The 16th was the Christmas Bird Count and last time I reported a few birds that had been seen even though I didn’t have the final list. The list now is nearly final. There were 68 species seen on the Count Day and at least one other, a Lincoln’s Sparrow, seen in the count week. 11,615 birds were counted!

The largest numbers of birds counted were Pine Siskins ( 2622), Common Redpoll (1390), Black Scoter (1360), Rock Sandpiper (1264). Also Steller’s Eiders ( 247), Pine Grosbeaks (197), Robins (264), and Gray-crowned Rosy-finches (444).

There were 6 kinds of sparrows seen, including the Lincoln’s—American Tree, Fox, Song, White-crowned and Golden-crowned. There were 3 hawks for sure: Northern Harrier, Sharp-shinned and Northern Goshawk. Also 3 woodpeckers: Downy, Hairy and Three-toed.

There were some very interesting birds found. A Purple Finch was seen above town on Islandview Court This is very rare, listed as “accidental” in the “Checklist of Birds of Kachemak Bay”. Red Crossbills were seen between Beluga Lake and the end of the Spit. They are listed as “rare”. Also listed as “rare” are Cedar Waxwings which were seen about 7 miles out East End Road on Cannonball Rd.

Some other interesting birds seen during the count were: Brown Creeper, Winter Wren, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Black-legged Kittiwake, and Hoary Redpoll.

Please note that I made two errors when I reported preliminary bird species on the last report: there were no Common Eiders or Double-crested Cormorants seen.

And as a general report, this week in the Beluga Court area Pine Grosbeaks were seen and a Great Horned Owl heard.

December 9, 2006

We have added another way to report bird observations. You can email your report to lani@alaska.net. And if you would like to receive a copy of these reports by email, let us know. You can still leave a phone message. Not many reports have been coming in. But hope things will pick up in anticipation of the Christmas Bird Count which will be on December 16th. We need as many people as possible to help with this count. This is lots of fun and helps keep good data on our winter birds. Even if you just have time to count birds at your feeder and yard, that would be a big help. For more information call Dave Erikson at 235-3487 or email derikson@alaska.net . (Or, you could leave a message with us and we will be sure Dave gets it.)

About 7 miles out East End Road, near Cannonball Rd, Cedar Waxwings are being seen with Bohemian Waxwings. This observer said they have been hanging around for three years and even nested there successfully this summer.

On Mt. Augustine Drive a Northern Shrike was seen on the 29th and a few times since then. They are also seeing or hearing a Boreal Owl in their yard.

Out on the Spit recently, huge groups of Black Scoters and other scoters are being seen. Also Mergansers, Goldeneyes—both Barrow’s and Common, Long-tailed Ducks, Harlequin Ducks, Common Murres, grebes, some loons and many cormorants. Also out there are Gray-crowned Rosy-Finches, Rock Doves, and Snow Buntings. On the 18th a total of 8 Bald Eagles were seen.

Large groups of Rock Sandpipers are found sometimes out on the Spit and other times along the shore down toward Miller’s Landing and on east of there. Hundreds and hundreds of scaup and Mallards off-shore in the Bay. Some Great-horned Owls were heard several nights in this area, too. A Goshawk has been seen hunting regularly in the past few weeks in a few neighborhoods east of Miller’s Landing..

There were no further reports of the Red-breasted Sapsucker, unfortunately. Nor of the Great Blue Herron.

November 14, 2006

We are adding another way to report bird observations. You can email your report to lani@alaska.net. And if you would like to receive a copy of these reports by email, let us know. You can still leave a phone message.

Above and to the east of the High School a Red-breasted Sapsucker was seen on the 13th. They are listed as “accidental” in the fall here on the CHECKLIST OF BIRDS OF KACHEMAK BAY. One was seen in the same area in November of 2003.

A possible Short-eared Owl was seen last week between Islands and Ocean parking lot and Bunnel St. This was not a positive identification but was observed by some excellent birders. Short-eared Owls have been seen frequently in the Miller’s Landing area. Just a note: they are on the Audubon Watchlist which is an early warning of at-risk populations.

Out on the Spit, a Great Blue Heron was seen on the 9th in the Harbor near the larger boats. Also seen in there on the 12th were over a dozen Mergansers, probably Red-breasted. Off the west side Barrow’s Goldeneyes, Long-tailed Ducks, Scoters, Loons, and Grebes were seen. Also many Gray-crowned Rosy Finches. No eiders could be found. On the east side many Common Goldeneyes, Long-tailed Ducks, and Cormorants and some Common Murre were seen.

In the Miller’s Landing area, a group of about a dozen American Robins are being seen. Most winters there are a few that stay around somewhere in or near town according to reports.

Around Mile 6 East End Rd Bohemian Waxwings are being seen; they are also being seen Fritz Creek . White-winged Crossbills are being seen there too.

November 8, 2006

Lapland Longspurs, American Pipits and Snow buntings have been seen along the bike path on the Spit, especially at the base and in the grassy areas mid-way out. Rock Sandpipers have been seen on the beaches or resting on the rocks. A week or so ago they were in smaller 30-50 groups but now are in groups of several hundred. Many American Widgeon in Mud Bay, and Harlequin Ducks, all 3 species of Scoters and Long-tailed Ducks have been seen off the west side. On the 27th on the Spit some Sharp-tailed Sandpipers were seen. No other birders were able to find them in the subsequent days although they did look! A Winter Wren was seen at the Wagon Wheel.

In the Miller’s Landing area, several Great-horned Owls were heard on the 6th. At least three were hooting together in the moonlight that night! A Sharp-shinned Hawk was seen half way along Kachemak Drive on the 4th.

