On the 28th a Peregrine Falcon was seen near the High School on Rainbow Drive. It had also been seen there two days before. This bird is listed as “rare” this time of the year here.

Also seen in the west part of town by the coast was a Rough-legged Hawk. This bird also is a very rare sighting here.

There is a report of an albino Pine Siskin in the Bayview area. (We would very much like any further reports of this bird.)

In the Fritz Creek area the following have been seen: Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Downy Woodpeckers, Juncos, Brown Creepers, and a Sharp-shinned Hawk. At Mile 7 East End Road a Northern Shrike was seen.

The Audubon CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT was held December 18th. More complete results from that count will be reported as soon as I get a copy. Some unusual birds for this time of the year that were seen on the count, that I do have some information on, were: a Wilson’s Warbler seen near Beluga Lodge and at another location in town, a Short-tailed Shearwater on the spit and a Pintail seen in Mud Bay; also seen were Varied Thrush, American Tree Sparrows, and a Sharp-shinned Hawk.

From the Headlands between Bishop’s Beach and the Spit the following were seen on the 18th: Goldeneyes, Cormorants, Scoters (all three), Harlequins, Long-tailed Ducks, and Steller’s Eiders. White-crowned Sparrows, Pine Siskins, Redpolls, and White-winged Crossbills were also seen.

In Beluga Slough on the 18th: Buffleheads and Green-winged Teal were seen.

In the Miller’s Landing Area the following have been seen: White-winged Crossbills, Pine Siskins, Redpolls, Gold-crowned and White-crowned and American Tree Sparrows, Nuthatches, and Chickadees. Large numbers of Mallards, Scaups and many Common Mergansers and some Long-tailed Ducks are being seen in that part of the Bay.

On the Spit on the 23-24th the following were seen: Rock Sandpipers, Red-breasted Mergansers, Steller’s Eiders, Long-tailed Ducks, Common Murres, Grebes, Pine Siskins, Rosy Finches and about 7 Eagles.

In town flying over Homer’s Jeans on the 25th was a flock of 30-40 Robins! Many Varied Thrush are being seen here and there, Steller’s Jays, American Tree Sparrows, and Chickadees.

December 26, 2004

First a note that the Audubon Christmas Bird Count was held December 18th. More complete results from that count will be reported as soon as I get a copy. Some unusual birds for this time of the year that were seen on the count, that I do have some information on, were: a Wilson’s Warbler seen near Beluga Lodge and at another location in town, a Short-tailed Shearwater on the spit and a Pintail (don’t know where it was seen). Also seen were Varied Thrush, American Tree Sparrows, and a Sharp-shinned Hawk.

From the Headlands between Bishop’s Beach and the Spit the following were seen on the 18th: Goldeneyes, Cormorants, Scoters (all three), Harlequins, Long-tailed Ducks, and Steller’s Eiders. White-crowned Sparrows, Pine Siskins, Redpolls, and White-winged Crossbills were also seen.

In Beluga Slough on the 18th: Buffleheads and Green-winged Teal were seen.

In the Miller’s Landing Area the following have been seen: White-winged Crossbills, Pine Siskins, Redpolls, Gold-crowned and White-crowned Sparrows, Nuthatches, and Chickadees. Large numbers of Mallards, Scaups and many Common Mergansers and some Long-tailed Ducks are being seen in that part of the Bay.

On the Spit on the 23-24th the following were seen: Rock Sandpipers, Red-breasted Mergansers, Steller’s Eiders, Long-tailed Ducks, Common Murres, Grebes, Pine Siskins, Rosy Finches and about 7 Eagles.

In town flying over Homer’s Jeans yesterday was a flock of 30-40 Robins! Many Varied Thrush are being seen here and there, Steller’s Jays, American Tree Sparrows, and Chickadees.

December 6, 2004

First a note that the Audubon Christmas Bird Count will be December 18th. The group will meet at 8:30 am at the Islands and Oceans Visitor Center.

In the Fritz Creek area at a feeder, the following were seen: both species of Chickadees, Nuthatches, Pine Siskins, Stellers Jays, Downy Woodpecker, Redpolls, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, and a group of about 50 Bohemian Waxwings. (Those were perhaps the same ones seen the previous weeks at the head of McClay Dr.) Also seen in this area were White-winged Crossbills.

A block east of the Hospital on the 30th, a robin was seen.

In the Rochelle St. area a possible—and I stress possible—sighting of a Brown-headed Cowbird was made on the 30th. The observer is very familiar with this bird and was fairly sure this is what it was. This bird is listed as an “accidental” here in the Kachemak Bay area. Will keep you posted if this bird returns.

At Miller’s Landing, Buffleheads, mallards and large rafts of Scaup are being seen as well as Juncos, Black-capped Chickadees, Pine Siskins, Nuthatches, Song Sparrows and White-winged Crossbills.

On the Spit this weekend the following were seen: Harlequin Ducks, Long-tailed Ducks, Common Mergansers, Goldeneyes, all three Scoters, Common Loons, a few Mallards, and many cormorants, grebes and Common Murres. There were about 6 eagles observed and many Rosy Finches here and there. No Rock Sandpipers were observed on the spit or along the shore to the east.

November 26, 2004

On the 25th at Miller’s Landing nearly 2000 Scaup were seen in several huge rafts. Many Mallards were in the area also, hundreds and hundreds of them. Also observed there were Common Mergansers.

On the 20th, a magnificent flock of about 50 Bohemian Waxwings was seen at the head of McClay Drive. In the same area at the same time were a couple flocks of Rock Doves totaling about 10-15 birds.

