There is a Brambling that has been visiting a feeder about ½ mile west of McNeil Canyon up on Mansfield Ave. Bramblings are an Asiatic finch often seen in the western Aleutian Islands and here are listed in the “Checklist of Birds of Kachemak Bay” as “rare” in winter.

And another rare (actually listed as “accidental”) bird reported east of town is a Townsend’s Solitaire. This bird was seen on Glacier View Drive (which is north on Fernwood from East End Road).

(It seems interesting that both of these birds, the Solitaire and the Brambling, were seen together at Seaside Farms in mid-January, 2005.)

The final Christmas Bird Count tally shows that 58 species were seen and 6699 individuals were counted. (Possibly one more species might be added, Fox Sparrow). Some interesting finds were Wilson’s Warbler, American Dipper, Northern Goshawk, Merlin, Northern Shrike, Pacific Loon, Barrow’s Goldeneye, and American Tree Sparrow. Over a thousand Rock Sandpipers were counted and over a thousand Northwestern Crows. There were no Mallards and no Redpolls seen. The complete list is available on the Audubon Website.

On the 26th a juvenile Sharp-shinned Hawk was seen from the Beluga Slough trail. Around town and east of town flocks of Common Redpolls are being seen (finally?).

Also on the 26th on the Spit many Mergansers were seen in the harbor, both Red-breasted and Common. Also Common Goldeneyes, Long-tailed Ducks, Harlequin Ducks, Bufflehead, Herring Gulls, scoters, cormorants, grebes.

Orange-crowned Warbler and Lincoln Sparrow were seen at the feeders at Seaside Farms, 5 miles out East End Rd.

December 2, 2007

First of all, the Christmas Bird Count will be Saturday, December 15th. Participants will meet at the Islands and Ocean Visitor Center at 8:30 a.m. For more information, call Dave Erikson at 235-3487 (dial 0 and ask for Dave) or Lani Raymond at 235-9477. New birders are very welcome.

To help new birders and some who might want a brush-up, there will be a Meet the Locals—Beginning Birding Class taught by Dave Erikson on Friday, December 7th from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Islands and Ocean Visitor Center.

A very large group of Rock Sandpipers was seen Friday evening at Mud Bay. Estimates were of way over 2000.

Out on the Spit on the 2nd the following were seen: Gray-crowned Rosy Finches, Long-tailed Ducks (both recently arrived apparently), Harlequin Ducks, Common Murres, Marbled Murrelets, cormorants, Black Scoters and White-winged Scoters, Common Golden Eyes, Common Mergansers, Common Loon, Bufflehead, and Rock Pigeons. 12-15 Bald Eagles were seen.

Large groups of Bohemian Waxwings continue to be seen in many places in the eastern part of town and out East End Road. Also in that area, about 6 miles out, a large group (48) of American Robins was seen this week

The banded crows mentioned last time are part of a study on deformed beaks being done by Caroline Van Hemert of the USGS.

November 26, 2007

First of all, the Christmas Bird Count will be Saturday, December 15th. More information about this important count will be in the next report and in the papers.

Rock Sandpipers continue to be reported in Mud Bay, Miller’s Landing and east of there. No one has reported groups larger than 500-600. (So if anyone has seen a larger group, we would like to hear.) They are often in Mud Bay just after high tide, and often, when not feeding, can be seen on the rocks west of the spit about a mile from the base of the Spit.

Large groups of Bohemian Waxwings are seen in many places in the eastern part of town and out East End Road. Some fortunate neighborhoods have much to entice them!

Pine Grosbeaks have been reported up on Skyline Drive. An absence of the usual numbers of woodpeckers is being noticed in that area.

At a feeder in Fritz Creek the following were reported on the 18th: Boreal and Black-capped Chickadees, Red-breasted Nuthatches, Dark-eyed Juncos (slate-colored), Magpies, Ravens, Steller’s Jays, Pine Grosbeaks and Pine Siskins (the latter first seen on the 5th).
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There have been a few reports of banded crows being sighted. If anyone spots any, please do report them. We do not at this time know any more about them but are attempting to find out. (They have been seen on the Spit and in the McDonalds and Safeway parking lots.)

November 16, 2007

Very large groups of Rock Sandpipers are seen daily in Mud Bay, Miller’s Landing and east of Miller’s Landing. Groups of 500-600 have been reported as well as one group sighted that was over a thousand. The most frequent sightings in Mud Bay are just after high tide. And most years when they are not feeding, they can be seen on the rocks west of the spit about a mile from the base of the spit.

In the Miller’s Landing area several Shrikes are seen regularly. And extremely large groups of Mallards.