Around Mile 6 East End Rd Bohemian Waxwings are being seen and at Fritz Creek. Also at Fritz Creek the following have been seen: American Three-toed, Downy, and Hairy Woodpeckers, Winter Wren, and Spruce Grouse.

On the 25th a Northern Flicker was reported flying across the highway at the Homer Chamber of Commerce.

A hummingbird was reported in Seldovia on the 27th. It sounded like an Anna’s. Missed the migration and very late to be still here.

October 23, 2006

On the 13th 50 Snow Geese were seen flying over Homer. There was another report that day of 100 or so flying over.

On the 23rd a Blue Heron was seen on the beach at Miller’s Landing. Blue Heron have also been seen since August at Peterson Bay, and 4 were seen at the Branson’s Dock in Halibut Cove on the 20th.

On the 24th just east of Miller’s Landing a group of about 30-50 Sandpipers was seen. This observer believes they were Rock Sandpipers but visibility was not good enough for an positive identification.

On the 20th at Halibut Cove and near the Halibut Cove Lagoon the following were seen: 100’s of Barrow’s Goldeneyes, White-winged Scoters, a few Surf Scoters and Harlequin Ducks, some Mallards, large numbers of Mew Gulls plus some Kittiwakes, Herring Gulls, Glaucous-winged Gulls, several pairs of Marbled Murrelets and many Common Murres. Common Loons were seen and 2 Pacific Loons. At the Branson’s dock Bufflehead, Red-necked Grebes and some Belted Kingfishers were seen.

Out on the Spit on the 21st the following were reported: 2 Pacific Loons (half-way down the spit on the west side fairly close in), Long-tailed Ducks, Harlequins, all 3 species of Scoters, Common Murres, and some Herring Gulls. At the Airport Observation Platform area Pintails, Goldeneyes, Mallards Juncos were seen. And in Beluga Lake many Bufflehead and Scaup were seen.

Out at Fritz Creek a Northern Harrier was seen on the 11th, a Shrike was seen on the 15th and some White-winged Crossbills are being seen also in that area.

October 10, 2006

On the Spit on the 5th: 2 Peregrine Falcons were seen, a juvenile at the base of a little spit jutting out into Mud Bay below Kachemak Drive and an adult hanging out near a gull flock near the old chip pile site. These had been seen on the 2nd also.

Also seen on Spit on the 5th were: Common Loon, Red-necked and Horned Grebe, Pelagic Cormorant, Slaty-backed Gull (by ferry dock), Glaucous Gull juvenile (in gull flock near old chip pile site), Glaucous-winged, Herring and Mew Gulls, Black-legged Kittiwake, Common Murre, Black-bellied Plover, Greater Yellowlegs , Mallard, American Widgeon, Greater Scaup, all 3 species of Scoter, Harlequins, Bald Eagle, Common Raven, Northwestern Crow, Rock Dove, American Pipit, Fox Sparrow.

On the 7th off the west side of the Spit mid way out was a pair of Pacific Loons. And several places on the beach Song Sparrows were seen that day.

On Beluga Lake on the 5th there were Northern Shovelers , Green-winged Teal, Northern Pintail, Bufflehead, Northern Harrier (female), Steller's Jay, Gray Jay, Black-billed Magpie, Boreal and Black-capped Chickadee, Scaup, Widgeon, and Mallards.

October 4, 2006

On the Spit on the 2nd an immature Peregrine Falcon was observed in the Mud Bay area. This was a definite observation. Also on the spit, Wandering Tattlers, Pacific Golden Plovers and several other unidentified shorebirds were seen this weekend.

A Great Blue Heron was seen in Beluga Slough on the 30th.

A Double-crested Cormorant was seen flying over Bishop’s Beach last week.

Swans were seen flying over town on the 22nd and 26th. And on the 19th and 20th possibly as many as 3000 Sandhill Cranes flew over in groups of several hundred. (One observer reported a group of 200 that were joined by another hundred, flying low and calling and circling right above town. A very spectacular sight!) Snipe were seen near the Islands and Ocean Visitor Center on the 29th.

Several reports of Steller’s Jays being seen in areas where they usually aren’t, near Anchor Point and east of Miller’s Landing.

At Eagle Lake Barrow’s Goldeneyes and a Gadwall were reported on the 30th.

September 19, 2006

On the 17th a Blue Heron was reported on the beach at Miller’s Landing. It was also seen at the Fishing Hole and at Beluga Slough.

A Caspian Tern was seen on the 16th on Beluga Lake. (This was a definite sighting.)

On the 18th 4 cranes (2 adults and 2 colts) were reported in a yard at Mile 4.5 East End Road. On the 17th 100+ were reported flying east along the bluff. [Please report any cranes you see at 235-6262.]

On the 16 and 17th hundreds of Grebes (Red-necked and some Horned) were reported in the Bay. All 3 species of Scoters were seen off the west side of the Spit. In Halibut Cove and around Gull Island many Common Murre fathers with chicks were seen plus many scoters.

On the 16 and 17th hundreds of American Widgeons were seen in Mud Bay.

On the 13th Whimbrels were seen at Mi 2.5 East End Road. They are sometimes seen this time of year (as well as in the spring). Also some Great Grey Owls have been observed in that area.

A Merlin was reported flying over Kachemak Drive.

A Sharp-shinned Hawk was seen at Fritz Creek.

The following may still be in the area…On the 12th at the SW corner of the Harbor Wandering Tattlers were seen. On the Spit trail American Pipits have been seen, and Lapland Longspurs in the grassy area just south of the Marine Terminal on the 12th.