Out on the spit on the 26th on the west side, 20 Harlequin Ducks were seen near the Deep Water Dock, also Goldeneyes, Cormorants, Surf Scoters and Red-necked Grebes. Long-tailed Ducks and a Pigeon Guillemot was also seen.

Off the Canary Row boardwalk Red-necked and Horned Grebes, Surf Scoters, and Common Loons were seen.

In the entrance to the harbor, Common Murres were seen.

At Land’s End a Mew Gull was seen with the other Glaucous-winged Gulls, and many Rosy Finches flying here and there. Observed overall were about 6 mature and immature eagles.

November 14, 2004

In the Miller Landing area, many hundreds of Mallards and Scaup are being seen. On the 14th many hundreds of Rock Sandpipers were seen flying to the east of this area. At the lower end of McClay road on the 9th a Gyrfalcon was seen. (This was a definite observation.) Speculation was that it might have been attracted to the flock of about 20 Rock Doves which have been seen in this area over a long period of time? Also reported in this area are Red-breasted Nuthatches, many Chickadees, Northern Shrike, and White-crowned sparrows.

On the hill by Fritz Creek, a Northern Shrike was seen. And in that area Sharp-shinned Hawks, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, and Brown Creepers are being seen.

In the Fernwood area Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Townsend’s Warblers and Winter Wrens have been seen recently.

At Mile 9 of the North Fork Road a Red-breasted Sapsucker was seen once earlier this month. It was observed from less than 50 feet away and was a definite observation. Last year in the heart of town—near the high school and fire station—there was one here during exactly this time of the year. More recently, a juvenile Northern Shrike has been seen in the North Fork Road area.

Out in Mud Bay and on the Spit on the 13th the following were seen: Cormorants, Common Loons, White-wing and Black Scoters, Common Murres, Long-tailed Ducks, Common Goldeneyes, Red-necked Grebe, Mergansers, and Mallards and on land 2 eagles and some Rosy Finches.

October 24, 2004

On the 24th at Mud Bay Mallards, mergansers (probably Red-breasted) and many gulls were seen. (Also many otters!) The American Pipits continue to be seen near there on both sides of the spit in the grass and rocks. (Some had previously been seen by Louie’s Lagoon not so long ago.)

On the jetty by the Deep Water Harbor nearly 50 Rock Sandpipers were seen on the 24th. Seen near there out on the water were Long-tailed Ducks, cormorants, Common Murres, Kittiwakes and many grebes. Rock Sandpipers were also seen on the Harbor jetty.

At Land’s End Harlequin Ducks, White-winged Scoters and many Murres were seen on the 24th.

Buffleheads, Barrow’s Goldeneyes, and many Mallards are being seen at Miller’s Landing. And Fox sparrows were reported at Bishop’s Beach last week.

There was a report on the 8th of a Northern Hawk Owl at Fritz Creek.

The last crane, the one with an injured leg, was last seen about a week ago and a half ago and then seen no more. He appeared to be getting better and we all hope he was well enough for that long journey.

October 4, 2004

A pair of swans was seen flying over the airport by the terminal heading for Beluga Lake on October 4th.

In Mariner Park by the gazebo and across the road on the Bay side, American Pipits are still being seen. They were first seen in this area in mid-summer as well as in the Louis’ Lagoon area.

The one remaining injured crane was last seen just east of Miller’s Landing on October 2nd and no one has seen it since. It seemed to be getting better, and we all hope for the best. A Northern Shrike continues to be seen in this area also.

A recent report from Neptune Bay included the following: Surf Scoters, Harlequin Ducks, Barrow’s Goldeneye, Marbled Murrelets, Common Murres, Red-breasted Nuthatches, Savannah Sparrows, and many eagles.

An older report from Kachemak Bay dated September 18th included: Sooty Shearwaters, Ancient Murrelets, Marbled Murrelets, Tufted and Horned Puffins, Common Murres, all three species of Cormorants, a Glaucous Gull juvenile, grebes, three scoter species and Harlequins. Also Black-legged Kittiwakes, Glaucous-winged Gulls, Herring Gulls, Mew Gulls, Common Loons and Pigeon Guillemots.

At Beluga Lake the following were seen on that date also (9/18): Am. Wigeons, Northern Pintails, Green-winged Teal, Mallards, Greater Scaups, Trumpeter Swan and Red-necked Grebes.

September28, 2004

August 27, 2004

On August 19th two juvenile Western Wood-Pewees were seen (and heard) on theLost and Found Loop Trail near Peterson Bay. (This bird is not on the “Checklist of Birds of Kachemak Bay” and speculation was that these had originated in the Interior and had become lost.)

A Cassin’s Auklet was seen at the entrance to the Homer Harbor on Aug 23. A small group of 8 were also seen near Gull Island on the 20th. At Gull Island on the 15th a Peregrine Falcon was observed killing Kittiwake chicks, and there have been several other reports of chick harassment.

Many Pomarine and Parasitic Jaegers have been observed around the Bay and near Gull Island recently.

Off Land’s End a Tufted Puffin, was seen on Aug 25th. It was swimming with a group of Common Murres.

On the Spit, four Black Turnstones (2 adults and 2 juveniles) were seen on the 22nd by Glacier Drive In. 15-20 Western Sandpipers were seen on the west side of the Deep Water Dock.

At the Lighthouse Observation Platform the following were seen on the 22nd: Green-wing Teal, Yellowlegs, and Dowitchers. Many Surf Scoters were seen in Mud Bay.