On the 15th Seaside Farms reported the following had been seen: a Northern Red-shafted Flicker, 55 American Robins, 15 White-crowned Sparrows, Golden-crowned Sparrows, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Brown Creepers, a Hairy Woodpecker, and a Sharp-shinned Hawk.

At Fritz Creek Brown Creepers and Downy Woodpeckers were reported.

November 4, 2007

A humming bird was reported on the 3rd at the Post Office and earlier at Captain’s Coffee. No confirmed identification although one said it was probably a Rufous. If you see this hummingbird please let us know.

Last week there was a report of an American Coot at Beluga Lake. Coots are seen here occasionally this time of the year although they are only listed in the fall and then just as “accidental”.

A group of Rock Sandpipers was seen at the mouth of the Anchor River around the 2nd or 3rd.

The following are being seen out on the Spit: Harlequin Ducks, Long-tailed Ducks, cormorants, grebes, Black Scoters and White-winged Scoters, a Herring Gull and some Song Sparrows. One observer reported counting 5 Bald Eagles.

In the Miller’s Landing area a Goshawk has been frequenting the field areas and a couple Shrike are seen frequently. Very large numbers of Mallards and Scaup are seen out in the water.

Out East End Road Bohemian and Cedar Waxwings are being seen, some Pine Grosbeaks, Shrike, and Downy Woodpeckers.

October 20, 2007

Many interesting birds around right now…

On October12th there were 6 Cedar Waxwings seen about ten miles out East End Road. They are now confirmed breeders in our area. Many Snipe have been reported here and there out east of town recently.

Also on the 12th in Mud Bay one drake Eurasian Wigeon, in with a large group of American Wigeon, and one Brant were seen. From the Lighthouse Observation Platform Long-billed Dowitchers were seen on the 12th.

On the 17th an American Coot was seen at Beluga Lake. (They have also been seen in Anchorage and Juneau recently.) Also seen at Beluga Lake were Canvasbacks, Ring-necked Ducks, Northern Pintails, Northern Shovelers, Green-winged Teal, Goldeneyes, Bufflehead, Greater Scaup, White-winged Scoter, Common Merganser, both Grebes, and Mallards. At the east end of the lake a Black-bellied Plover was seen.

Off-shore from Bishop’s Beach the following were seen: Steller’s and Common Eiders, all three species of Scoter, Long-tailed Ducks, Harlequin Ducks, both Common and Barrow’s Goldeneyes, Bufflehead, two species of Grebe, Common Loons and Pelagic Cormorants.

The 50+ Snow Geese that were seen on the Spit near Green Timbers on the 12 and 13th apparently left soon thereafter as no other reports were received.

October 13, 2007

A group of at least 65 Snow Geese were seen on the Spit on the evening of the 13th. They were seen at Green Timbers, “Birding Hotspot #5”.

Near Miller’s Landing Goldeneyes, Scaups and many Mallards are being seen. A Snipe was reported in the garden of one observer two weeks ago! And several Shrike have been seen also—one observer reported an immature Shrike chasing Chickadees around on the 12th. Shrike have also been reported about 16 miles out East End Road.

Around the 26th and 27th Fork-tailed Storm-Petrels were seen between the Spit and Tutka Bay. A good group of Shearwaters was also seen then, which were probably Sooties, and Belted Kingfishers were seen in Tutka Bay.

September 17, 2007

The large group of Sandhill Cranes left on September 15th. The average departure date is the 10th so they stayed with us a bit longer this year. There are still some small groups including some families with colts not yet ready to leave.

A Trumpeter Swan family with one cygnet was seen in Beluga Lake on the 10th.

A Red-tailed Hawk was seen on the 11th at the far end of Skyline Drive.

A juvenile Goshawk was seen about 17 miles out East End Road on the 10th.

September 7, 2007

On the 2nd a dead Tufted Puffin was seen on the beach by the Anchor River.

From Bishop’s Beach several molting Harlequin Ducks were seen this week. Also Surf Scoters and Pacific and Common Loons. On the 5th at Beluga Slough American Wigeon, Green-winged Teal, Mallards, Greater Yellowlegs and Cranes were seen. Also Song Sparrows and Chickadees were heard on the 7th.

Some Red-necked Phalaropes have been seen out in the Bay.

Great-horned Owls have been heard in several places around town.

On the beach east of Miller’s Landing 117 Sandhill Cranes were seen feeding in the evening at low tide. On the 7th two groups totaling 120 were seen flying west toward the base of the Spit.

August 28, 2007

On the 28th a Heermann’s Gull was reported near Peterson Point. Also in this area a Thick-billed Murre was seen in with many Common Murres. Both of these were verified sightings. A few Kittlitz’s Murrelets are still being seen near Glacier Spit. An Ancient Murrelet was seen near Cohen Island.