August 22, 2006

On the Spit a Slaty-backed Gull was seen on the 17th on the breakwater at the NE corner of the harbor. Also in that area some song birds were reported: Wilson’s Warblers, Orange-crowned Warblers, Savannah, Fox, and Song Sparrows. At the ferry dock a Wandering Tattler was seen on the10th. A Merlin was seen on the10th over the harbor. American Pipits have been reported by the Deep Water Dock and by the bike path near Mariner Park. Also at Mariner Park some Black Turnstones were seen on the10th. In Mud Bay Least and Western Sandpipers and Dowitchers are being seen.

Two Swans with three cygnets were seen on the 20th at the upper end of Beluga Lake.

At Bishop’s Beach several Yellowlegs and one Spotted Sandpiper were seen on the 21st.

In the Miller’s Landing/Kachemak Drive area a female Northern Harrier has been seen several times recently. Also on the 15th a Northern Flicker was reported—yellow or red-shafted not determined. Bonaparte’s Gulls are frequently seen on the beach and the large group (over 50) of Cranes are seen on the beach as usual for this time of the year. (If you have crane reports of colts or other large groups, the number to call is 235-6262.)

Pine Siskins, some this year’s fledglings, were reported at Fritz Creek and up on Mt. Augustine Drive. Almost no Pine Siskins were reported during last winter so it is a very good sign that some are being seen! Also in the Fritz Creek area, a Sharp-shinned Hawk and a Peregrine Falcon were seen a week ago.

August 8, 2006

In Mud Bay on the 5th the following were seen: many Semi-palmated Plovers, some Yellowlegs, Dowitchers, Western Sandpipers, and Bonaparte’s Gulls.

On the 4th many Red-necked Phalaropes were seen on Beluga Lake. Also two Trumpeter Swans (but no cygnets reported).

On the 2nd in the Circle Lake area, which is way east of Homer, some Parasitic Jaegers were seen. They nest in a boggy area north west of there much earlier in the year. Also some Terns, reported to be possibly Aleutian, were seen.

In the Miller’s Landing area on the 7th there were 57 Cranes on the beach in the evening. Large groups of robins are being seen, a few swallows, and a possible sighting of a short-eared owl.

July 24, 2006

In Mud Bay at high tide, the following were seen today: Caspian Terns (7), Semi-palmated Plovers (100), Black Turnstones (250), Surfbirds, Western and Least Sandpipers (100’s reported earlier), Dowitchers, Black-bellied Plovers, Yellowlegs, Bonaparte’s Gulls some juvenile, and juvenile Glaucous and Mew Gulls.

Under the dock at the Ferry Terminal two Wandering Tattlers were seen.

Black Turnstones were seen on the jetty by the Small-boat Harbor.

At the old Chip Facility a group of Cliff Swallows and some Bank Swallows was seen. This might be a staging area for them?

Caspian Terns are listed as “rare” here in the “Checklist of Birds of Kachemak Bay”, but have been seen here the last two years in July. They are much larger than other terns and have a large red bill and a prominent black head crest and are usually in with groups of gulls.

There is a Yellow-billed Loon in full breeding plumage in Mud Bay out from the hockey rink. Also in the Bay, Red-necked Phalaropes and Fork-tailed Storm-Petrels are being seen.

Two male Northern Flickers were seen by the airport fence. They are listed as “rare” here.

A hummingbird was seen off Diamond Ridge Rd. near Kay St. last week. It was probably an Anna’s and was attracted to a beautiful flower garden. There have been reports of Rufus Hummingbirds also but no location was given.

July 23, 2006

Three Caspian Terns were seen flying over the Spit near the Small Boat Harbor on the 18th. There were some here last year in early July and then across the Bay for a while after that. They are listed as “rare” here in the “Checklist of Birds of Kachemak Bay”. Caspian Terns are much larger than other terns and have a large red bill and a prominent black head crest.

There is a Yellow-billed Loon in full breeding plumage in Mud Bay out from the hockey rink. This was reported on the 17th and has been seen since then also. Also in the Bay, Red-necked Phalaropes and Fork-tailed Storm-Petrels are being seen.

Two male Northern Flickers were seen by the airport fence. They are listed as “rare” here.

A hummingbird was seen off Diamond Ridge Rd. near Kay St. last week. It was probably an Anna’s and was attracted to a beautiful flower garden.

There is an explosion of swallows in the Miller’s Landing area! Fledged young plus adults--many all together! Also many sparrow and thrush young are increasing the bird count in the area. 30-40 Sandhill Cranes visit daily. Out in the Bay many Surf Scoters are being seen.

July 11, 2006

There have not been many reports turned in lately.

Out in Mud Bay a Yellow-billed Loon in breeding plumage was seen last week. And over by Glacier Spit, many Kittlitz’s Murrelets have been seen. There was an unusual Guillemot tentatively reported, but experts here determined that without a photo for documentation, it probably was a Pigeon Guillemot.

In the Miller’s Landing area, the usual sparrows (Savannah, White-crowned, and Golden-crowned), Orange-crowned Warblers, Alder Flycatchers, and many Hermit Thrush are around. A large group (40-50+) of non-breeding cranes visits the area daily and Bonaparte’s Gulls are on the beach.

No one has reported anything from the Old Tern Colony for quite a while. Possibly the Arctic and Aleutian Terns, Dowitchers and Mew Gulls might still be there?

June 25, 2006

Things are a little slow this time of year. More secrecy is involved in hiding eggs and chicks it would seem. It should be noted that several people have called or emailed recently saying that they are “missing” some birds that usually are here this time of the year. Others reported missing birds through the winter also.

There was a report of 6 Cedar Waxwings in the lower Cannonball Rd area. The report said they come in the late evening and are eating apple blossoms. Quite unusual for them to be here this time of the year.

In the Miller’s Landing area, Alder Flycatchers, Savannah Sparrows, many Golden-crowned and White-crowned Sparrows, Orange-crowned Warblers, and Hermit Thrush are being heard. Chickadees and snipe also.