At the Airport Observation Platform Pintails, a swan, eagles, Green-winged Teal, Yellowlegs and Mallards have been seen on the 22nd.

A large group of Pintails was seen at Lambert Lake on the 26th.

At Miller’s Landing on the18th, 42 Cranes were observed feeding near the water’s edge. Nearly every evening, smaller groups have been observed. Also small groups of Western Sandpipers and some Yellowlegs are being seen in this area.

An avid birder reported that she’s seen many lame birds this summer, far more than she’d ever remembered seeing before. Still no reports of hummingbirds.

August 18, 2004

On Aug 12th a Cassin’s Auklet was positively identified off the end of the Spit. They are listed as “rare” here. Very recently groups of 30 or so Ancient Murrelets were seen 1 ½ miles west of the Spit and a mile near Gull Island, and a small group was seen west of Glacier Spit. These are “rare” here also. On the 8th large groups of 200 or more Sooty and Short-tailed Shearwaters were seen over the Bay. Additionally, some Sootys seen by 60 Foot Rock also.

A Gyrfalcon was seen near Peterson Bay and China Poot Bay on the 14th.

Pomarine and Parasitic Jaegers have been seen near Gull Island and in Kachemak Bay. Also Aleutian Terns have been seen in the Bay. A juvenile Yellow-billed Loon was seen from the Bluff on the 8th.

At Bishop’s Beach on Aug 10th the following were seen: a Merlin and Semi-palmated Plovers.

On the 8th and 9th at Mud Bay, Surfbirds, Semi-palmated Sandpipers (juveniles), and Pacific Golden Plover (also a juvenile) were seen.

On Ben Walter’s Lane, Townsend’s Warblers were seen. There are Cranes still around.

August 9, 2004 update

At Mud Bay on the 25th over 80 Arctic Terns were seen flying from west to east over the spit. Also Aleutian Terns were seen there with chicks. On the 28th 30 Arctic Terns were seen most of them juveniles. Western Sandpipers, Whimbrels (also seen on Aug 7th), Yellowlegs, Semipalmated Plovers, and Dowitchers have also been seen there and at Miller’s Landing. Golden Plovers have also been seen at Miller’s Landing.

At Bishop’s Beach Harlequin Ducks were seen on the 28th and Dowitchers on Aug 5th. At Beluga Slough Green-winged Teal, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, and Sandhill Cranes with a chick were seen.

There was an unconfirmed report of an Osprey flying SW over the Bay on August 8th.

Two miles east of the Spit, out on the water, a Pomarine Jaeger was seen on the 28th.

At Glacier Spit large groups of Kittlitz’s and Marbled Murrelets have been seen, some large groups of 100 of each.

There are many reports of cranes here and there including large groups on the beaches in around the Bay at low tide.

This summer there have been NO reports of hummingbirds. People who usually see them--especially when the fireweed blooms--have not seen a single one.

And no one reported any cygnets at all.

August 5, 2004

July 24, 2004

Recent sightings at the Airport Observation Platform included Gray Jays, White-winged Crossbills, Red-necked Grebes, Mallards, eagles, Magpies, a possible Yellow-rumped Warbler and a swan. Has anyone seen more than one swan at a time or any cygnets?

Near the Homer News property, broods of Pintails, Scaups, Widgeons, and Mallards were seen. Two Grebe pairs seen had only one chick each.

At Mud Bay many gulls and a few Yellow-legs were seen on the 24th. Last week Aleutian and Arctic Terns were reported there.

From the Glacier Boardwalk, Pigeon Guillemots, Common Loons, and White-winged and Surf Scoters were seen on the 24th.

In the Miller’s Landing area Bonaparte’s Gulls are being seen. White-winged Crossbills and many cranes are also around now.

Near the Islands and Oceans Visitor Center a Solitary Sandpiper was seen on the 23rd.

Across the Bay on the 21st near the Wosnesenka River outlet Peregrine Falcons, Western Sandpipers and Semipalmated Plovers were seen. Harlequin Ducks were seen at Cohen Island. White-winged Crossbills were seen at Neptune Bay. Three Caspian Terns were seen at China Poot Bay on the 15th, which is the last report of these I’ve had.

July 14, 2004

Near Mud Bay Bar-tailed Godwits, Black-bellied and American Golden Plovers, Dowitchers, Western Sandpipers, and Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs were seen on the 9th. At Mud Bay 40+ Aleutian Terns and many Arctic Terns are being seen out over the water. And many Common Loons have been reported.

Sandhill Cranes with chicks are being seen near East Hill Road and at Beluga Slough.

Also at Beluga Slough, a Trumpeter Swan was seen. The Swan at Beluga Lake is occasionally seen very close to the road. The Pacific Loon has been seen there also.

On East End Road near Greer and Hill Street an adult male Purple Martin was reported. This is unconfirmed and could possibly have been a swallow in bad light that would have made it look dark. I was unable to verify this, so I will report it as a “maybe”; it is not on the Checklist of Birds of Kachemak Bay. Let us know if anyone sees it please.

Out at Glacier Spit the following were seen: 4 Red-throated Loons, 100+ Kittlitz’s Murrelets, many Marbled Murrelets, 300-400 Surf Scoters, 100’s of White-winged Scoters, 30-40 Red-breasted Mergansers, 100+ Harlequin Ducks. On the 7th Caspian terns were seen there. On Gull Island an Oystercatcher was seen last weekend. Black Turnstones and Surfbirds have been seen on rocks around the Bay.