On the beach just east of Miller’s Landing, on the 28th, 90 Sandhill Cranes were seen in the evening feeding at low tide.

August 15, 2007

East of Miller’s Landing large groups (40-50 or more) of Cranes have been gathering on the beach in the evenings. Cranes have been making lots of noise through the day and especially in the evenings. This was noticed also during the foggy spell a few days ago. A Great Horned Owl was seen on the 11th. A Sharp-shinned Hawk was seen on the 13th. In the Bay off Miller’s Landing groups of Surf Scoters are being seen again.

Up on the hill out Skyline Drive a group of migrating geese was observed flying over on the 15th.

From the Spit a Horned Puffin was reported. Also some Turnstones (didn’t say if Black or Ruddy). Shearwaters were reported out on the water.

In Beluga Slough 11 Rock Pigeons were seen. A Trumpeter Swan pair with a cygnet has been seen in the Lake.

August 1, 2007

In Mud Bay on the 29th hundreds of Semi-palmated Plovers were seen. Also Yellowlegs, Cranes with colts, and possibly some Dowitchers were there plus Lincoln and Savannah Sparrows nearby.

Whimbrels, Least and Western Sandpipers were reported on the Spit (but not exactly where).

In Beluga Slough, cranes with colts and Northern Shovelers are being seen.

At Bishops Beach Common Loons, Common Murres, scoters, Bonaparte’s Gulls and Long-tailed Ducks are being reported.

At the Bridge Creek Reservoir Kingfishers and Red-necked Grebes were seen on the 30th.

On Skyline Drive a hummingbird was reported on the 31st.

July 26, 2007

An Aleutian Tern was seen at Bishop’s Beach on a log and Surf Birds were seen on the 26th flying over. A while back an Osprey and a Peregrine Falcon were reported flying over the beach.

Many Arctic Terns can be seen, and heard, flying over the Spit making lots of noise. A Least Sandpiper was seen on the 22nd . The observer did not say exactly where, possibly at the Lighthouse Observation Platform where they have been in the past.

A Rufous Hummingbird was reported on the 24th on Whispering Meadows Dr. (top of West Hill Rd.). It was feeding in a petunia patch.

Some crane stories…Folks have been seeing Sandhill Cranes walking around in the turned up dirt along the Kachemak Drive construction area. One observer witnessed 6 cranes crossing the street with the help of the flag person who had the traffic stopped so they could safely cross!. In the Miller’s Landing area, another observer witnessed a pheasant hen challenging a group of cranes. The hen had some chicks in a thicker grassy area. The cranes became aggressive and she retreated. One crane followed her for a short distance into the taller grass and then gave up. On the evening of the 26th there were 38 cranes on the beach just east of Miller’s Landing.

If you see crane colts or large numbers of cranes together, please call 235-6262.

July 11, 2007

Saturday a Common Redshank was reported half way out the Spit and there was another report of this bird seen from the Lighthouse Observation Platform (Mariner Park Lagoon). This is unverified and it needs to be confirmed (hopefully with a photograph.) To give you an idea of how unusual this sighting would be: Common Redshanks are from Europe and Asia that breed in Iceland and are not even mentioned in Peterson’s or Sibley’s field guides. If I hear anything more about this bird I will update this report immediately! We are hoping someone will see this bird again!!

On the 7th a flock of about 20 Greater White-fronted Geese were observed at Miller’s Landing flying west.

On the 4th there were 5 Bar-tailed Godwits seen at the east end of Beluga Slough.

Many birds are seen on the Islands and Ocean Trail down to Bishop’s Beach. Some of these are: Common Snipe, Tree Swallows, American Three-toed Woodpecker, Hermit Thrush, Wilson’s Warblers, Savannah Sparrow, Dark-eyed Juncos, Greater Yellowlegs and Sandhill Cranes with colts.

At Gull Island Marbled Murrelets, Pigeon Guillemots and Common Eiders were reported.

At Eagle Lake Pacific Loons, Red-necked Phalarope and a Solitary Sandpiper were seen.

If you see crane colts, please call 235-6262.

July 2, 2007

A Barn Swallow was observed about 16 miles out East End Road. (This is an absolutely definite sighting). In the past some have been reported but never verified until now.

The Red-winged Blackbird continues to be seen and heard at the upper end of Beluga Lake near the Airport Observation Platform. In the Miller’s Landing Area White-winged Crossbills, Pine Grosbeaks, and Boreal Chickadees were reported. The latter fledging a brood in a driveway post for the third straight year.

In the Bay out near Neptune Bay and Gull Island Crested Auklets were seen flying, 6 of them. In Mud Bay Yellow-billed Loons are frequently seen, both juveniles and some in breeding plumage. Off Fritz Creek Parasitic Jaegers have been seen.