Near the Airport Observation Platform Lincoln Sparrows, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, and Juncos were heard. No reports recently of the swans on Beluga Lake but hope they are still there and have some cygnets also.

At the Old Tern Colony the following were seen this week: a brood of Short-billed Dowitchers, Aleutian and Arctic Terns, Mew Gulls, Juncos, and Magpies.

Many cranes were observed near Lampert Lake and in other parts of town . If you see any pairs with colts, please report them to the Crane Watch at 235-6262.

Out on the Spit on the 24th the following were seen: Glaucous-winged and Mew Gulls, Black-legged Kittiwakes, Common Loons, Rock Doves, Song Sparrows, cormorants and swallows.

June 11, 2006

May 23, 2006

A very exotic warbler was reported but the caller’s name was garbled and she did not leave phone number so we could check a little further. This is a warbler rarely seen west of the Mississippi… We would love to hear more about this bird!

Also, it would help if folks would leave the date. Unfortunately our machine is very old and does not automatically give the date as folks might expect it should.

In the Kachemak Drive/Miller’s Landing area many Swallows are everywhere—Tree, Violet-green and Bank Swallows. The Bank Swallows usual arrival date is May 22 so they’re right on schedule! Savannah Sparrows were heard first on the 23rd. White-fronted Geese were seen on the 21st on the beach and many loons are calling. Large groups of Scaup are there also. A group of Western Sandpipers was seen on the 21st.

In and around Beluga Slough on the 22nd Marbled Godwit, Dowtchers, Least and Western Sandpipers, Belted Kingfisher, Gadwall, Tree Swallows and American Pipits were seen. On the 18th nearly 30 species were seen or heard. These included Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Whimbrel (also seen on the 23rd), Dunlin, Dowitcher, Least Sandpiper, Western Sandpiper, Snipe, Common Merganser, Barrow’s Goldeneye, American Wigeon, Pintail, Shoveler, Green-winged Teal, Golden-crowned and Fox Sparrows, Orange-crowned Warbler, Dark-eyed Junco, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Violet-green Swallow, Tree Swallow, Sandhill Crane,and Glaucous-winged and Mew Gulls and Black-legged Kittiwakes.

In the Bishop’s Beach/Kachemak Bay area White-winged and Surf Scoters, Harlequin, Greater Scaup, Red-necked and Horned Grebe, Common and Pacific Loons, Arctic Tern and Black Turnstones were seen

Three Common Eiders were seen on the 22nd half-way out on the west side of the Spit.

Out in the Bay at 60 Foot Rock a pair Emperor Geese is still around, and in that area and Gull Island Black and Ruddy Turnstones, Wandering Tattlers and Rock Sandpipers are being seen. On the 21st the first Horned Puffins were reported at Gull Island.

June 11, 2006

May 23, 2006

A very exotic warbler was reported but the caller’s name was garbled and she did not leave phone number so we could check a little further. This is a warbler rarely seen west of the Mississippi… We would love to hear more about this bird!

Also, it would help if folks would leave the date. Unfortunately our machine is very old and does not automatically give the date as folks might expect it should.

In the Kachemak Drive/Miller’s Landing area many Swallows are everywhere—Tree, Violet-green and Bank Swallows. The Bank Swallows usual arrival date is May 22 so they’re right on schedule! Savannah Sparrows were heard first on the 23rd. White-fronted Geese were seen on the 21st on the beach and many loons are calling. Large groups of Scaup are there also. A group of Western Sandpipers was seen on the 21st.

In and around Beluga Slough on the 22nd Marbled Godwit, Dowtchers, Least and Western Sandpipers, Belted Kingfisher, Gadwall, Tree Swallows and American Pipits were seen. On the 18th nearly 30 species were seen or heard. These included Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Whimbrel (also seen on the 23rd), Dunlin, Dowitcher, Least Sandpiper, Western Sandpiper, Snipe, Common Merganser, Barrow’s Goldeneye, American Wigeon, Pintail, Shoveler, Green-winged Teal, Golden-crowned and Fox Sparrows, Orange-crowned Warbler, Dark-eyed Junco, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Violet-green Swallow, Tree Swallow, Sandhill Crane,and Glaucous-winged and Mew Gulls and Black-legged Kittiwakes.

In the Bishop’s Beach/Kachemak Bay area White-winged and Surf Scoters, Harlequin, Greater Scaup, Red-necked and Horned Grebe, Common and Pacific Loons, Arctic Tern and Black Turnstones were seen

Three Common Eiders were seen on the 22nd half-way out on the west side of the Spit.

Out in the Bay at 60 Foot Rock a pair Emperor Geese is still around, and in that area and Gull Island Black and Ruddy Turnstones, Wandering Tattlers and Rock Sandpipers are being seen. On the 21st the first Horned Puffins were reported at Gull Island.

May 23, 2006

A very exotic warbler was reported but the caller’s name was garbled and she did not leave phone number so we could check a little further. This is a warbler rarely seen west of the Mississippi… We would love to hear more about this bird!

Also, it would help if folks would leave the date. Unfortunately our machine is very old and does not automatically give the date as folks might expect it should.

In the Kachemak Drive/Miller’s Landing area many Swallows are everywhere—Tree, Violet-green and Bank Swallows. The Bank Swallows usual arrival date is May 22 so they’re right on schedule! Savannah Sparrows were heard first on the 23rd. White-fronted Geese were seen on the 21st on the beach and many loons are calling. Large groups of Scaup are there also. A group of Western Sandpipers was seen on the 21st.