South of the mouth of the Anchor River, about 2 miles, a juvenile Yellow-billed Loon was seen. Speculation was that this might be the same one that was in the Harbor for so long earlier in the year. (There are only five species of loons in the whole world and this report mentions 4 of them!)

July 7, 2004

On July 4th 17 Caspian Terns were seen on the Spit. Half were at the base of the Spit (at Mud Bay) and half were about a mile down the spit on the Bay (east) side, and each group was with a group of gulls. Caspian Terns are “Rare” and this is a very unusual sighting. (One was previously reported on the 27th). Many Aleutian Terns have also been seen in Mud Bay.

Near Glacier Spit over 50 Kittlitz’s Murrelets were seen. Also seen near there was a Common Loon with very unusual plumage. It has a chocolate-brown head and is white on the back with black showing on the wingtips. The observer stated that he had seen one that looked like this about 3-4 years ago in that area.

Near the road going by Beluga Lake a Pacific Loon, Common Loons, and many active Red-necked Grebes were seen. There are Trumpeter Swans nesting in the upper part of the lake but no one has reported seeing any cygnets yet. Has anyone seen any?

At Bishop’s Beach 25 Whimbrels were seen on the 3rd. The week before, a flock of 100 was seen. (These are the non-breeders who are heading south.) On the 7th 3 Yellowlegs were seen and a flock of 30-40 Sandpipers that were too far away to identify. Also reported but unconfirmed were Black Turnstones in this area.

June 29, 2004

Some VERY interesting birds have been reported recently!

On the 27th a Caspian Tern was reported on the west side of the Spit and later was seen in Mud Bay with a group of gulls. Also seen at Mud Bay were Aleutian Terns. There was a report of a Shearwater about 1/2 mile out from the east side of the Spit. This was on the 25th.

Near Glacier Spit on the 25th Kittlitz’s Murrelets were seen. Possibly the King Eider is still somewhere near Neptune Bay as was reported last week.

On the 28th at Ulmer’s down town an Osprey was seen flying toward Skyline Drive.

A pair of Solitary Sandpipers was seen at Eagle Lake (out east of town). The report indicated that some behaviors were observed that might indicate nesting activity is going on.

And finally, swan was observed again on the 29th at the upper end of Beluga Lake.

June 24, 2004

A King Eider has been seen with some Common Eiders near Neptune Bay on June 19th. Also in that area were many Belted Kingfishers, some Mallards, Pigeon Guillemots, all 3 types of Scoters, Varied and Hermit Thrush, and Savannah Sparrows.

On Gull Rock were many Common Murres, Kittiwakes, Cormorants (Pelagic and Red-faced), and Tufted Puffins. And some Eagles.

On the Spit near Honey’s Bed and Breakfast, 6 Whimbrels were reported on the 20th.

Surf Scoters and 3 Pacific Loons were seen on the west side of the Spit then also.

On the beach near Miller’s Landing, Bonaparte’s Gulls have been seen in the evenings.

In and around town many families of pheasants have been observed, some cranes with colts, and busy birds all over feeding their young!

June 18, 2004

We are sorry this line has been out of order for 12 days, but thankfully it is now up and running. And since the line has been inoperable, there had not been any messages left. So this will be short--with a promise of more soon!

At Land’s End a few days ago there was a 2nd hand report of a Sabine’s Gull (which is rare) and a Slaty-backed Gull (which is accidental in Kachemak Bay area). Please note that this was NOT a direct report and so I had no way to check it out; I’m just passing on this information.

May 31, 2004

TOWN

At the head of Beluga Lake two very intriguing species were seen on Sunday morning. One was a pair of Redheads and the other was a pair of Ring-necked Ducks. These were both close-up, positive identifications. The female Northern Harrier was flying. The usual were also seen: Widgeons, Green-winged Teal, Pintails, Scaup, Shovelers, Red-necked Grebe, a swan, cranes and of course Mallards. And many other birds were seen and/or heard: Lincoln’s Sparrow, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Orange-crowned Sparrow, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Varied Thrush, Junco, Chickadees, and Snipe.

Downtown the unusual crow with a few pure white feathers on its wing and face area was seen again on Thursday in front of Homers Jeans.

In the Miller’s Landing area many Savannah Sparrows have arrived as well as the Bank Swallows. There was a possible sighting of an Alder Flycatcher, but unconfirmed. Several Common Loons are staying close to shore out on the water.

SPIT

At Mud Bay Pintails, Mallards, Shovelers, and Rock Doves were reported.

BAY

A Red Knot was seen at Sixty-Foot Rock this weekend. It was in full breeding plumage and was with a group of Surfbirds.

May 25, 2004

TOWN

Downtown between the Post Office and the bank an unusual crow has been seen. It has a few pure white feathers on its wing and face area.

On Diamond Ridge Townsend’s Warblers have been seen and Great Horned Owls were heard.

In the Miller’s Landing area a Whimbrel was seen. Also many cranes—far more than usual, once 30 at one time—have been in fields in the area and several times down on the intertidal beach where 15-20 or more have been seen at one time.

EAST OF TOWN

At Circle Lake the following were seen: Gold-crowned Sparrow, Fox Sparrow, Snipe, Robin, Varied Thrush, Violet-green Swallow, Orange-crowned Warbler, and Savannah Sparrow.

