eagles in the water before; actually this is the 3rd time she's seen this in 27 years!

A Parasitic Jaeger and a few Mew Gulls were seen above Eagle Lake on May 26th. At Eagle Lake, a pair of Pintails, a pair of Pacific Loons, some Mew Gulls (apparently nesting), one species of Yellow Legs, and one species of Dowitcher were sighted. A Barrow's Goldeneye was noted at Circle Lake, which is located off of Eagle Lake.

On May 27th, a pair of Parasitic Jaegers was seen at the mouth of the boat harbor on the spit.

On May 28th, a Great-Horned Owl was perching in a cave on the south side of Gull Island!!

May 22, 2002

On May 11, tree swallows were spotted!

A Spruce Grouse was seen on May 16th at Stepping Stone Lake. Aleutian Terns have yet to be seen here. Barrow's Golden Eyes and Mallards were also seen, and Orange-crowned Warblers were heard singing.

On May 18th, a ground-nesting Eagle was seen. This is common on treeless islands but not in Homer!! If you're interested in the location and more information on the matter, please call Michael McBride of China Poot Bay at 235-3679.

Wandering Tattlers and American Pipits were seen on Bishop's Beach on May 19th.

White-fronted Geese have been seen at Beluga Slough every day up until the 20th; they've been feeding on salt grass and sedges. On McLay Rd., a Hermit Thrush was noted; this is earlier than in previous years. In Neptune, an Orange-crowned Warbler was heard, and a Hairy Woodpecker was noted.

On May 21, a Rufous Hummingbird was noted!!

May 16, 2002

The 10th Annual Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival was a huge success. Local and visiting birders found 129 bird species during this year's festival. Recent sightings of interest include Pacific and Red-throated Loons, Eurasian Wigeons, King and Steller's Eiders, Gadwall, Canvasback, Aleutian Canada Geese, Pacific and American Golden-Plovers, Pomarine and Long-tailed Jaegers, Red Knot, Rufous-necked Stint, Red-necked Phalaropes, Hudsonian and Marbled Godwits.

Many Common Loons can be found on saltwater off both sides of the Homer Spit. A Yellow-billed Loon was seen in Halibut Cove on April 23, a Pacific Loon was near Glacier Spit on May 8, and a winter plumage Red-throated Loon was off the Spit on May 12. Breeding pairs of Red-necked Grebes are now on Beluga Lake. These and many Horned Grebes were on saltwater off the Homer Spit on May 15.

Ducks found on open water surrounding the Homer Spit on May 15 include Surf, White-winged, and Black Scoters, Mallards, Northern Pintails, Greater Scaups, Harlequins, Long-tailed Ducks (formerly called Oldsquaws), and Common Eiders. A male King Eider was observed with a flock of Common Eiders west of the Spit between the Fishing Hole and Herndon & Thompson's buildings on May 11 and 12. On May 11 and 12 a Steller's Eider was seen west of the Spit off Mariner Park. Northern Pintails, Green-winged Teals, Northern Shovelers, American Wigeons, and Mallards were in Mariner Park Lagoon or Mud Bay on May 15. A Eurasian Wigeon was at the east end of Beluga Lake with a flock of scaups on May 15. Common Goldeneyes, Greater and Lesser Scaups, Buffleheads, Green-winged Teals, American Wigeons, Mallards and Northern Pintails were on Beluga Lake on May 15. A Canvasback was seen on Beluga Lake on May 11. Two Gadwalls were at Millers Landing on May 9. A few Greater White-fronted Geese were in Beluga Slough on May 15. Brant geese were seen at the mouth of the Anchor River and in Mud Bay on May 10 and the morning of May 11 a large group of 95 - 110 Brant were in China Poot Bay. A flock of 15 Aleutian Canada Geese were reported at the mouth of the Anchor River on May 12. A Trumpeter Swan was at the back of Beluga Lake on May 15.

Bald Eagles are numerous near the end of or along the Homer Spit, and breeding adult eagles are incubating eggs at area nesting sites. A Rough-legged Hawk was seen at Mile 14 EE Road on May 11. Harlan's Hawks, or dark-phase Red-tailed Hawks, were seen at Fritz Creek and McNeil Canyon on May 9. A Northern Harrier was seen at the back of Beluga Lake on May 13. Merlins were seen in Mud Bay, Mariner Park Lagoon, Beluga Slough or near the Homer Airport every day betweem May 9 and 14. A Peregrine Falcon was observed flying over Mud Bay on May 12. An American Kestrel was seen flying along the beach near Glacier Drive-In on May 10.

Numbers of Western Sandpipers, Dunlins and Short-billed Dowitchers feeding in Mud Bay were increasing until May 13, with numbers now falling. A Red Knot was in Mud Bay on May 10. A Rufous-necked Stint was in Louie's Lagoon the afternoon of May 12. Least Sandpipers were in Louie's Lagoon and Beluga Slough on May 13 and Semipalmated Sandpipers were seen in Mud Bay on May 11. A Pectoral Sandpiper was in the slough on May 11. A Rock Sandpiper was seen with Surfbirds at Gull Island on May 11. Black Turnstones were at the Homer Harbor entrance on May 11 and a flock of 65 Black Turnstones was midway along the west side of the Spit on May 14. Ruddy Turnstones were in Mud Bay on May 6. Surfbirds have been seen at the harbor entrance and Gull Island this week. Black Oystercatchers were seen in Peterson Bay and at Cohen Island on May 10 and 11. Common Snipe, Greater Yellowlegs and Lesser Yellowlegs were at the back of Beluga Lake on May 15. Black-bellied Plovers were in Mud Bay and Louie's Lagoon on May 14. On May 11 and 12 there were 2 Pacific Golden-Plovers at the back of Beluga Lake and on May 11 an American Golden-Plover was in Mud Bay. Semipalmated Plovers were in Mud Bay and Louie's Lagoon on May 15. Marbled Godwits were in Mud Bay on May 8 and 11. Hudsonian Godwits were seen in Mud Bay and at Millers Landing on May 10 and one was seen in Mud Bay on May 11. Whimbrels were seen at Ocean Shores Motel and the old Aleutian Tern colony on Kachemak Drive on May 14. Red-necked Phalaropes were seen on the Bay May 10 and 11.

Glaucous-winged and Mew Gulls can be found loafing and flying along the Homer Spit or on saltwater. Glaucous Gull juveniles were seen on May 10 and 11. Bonaparte's Gulls were on Beluga Lake May 10, 11 and 12. An unconfirmed, suspect Slaty-backed Gull was reported off the end of the Spit on May 11. Six Pomarine Jaegers were seen flying near Glacier Spit on May 8 and a Long-tailed Jaeger was seen flying over Mud Bay on May 10. Aleutian Terns were seen flying across the Homer Spit on May 15 and Arctic Terns have been spotted daily from the Spit since May 9. Horned puffins were seen on April 20 but haven't been reported since and Tufted Puffins have been seen daily at Gull Island since May 10. Pelagic and Red-faced Cormorants, Common Murres, Marbled Murrelets, Pigeon Guillemots and Black-legged Kittiwakes were observed from the end of or east of the Homer Spit on May 15.