In and around Beluga Slough on the 22nd Marbled Godwit, Dowtchers, Least and Western Sandpipers, Belted Kingfisher, Gadwall, Tree Swallows and American Pipits were seen. On the 18th nearly 30 species were seen or heard. These included Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Whimbrel (also seen on the 23rd), Dunlin, Dowitcher, Least Sandpiper, Western Sandpiper, Snipe, Common Merganser, Barrow’s Goldeneye, American Wigeon, Pintail, Shoveler, Green-winged Teal, Golden-crowned and Fox Sparrows, Orange-crowned Warbler, Dark-eyed Junco, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Violet-green Swallow, Tree Swallow, Sandhill Crane,and Glaucous-winged and Mew Gulls and Black-legged Kittiwakes.

In the Bishop’s Beach/Kachemak Bay area White-winged and Surf Scoters, Harlequin, Greater Scaup, Red-necked and Horned Grebe, Common and Pacific Loons, Arctic Tern and Black Turnstones were seen

Three Common Eiders were seen on the 22nd half-way out on the west side of the Spit.

Out in the Bay at 60 Foot Rock a pair Emperor Geese is still around, and in that area and Gull Island Black and Ruddy Turnstones, Wandering Tattlers and Rock Sandpipers are being seen. On the 21st the first Horned Puffins were reported at Gull Island.

May 11, 2006

In the Kachemak Drive/Miller’s Landing area Violet-green Swallows were reported on the 10th. Also some Terns and Brant Geese a few days ago. A Short-eared Owl was observed (apparently) chasing a Northern Harrier away. Anyway it worked! Whimbrels continue to be seen here and there in the grass and some snipe are winnowing more and more.

On the 10th in Mud Bay the following were seen: thousands of Western Sandpipers, Dunlins, Dowitchers, Black-bellied , Golden, and Semipalmated Plovers, American Pipits and a large group of Brants.

At other places west of the Spit, Eiders continue to be seen and a Pacific Loon. Surf Birds, Glaucous Gulls and Song Sparrows were seen on the east side.

At the Lighthouse Observation Platform, Dowitchers, Yellowlegs, Green-winged Teal and an unidentified shorebird that was reported to be hard to identify in the fading light.

At the Old Tern Colony Cranes, Arctic Terns, Mew Gulls and Pintails, Mallard and Widgeon.

Many interesting birds have been reported at the Sod Farm which is at the corner of East End Road and (the west end of) Bear Creek Drive. Dowitchers, Black-bellied Plovers, Golden Plovers, and Whimbrels were reported.

May 5, 2006

At Mud Bay this morning Emperor Geese, Black Turnstones, Dowitchers and Dunlins, Western Sandpipers, and Hudsonian Godwits were seen. Also a Sharp-shinned Hawk was seen and Fox Sparrows were heard. On the 4th a Smith’s Longspur was seen. It has never before been seen in Homer we believe. Also seen on the 4th were some American Pipits. On the 3rd a Marbled Godwit and some Whimbrels were seen. Whimbrels are being reported in grassy areas around town today.

West of the Spit and out from Bishop’s Beach Common Eiders, Bonaparte’s Gulls, 3 Scoter species, Long-tailed Ducks, Harlequin were seen. On the 4th Whimbrels were seen at Bishop’s Beach.

At the End of the Spit on the 4th Pigeon Guillemots, Marbled and Kittlitz’s Murrelets, Glaucous Gull (juv.), Yellow-billed Loons, Common Murre, Pelagic Cormorant and an Auklet species (4 of them dark colored) were seen.

At Beluga Lake across from the Airport Observation Platform Trumpeter Swans were observed today apparently beginning their nesting procedure. Also of great significance was the report of a Chestnut-backed Chickadee by the Observation Platform itself. (We usually only see Chestnut-backs across the Bay.) On the 4th several Canvasbacks were seen near the middle of the lake.

At Beluga Slough Gadwalls were seen this morning also Greater White-fronted Geese, Belted Kingfisher, plus Yellowlegs, Dowitchers and Dunlins. On the 4th the Osprey was seen again over this area and Eurasian Widgeons were seen.

At Seaside Farms a lone Cackling Goose appeared today.

May 4, 2006

At Mud Bay this morning a Smith’s Longspur was seen. It has never before been seen in Homer we believe. Also seen were ~500 Western Sandpipers, Least Sandpipers, Dunlin, Dowitchers (possibly both Long and Short-billed), Pacific and American Golden-Plover, Black-bellied Plover, Greater Yellowlegs, Bonaparte’s Gull, Double-crested Cormorant, American Pipit (small flock), Sandhill Crane, Northern Pintail, Mallard and Green-winged Teal. Yesterday a Marbled Godwit and Whimbrels were seen and Pacific Loons flew over mid-day.

West of the Spit Steller’s Eiders, Common Eiders, 3 Scoter species, Long-tailed Ducks, Harlequin, Red-breasted Merganser, 2 grebe species, Whimbrel, and Common Loon.

At the End of the Spit Pigeon Guillemot, Marbled and Kittlitz’s Murrelet, Glaucous Gull (juv.), Yellow-billed Loons, Common Murre, Pelagic Cormorant and an Auklet species (4 of them dark colored).

At Beluga Lake Northern Pintails, Trumpeter Swans, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Green-winged Teal, Northern Shovelers, Canvasbacks (~8) Buffleheads and Red-necked Grebes.

In the Green-Timbers area (Birding Hot Spot #5) the following were seen this morning: Black Turnstones, Dowitchers, Dunlins and Black-bellied Plovers.

May 3, 2006

SPIT/BAY

In Mud Bay on the 30th large groups of Dunlins, Western Sandpipers, Pacific Golden Plovers and many Bonaparte’s Gulls were seen. Also a few Semi-palmated Plovers and some Dowitchers. Black-bellied Plovers have been seen there since the 22nd also Greater Yellowlegs and out in the water were many Brants and Northern Shovelers have been seen. There was an unsubstantiated report of 2 Emperor Geese near a Bed and Breakfast on the 29th. A Marbled Godwits, Whimbrels and Pacific Loons were also reported.