At Eagle Lake on Saturday an interesting hawk attack was witnessed. (This was shock and awe for the birds and the observers!) On the lake were a pair of Pacific Loons, Barrow’s Goldeneyes, Pintails, Mallards, and one lone Dowitcher on the shore. A hawk streaked in. All the birds began frantically flying around and making lots of noise and the hawk left almost immediately. When things settled down, the Dowitcher could not be found again although a long time was spent looking for it. This was such a sudden event, that the hawk was not identified.

Near this area in a bog a pair of nesting Parasitic Jaegers were seen and a Tern, which was not positively identified.

May 16, 2004

SPIT

At the Deep Water Dock Wandering Tattlers and Semi-palmated Plovers were seen Saturday.

In Mud Bay a Godwit was seen on the 12th, 5 Whimbrels were seen on the 14th, and Western Sandpipers and Blackbellied Plovers were also seen.

TOWN

At the Airport Observation Platform area Eurasian Wigeons, Pectoral Sandpipers, Trumpeter Swan, Shovelers, Green-winged Teal, Bufflehead, Northern Harrier, Wilson’s Warbler, Gray Jay, Sandhill Cranes, Yellowlegs, Robins, Red-necked Grebe, Violet-green Swallows (many!), Pintails, Mallards, Snipe, Junco, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Orange-crowned Warbers and were seen in the last two days.

In the Miller’s Landing area 100’s of Western Sandpipers were seen Sunday afternoon.

Other places in town report Gold-crowned, White-crowned, and Savannah Sparrows, Orange-crowned Warbers, Rufus Hummingbirds, cranes, and Violet-green Swallows.

OUT OF TOWN

At the head of the Bay near Eagle Lake Parasitic Jeagers, Pacific Loons and Barrow’s Goldeneyes were observed nesting. Also Mew Gulls, Pintails and Mallards were seen but that observer did not see any Terns.

Out in the Bay A Red-legged Kittiwake was seen on Gull Island. This is a very rare sighting. Kittlitz’s Murrelets were seen near the end of the (Homer) spit. Between Mud Bay and Miller’s Landing, many, many loons were seen. Near Glacier Spit a Pomarine Jaeger, Harlequins, and Goldeneyes were seen.

May 7, 2004

SPIT

At Land’s End Brant and Ancient Murreletes were seen. A Pacific Loon was seen earlier this week.

Across from the Salty Dog Pacific Golden-Plovers were seen.

At the Fishing Hole, Surfbirds were seen. Please note that Black Turnstones were seen with Surfbirds earlier this week. Maybe with the same group?

At Mariner Park/Light House Observation Platform Least Sandpipers, Green-winged Teal, Semi-palmated Plovers, Western Sandpipers, Dunlin, Godwits, and Cranes were seen. On the 6th Black Oystercatchers and Eurasian Wigeons were seen from the Lighthouse Platform.

West from the Homer Spit Marine Terminal the King Eider was last reported on the 1st. (We hope he’s still out there! Anyone seen him?)

TOWN

At Beluga Lake/Airport Observation Platform area Blue-winged Teal, Ring-necked Ducks, Merlins and a Great Blue Heron was seen. Also Pectoral Sandpipers, Pacific Golden-Plovers, and a while ago, Bufflehead, Trumpeter Swans and Eurasian Wigeons were seen.

At Beluga Slough, Black-bellied Plovers, Least Sandpipers, Pectoral Sandpipers, Northern Shovelers, Yellowlegs, Greater White-fronted Geese, Shovelers, and Peregrine Falcon were seen. Near the Islands and Oceans Visitor Center a Solitary Sandpiper was seen late the 7th. On the 5th Snow Geese were seen with Greater White-fronted Geese as well as American Pipits.

In Mud Bay/Miller’s Landing area 200+ loons were seen, also Kittlitz’s and Marbled Murrelets, and Horned Grebes. In past days Godwits, Whimbrels, Dowitchers, Dunlins, Western Sandpipers, Northern Waterthrush, Bonapart’s Gulls and Arctic Terns were seen and may still be around.

At the Old Tern Colony Aleutian Terns, Short-billed Dowitchers, Mew Gulls, Least Sandpipers, Snipe, Northern Harriers, and Lesser Yellowlegs were seen.

Other places in town report Gold-crowned, White-crowned, and Orange-crowned Sparrows, Rufus Hummingbirds, cranes, and Violet-green Swallows.

OUT OF TOWN

Anchor Point area reported Tree Sparrows, Red-breasted Merganzers, Lapland Longspurs, White-fronted Geese, Pipits, Townsend Warblers, and Yellowlegs.

Gull Island reports Pigeon Guillemot, Red-faced Cormorants, Tufted Puffins, Murres, Black-legged Kittiwakes.

Out in the Bay earlier Red-necked Phalaropes and Tufted Puffins were reported.

Seldovia reported a Great Blue Heron, Common Merganzers, and Greater White-fronted Geese.

May 6, 2004

SPIT

Near Mud Bay the following have been seen: Godwits, Whimbrels, Western Sandpipers, Least Sandpipers, Black-bellied Plovers, American Golden Plovers, Dowitchers and Dunlins. Out on the water are Pintails, Greater Scaup, Green-winged Teal, Shovelers, and of course Mallards! Arctic Terns were seen on the 4th.

At the Lighthouse Observation Platform Black Oystercatchers were seen on the 4th. Eurasian Wigeon and Sandhill Cranes were seen on the 6th.

At Mariner Park Semipalmated Plovers, Least Sandpipers, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Green-winged Teal and a Merlin were seen Sunday.