Songbirds seen recently include Violet-green and Tree Swallows, Black-capped and Boreal Chickadees, Brown Creepers, Golden-crowned and Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Red-breasted Nuthatches, Dark-eyed Juncos, Pine Siskins, Common Redpolls, a Red Crossbill, a Pine Grosbeak, Lapland Longspurs, American Robins, Varied and Hermit Thrushes, Steller's and Gray Jays, Northwestern Crows, Common Ravens, Fox, Song, Tree, Lincoln's, Golden-crowned and Savannah Sparrows, Downy Woodpeckers, and Hairy Woodpeckers. The first warblers of the year - Orange-crowned and Yellow-rumped Warblers - were heard May 11 and 12. Orange-crowned Warblers have since been seen at Glacier Spit and out East End Road. A flock of American Pipits was feeding in the Mud Bay salt marsh at the base of the Homer Spit on May 15. A Northern Shrike was sitting on a power line near the Connelly House out EE Road on May 11. A Belted Kingfisher was seen at Beluga Lake and Bishops Beach on May 11. Winter wrens have been singing in spruce forests along Eldred Passage this week. Sandhill Cranes have been seen flying along EE Road, in Mariner Park Lagoon and at the old tern colony this week.

May 11, 2002

The spring migration is now in full swing. Recent sightings of interest include Pacific Loon, Eurasian Wigeons, King and Steller's Eiders, Gadwall, Canvasback, Pacific Golden-Plover, Merlins, Harlan's Hawks, Pomarine Jaegers, Thayer's Gull, Red Knot, Hudsonian and Marbled Godwits, and Whimbrels.

Many Common Loons can be found on saltwater off both sides of the Homer Spit. A Yellow-billed Loon was seen in Halibut Cove on April 23 and a Pacific Loon was near Glacier Spit on May 8. Keep an eye out for Red-throated Loons as well. Breeding pairs of Red-necked Grebes are now on Beluga Lake. These and many Horned Grebes were on saltwater off the Homer Spit on May 11.

Ducks found on open water surrounding the Homer Spit on May 11 include Surf, White-winged, and Black Scoters, Mallards, Northern Pintails, Greater Scaups, Harlequins, Long-tailed Ducks (formerly called Oldsquaws), and Common Eiders. Two male King Eiders were observed with a flock of Common Eiders west of the Spit between the Fishing Hole and Herndon & Thompson's buildings on May 11. On May 11 there were also several Steller's Eiders west of the Spit opposite the barge basin. Northern Pintails, Green-winged Teals, Northern Shovelers, American Wigeons, and Mallards were in Mariner Park Lagoon, with some species also in Mud Bay, on May 11. Eurasian Wigeons were at the back of Beluga Lake and in Beluga Slough by the west side boardwalk on May 11. Common Goldeneyes, Greater Scaups, Buffleheads, Green-winged Teals, American Wigeons, Mallards and Northern Pintails were on Beluga Lake on May 11. A Canvasback was reported on Beluga Lake on May 11. Two Gadwalls were seen at Millers Landing on May 9. The large flocks of Greater White-fronted Geese seemed to have headed out, though a few were still around on May 11. Brant geese were seen at the mouth of the Anchor River and in Mud Bay on May 10 and the morning of May 11 a large group of 95 - 110 Brant were in China Poot Bay. Trumpeter Swans were seen flying over Ocean Shores Motel on May 10 and two Trumpeters were at the back of Beluga Lake on May 11.

Bald Eagles are numerous near the end of or along the Homer Spit, and breeding adult eagles are incubating eggs at area nesting sites. Resident Sharp-shinned Hawks and Goshawks have been seen this past week in Homer. A Rough-legged Hawk was seen along Bishops Beach on May 2. Harlan's Hawks, or dark-phase Red-tailed Hawks, were seen at Fritz Creek and McNeil Canyon on May 9. A Northern Harrier was seen at the back of Beluga Lake on May 9 and 11. Merlins were seen in Mud Bay, Mariner Park Lagoon, Beluga Slough and near the Homer Airport on May 9, 10 and 11. Two Peregrine Falcons were observed hunting shorebirds in Mud Bay on May 5. An American Kestrel was seen flying along the beach near Glacier Drive-In on May 10.

Mixed flocks of Western Sandpipers, Dunlins and Short-billed Dowitchers have been increasing daily with about 7,000 peeps in Mud Bay on May 10. A Red Knot was in Mud Bay on May 10. Least Sandpipers were in Louie's Lagoon and Beluga Slough on May 10. A few Rock Sandpipers were seen at the Homer Harbor entrance on May 8. Black Turnstones and Surfbirds were seen here on May 11. Black and Ruddy Turnstones were in Mud Bay on May 6. A Black Oystercatcher was seen at Cohen Island on April 5, but hasn't been reported since then. Common Snipe were seen or heard in various locations around Homer on May 11. Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs were at the back of Beluga Lake on May 11. Greaters were also at the old tern colony along Kachemak Drive, in Beluga Slough, in Mariner Park Lagoon and in Mud Bay on May 11. Black-bellied Plovers were in Mud Bay and Louie's Lagoon on May 11. On May 11 there were 2 Pacific Golden-Plovers at the back of Beluga Lake and on May 6 an American Golden-Plover was in Mud Bay. Semipalmated Plovers were in Mud Bay and Louie's Lagoon on May 11. Marbled Godwits were in Mud Bay and Mariner Park Lagoon on May 8. Hudsonian Godwits were seen in Mud Bay and at Millers Landing on May 10. Whimbrels were seen at Homer Middle School, flying over Beluga Lake and in Mud Bay on May 11. Keep your eyes peeled for banded shorebirds this week, especially golden-plovers and sandpiper species.

Glaucous-winged and Mew Gulls can be found loafing and flying along the Homer Spit or on saltwater. An adult Thayer's Gull was seen sitting on ice at Beluga Lake on May 5 and on open water in the lake with Glaucous-winged and Herring Gulls on May 7. Bonaparte's Gulls were on Beluga Lake May 10 and 11. Six Pomarine Jaegers were seen flying near Glacier Spit on May 8. Aleutian Terns were seen flying west of the Homer Spit on May 8 and 11. Arctic Terns were seen on both sides of the Spit on May 11. Horned puffins were reported on April 20 but haven't been reported since and Tufted Puffins were seen off Gull Island on May 10. Pelagic and Red-faced Cormorants, Common Murres, Marbled Murrelets, Pigeon Guillemots and Black-legged Kittiwakes were observed from the end of or east of the Homer Spit on May 11. A Double-crested Cormorant was seen flying west with 25 Trumpeter Swans over the Homer Spit on May 5. Kittlitz's Murrelets were seen near the Spit, in Eldred Passage and in Halibut Cove on May 4.

Songbirds seen recently include Violet-green Swallows, Black-capped and Boreal Chickadees, Brown Creepers, Golden-crowned and Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Red-breasted Nuthatches, Dark-eyed Juncos, Pine Siskins, Common Redpolls, American Robins, Varied Thrushes, Steller's and Gray Jays, Northwestern Crows, Common Ravens, Fox, Song and Savannah Sparrows, Downy Woodpeckers, and Hairy Woodpeckers. Lapland Longspurs were seen along the Homer Spit bike trail on May 5. A Northern Shrike was sitting on a power line near the Connelly House out EE Road on May 9. A Belted Kingfisher was seen at Beluga Lake on May 5. Winter wrens have been singing in spruce forests along Eldred Passage this week. A pair of breeding Common Ravens has returned to their very visible nest site on a dirt cliff face 1/8 mile up Fritz Creek Valley Road. Spruce Grouse were seen at Fritz Creek on April 24. Sandhill Cranes were seen flying along EE Road, in Beluga Slough, and in Mariner Park Lagoon on May 11.