On the 26th north of Louie’s Lagoon a Ruddy Turnstone was seen. Also American and Pacific Golden Plover, 4-5 Dunlin were seen there and at the Mariner Park Lagoon. A remotely possible-but-unconfirmed report of a Wandering Tattler at Louie’s Lagoon on the 26th. Lapland Larkspur continue to be seen at Louie’s Lagoon and surrounding area.

A King Eider was reported on the 30th close in near to the Glacier Drive-In off the east side of the Spit . Also seen there were Long-tailed Ducks, two species of Mergansers, White-winged Scoters, common Loons, two species of Grebes, Cormorants, Common Murres, Marbled Murrelets and the following gulls: Glaucous-winged, Mew, Herring, and Black-legged Kittiwakes.

TOWN AREA

On the 29th below the Airport Observation Platform area /Beluga Lake two pairs of Ring-necked Ducks were seen and continue to be seen. There were also about 150 White-fronted Geese, swans, Pintails, Bufflehead, Red-necked Grebe, Northern Shovelers, Eurasian and Am. Widgeon, Green-winged Teal, Mallards. Also a Northern Harrier, White-winged Crossbills, Junco, a Gray Jay and Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs. A Northern Harrier was also seen this week by the High School.

In Beluga Slough an Osprey was seen. Below the lodge, the following were seen on the 29th: three Snow Geese, Eurasian and American Widgeon, Shovelers, Goldeneyes, Greater Yellowlegs, Green-winged Teal, Scaup, Pintails, Common Mergansers and Mallards. Also Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs and a Belted Kingfisher was observed fishing.

At the Old Tern Colony Mew Gulls, Pintails, Mallards were seen and Snipe, Junco, and pheasants were heard. On the 27th an Aleutian Tern was seen there. Last year they returned to nest and hopefully will again this year.

Just east of Miller’s Landing 50-70 Cranes were seen flying west on the evening of the 28 And on Kachemak Drive a Saw-Whet Owl was heard over in the wetland area. A Boreal Owl was seen and heard at the foot of China Poot Drive and another in town this week. The Short-eared Owl pair continues to hunt—and hopefully nest—in the Miller’s Landing area.

In my last report I neglected to mention EVEN ONE ROBIN!!! This was I can assure you an oversight!! They are being seen and heard all over now. Also with the warmer weather, Snipe are being heard.

OUT OF TOWN

Out East End Road at mile 7 and at McNeal Canyon School, a Hawk Owl has been seen.

April 29, 2006

On the 29th below the Airport Observation Platform area /Beluga Lake two pairs of Ring-necked Ducks were seen. There were also about 150 White-fronted Geese, swans, Pintails, Bufflehead, Red-necked Grebe, Northern Shovelers, Eurasian and Am. Widgeon, Green-winged Teal, Mallards. Also a Northern Harrier, White-winged Crossbills, Junco, a Gray Jay and Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs. A Northern Harrier was also seen this week by the High School.

In Beluga Slough below the lodge, the following were seen on the 29th: three Snow Geese, Eurasian and American Widgeon, Shovelers, Goldeneyes, Greater Yellowlegs, Green-winged Teal, Scaup, Pintails, Common Mergansers and Mallards. Also Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs and a Belted Kingfisher was observed fishing.

At Bishop’s Beach a Bonaparte’s Gull was seen on the 27th.

On the 26th north of Louie’s Lagoon a Ruddy Turnstone was seen. Also American and Pacific Golden Plover, 4-5 Dunlin were seen there and at the Mariner Park Lagoon. A remotely possible-but-unconfirmed report of a Wandering Tattler at Louie’s Lagoon on the 26th..

In Mud Bay Black-bellied Plovers have been seen since the 22nd also Greater Yellowlegs and out in the water were many Brants, Northern Shovelers.

Just east of Miller’s Landing 50-70 Cranes were seen flying west on the evening of the 28 And on Kachemak Drive a Saw-Whet Owl was heard over in the wetland area. A Boreal Owl was seen and heard at the foot of China Poot Drive and another in town this week.

Out East End Road at mile 7 and at McNeal Canyon School, a Hawk Owl has been seen.

Off the east side of the Spit were Long-tailed Ducks, two species of Mergansers, White-winged Scoters, common Loons, two species of Grebes, Cormorants, Common Murres, Marbled Murrelets and the following gulls: Glaucous-winged, Mew, Herring, and Black-legged Kittiwakes.

At the Old Tern Colony Mew Gulls, Pintails, Mallards were seen and Snipe, Junco, and pheasants were heard. On the 27th an Aleutian Tern was seen there. Last year they returned to nest and hopefully will again this year.

April 25, 2006

Four Ring-necked Ducks fairly close in were seen in the Miller’s Landing area on the 24th. They are “rare” here in spring according to the Kachemak Bay list. Also in that area was a Belted Kingfisher seen on the 23rd.

Just east of Miller’s Landing some Sandhill Cranes have been on the ground in people’s yards. Not too many but some. Short-eared Owls continue to be reported.

In Mud Bay on the 22nd about a dozen Black-bellied Plovers were seen and some Greater Yellow-legs. Also out in the water were many Brants, Northern Shovelers, Pintails, Mallards and to the west side of the spit, Harlequins.

Off the east side of the Spit were Long-tailed Ducks, two species of Mergansers, White-winged Scoters, common Loons, two species of Grebes, Cormorants, Common Murres, Marbled Murrelets and the following gulls: Glaucous-winged, Mew, Herring, and Black-legged Kittiwakes.

In the grass around Louie’s Lagoon some Lapland Longspurs and Snow Buntings continue to be seen.