At Eagle Lake there is a Pacific Loon pair , also Red-necked Phalarope, Yellowlegs, and Mallards.

Nine miles out the North Fork Road a dark Red-tailed Hawk and a Sharp-shinned Hawk are being seen regularly. Also Red-breasted Nuthatches have fledged.

Near the Diamond Creek Trail 7 Whimbrels were seen, also a large raft of about 200 Scoters, mostly Surf some were White-winged.

The numbers of non-breeding cranes seems to be down this year, but there have been more colts reported. If you do see crane colts, please call 235-6262.

June 25, 2007

Parasitic Jaegers were reported about a mile east of the Spit on the 18th. Many Shearwaters, mostly Sooties, were seen on the west side of the Spit and some out by Gull Island. A Yellow-billed Loon in breeding plumage was seen in Mud Bay. Off the west side of the Spit on the 12th a Pacific Loon and a Common Eider were seen.

At Glacier Spit good numbers of Marbled Murrelets and a small number of Kittlitz’s Murrelets were reported.

The Red-winged Blackbirds are still being seen at Beluga Lake. The latest on the 22nd near the Airport Observation Platform area.

White-winged Crossbills, Boreal Chickadees and Pine Grosbeaks reported at various places out East End Rd. Still many Townsend’s Warblers also in this area.

At Fritz Creek a Saw-whet Owl is being heard and Belted Kingfishers and Wilson’s, Orange-crowned and Townsend’s Warblers are being seen.

A Northern Waterthrush was seen at an Anchor Point campground.

Some folks are reporting seeing fewer than usual Violet-green Swallows and White-crowned Sparrows around town. And there have been reports of fewer nests than usual of Common Murres and Black-legged Kittiwakes on Gull Island.

The first Crane colts were reported nearly three weeks ago. If you do see crane colts, please call 235-6262.

June 13, 2007

Out East End Road about 7 miles, a Northern Waterthrush has been heard regularly over several weeks. They are sometimes heard in the creeks near the hill but usually not down farther away from the rushing water. In the Miller’s Landing area many Townsend’s Warblers are being seen.

On the Island and Ocean Visitor Center trail Hermit Thrush; Townsend’s and Orange-crowned Warblers; Golden-crowned, Fox, and Savannah Sparrows; Violet-green and Tree Swallows, and Pine Siskins are being seen regularly.

On the 10th a very dark Red-tailed Hawk was seen in the North Fork area. In the Mt. Augustine Rd area and in town many Yellow Warblers are being seen.

At the Airport Observation Platform area and upper Beluga Lake Yellow-rumped, Orange-crowned and Yellow Warblers; Ruby-crowned Kinglets; Hermit Thrush; Lincoln’s, White-crowned, and Fox Sparrows are seen. The nesting Trumpeter Swans can be seen across the lake and the eagle nest over there is also active. Cranes are seen and heard in this area frequently. The Ring-necked Duck was reported last on the 4th.

A Northern Hawk Owl is seen regularly out on Skyline Road.

The first Crane colts were reported on the 7th. If you do see crane colts, please call 235-6262.

June 2, 2007

A Ring-necked Duck was reported at Beluga Lake on the 28th and again on June 2nd. Also on that date Blue-winged Teal were seen there plus White-crowned Sparrows and an Olive-sided Flycatcher. (Ring-necked Ducks are listed as “Rare” and Blue-winged Teal are “Accidental” in the Checklist of Birds of Kachemak Bay.)

At the Lighthouse Village Red-necked Phalaropes were seen on the 2nd. From the west side of Land’s End on the 1st large groups of birds were seen flying low over the water going NW in long lines. (The observer believed they were Common Murres and possibly up to a thousand were observed in a short time about 6:00pm. on that day. Quite a sight!)

At the Old Tern Colony Aleutian Terns, Yellowlegs and Mew Gulls are nesting.

At Gull Island Pigeon Guillemots were reported the 1st and several immature Bald Eagles. At 60 Foot Rock, a Double-crested Cormorant was seen, also rafted Murres and about 600 Black-legged Kittiwakes. At Sadie Cove Marbled Murrelets were reported and at Bear Cove Marbled and Kittlitz’s Murrelets were seen.

May 26, 2007

On the 23rd a Snowy Owl was seen flying NE near the end of the Spit. One Whimbrel was also observed flying alone the shoreline in that same area. On the 19th Marbled Godwits were seen in Mud Bay.

At the upper end of Beluga Lake on the 20th, Pectoral Sandpipers, Black-bellied Plovers, and Yellowlegs were seen; many Lincoln Sparrows, Juncos and Ruby-crowned Kinglets were heard. One observer also watched a moose being chased by one of the Trumpeter Swans when it got too close to their nest. The swan persisted until the moose was forced to leave on a run!