The 10th Annual Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival is underway. Birding field trips and shorebird viewing stations are being offered, as well as indoor birding workshops. For more information call the Homer Chamber of Commerce at 235-7740 or visit their website.

May 10, 2002

The spring migration is now in full swing. Recent sightings of interest include Pacific Loon, Eurasian Wigeon, King Eider, Gadwall, Merlins, Harlan's Hawks, Pomarine Jaegers, Thayer's Gull, Hudsonian and Marbled Godwits, Whimbrels and Red Knot.

Ducks found on open water surrounding the Homer Spit on May 10 include Surf, White-winged, and Black Scoters, Mallards, Northern Pintails, Greater Scaups, Harlequins, Long-tailed Ducks (formerly called Oldsquaws), and Common Eiders. A male King Eider was with a flock of Common Eiders west of the Spit between the Fishing Hole and Herndon & Thompson's buildings on May 9. On May 5 a male Steller's Eider was with the King and Common Eiders west of the barge basin on the Spit. Northern Pintails, Green-winged Teals and Northern Shovelers were abundant in Mariner Park Lagoon and Mud Bay on May 10, with lesser numbers of American Wigeons and Mallards. An Eurasian Wigeon was at the back of Beluga Lake on May 10 – look for Eurasian Wigeons also at Mariner Park Lagoon and among the sedges bordering Mud Bay's north shore. Common Goldeneyes, Greater Scaups, Buffleheads, Green-winged Teals, American Wigeons, Mallards and Northern Pintails were on Beluga Lake on May 10. Two Gadwalls were seen at Millers Landing on May 9. Large flocks of Greater White-fronted Geese were observed on May 10 at the back of Beluga Lake, in Beluga Slough and in hayfields along EE Road. A few Canada Geese have been observed in these flocks as well. Brant geese were seen west and south of the Homer Spit on May 9. Two Trumpeter Swans were at the back of Beluga Lake on May 9.

Bald Eagles are numerous near the end of or along the Homer Spit, and breeding adult eagles are incubating eggs at area nesting sites. An Osprey was seen by several observers flying over Mariner Park Lagoon and Mud Bay on April 30. Resident Sharp-shinned Hawks and Goshawks have been seen this past week in Homer. A Rough-legged Hawk was seen along Bishops Beach on May 2. Harlan’s Hawks, or dark-phase Red-tailed Hawks, were seen at Fritz Creek and McNeil Canyon on May 9. A Northern Harrier was seen at the back of Beluga Lake on May 9. Merlins were seen in Mud Bay, Mariner Park Lagoon and Beluga Slough on May 9 and Beluga Slough on May 10. Two Peregrine Falcons were observed hunting shorebirds in Mud Bay on May 5. A Saw-whet Owl was heard near the top of West Hill Drive on May 9. A Kestrel was seen flying along the western shore of the Spit near the Glacier Drive-In on May 10.

Mixed flocks of Western Sandpipers, Dunlins and Short-billed Dowitchers have been increasing daily with about 7,000 peeps in Mud Bay on May 10. A Red Knot was feeding with Westerns and Dunlins in Mud Bay on May 10. A few Rock Sandpipers were seen at the Homer Harbor entrance on May 8, mixed in with Black Turnstones and Surfbirds. Surfbirds were also on Gull Island and around 60-foot Rock on May 10. Black Turnstones were in Mud Bay on May 9 and Ruddy Turnstones were seen in Mud Bay on May 6. A Black Oystercatcher was seen at Cohen Island on April 5, but hasn't been reported since then. Common Snipe were seen or heard in various locations around Homer on May 9. Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs were at the back of Beluga Lake on May 10. Greaters were also at the old tern colony along Kachemak Drive, in Beluga Slough, in Mariner Park Lagoon and in Mud Bay on May 10. Black-bellied Plovers were in Mud Bay and Louie's Lagoon on May 10. On May 2 there were 6 Pacific Golden-Plovers at Louie's Lagoon and on May 6 an American Golden-Plover was in Mud Bay. Semipalmated Plovers were in Mud Bay and Louie's Lagoon on May 10. Marbled Godwits were in Mud Bay and Mariner Park Lagoon on May 8. Hudsonian Godwits were seen in Mud Bay and at Millers Landing on May 10. Whimbrels were seen feeding in grassy areas around Ocean Shores Motel and Connelly House at Mile 4.5 EE Road. Keep your eyes peeled for banded shorebirds this week, especially golden-plovers and sandpiper species.

Glaucous-winged and Mew Gulls can be found loafing and flying along the Homer Spit or on saltwater. An adult Thayer's Gull was seen sitting on ice at Beluga Lake on May 5 and on open water in the lake with Glaucous-winged and Herring Gulls on May 7. Six Pomarine Jaegers were seen flying near Glacier Spit on May 8. Bonaparte's Gulls were on Beluga Lake on May 10. An Aleutian Tern was seen west of the Homer Spit on May 8 and Arctic Terns were seen on both sides of the Spit on May 9. Horned puffins were reported on April 20 but haven't been reported since and Tufted Puffins were seen off Gull Island on May 10. Pelagic and Red-faced Cormorants, Common Murres, Marbled Murrelets, Pigeon Guillemots and Black-legged Kittiwakes were observed from the end of or east of the Homer Spit on May 10. A Double-crested Cormorant was seen flying west with 25 Trumpeter Swans over the Homer Spit on May 5. Kittlitz's Murrelets were seen near the Spit, in Eldred Passage and in Halibut Cove on May 4.

Songbirds seen recently include Violet-green Swallows, Black-capped and Boreal Chickadees, Brown Creepers, Golden-crowned and Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Red-breasted Nuthatches, Dark-eyed Juncos, Pine Siskins, American Robins, Varied Thrushes, Steller's and Gray Jays, Northwestern Crows, Common Ravens, Fox, Song and Savannah Sparrows, Downy Woodpeckers, and Hairy Woodpeckers. Lapland Longspurs were seen along the Homer Spit bike trail on May 5. A Northern Shrike was sitting on a power line near the Connelly House out EE Road on May 9. A Belted Kingfisher was seen at Beluga Lake on May 5. Winter wrens have been singing in spruce forests along Eldred Passage this week. A pair of breeding Common Ravens has returned to their very visible nest site on a dirt cliff face 1/8 mile up Fritz Creek Valley Road. Spruce Grouse were seen at Fritz Creek on April 24. Sandhill Cranes were seen flying along EE Road, in Beluga Slough, at the back of Beluga Lake and in Mariner Park Lagoon on May 10.

The 10th Annual Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival is underway. Birding field trips and shorebird viewing stations are planned throughout the weekend, as well as indoor birding workshops. World renowned waterfowl and seabird authority Frank Todd will be the featured guest speaker on Saturday evening. In addition to birding activities, there will be an arts and crafts fair, gallery migration, children's activities, Bird Beer Bash & Trivia Contest, a 5K migration run, wooden boat festival and more. For more information call the Homer Chamber of Commerce at 235-7740 or visit their website.