Below Beluga Lodge the following were seen: Shovelers, Goldeneyes, Greater Yellowlegs, Common Mergansers, Pintails and Mallards.

At the Airport Observation Platform area /Beluga Lake Shovelers, Green-winged Teal, Greater Yellowlegs, Widgeons, Pintails, Mallard and a Gray Jay. A Barrow’s Goldeneye was seen in the west part of Beluga Lake.

At the Old Tern Colony Mew Gulls, Pintails, Mallards were seen and a possible Junco was heard.

In Fritz Creek a Ruby-crowned Kinglet was heard.

A Winter Wren was heard at Neptune Bay.

April 19, 2006

Greater White-fronted Geese were seen in Beluga Slough on the 19th. Some were also seen on the18th but didn’t stick around long. Greater Yellowlegs have also arrived; observation of a group of 7 on the 17th.

In Mud Bay there was a reliable report of Pacific Golden-Plover on the 14th. Also a report of Semipalmated Plovers on the17th. Midway down the spit in the grass were many Lapland Longspurs and Snow Buntings. Snow Buntings were also seen at McNeal Canyon School. And Longspurs were also near Bishop’s Beach.

American Dippers and Snipe were seen at the Reservoir on the 17th and Snipe were seen in several other places in town.

200 Cranes were reported flying over Homer on the 18th! Heading west.

Short-eared Owls are being reported in many places: at Seaside Farms, and at the Sterling Avenue/Soundview area as well as the Miller’s Landing sightings. A Northern Harrier was seen near Miller’s Landing also.

On the Spit there are many Long-tailed Ducks, Gulls (Glaucous-winged, Mew, Herring and Kittiwakes), both grebe species, all three Scoter species, Steller’s Eiders, Common Loons, and Harlequins.

At Beluga Slough below the Lodge two pairs of Eurasian Widgeon were seen on the 15th. Also seen there were American Widgeon, Goldeneyes, Pintails, Green-winged Teal, Common Mergansers, Goldeneyes, Bufflehead and of course Mallards. Down near Bishops Beach a pair of Barrow’s Goldeneyes were seen.

From near the Airport Observation Platform two Swans were seen on the 15th. Yellowlegs were heard in this area. Also many American Widgeon, Pintails, Green-winged Teal and Mallards are there. And moose!

At Mud Bay on the 15th there was one Swan observed and possibly 5 or so swans flying overhead in the early evening. In addition, possible identification of about half a dozen Brant leaving that area flying eastward in the late afternoon. On the 14th there were a few Rock Sandpipers seen.

Out on the Spit there was a report of a possible Golden Eagle. The observer was quite certain that it was not an immature Bald Eagle, but was not 100% positive.

On Kachemak Drive White-winged Crossbills are being seen in full breeding plumage and Song Sparrows are singing. The Short-eared owl pair continues to come and hunt at dusk in the Miller’s Landing area.

At Fritz Creek a Sharpshinned Hawk has been attentively watching a feeder. A Downy Woodpecker, a male Hairy Woodpecker, a Goshawk and Pine Grosbeaks are being seen. Ravens are nesting also near there.

South of the Islands and Oceans Visitor Center, a Brown Creeper has been seen.

April 15, 2006

At Beluga Slough below the Lodge two pairs of Eurasian Widgeon were seen on the 15th. Also seen there were American Widgeon, Goldeneyes, Pintails, Green-winged Teal, Common Mergansers, Goldeneyes, Bufflehead and of course Mallards. Down near Bishops Beach a pair of Barrow’s Goldeneyes were seen.

From near the Airport Observation Platform two Swans were seen on the 15th. Yellowlegs were heard in this area. Also many American Widgeon, Pintails, Green-winged Teal and Mallards are there. And moose!

At Mud Bay on the 15th there was one Swan observed and possibly 5 or so swans flying overhead in the early evening. In addition, possible identification of about half a dozen Brant leaving that area flying eastward in the late afternoon. On the 14th there were a few Rock Sandpipers seen.

Out on the Spit there was a report of a possible Golden Eagle. The observer was quite certain that it was not an immature Bald Eagle, but was not 100% positive.

On Kachemak Drive White-winged Crossbills are being seen in full breeding plumage and Song Sparrows are singing. The Short-eared owl pair continues to come and hunt at dusk in the Miller’s Landing area.

At Fritz Creek a Sharpshinned Hawk has been attentively watching a feeder. A Downy Woodpecker, a male Hairy Woodpecker, a Goshawk and Pine Grosbeaks are being seen. Ravens are nesting also near there.

South of the Islands and Oceans Visitor Center, a Brown Creeper has been seen.

April 7, 2006

Some tangible signs of spring are appearing and are on the verge of appearing. An exciting report of a pair of Sandhill Cranes flying over Soundview area today which is really big news as their average earliest arrival date is the 17th ! Others that might be here soon are Yellowlegs, average date April 17th and Snipe which is not on this list but we should be hearing them soon also.

Varied Thrush were heard calling just west of Paul Banks School on the 30th and at several other places around town since then. Some do not leave all winter but they do not call until spring so maybe these could be either residents or returnees?

At the Deep Water Dock many Black-legged Kittiwakes were seen on the 3rd. Their average earliest return date is the 1st and they might have been here then although they were not reported until the 3rd. A Yellow-billed Loon has been seen the last couple weeks in Mud Bay and down the east side of the Spit toward Land’s End. West of the Spit on the 5th Common Eiders were seen, way out there. At other places on the spit the following can be seen: Goldeneyes, Bufflehead, Long-tailed Ducks, both Mergansers, all three Scoters, Grebes, Scoters and Murres. No Harlequins reported recently. The Lapland Longspurs are still being reported mid-way down the Spit in grassy areas. The large group of Rock Sandpipers is still around, usually feeding on the beach just after high tide or resting on the rocks on the west side of the spit in sunny times.