At the WagonWheel a Hummingbird was seen but it was going too fast to be identified. (This is the fourth hummingbird report so far this year. A good sign.)

At the Old Tern Colony a Whimbrel was seen and some Snipes. Arctic Terns have been reported but no Aleutian Terns have yet.

In the Baycrest Hill area American Pipits were reported as well as a Northern Harrier, Red-tailed Hawk and a Sharp-shinned Hawk. On the Overlook Bluff Trail Townsend’s Warblers were seen.

At Gull Island large groups (~5000) of Common Murres are rafted on the north and south sides. Large groups (~4-5000) of Black-legged Kittiwakes are nesting on the cliffs. Also Tufted Puffins, Pelagic and Red-faced Cormorants were reported.

At Neptune Bay 60-90 Goldeneyes were seen plus Green-winged Teal and American Pipits. One eagles nest was reported.

At Bear Cove Pigeon Guillemots and Marbled Murrelets were reported.

The final list is available for the SHOREBIRD FESTIVAL TALLY OF SPECIES. There were 118 species seen this year during the Festival plus one duck hybrid. Particularly interesting sightings were: Red-winged Blackbird, Red Knot, Solitary Sandpiper, Rusty Blackbird, and Rufus Hummingbird.

May 18, 2007

Caspian Terns (rare) were reported at Beluga Slough on the 18th. There were 3 seen in with some gulls in the middle of the slough. Also in the slough were Dunlins, Western and Least Sandpipers, and Semipalmated Plovers.

A Rhinoceros Auklet (accidental) was seen at 60 Foot Rock on the 16th.

Canvasbacks (uncommon) were seen again in Beluga Lake on the 17th in the middle part of the lake. Also the Red-winged Blackbird (rare) is still being seen and heard at the upper part of the lake. (A Rusty Blackbird [uncommon] was there earlier, around the 10th, and was confirmed with a photo.) Also at the upper end of the lake are White-winged Crossbills, Golden-crowned and Ruby-crowned Kinglets, and huge numbers of swallows.

Alder Flycatchers were first heard at Fritz Creek and Miller’s Landing area on the 17th. Hermit Thrush here and there. And an interesting report today of a group of 5 Downy Woodpeckers, apparently together, a few miles east of town.

May 15, 2007

Red Knots were seen at Louie’s Lagoon on the evening of the 15th. Also there were: Semipalmated and Black-bellied Plovers, Dunlins, some Least Sandpipers, and many Western Sandpipers.

In Mud Bay there were estimated 3000+ mixed shorebirds—Westerns, Dunlins, Least, Black-bellied and Semipalmated Plovers. The best time to see these large groups of birds seems to be about two hours after high tide.

In the grass in Mariner Park , and across the road, there were about 20 Lapland Longspurs seen on the 15th.

In Seldovia a Rufous Hummingbird was reported on the 13th.

And everywhere, almost, we hear singing and watch nest building going on. As usual for this time great of year!

May 12, 2007

A Red-Winged Blackbird was seen at upper Beluga Lake the morning of the 12th. (It is listed as “rare” here.) Also seen there were American Pipits, Golden Plovers, and Tree Swallows. A Barrow’s Goldeneye pair was seen in the main part of the lake.

On the breakwater going out of the small-boat Harbor the following were seen: a Red Knot, a Ruddy Turnstone, Black Turnstones, and a Rock Sandpiper.

A Red Knot (mature) was seen from the Lighthouse Observation Platform.

A Eurasian Teal-Green-winged Teal cross was positively identified near the Mariner Park Lagoon on the 10th. It is in Sibley’s book as an “American X Eurasian intergrade”. This bird was still there on the morning of the 12th.

May 10, 2007

A Eurasian Teal-Green-winged Teal cross was positively identified near the Mariner Park Lagoon on the 10th. It is in Sibley’s book as an “American X Eurasian intergrade”.

A Red Knot in alternate plumage was seen in Mud Bay.

Aleutian Terns were seen on the west side of the Spit.

Two Yellow-billed Loons were reported. One in the Small Boat Harbor and one in the Deep Water Dock.

Horned Puffins and Aleutian Terns were reported on Gull Island.

Gadwalls were reported at Deep Creek.

Northern Shovelers are being seen in several places; previously not reported.

May 9, 2007

SPIT/BAY

In Mud Bay the following are being seen: very large groups of Western Sandpipers ; Dunlin; Dowitchers; Black-bellied, Golden and Semipalmated Plovers; Yellowlegs; Least and Semipalmated Sandpipers; Bonaparte’s Gulls; one immature Glaucous Gull. Also Black Turnstones, Whimbrels, Bar-tailed and Hudsonian Godwits. And some American Pipits and a Peregrine Falcon.