May 9, 2002

The spring migration is now in full swing. Recent sightings of interest include Eurasian Wigeons, King Eider, Steller's Eider, Gadwall, Brant Geese, Peregrine Falcons, Merlins, Harlan's Hawks, Thayer's Gull, Hudsonian and Marbled Godwits, and Whimbrels.

Many Common Loons can be found on saltwater off both sides of the Homer Spit. A Yellow-billed Loon was seen in Halibut Cove on April 23. Keep an eye out for Red-throated and Pacific Loons as well. Breeding pairs of Red-necked Grebes are now on Beluga Lake. These and many Horned Grebes were on saltwater off the Homer Spit on May 8.

Ducks found on open water surrounding the Homer Spit on May 9 include Surf, White-winged, and Black Scoters, Mallards, Northern Pintails, Greater Scaups, Harlequins, Long-tailed Ducks (formerly called Oldsquaws), and Common Eiders. A male King Eider was with a flock of Common Eiders west of the Spit between the Fishing Hole and Herndon & Thompson's buildings on May 8 & 9. On May 5 a male Steller's Eider was with the King and Common Eiders west of the barge basin on the Spit. Northern Pintails, Green-winged Teals and Northern Shovelers were abundant in Mariner Park Lagoon and Mud Bay on May 9, with lesser numbers of American Wigeons and Mallards. A Eurasian Wigeon was at the back of Beluga Lake on May 9 – look for Eurasian Wigeons also at Mariner Park Lagoon and among the sedges bordering Mud Bay's north shore. Common Goldeneyes, Greater Scaups, Buffleheads, Green-winged Teals, American Wigeons, Mallards and Northern Pintails were on Beluga Lake on May 9. Two Gadwalls were seen at Millers Landing on May 9. Large flocks of Greater White-fronted Geese have been observed this week at the back of Beluga Lake, on mudflats at Millers Landing and in hayfields along EE Road near the Connelly house. A few Canada Geese have been observed in these flocks as well. Brant geese have been seen in several locations around the Spit since May 4, with the most recent sightings west and south of the Homer Spit on May 8 & 9. Two Trumpeter Swans were at the back of Beluga Lake on May 9.

Bald Eagles are numerous near the end of or along the Homer Spit, and breeding adult eagles are incubating eggs at area nesting sites. An Osprey was seen by several observers flying over Mariner Park Lagoon and Mud Bay on April 30. Resident Sharp-shinned Hawks and Goshawks have been seen this past week in Homer. A Rough-legged Hawk was seen along Bishops Beach on May 2. Harlan's Hawks, or dark-phase Red-tailed Hawks, were seen at Fritz Creek and McNeil Canyon on May 9. A Northern Harrier was seen at the back of Beluga Lake on May 9. Merlins were seen in Mud Bay, Mariner Park Lagoon and Beluga Slough on May 9. Two Peregrine Falcons were observed hunting shorebirds in Mud Bay on May 5. A Great Horned Owl was seen at Mile 7.5 EE Road on May 2.

A few Rock Sandpipers were seen at the Homer Harbor entrance on May 1 and May 4. A Black Oystercatcher was seen at Cohen Island on April 5, but hasn't been reported since then. Common Snipe were seen or heard in various locations around Homer on May 9. Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs have been seen along the shore of Beluga Lake, at the old tern colony along Kachemak Drive and in Beluga Slough this week. Black-bellied Plovers were in Mud Bay and Louie's Lagoon on May 9. On May 2 there were 6 Pacific Golden-Plovers at Louie's Lagoon and on May 6 an American Golden-Plover was in Mud Bay. Semipalmated Plovers were in Mud Bay and Louie's Lagoon on May 9. Marbled Godwits were in Mud Bay and Mariner Park Lagoon on May 8. Hudsonian Godwits were seen in Mud Bay and at Millers Landing on May 5. A Whimbrel was in Mud Bay on May 8. Mixed flocks of Western Sandpipers, Dunlins and Short-billed Dowitchers have been increasing daily with about 6,000 peeps in Mud Bay on May 9. Surfbirds were seen at the Homer Harbor entrance and Gull Island on May 8. Black Turnstones were observed on rocks at the Homer Harbor entrance on May 5; these and Ruddy Turnstones were in Mud Bay on May 6. Keep your eyes peeled for banded shorebirds this week, especially golden-plovers and sandpiper species.

Glaucous-winged and Mew Gulls can be found loafing and flying along the Homer Spit or on saltwater. A juvenile Glaucous Gull was observed in a large flock of mixed gulls in Mud Bay on May 2. An adult Thayer's Gull was seen sitting on ice at Beluga Lake on May 5 and on open water in the lake with Glaucous-winged and Herring Gulls on May 7. Bonaparte's Gulls were seen flying over the Spit on May 6. An Aleutian Tern was seen west of the Homer Spit on May 8 and Arctic Terns were seen on both sides of the Spit on May 9. Horned puffins were reported on April 20 but haven't been reported since and Tufted Puffins were seen off Gull Island on May 9. Pelagic and Red-faced Cormorants, Common Murres, Marbled Murrelets, Pigeon Guillemots and Black-legged Kittiwakes were observed from the end of or east of the Homer Spit on May 9. A Double-crested Cormorant was seen flying west with 25 Trumpeter Swans over the Homer Spit on May 5. Kittlitz's Murrelets were seen near the Spit, in Eldred Passage and in Halibut Cove on May 4.

A Belted Kingfisher was seen at Beluga Lake on May 5. Songbirds seen recently include Violet-green Swallows, Black-capped and Boreal Chickadees, Brown Creepers, Golden-crowned and Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Red-breasted Nuthatches, Dark-eyed Juncos, Pine Siskins, American Robins, Varied Thrushes, Steller's and Gray Jays, Northwestern Crows, Common Ravens, Fox, Song and Savannah Sparrows, Downy Woodpeckers, and Hairy Woodpeckers. Lapland Longspurs were seen along the Homer Spit bike trail on May 5. A Northern Shrike was sitting on a power line near the Connelly House out EE Road on May 9. Winter wrens have been singing in spruce forests along Eldred Passage this week. A pair of breeding Common Ravens has returned to their very visible nest site on a dirt cliff face 1/8 mile up Fritz Creek Valley Road. Spruce Grouse were seen at Fritz Creek on April 24. Sandhill Cranes have been seen flying about Homer this past week and were at the back of Beluga Lake and in Mariner Park Lagoon on May 9.

May 7, 2002

The spring migration is now in full swing. Recent sightings of interest include Eurasian Wigeons, King Eiders, a Stellers Eider, Brant Geese, an Osprey, Peregrine Falcons, Thayer's Gull, Hudsonian and Marbled Godwits, and Whimbrels.