Across from the Homer Spit Marine Terminal the King Eider could be seen Saturday the 1st at high tide. (It was quite a long way out.)

In the Boat Harbor it has been reported that the juvenile Yellow-billed Loon was there all the time and is still there!

On the jetty (across from the Deep Water Dock and near the white Cheveron tanks) Surfbirds and Black Turnstones were seen Saturday. Lapland Longspurs were seen at Land’s End on the 4th. Also a beautiful Pacific Loon was seen there late that afternoon. Common Murres and some Kitlitz’s and Marbled Murreletes were also seen on the 6th.

At the Glacier Boardwalk many Common Eiders were seen and the King Eider was seen again on the 28th. Long-tailed Ducks, Red-breasted and Common Merganzers, Harlequins, Goldeneyes, Horned and Red-necked Grebes, Common Loons and all three species of Scoters were seen.

TOWN

On May 6th at Beluga Slough two Snow Geese were seen in with some White-fronted Geese. Also seen there were American Pipits.

At Miller’s Landing a Whimbrel was seen on the 1st. The previously reported Pipit-type bird was determined to be a Northern Waterthrush and has been seen several times in this area. Bonaparte’s Gulls, Cormorants, and many Mallards and Scaups are being seen. Inland there are Robins, Golden-crowned Sparrows, Fox and Song Sparrows, and Violet-green Swallows.

At the Airport Observation Platform Eurasian and American Wigeon, Trumpeter Swans, Gr. White-fronted Geese, Grebes, Bufflehead, Yellowlegs, Green-winged Teal, Pintails, Shovelers were seen this weekend. A Northern Harrier was seen again and Juncos, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Varied Thrush were heard.

On East End Road a Rufus Hummingbird was reported on the 30th. It was acting very interested in some colorful clothespins on a clothesline. (With no flowers that must have been the most interesting things around?) Others were seen up on the hill the 4th. There are many reports of cranes in many areas. Some have been reported to have their nests started.

On East Skyline Drive at the end Lapland Longspurs were seen May 6th.

At Fritz Creek a Hermit Thrush was heard.

OUT IN THE BAY

In the bay Red-necked Phalaropes, Kittlitz’s and Marbled Murrelets were seen. Tufted Puffins were reported near Neptune Bay and by Gull Island yesterday. Also at Neptune Bay are Harlequin Ducks, Varied Thrush, Scoters.

May 2, 2004

Many people are saying that Spring is here! Many reports of Robins all over and one hummingbird even!

SPIT

Near Mud Bay the following have been seen: Western Sandpipers, Least Sandpipers, Black-bellied Plovers, American Golden Plovers, Dowitchers and Dunlins. Out on the water are Pintails, Greater Scaup, Green-winged Teal, Shovelers, and of course Mallards!

At Mariner Park Semipalmated Plovers, Least Sandpipers, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Green-winged Teal and a Merlin were seen Sunday.

Across from the Homer Spit Marine Terminal the King Eider could be seen Saturday the 1st at high tide. (It was quite a long way out.)

In the Boat Harbor it has been reported that the juvenile Yellow-billed Loon was there all the time and is still there!

On the jetty (across from the Deep Water Dock and near the white Cheveron tanks) Surfbirds and Black Turnstones were seen Saturday.

At the Glacier Boardwalk many Common Eiders were seen and the King Eider was seen again on the 28th. Long-tailed Ducks, Red-breasted and Common Merganzers, Harlequins, Goldeneyes, Horned and Common Grebes, Common Loons and all three species of Scoters were seen.

TOWN

At Miller’s Landing a Whimbrel was seen on the 1st. Also an interesting, though not definitely identified bird on the beach, that might have been a Pippit. Bonaparte’s Gulls, Cormorants, and many Mallards and Scaups are being seen. Inland there are Golden-crowned Sparrows, Fox and Song Sparrows, and Violet-green Swallows.

At the Airport Observation Platform Eurasian and American Wigeon, Trumpeter Swans, Gr. White-fronted Geese, Grebes, Bufflehead, Yellowlegs, Green-winged Teal, Pintails, Shovelers were seen this weekend. A Northern Harrier was seen again and Juncos, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Varied Thrush were heard.

On East End Road a Rufus Hummingbird was reported on the 30th. It was acting very interested in some colorful clothespins on a clothesline. (With no flowers that must have been the most interesting things around?) At Fritz Creek a Hermit Thrush was heard.

OUT IN THE BAY

In the bay Red-necked Phalaropes, Kittlitz’s and Marbled Murrelets were seen. Tufted Puffins were reported near Neptune Bay and by Gull Island this weekend. Also at Neptune Bay are Harlequin Ducks, Varied Thrush, Scoters.

April 29, 2004

Near Mud Bay the following have been seen: Least Sandpipers, Western Sandpipers, Black-bellied Plovers, American Golden Plovers, Dowitchers and Dunlins. Out on the water: Pintails, Greater Scaup, Green-winged Teal, Shovelers, and of course Mallards!

At Miller’s Landing Bonaparte’s Gulls and many Mallards and Scaups are being seen.

At the Glacier Boardwalk many Common Eiders were seen and the King Eider was seen again on the 28th. Long-tailed Ducks, Red-breasted and Common Merganzers, Harlequins, Goldeneyes, Horned and Common Grebes, Common Loons and all three species of Scoters were seen.

In Beluga Slough Shovelers were seen for the first time on the 24th. Yellowlegs were also seen there. And a Merlin was seen flying over.