From midway out the Spit on the west side, a group of 30 Common Eiders were seen on the 8th. Other smaller groups were also reported. Black Oystercatchers were seen flying over. The Osprey was last reported on the 4th.

At Gull Island on the 8th the first Tufted Puffins were seen. Large groups of Surfbirds, Turnstones (Black with at least one Ruddy also), and Marbled Godwits were seen on the 6th.

OTHER PLACES IN TOWN

At Beluga Lake/upper Beluga Lake on the 8th the following were seen: 8 Canvasbacks, Eurasian Wigeon, 3 Trumpeter Swans, Golden Plovers, Greater White-fronted and Canada Geese, Bonaparte’s Gulls. There was also a report of a Rusty Blackbird and a Northern Harrier.

At the Islands and Ocean Visitor Center’s trail a Hermit Thrush was heard on the morning of the 9th.

At the Old Tern Colony Arctic Terns were seen exhibiting courting behavior.

Near the end of Kachemak Drive and East End Road a Rufus Hummingbird was reported.

A Kestrel was seen 5 miles out East End Rd. Whimbrels are in the grassy areas in the Miller’s Landing area.

May 7, 2007

SPIT

In Mud Bay the following are being seen: Western Sandpipers; Dunlin; Dowitchers; Black-bellied, Golden and Semipalmated Plovers; Yellowlegs; Least Sandpipers; Bonaparte’s Gulls. (No recent reports of Godwits or Whimbrels). Out in the water in Mud Bay: Common, Pacific and Yellow-billed Loons (2); Marbled Murrelets; Brant; Fork-tailed Storm-Petrels (also off Land’s End); Common and Barrow’s Goldeneyes; 2 sp. Grebes; 2 sp. Mergansers; Harlequin Ducks, (and porpoises and a Humpback Whale on the 6th).

At Louie’s Lagoon Western Sandpipers, Black-bellied and Semi-palmated Plovers, American Pipits, Savannah Sparrows, Lapland Longspurs and on the 3rd an Osprey and a Merlin were seen but not reported since.

Out in the at Gull Island and in the Bay, Marbled Godwits, 100’s of Surfbirds, some Black Turnstones with a few Ruddy Turnstones, were seen the evening of the 6th. Phalaropes are still being seen in the Bay.

OTHER PLACES IN TOWN

At the Airport Observation Platform area and Beluga Slough a Northern Harrier was seen, also Greater White-fronted and Canada Geese, Trumpeter Swans (not in the past few days), Wigeon, Pintails, Yellowlegs, and Arctic Terns.

At Miller’s Landing/Kachemak Drive areas Golden-crowned Sparrows were first heard on the 6th. (An interesting report of a flock of 9 seen in another part of town.) Long-tailed Ducks are heard calling and there were 15 cranes down on the beach on the 5th (usually don’t see them there until late summer). Violet-green Swallows are also there.

At Seaside Farms Yellow-rumped Warblers were seen first on the 5th. Also Snipe, Greater White-fronted Geese, Violet -green and Swallows, Fox Sparrows.

A female Harrier was seen at the east end of Skyline Rd. on the 7th. Also some Greater Yellowlegs.

CLOSE TO TOWN

Red-necked Phalaropes were seen in a lake near the mouth of the Anchor River .

In Fritz Creek Orange-crowned and Yellow-rumped Warblers, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Fox Sparrows and Violet Green Swallows were reported.

May 3, 2007

SPIT

In Mud Bay on the evening of the 3rd the following were seen: Western Sandpipers, Dunlins, Dowitchers, Semipalmated Sandpipers, Black-bellied Plovers, a Least Sandpiper, Yellowlegs, Bonaparte’s Gulls. (One observer reported the Westerns were in two groups, one of about 500 and the other about 800.)

Between Mud Bay and Louie’s Lagoon on the 3rd five Whimbrels were seen.

In and near Louie’s Lagoon on the 3rd an Osprey was seen, also a Merlin, Golden Plovers, and American Pipits and a Savannah Sparrow were seen in the grassy areas.

At Land’s End Fork-tailed Storm-Petrels were seen on the 2nd and 3rd. Huge groups of Common Murres were reported on the 2nd and 3rd flying way out over the water. Red-necked Phalaropes are in the Bay also.

In the boat harbor an immature Yellow-billed loon was seen again on the 3rd.

OTHER AREAS

A male Harrier was seen at the east end of Skyline Rd. on the 2nd.

A Golden Eagle was reported in the McNeal Canyon area.

The following were seen at in Anchor Point at the mouth of the Anchor River on the 3rd: Marbled Godwits , Black-bellied Plover, Greater White-fronted Geese, Double-crested Cormorants and Bonaparte’s Gulls.