On Kachemak Dr some Red Poles were seen this week. Not many were seen anywhere this whole winter except down on the Diamond Creek Trail a while back. Sparrows, such as the White-crowned, are beginning to sing.

In the Miller’s Landing area a Short-eared Owl pair is being seen hunting and maybe is going to nest in the area. Eagles and pheasants are active.

March 24, 2006

Not very many reports right now…

On the Spit on the 24th near the Fishing Hole, a group of Lapland Longspurs was seen in breeding plumage. Their average earliest arrival date here is April 13th so they are early by at least three weeks. Also in that area were some Snow Buntings. A Steller’s Eider was seen east of the Spit right there on the 19th, in very close.

Also today in the Deep Water Harbor the following were seen: both kinds of Mergansers, Bufflehead, Goldeneyes, Long-tailed Ducks, and Grebes. On the 22nd right there a Herring Gull was seen.

In Mud Bay on the 19th American Widgeons were seen with the Mallards.

At Land’s End the many Long-tailed Ducks were making such a nice sound and many are in breeding plumage. Also the Scoters were “singing”. Very beautiful to hear them all. A few Mew Gulls were seen.

Out in the Bay many Harlequin Ducks and Marbled Murrelets were seen on the 19th and two Crested Auklets were seen on the north side of Yukon Island.

March 4, 2006

There was a Crested Auklet seen on Feb. 25 and 26th near the mouth of the Harbor and at Land’s End mixed in with all the other birds near shore. Two were seen near the Cormorant Buoy by the Deep Water Dock. These are 100% confirmed observations. Crested Auklets are listed as “accidental” in Kachemak Bay in the checklist.

Also near the Spit are Red-breasted and Common Mergansers, Bufflehead, Goldeneyes, Harlequins.

There have been some reports of Pine Siskins and Redpolls in the Diamond Creek Trail and along the Bluff. Also many White-winged Crossbills in this area

Yellow-billed Loons have been reported in Peterson Bay.

A Downy Woodpecker was seen between Islands and Oceans and Bishop’s Beach.

In the Miller’s Landing/Kachemak Drive area Song, White-crowned, and Golden-crowned Sparrows and chickadees are seen, and out on the water huge numbers of Mallards, Scaup, some Bufflehead and Long-tailed Ducks, which usually aren’t seen there. The large group of Rock Sandpipers is seen nearly every day up and down the beach.

In the Fritz Creek area Brown Creepers and Three-toed Woodpeckers have been seen.

February 24, 2006

Last weekend was the Great Backyard Bird Count and many birds got counted! Some of these large numbers were: 2000 Mallards, 1500 Glaucous-winged Gulls, 900 Greater Scaup, 1800 Rock Sandpipers, 350 eagles, 200 Long-tailed Ducks and 50 American Widgeon (Mud Bay). Other interesting birds reported were Downy, Hairy, and Three-toed Woodpeckers, Brown Creepers, Golden-crowned Kinglets and Pine Grosbeaks.

No Redpolls or Pine Siskins were seen nor have any been reported all winter. Has anyone out there seen any?

Out on the Spit in the Harbor and in the Deep-water Harbor the following were reported: Goldeneyes, Harlequin Ducks, both merganser species, and Buffleheads.

In the Fritz Creek area Three-toed Woodpecker, Spruce Grouse, Goshawk and a Brown Creeper.

In the Anchor Point area a Downy Woodpecker has been seen.

February 7, 2006

First, if you would be interested in participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count which will be February 17-20 this year, the website is www.birdsource.org/gbbc for more information.

After a long period of cold and ice in the Bay, it was nice to get a report of Bufflehead, Scaup, Mallards, and Rock Sandpipers in Miller’s Landing. One report was of about 500-700 Rock Sandpipers, another was more like 800 or more. And in that area at feeders folks are seeing Junco, Tree Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-winged Crossbills, White-crowned Sparrow and Golden-crowned Sparrow, Nuthatches and Black-capped Chickadees. On the 1st a group of about a dozen Bohemian Waxwings was seen but they didn’t stay long due to lack of food in the immediate area. And a Northern Goshawk has come back to this area.

At about 7 miles out East End Road, also at a feeder, the following have been seen: Junco, Black-capped and Boreal Chickadees, Pine Grosbeaks, Red-breasted Nuthatches, Steller’s and Gray Jays.

About 2 miles north of Anchor Point on the bluff, a male Downey Woodpecker was been seen at a feeder this weekend.

In town Bohemian Waxwings have been seen.

On the Spit Grey-crowned Rosy Finches have been seen.

January 22, 2006

There haven’t been many bird reports lately.

There was a report of a Junco in the Millers Landing/ Kachemak Drive area this last week Also seen in this area have been White-crowned and Golden-crowned Sparrows, Nuthatches, and Chickadees. White-winged Crossbills have been reported in this area off and on lately also. The very large group of Rock Sandpipers was seen on the 21st on the beach east of there.

On the Spit the following were seen on the 21st. At the Deepwater Harbor: Buffleheads, Common Goldeneyes (and possibly a Barrow’s), both Mergansers, Scaup, Grebes. Out on the water from the Glacier Drive-inn Boardwalk: Common and Steller’s Eiders, Goldeneyes, Scoters, Loons, Cormorants and Grebes. (It was reported that there was a possible, though quite unlikely, King Eider spotted. But with poor light, wind, waves, and the long distance out there, this was 98% ruled out. They plan to check again the next clear day…) At Land’s End: Long-tailed Ducks, Pigeons, Song Sparrows and Rosy Finches were seen. Many eagles. One with a huge number of wing feathers missing on one side.