Ducks found on open water surrounding the Homer Spit on May 7 include Surf, White-winged, and Black Scoters, Mallards, Northern Pintails, Greater Scaup, Harlequins, Long-tailed Ducks (formerly called Oldsquaws), and Common Eiders. Two male King Eiders have been seen in flocks of Common Eiders west of the Spit between the Fishing Hole and Herndon & Thompson's buildings since May 4, with the most recent report of these beautiful ducks on May 7 opposite the Fishing Hole. On May 5 a male Stellers Eider was with these two King and about 15 Common Eiders west of the barge basin on the Spit. Northern Pintails, Green-winged Teals and Northern Shovelers were abundant in Mariner Park Lagoon and Mud Bay on May 7, with lesser numbers of American Wigeons and Mallards. On May 5 three male Eurasian Wigeons and 2 Trumpeter Swans were in Mariner Park as well. Eurasian Wigeons were also seen at the head of Beluga Lake this past weekend. Common Goldeneyes, Common Mergansers, Greater Scaups, Buffleheads, Green-winged Teals, American Wigeons, Mallards and Northern Pintails were on Beluga Lake on May 7. Large flocks of Greater White-fronted Geese have been observed this week at the back of Beluga Lake, on mudflats at Millers Landing and in hayfields along EE Road near the Connelly house. A few Canada Geese have been observed in these flocks as well. Brant geese were seen flying over the Homer Spit on May 4 and on saltwater east of the wood chip pile on May 5. Trumpeter Swans have been observed flying over the Spit, in Mariner Park Lagoon, and at the head of Beluga Lake this week.

Bald Eagles are numerous near the end of or along the Homer Spit, and breeding adult eagles are incubating eggs at area nesting sites. An Osprey was seen by several observers flying over Mariner Park Lagoon and Mud Bay on April 30. Resident Sharp-shinned Hawks and Goshawks have been seen this past week in Homer. A Rough-legged Hawk was seen at Knob Hill along the North Fork Road on March 28. A Harlan's Hawk was reported along EE Road on May 5. On May 4 and 5 a male Northern Harrier was seen hunting along Mud Bay and Louie's Lagoon. A Merlin was seen in Mud Bay on May 5. Two Peregrine Falcons were observed hunting shorebirds in Mud Bay on May 5. A Great Horned Owl was seen at Mile 7.5 EE Road on May 2.

A few Rock Sandpipers were seen at the Homer Harbor entrance on May 1 and May 4. A Black Oystercatcher was seen at Cohen Island on April 5, but hasn't been reported since then. Common Snipe have been seen or heard in various locations around Homer this past week. Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs have been seen along the shore of Beluga Lake, at the old tern colony along Kachemak Drive and in Beluga Slough this week. Black-bellied Plovers have been common in Mud Bay this week with individuals also seen at the head of Beluga Lake and Louie's Lagoon in recent days. On May 2 there were 6 Pacific Golden-Plovers at Louie's Lagoon and on May 6 an American Golden-Plover was in Mud Bay with unidentified juvenile golden-plovers. Semipalmated Plovers were first reported on May 3 in Mud Bay and have been seen since then in Mud Bay and at Louie's Lagoon. Marbled Godwits were in Mud Bay on May 3, 4, and 6 and Hudsonian Godwits were seen here and at Millers Landing on May 5. Whimbrels were seen near Bluff Point on May 3 and on Beluga Lake's ice on May 4. Several hundred Dunlins and Western Sandpipers have been feeding along the waterline in Mud Bay for the past several days with increasing numbers of both species. Short-billed Dowitchers were in Mud Bay on May 4 and 5 in small numbers, with increasing numbers seen on May 6. Surfbirds were first seen on May 3 and flocks have been seen since then along the Homer Spit, on the south side of the Bay and on rocks at the Homer Harbor entrance. Black Turnstones were observed on rocks at the Homer Harbor entrance on May 5; these and Ruddy Turnstones were in Mud Bay on May 6. Keep your eyes peeled for banded shorebirds this week, especially golden-plovers and sandpiper species.

Glaucous-winged and Mew Gulls can be found loafing and flying along the Homer Spit or on saltwater. A juvenile Glaucous Gull was observed in a large flock of mixed gulls in Mud Bay on May 2. An adult Thayer's Gull was seen sitting on ice at Beluga Lake on May 5 and on open water in the lake with Glaucous-winged and Herring Gulls on May 7. Bonaparte's Gulls, first reported on April 28, were on Beluga Lake on May 4 and flying over Mud Bay on May 5. Arctic Terns were first observed flying over the Spit on May 6. Aleutian Terns have not yet been reported. Horned puffins were reported on April 20 but haven't been seen since and Tufted Puffins were first observed at Gull Island on April 30 with 10 seen there on May 5. Pelagic and Red-faced Cormorants, Common Murres, Marbled Murrelets, Pigeon Guillemots and Black-legged Kittiwakes were observed from the end of or east of the Homer Spit this weekend. A Double-crested Cormorant was seen flying west with 25 Trumpeter Swans over the Homer Spit on May 5. Kittlitz's Murrelets were seen near the Spit, in Eldred Passage and in Halibut Cove on May 4.

The first Violet-Green Swallows of the year were observed on May 4 along Mud Bay. Many more swallows have been seen in the Homer area since then. A Belted Kingfisher was seen at Beluga Lake on May 5. A handful of Varied Thrushes and American Robins have seen in the Homer area this past week. Other songbirds seen recently include Black-capped and Boreal Chickadees, Brown Creepers, Golden-crowned and Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Red-breasted Nuthatches, Dark-eyed Juncos, Pine Siskins, Steller's and Gray Jays, Northwestern Crows, Common Ravens, Fox Sparrows, Downy Woodpeckers, and Hairy Woodpeckers. Song Sparrows have been reported along Kachemak Drive this week and Savannah Sparrows were seen at the old tern colony along Kachemak Drive on May 6. Lapland Longspurs were seen along the Homer Spit bike trail on May 5. A Northern Shrike was sitting on a power line near the Connelly House out EE Road on May 5. Winter wrens have been singing in spruce forests along Eldred Passage this past week. A pair of breeding Common Ravens has returned to their very visible nest site on a dirt cliff face 1/8 mile up Fritz Creek Valley Road. Spruce Grouse were seen at Fritz Creek on April 24. Sandhill Cranes have been seen flying about Homer this past week and were at the back of Beluga Lake and feeding among sedges at the base of the Spit in Mud Bay on May 5.

May 5, 2002

The spring migration is now in full swing. Recent sightings of interest include a Yellow-billed Loon, Eurasian Wigeons, King Eiders, a Stellers Eider, Brant Geese, an Osprey, Peregrine Falcons, Hudsonian and Marbled Godwits, Whimbrels and a Ruddy Turnstone.

Ducks found on open water surrounding the Homer Spit on May 5 include Surf, White-winged, and Black Scoters, Mallards, Northern Pintails, Greater Scaup, Harlequins, Long-tailed Ducks (formerly called Oldsquaws), and Common Eiders. On May 4 two male King Eiders were in flocks of Common Eiders west of the Fishing Hole, and on May 5 two male King Eiders and a male Stellers Eider were on saltwater with Common Eiders west of Herndon & Thompson's buildings on the Spit. Northern Pintails, Green-winged Teals and Northern Shovelers were abundant in Mariner Park Lagoon on May 5, with lesser numbers of American Wigeons, three male Eurasian Wigeons, Mallards and 2 Trumpeter Swans here as well. Eurasian Wigeons have also been seen at the head of Beluga Lake this weekend. Common Goldeneyes, Common Mergansers, Greater Scaups, Buffleheads, Green-winged Teals, American Wigeons, Mallards and Northern Pintails were on Beluga Lake on May 5. A flock of 200 – 450 Greater White-fronted Geese have been at the back of Beluga Lake this weekend. Another flock of nearly 200 White-fronteds, with a few Canada Geese mixed in, were observed flying between Millers Landing and hayfields along EE Road near the Connelly house on May 5. Brant geese were seen flying over the Homer Spit on May 4 and nine Brant geese were on saltwater east of the wood chip pile on May 5. Trumpeter Swans have been observed flying over the Spit, in Mariner Park Lagoon, and at the head of Beluga Lake this weekend.