Fox Sparrows are being heard in many places, also Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Varied Thrush, Juncos and Robins. Cranes are also in many areas of town.

April 29, 2007

SPIT:

Out on the Spit in the evening of the 27th a dozen Black-bellied Plovers and half a dozen Golden Plovers were seen. Dowitchers, Yellowlegs, and Bonaparte’s Gulls were seen in Mud Bay on the 28th.

Song Sparrows singing in several places. There was a probable sighting of Lapland Longspurs in the grassy areas midway out on the 28th.

West of the Spit, Common Eiders, 3 species of scoters, 2 species of Grebes, Common Murres, Common Loons and a few Long-tailed Ducks were seen.

Red-necked Phalaropes were seen on the 25th just off the spit; this is early for them to arrive.

In the Boat Harbor an immature Yellow-billed loon was reported on the 24th. Another—or perhaps the same one—was seen just off the west side of the Spit on the 28th.

BELUGA LAKE/SLOUGH:

At the upper end of Beluga Lake (by the Airport Observation Platform) Eurasian Wigeon, Greater White-fronted Geese, 2 Trumpeter Swans, Yellowlegs, Northern Shovelers, Green-winged Teal, Northern Pintails, Mallards, Barrow’s Goldeneyes, and Buffleheads were seen.

OTHER AREAS:

At the top of West Hill Road (Eagle View Rd.) Snipe were heard on the 26th, also Ruby-crowned Kinglets and Song Sparrows.

Near Ohlson Mountain Rd. a Harlan’s Red-tailed Hawk was seen on the 22nd.

At Fritz Creek Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Juncos, Fox Sparrows, and Robins are being heard.

In the fields at Seaside Farms on the 29th there were 60 cranes. And Cranes are being seen and heard in many other places.

April 24, 2007

At the base of the Spit (Mariner Park/Mud Bay) Bonaparte’s Gulls, Greater Yellowlegs, and Eurasian Wigeon have been seen. There was an unconfirmed report of a Solitary Sandpiper on the 24th in the grass near the west end of the lagoon. If this sighting is confirmed, I will update this report. (They are listed as Rare in the “Checklist of Birds of Kachemak Bay”.) Greater White-fronted Geese are being seen flying over and near the spit and Sandhill Cranes are being seen in several places in this area.

In the boat harbor a Yellow-billed loon was reported on the 24th. It has been around for several days and was seen near the NE corner by the boat launching area today.

Out in the Bay Green-winged Teal, many American Wigeon and Pintails have been seen but thus far no Shovelers. No eiders have been seen recently in spite of folks looking hard for them also.

In Jakolof a Belted Kingfisher was seen on the 18th.

At Beluga Slough Lesser and Greater Yellowlegs, Eurasian and American Wigeon, and Bonaparte’s Gulls have been seen. In the upper part of Beluga Lake Greater Yellowlegs and many White-fronted Geese were seen.

Near Fritz Creek there are Boreal and Black-capped Chickadees, Nuthatches, Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers, Varied Thrush, Pine Siskins, Steller’s Jays. Also Greater Yellowlegs and large groups of White-fronted Geese flying over.

And finally, many reports of Sandhill Cranes from all over town, a few reports of Canada Geese both flying over and some on the ground. Also many reports of Varied Thrush being heard and some Song Sparrows also.

April 16, 2007

About a mile out in the Bay west of the Spit, 60 Steller’s and 30 Common Eiders were seen on the 14th. (No King Eider could be found.) Also in this area were Pigeon Guillemots; Marbled and Kittlitz’s Murrelets; Pacific, Red-throated and Common Loons; all three species of Scoters and the two species of Grebes. Black-legged Kittiwakes and Common Murres are showing up to nest on Gull Island. Near Cohen Island a few Rock Sandpipers, 2 Black Oystercatchers and many Harlequin Ducks were seen.

In Louie’s Lagoon (on the Spit) Canada Geese were seen. Brant have been seen out there but none was reported in the last few days.

Along the beaches and elsewhere, Song Sparrows are being heard singing but only partial songs so far. Lapland Longspurs are being reported here and there in grassy areas as well as Snow Buntings.

In Beluga Slough Trumpeter Swan, Bufflehead, Pintails, Widgeons, Green-winged Teal, Goldeneyes and Common Mergansers were seen.

A Peregrine Falcon was reported at Fritz Creek this weekend.

There was a report of 3 Sandhill Cranes heading north over Anchor Point on the 14th.

April 16, 2007

About a mile out in the Bay west of the Spit, 60 Steller’s and 30 Common Eiders were seen on the 14th. (No King Eider could be found.) Also in this area were Pigeon Guillemots; Marbled and Kittlitz’s Murrelets; Pacific, Red-throated and Common Loons; all three species of Scoters and the two species of Grebes. Black-legged Kittiwakes and Common Murres are showing up to nest on Gull Island. Near Cohen Island a few Rock Sandpipers, 2 Black Oystercatchers and many Harlequin Ducks were seen.