In Beluga Lake Buffleheads were seen courting, and Scaups, Goldeneyes and Grebes were seen. And on the 29th Tundra Swans were seen flying over as well as Sandhill Cranes.

Near the Airport Observation Platform area a Violet-green Swallow was seen on the 20th. Many Mallards, Pintails, Green-winged Teal, and American Wigeons were seen, as well as a Northern Harrier on the 27th. And Yellowlegs, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Varied Thrush and Juncos were heard.

April 27, 2004

On the 26th five Black-bellied Plover were seen flying over Bishop's Beach.

In Beluga Slough Shovelers were seen for the first time on the 24th. Yellowlegs were also seen there.

In Beluga Lake Buffleheads were seen courting, and Scaups, Goldeneyes and Grebes were present.

Near the Airport Observation Platform area a Violet-green Swallow was seen on the 20th. Many Mallards, Pintails, American Wigeons were seen. And Yellowlegs, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Varied Thrush and Juncos were heard.

At the Lighthouse Platform 17 cranes were seen on Sunday morning.

At the Glacier Boardwalk many Common Eiders were seen but no one has been able to spot the King Eider since about the 13th. Long-tailed Ducks, Red-breasted and Common Merganzers, Harlequins, Goldeneyes, Horned Grebes, Common Loons and all three species of Scoters were seen.

No one has seen the Yellow-billed Loon that has been in the boat harbor since last week.

Early in the morning Great Horned Owls have been heard in the trees near the Islands and Oceans Visitor Center.

At Halibut Cove a Great Blue Heron was seen.

April 12, 2004

Dare I say “Spring is here”? Bird appearances this week would indicate spring is at least well on the way…

On the Spit from the Glacier Boardwalk, a King Eider was seen on the 12th swimming with some Common Eiders. Long-tailed Ducks and all three species of Scoters were seen there also.

At the Mariner Park/Lighthouse area, including the hill above, Green-wing Teal, Greater Yellowlegs, American Wigeons, Buffleheads, Pintails, Fox Sparrows, Common Redpoles, Lapland Longspurs, and Red-breasted Nuthatches were seen this weekend.

The Yellow-billed Loon is still in the Boat Harbor. I need to correct what I said on the last report; it is a “juvenile”, not an “immature” as I had said.

At the Deep water dock, Black-legged Kittiwakes are making lots of noise! You can’t miss them!

At Beluga Lake and Slough, Canvassbacks, Common Goldeneyes, Buffleheads, Pintails, and Green-wing Teal were seen today. Near the Airport Observation Platform some swans, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, American Wigeons, and a Red-tailed Hawk were seen.

At Bishops Beach a Yellowlegs was seen on the 8th. Perhaps the first one here?

Around town Varied Thrush were heard and seen, Snipe (first heard on the 6th) and the first swans flying over were seen on the 2nd).

Out East End Road about 5.5 miles a swallow was reported on the 8th. The species was not indicated and the person did not leave a phone number. (It’s important to leave that information in your message so we can clarify things when necessary.) A Common Loon in full breeding plumage was seen on the 10th in the Miller’s Landing area.

April 4, 2004

Well, we are all waiting for some spring weather. It’s been cold and challenging out looking for birds recently…as a result there weren’t many reports.

On March 22, a Harrier was seen at the base of the Spit. (They usually don’t show up until about April 19.)

In the Miller’s Landing area, a Northern Shrike was seen on the 3rd as well as Lonspurs through last week.

From the Bay side of the Spit the following were seen on the 3rd: Goldeneyes, Horned Grebe, Black-legged Kittiwakes (at nesting area on the dock), and Mallards.

In the Harbor the immature Yellow-billed Loon was seen near the boat-launching area. Also Rock Sandpipers, Buffleheads,Harlequins, Goldeneyes, Common Murres, and Common and Red-breasted Merganzers were seen.

At Beluga Slough Mallards, Common Merganzers and Pintails were seen on the 3rd. (Pintails usually don’t show up here until the 15th)

March 28, 2004

Out on the inlet side of the Spit the following were seen the last two weeks: several Steller’s and Common Eiders, all three species of Scoters, Murres, Common and Arctic Loons, Grebes, Goldeneyes, Harlequins, and Long-tailed Ducks. The singing scoters are always enjoyable. On the Bay side of the spit, a Pigeon Guillemot was seen not yet in breeding plumage.

At the Harbormasters, Gray-crowned Rosy Finches and Rock Doves were seen today.

In the Boat Harbor near Fish Dock Road a juvenile Yellow-billed Loon was seen the 24th and also today. Red-breasted and Common Merganzers and Golden Eyes were seen there also.

Near Miller’s Landing Lapland Longspurs were seen this week, and on and near the water, Buffleheads, Mallards, Loons, and the groups of hundreds of Rock Sandpipers have been seen here and there on the shore from Miller’s Landing to Mud Bay. Lapland Longspurs are usually not here until mid-April according to a well-documented list of arrivals, however last year they also arrived very early on March 21st. Great Horned Owls were heard last week near Miller’s Landing and farther out East End Road.

On the 20th near Beluga Slough, Goldeneyes, Buffleheads, Common Merganzers, and Mallards were seen. (This was a VERY cold first day of spring out there I might add!)

A Ruby-crowned Kinglet was seen at a feeder near Rochelle St. by Beluga Lake.

March 14, 2004

Out on the inlet side of the Spit the following were seen this weekend: several Steller’s and one Common Eider, all three species of Scoters, Murres, Common and Arctic Loons, Grebes, Goldeneyes, and Long-tailed Ducks.