Bald Eagles are numerous near the end of or along the Homer Spit, and breeding adult eagles are incubating eggs at area nesting sites. An Osprey was seen by several observers flying over Mariner Park Lagoon and Mud Bay on April 30. Resident Sharp-shinned Hawks and Goshawks have been seen this past week in Homer. A Rough-legged Hawk was seen at Knob Hill along the North Fork Road on March 28. Merlins were seen along Kachemak Drive and in Fernwood subdivision out EE Road last week. On May 4 and 5 a male Northern Harrier was seen hunting along Mud Bay and Louie's Lagoon. Two Peregrine Falcons were observed hunting shorebirds in Mud Bay on May 5. A Great Horned Owl was seen at Mile 7.5 EE Road on May 2.

A few Rock Sandpipers were seen at the Homer Harbor entrance on May 1 and May 4. A Black Oystercatcher was seen at Cohen Island on April 5, but hasn't been reported since then. Common Snipe have been seen or heard in various locations around Homer this past week. Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs were at the back of Beluga Lake and the old tern colony along Kachemak Drive on May 2 and 5. Greater Yellowlegs were also in Beluga Slough on May 5. Several hundred Black-bellied Plovers were seen in Mud Bay on May 4 with slightly lesser numbers here on May 5. Black-bellied Plovers have also been seen recently at the Anchor River Beach, the head of Beluga Lake and at Millers Landing. On May 2 there were 6 Pacific Golden-Plovers at Louie's Lagoon and on May 5 a Semipalmated Plover was found here. Semipalmated Plovers were first reported on May 3 in Mud Bay. Marbled Godwits were in Mud Bay on May 3 and 4, and Hudsonian Godwits were seen here and at Millers Landing on May 5. Five Whimbrels were on Beluga Lake's ice on May 4. Several hundred Dunlins and Western Sandpipers were in Mud Bay on May 4 and 5. Short-billed Dowitchers were in Mud Bay on May 4 and 5 in small numbers. A Ruddy Turnstone was in Mud Bay on May 4. Surfbirds were first seen on May 3 and a flock of 30 were seen flying along the Homer Spit on May 5.

Glaucous-winged and Mew Gulls can be found loafing and flying along the Homer Spit or on saltwater. A juvenile Glaucous Gull was observed in a large flock of mixed gulls in Mud Bay on May 2. Look for Herring Gulls along the Spit as well. Bonaparte's Gulls were seen flying over Bishops Beach on April 28, on Beluga Lake on May 4 and flying over Mud Bay on May 5. Two horned puffins were observed off the end of the Homer Spit on April 20 and Tufted Puffins were first observed at Gull Island on April 30. Pelagic and Red-faced Cormorants, Common Murres, Marbled Murrelets, Pigeon Guillemots and Black-legged Kittiwakes were observed from the end of or east of the Homer Spit this weekend. A Double-crested Cormorant was seen flying west with 25 Trumpter Swans over the Homer Spit on May 5. A Kittlitz's Murrelet was reported in Eldred Passage on April 6.

The first Violet-Green Swallows of the year were observed on May 4 along Mud Bay. Many more swallows have been seen in the Homer area since then. A handful of Varied Thrushes and American Robins have seen in the Homer area this past week. Other songbirds seen recently include Black-capped and Boreal Chickadees, Brown Creepers, Golden-crowned and Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Red-breasted Nuthatches, Dark-eyed Juncos, Pine Siskins, Steller's and Gray Jays, Northwestern Crows, Common Ravens, Fox and Song Sparrows, Downy Woodpeckers, and Hairy Woodpeckers. Song Sparrows have been reported along Kachemak Drive this week. Lapland Longspurs were last reported on April 22 along the Homer Spit bike trail. A Northern Shrike was sitting on a power line near the Connelly House out EE Road on May 5. Winter wrens have been singing in spruce forests along Eldred Passage this past week. A pair of breeding Common Ravens has returned to their very visible nest site on a dirt cliff face 1/8 mile up Fritz Creek Valley Road. Spruce Grouse were seen at Fritz Creek on April 24. Sandhill Cranes have been seen flying about Homer this past week and were at the back of Beluga Lake and feeding among sedges at the base of the Spit in Mud Bay on May 5.

May 2, 2002

Recent sightings of interest include the year's first Horned and Tufted Puffins, a Yellow-billed Loon, an Eurasian Wigeon, Brant Geese, an Osprey, Black-bellied Plovers, Pacific Golden-plovers, Short-billed Dowitchers, Rock Sandpipers and Western Sandpipers.

A few loons can be found on saltwater off both sides of the Homer Spit. A Yellow-billed Loon was seen in Halibut Cove on April 23. Common Loons are the most abundant species, but look for Red-throated and Pacific Loons as well. Red-necked Grebes are now on Beluga Lake. These and Horned Grebes were on saltwater off the Homer Spit on May 2.

Waterfowl found on open water surrounding the Homer Spit on May 2 include Surf, White-winged, and Black Scoters, Mallards, Northern Pintails, Barrow's Goldeneyes, Greater Scaup, Harlequins, and Common Eiders. Northern Pintails, Green-winged Teals and Northern Shovelers were abundant in Mariner Park Lagoon on May 2, with lesser numbers of American Wigeons, an Eurasian Wigeon, Mallards and 2 Trumpeter Swans here as well. Common Goldeneyes, Common Mergansers, Greater Scaups, Buffleheads, Green-winged Teals, American Wigeons, and Northern Pintails were on Beluga Lake on May 2. A mixed flock of about 130 Greater White-fronted and Canada Geese were at the back of Beluga Lake on May 2. A flock of Brant geese were seen flying over Bishops Beach on May 2.

Bald Eagles are numerous near the end of or along the Homer Spit, and breeding adult eagles are incubating eggs at area nesting sites. An Osprey was seen by several observers flying over Mariner Park Lagoon and Mud Bay on April 30. Resident Sharp-shinned Hawks and Goshawks have been seen this past week in Homer. A Rough-legged Hawk was seen at Knob Hill along the North Fork Road on March 28. Merlins were seen along Kachemak Drive and in Fernwood subdivision out EE Road last week. On May 2 a male Northern Harrier was seen flying over Bishops Beach and a female Northern Harrier was observed at the back of Beluga Lake. A Great Horned Owl was seen at Mile 7.5 EE Road on May 2.

Three Rock Sandpipers were seen at the Homer Harbor entrance on May 1. A Black Oystercatcher was seen at Cohen Island on April 5. A few Common Snipe have been seen or heard in various locations around Homer this past week. Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs were at the back of Beluga Lake and the old tern colony along Kachemak Drive on May 2. Greater Yellowlegs were also in Mariner Park Lagoon, Beluga Slough, and Mud Bay on May 2. Two Black-bellied Plovers and a Dunlin were observed at the Anchor River beach on April 29. Twenty Black-bellied Plovers were in Mud Bay the evening of May 1, and on the morning of May 2 nearly 90 Black-bellied Plovers were in Louie's Lagoon. Also in Louie's Lagoon on May 2 were 6 Pacific Golden-Plovers, 3 Western Sandpipers, and 4 Short-billed Dowitchers.

Glaucous-winged and Mew Gulls can be found loafing and flying along the Homer Spit or on saltwater. A juvenile Glaucous Gull was observed in a large flock of mixed gulls in Mud Bay on May 2. Look for Herring Gulls along the Spit as well. Eight Bonaparte's Gulls were seen flying over Bishops Beach on April 28. Two horned puffins were observed off the end of the Homer Spit on April 20 and Tufted Puffins were first observed at Gull Island on April 30. Pelagic and Red-faced Cormorants, Common Murres, Marbled Murrelets, Pigeon Guillemots and Black-legged Kittiwakes were observed from the end of the Homer Spit this past week. A Kittlitz's Murrelet was observed in Eldred Passage on April 6.

Ruby-crowned kinglets were heard along Beluga Lake on April 26 and along Kachemak Drive on April 27. A handful of Varied Thrushes and American Robins have seen in the Homer area this past week. Other songbirds seen recently include Black-capped and Boreal Chickadees, Brown Creepers, Golden-crowned Kinglets, Red-breasted Nuthatches, Dark-eyed Juncos, Pine Siskins, Steller's and Gray Jays, Northwestern Crows, Common Ravens, Downy Woodpeckers, and Hairy Woodpeckers. Song Sparrows have been reported along Kachemak Drive this week. Lapland Longspurs were last reported on April 22 along the Homer Spit bike trail. A Northern Shrike was sitting on a power line near the Connelly House out EE Road on April 25. A pair of breeding Common Ravens has returned to their very visible nest site on a dirt cliff face 1/8 mile up Fritz Creek Valley Road. Spruce Grouse were seen at Fritz Creek on April 24. Sandhill Cranes have been seen flying about Homer this past week and were at the back of Beluga Lake and feeding among sedges at the base of the Spit in Mud Bay on May 2.

April 26, 2002

Recent sightings of note include Horned Puffins, a Yellow-billed Loon, an Eurasian Wigeon, Black-bellied Plovers and a golden-plover.

A few loons can be found on saltwater off both sides of the Homer Spit. A Yellow-billed Loon was seen in Halibut Cove on April 23. Common Loons are the most abundant species, but look for Red-throated and Pacific Loons as well. Red-necked and Horned Grebes have been seen on saltwater off the Homer Spit this past week.

Waterfowl found on open water surrounding the Homer Spit this past week include Surf, White-winged, and Black Scoters, Mallards, Long-tailed Ducks (formerly Oldsquaws), Common and Red-breasted Mergansers, Common and Barrow's Goldeneyes, Buffleheads, Greater Scaup, Harlequins, and Common Eiders. Northern Pintails and Green-winged Teals were abundant, and Northern Shovelers and American Wigeons were in lesser numbers at Mariner Park Lagoon and the back of Beluga Lake on April 26. A Eurasian Wigeon was at the back of Beluga Lake on April 26. Common and Barrow's Goldeneyes, Red-breasted Mergansers and Buffleheads were on Beluga Lake near the Bypass April 26. Trumpeter Swans have been in Mariner Park Lagoon and Beluga Lake's widening hole of open water along the Bypass this past week, with the most recent sighting of 6 Trumpeters at the back of Beluga Lake on April 26. Large flocks of Greater White-fronted Geese and Canada Geese have been in Beluga Slough, Mariner Park Lagoon and at the back of Beluga Lake all week, with the most recent observation of these groups on April 26. Brant geese were seen off the west side of the Spit on April 22.

Bald Eagles are numerous near the end of or along the Homer Spit, though many breeding adult eagles have dispersed to area nesting sites in recent weeks. Resident Sharp-shinned Hawks and Goshawks have been this past week in Homer. A Rough-legged Hawk was seen at Knob Hill along the North Fork Road on March 28. Merlins were seen along Kachemak Drive and in Fernwood subdivision out EE Road this week. Great Horned and Saw-whet Owls have been calling this past week.

Rock sandpipers were not reported this past week, so they may have headed off for breeding grounds in the Bering Sea. A Black Oystercatcher was seen at Cohen Island on April 5. The first Common Snipe was seen near South Peninsula Hospital in Homer on April 19; snipe have also been seen by the Homer Post Office and heard in Fernwood subdivision this week. The first Greater Yellowlegs was reported on April 16 and they can now be easily seen in Mariner Park Lagoon, Beluga Slough and the back of Beluga Lake. Lesser Yellowlegs were at the back of the Lake on April 26. The first Black-bellied Plover was seen flying over Mud Bay on April 18 and on April 26 six Black-bellied plovers were in Louie's Lagoon along the Spit. A golden-plover was seen in Louie's Lagoon on April 26.

Glaucous-winged, Herring and Mew Gulls can be found loafing and flying along the Homer Spit or on saltwater. A few juvenile Glaucous Gulls were seen with a large flock of mixed gulls near Land's End on April 24. Pelagic and Red-faced Cormorants, Common Murres, Marbled Murrelets, Black-legged Kittiwakes were observed from the end of the Homer Spit this past week. A Kittlitz's Murrelet was observed in Eldred Passage on April 6. Two horned puffins were observed off the end of the Homer Spit on April 20.

Ruby-crowned kinglets were heard along Beluga Lake on April 26. A handful of Varied Thrushes and American Robins have seen in the Homer area this past week. Other songbirds seen recently include Black-capped and Boreal Chickadees, Brown Creepers, Golden-crowned Kinglets, Red-breasted Nuthatches, Dark-eyed Juncos, Pine Siskins, Common Redpolls, White-winged Crossbills, Pine Grosbeaks, Steller's and Gray Jays, Northwestern Crows, Common Ravens, Downy Woodpeckers, Hairy Woodpeckers and Three-toed Woodpeckers.

A Song Sparrow was reported along the north shore of Mud Bay on April 14. Lapland Longspurs have been seen during the past week among rocks or grass along the Homer Spit bike trail, with the most recent sighting along Mud Bay on April 22. A Northern Shrike was sitting on a power line near the Connelly House out EE Road on April 25. Spruce Grouse were seen at Fritz Creek on April 24. A pair of breeding Common Ravens has returned to their very visible nest site on a dirt cliff face 1/8 mile up Fritz Creek Valley Road.

April 18, 2002

Recent sightings of note include a Black-bellied Plover in Mud Bay.

A few loons can be found on saltwater off both sides of the Homer Spit. Common Loons are the most abundant species, but look for Red-throated, Yellow-billed, and Pacific Loons as well. A few Red-necked Grebes have been seen on the water off the Homer Spit this past week and as many as 25 Horned Grebes were feeding in Mud Bay this two weeks ago.