At Land’s End there were Pigeon Guillemots, Long-tailed Ducks, and Gray-crowned Rosy Finches. A very interesting report of a Great Horned Owl seen there, perched on a high railing, following a fierce wind and snow storm Saturday. (It would be very odd for an owl to be there and the report indicated concern that it might be injured. It was not still there Sunday apparently.)

In the Boat Harbor a juvenile Yellow-billed Loon was seen with a Common Loon (Sunday), also Red-breasted and Common Merganzers and Golden Eyes.

In the Kachemak Drive area Pine Siskins and Boreal Chickadees were seen.

Near Miller’s Landing and to the east Buffleheads, Mallards, Loons (heard), fighting Pheasants and nesting activity with eagles was observed. Common Redpoles were seen near the Connoly House. The group of hundreds of Rock Sandpipers has been seen here and there on the shore from Miller’s Landing to Mud Bay.

In the Fritz Creek area Pine Siskins, Juncos, Brown Creepers, Downy Woodpeckers, Red-breasted Nuthatches, Steller’s Jays, and Boreal and Black-capped Chickadees.

March 7, 2004

This week there have been many reports of Northern Shrikes around town this week. Out East End Road 3 and 5 miles out, on Kachemak Drive, and in the Ocean Loop area.

In the Miller’s Landing/Mud Bay area the following were seen: 6-800 Rock Sandpipers, hundreds of Mallards, and many many Scaup.

On the bay side of the Spit, Long-tailed Ducks, Black Scoters, Goldeneyes, Merganzers, Steller’s Eiders, and Murelets were seen. On the 6th during a very windy and high wave period at the end of the day, a possibly unusual alcid was seen in the water on the town side, near the piles of logs. Due to the bad conditions including fading light, no positive identification was made. This bird seemed very small, quite darkly colored with some white, and seemed to be a mature bird. It was diving most of the time—which also made it difficult to see. And at the time there were at least 4 eagles circling and diving. There were Murrelets in the near vicinity but this one looked quite different.

At Land’s End the following were seen: Common Murres, Kittletz’s and Marhbled Murrelets, Long-tailed Ducks, Harlequins and nearby were over 50 Gray-crowned Rosy finches and many Rock Pidgeons. And of course the usual eagles, crows, cormorants, grebes and loons.

There was a report from Point Pogibshi of some Double-crested Cormorants.

At Belluga Slough Mallards and Merganzers were seen.

And on Elderberry Ct, it was reported that Golden-crowned Sparrows and Juncos have been around all winter.

And in the Rochelle Drive area, Downy Woodpeckers, Steller’s Jays, Creepers, Nuthatches and Chickadees are around.

Last year at this time we were seeing many large groups of Pine Siskins and large groups of Merganzers.

February 29, 2004

At Miller’s Landing this week hundreds and hundreds of Rock Sand Pipers and Mallards were seen, along with the usual gulls, eagles, and crows. Some Shrikes are still hanging out here, too.

On the ocean side of the Spit the following were seen: Long-tailed Ducks, Black and Surf Scoters, Common Loons, Red-necked Grebes, Barrow’s Goldeneyes, Common Murres, and Steller’s Eiders. (A week ago Common Eiders were reported off the Seawall.)

At Land’s End many Long-tailed Ducks were seen and some Common Murres were in breeding plumage. Near that area over 50 Gray-crowned Rosy Finches were seen and heard.

At the chip loader dock, Cormorants, Harlequins, Red-breasted Merganzers were seen.

February 23, 2004

In the water off the Bluff at the end of Oleson Lane Stellers Eiders and Surf Scoters were seen on Saturday. Also Harlequin Ducks, Long Tail Ducks, Horned Grebes, and Barrow’s Golden Eyes were seen near the Spit.

By the Seawall, Common Eiders, Common Merganzers and hundreds of Mallards were seen. (A scope was needed for the Eiders.)

Out on East End Road, a Shrike was seen catching a vole. Gray Jays, Downy Woodpeckers and Nuthatches were also seen in this area.

In the Kachemak Drive area, about five weeks ago a Snowy Owl was seen and three weeks ago a Merlin. In that area also are Red Breasted Nuthatches, Down Woodpeckers, and Chickadees. Eagles are paired up and territorial. Notably missing, according to this birder, are any small finches. Is anyone seeing any small finches out there?

In the Fritz Creek area Saw Whet Owls have been reported this week.

January 1, 2004

The Christmas Bird Count was on Dec. 20th. 63 species and 7302 individuals were reported. Some of the more unusual birds were: Yellow-billed Loon, Double-crested Cormorant, Stellers and Common Eiders, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Sanderlings, Pigeon Guilemot Three-toed Woodpecker, Brown Creeper, Golden-crowned and Ruby-crowned Kinglet, American Tree Sparrow, White-crowned and Golden-crowned Sparrow.

Also added during the count week were: Crested Auklet, Winter Wren, an Dark-eyed (Oregon) Junco, and a Saw-whet Owl.

Some birds seen and reported later were:

In Miller's Landing Buffleheads, Grey-crowned Rosy Finches (unusual in this area of town) and a Northern Shrike.

In Mud Bay: hundreds of Rock Sandpipers today.

At Fritz Creek: Northern Shrike, Bohemian Waxwings, Brown Creepers, Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers.

At McNeal Canyon Ski areas: Pine Grossbeaks and flocks of Redpoles.

In the Green Timbers area: a Saw-Whet Owl.