Waterfowl found on open water surrounding the Homer Spit during early April include Surf, White-winged, and Black Scoters, Mallards, Long-tailed Ducks (formerly Oldsquaws), Common and Red-breasted Mergansers, Common and Barrow's Goldeneyes, Buffleheads, Greater Scaup, Harlequins, Common Eiders and Steller's Eiders. Steller's Eiders have been seen recently offshore west of the Spit and east of the Spit's barge basin entrance at high tide. Northern Pintails were in Mud Bay and Mariner Park Lagoon on April 18. Green-winged Teals were in Beluga Slough on April 18. Common and Barrow's Goldeneyes, Red-breasted Mergansers, and a Trumpeter Swan have been seen in Beluga Lake's growing hole of open water near the highway this past week. This same swan was also reported in Mariner Park Lagoon on April 17.

Bald Eagles are numerous near the end of or along the Homer Spit, though many breeding adult eagles have dispersed to area nesting sites in recent weeks. Resident Sharp-shinned Hawks and Goshawks have been seen recently around Homer. A Rough-legged Hawk was seen at Knob Hill along the North Fork Road on March 28. Great Horned and Saw-whet Owls have been heard this past week.

Between 400 and 800 Rock Sandpipers have been regularly seen below Mariner Park and feeding on the mudflats in Mud Bay during the winter, early spring and recent days. A Black Oystercatcher was seen at Cohen Island on April 5. The first Greater Yellowlegs was reported on the northern beach of Mud Bay on April 16 and the first Black-bellied Plover was seen flying over the old clamdigger site in Mud Bay on April 18. Snipes should arrive in Homer any day.

Glaucous-winged, Herring and Mew Gulls can be found loafing and flying along the Homer Spit or on saltwater. A few juvenile Glaucous Gulls were seen with a large flock of mixed gulls near Land's End on April 7. Pelagic Cormorants, Common Murres and Black-legged Kittiwakes were observed rafting up near Gull Island on March 23 and have been on or near the island since then. Red-faced Cormorants were seen off the end of the Homer Spit on April 15. Marbled Murrelets have been observed throughout the Bay lately and a Kittlitz's Murrelet was observed in Eldred Passage on April 6.

Songbirds seen in recent days in the Homer area include Black-capped and Boreal Chickadees, Brown Creepers, Golden-crowned Kinglets, Red-breasted Nuthatches, Dark-eyed Juncos, Pine Siskins, Common Redpolls, White-winged Crossbills, Pine Grosbeaks, Steller's and Gray Jays, Northwestern Crows, Common Ravens, Downy Woodpeckers, Hairy Woodpeckers and Three-toed Woodpeckers. Gray-crowned Rosy Finches may be found on the Homer Spit near the eagle feeding site or the Coal Point Trading building. A Varied Thrush was reported singing along Beluga Slough on April 17. Sandhill cranes have not yet been reported, but look for these in fields along East End Road and Skyline Drive, as well as at local wetlands and beaches.

An American Tree Sparrow, a White-crowned Sparrow, Golden-crowned Sparrows, and a Song Sparrow have been recently reported in the Homer area. Snow Buntings were seen along the Homer Spit in March and were reported the first week of April in Halibut Cove. Lapland Longspurs have been seen regularly during the past week feeding intertidally in Eldred Passage and among rocks or grass along the Homer Spit bike trail, with the most recent sighting along Mud Bay on April 18. Northern Shrikes have been seen occasionally during the past month on power lines along East End Road and at residences in Homer and Anchor Point, with the most recent sighting at Fireweed Lane on April 9. Spruce Grouse have been seen in area forests during early April. A pair of breeding Common Ravens have returned to their very visible nest on a dirt cliff face 1/8 mile up Fritz Creek Valley Road.

April 6, 2002

Recent sightings of note include a Dunlin observed within a large flock of Rock Sandpipers on March 29 and numerous Steller's Eiders observed west of the Homer Spit.

Waterfowl found on open water surrounding the Homer Spit during early April include Surf, White-winged, and Black Scoters, Mallards, Long-tailed Ducks (formerly Oldsquaws), Common and Red-breasted Mergansers, Common and Barrow's Goldeneyes, Buffleheads, Greater Scaup, Harlequins, Common Eiders and Steller's Eiders. Sixty-six Steller's Eiders were seen from a boat west of the Spit between Land's End and Bluff Point on March 23. Steller's Eiders have also been seen recently east of the barge basin entrance at high tide. The first Northern Pintails were reported in Mud Bay on April 4 and the first Green-winged Teals were seen in Beluga Slough on April 6. Common and Barrow's Goldeneyes and Red-breasted Mergansers have been commonly seen in Beluga Lake's growing hole of open water near the highway. Several people reported a swan, both in Mariner Park Lagoon and in Mud Bay, on March 29 and 30.

Bald Eagles are numerous near the end of or along the Homer Spit, though many breeding adult eagles have dispersed to area nesting sites in recent weeks. Resident Sharp-shinned Hawks and Goshawks have been seen recently around Homer. A Rough-legged Hawk was seen at Knob Hill along the North Fork Road on March 28. Several Great Horned Owls have been seen or heard and Saw-whet Owls have been calling this past week.

Between 400 and 800 Rock Sandpipers have been regularly seen below Mariner Park and feeding on the mudflats in Mud Bay during the past 2 weeks. On March 29 a Dunlin was observed in a flock of about 800 Rock Sandpipers. A Black Oystercatcher was seen at Cohen Island on April 5. Snipes and yellowlegs should arrive in Homer later this week.

Glaucous-winged, Herring and Mew Gulls can be found loafing and flying along the Homer Spit or on saltwater. A few juvenile Glaucous Gulls were seen with a large flock of mixed gulls near Land's End on April 7. Pelagic Cormorants, Common Murres and Black-legged Kittiwakes were observed rafting up near Gull Island on March 23 and have been on or near the island since then. Red-faced Cormorants were seen off the end of the Homer Spit on March 29. Marbled Murrelets have been observed throughout the Bay lately and a Kittlitz's Murrelet was observed in Eldred Passage on April 6.

Songbirds seen in recent days in the Homer area include Black-capped and Boreal Chickadees, Brown Creepers, Golden-crowned Kinglets, Red-breasted Nuthatches, Dark-eyed Juncos, Pine Siskins, Common Redpolls, White-winged Crossbills, Pine Grosbeaks, Steller's and Gray Jays, Northwestern Crows, Common Ravens, Downy Woodpeckers, Hairy Woodpeckers and Three-toed Woodpeckers. Gray-crowned Rosy Finches may be found on the Homer Spit near the eagle feeding site or the Coal Point Trading building. A few Varied Thrushes and American Robins were seen in wooded areas around Homer earlier in the winter, but none have been reported yet this month.

In the last month an American Tree Sparrow, a White-crowned Sparrow, and a Golden-crowned Sparrows were reported at local feeders. Snow Buntings were seen along the Homer Spit in March and were reported last week in Halibut Cove. Lapland Longspurs have been seen regularly during the past week among rocks or grass along the Homer Spit bike trail, with the most recent sighting along Mud Bay on April 7. Northern Shrikes have been seen occasionally during the past month on power lines along East End Road and at residences in Homer and Anchor Point, with the most recent sighting at Fireweed Lane on April 9. Spruce Grouse have been seen in area forests during early April. A pair of breeding Common Ravens have returned to their very visible nest on a dirt cliff face 1/8 mile up Fritz Creek Valley Road.