In Louie’s Lagoon (on the Spit) Canada Geese were seen. Brant have been seen out there but none was reported in the last few days.

Along the beaches and elsewhere, Song Sparrows are being heard singing but only partial songs so far. Lapland Longspurs are being reported here and there in grassy areas as well as Snow Buntings.

In Beluga Slough Tundra Swan, Bufflehead, Pintails, Widgeons, Green-winged Teal, Goldeneyes and Common Mergansers were seen.

A Peregrine Falcon was reported at Fritz Creek this weekend.

There was a report of 3 Sandhill Cranes heading north over Anchor Point on the 14th.

April 11, 2007

No one was able to verify the crane sighting mentioned in the last report. Please report any cranes to us and to the Crane Watch. Their number is 235-6262.

Today about 3 miles NE off the Spit a Fork-tailed Storm Petrel was sighted. Also in Eldridge Passage and off the tip of the Spit numerous Marbled and Kittlitz’s Murrelets are being seen. On the 9th there were 5 Brant spotted about a mile or so out on the East side of the Spit.

In Beluga Slough today American Widgeon, Eurasian Widgeon, Pintails and Green-winged Teal were seen. A swan was seen there on the 8th. To the north along Bishop’s Beach many Harlequin Ducks were seen on the 11th, Barrow’s Goldeneyes, many White-winged Scoters and several loons (one of which might have been a Yellow-billed Loon).

At the upper end of Beluga Lake a swan was seen today and about 10 Canada Geese. Also seen there were Common Mergansers and Common Goldeneyes. There is a little open water up there now, but this area will develop into a great birding spot very soon.

April 4, 2007

There was an unconfirmed report of a couple Sandhill Cranes flying near the Spit on April 2nd . George West’s earliest average arrival dates give April 17th , but in 2005 the first report was the 13th and last year the 2nd. The earlier dates could be better reporting but probably are earlier arrivals. If you see cranes, please call the Crane Watch at 235-6262.

From the Spit large groups of Long-tailed Ducks can be seen and heard. Also Common Mergansers, Bufflehead, Common Murres, Red-necked Grebes, Common Goldeneyes, Common Loons, Pelagic Cormorants, Glaucous-winged and Mew Gulls and Black-legged Kittiwakes. No eider reports for quite a while.

In Fritz Creek the following are being seen: Boreal and Black-capped Chickadees, Red-breasted Nuthatches, Pine Siskins, Redpolls, Brown Creepers, Bohemian Waxwings, and on the 31st there were Golden-crowned Sparrows, not in breeding plumage and not singing, but were there anyway! A Shrike has begun visiting a feeder area. Eagles and Ravens are nesting and woodpeckers were first heard drumming on the 22nd. Also a Sharp-shinned Hawk has been seen off and on through the winter.

In the Miller’s Landing area Short-eared Owls are seen hunting and Great Horned Owls are heard frequently. Large groups of Mallards are out in the mud again (no mud for a long time due to ice!) and large groups of Scaup plus some Mergansers and Buffleheads are out in the water. On shore, large groups of Rock Sandpipers are seen between there and the Spit daily.

Finally, just a reminder: if you see a bird with a deformed bill, please call Caroline Van Hemert at the Alaska Science Center. The number is 907-786-3981.

March 22, 2007

This has been a very long cold spell and there have been very few bird sighting reports.

At the head of the Bay, a group of 35 Snow Buntings was reported last week.

At Miller’s Landing Great Horned Owls are being heard (as well as in other parts of town), Pine Siskins, Robins, Common Redpolls, and Gray-Crowned Rosy Finch. One person reported that she had seen NO sparrows at her feeder for over 4 weeks!

On the Spit the large group of Rock Sandpipers is seen daily; some go east on past Miller’s Landing along the beach for parts of the day depending on the tide (and ice!). Many Long-tailed Ducks can be found at the end of the Spit, also Common Goldeneyes, Common Mergansers, and Scoters (all) and Common Loons out a ways. The harbor, which is usually a good place to find birds this time of year, is nearly completely frozen.

Near the end of Skyline Drive a group of over 100 Rosy-Finches continues to be reported.

We do have bird arrivals to look forward to. Usually Black-legged Kittiwakes arrive about April 1st and Swans, Pintails and Yellowlegs arrive by mid-April (according to George West’s list of average earliest arrival dates at Homer). This year may be quite different! At this time last year we were seeing Lapland Longspurs and American Widgeons; both species arrived about 4 weeks early.

Finally, just a reminder: if you see a bird with a deformed bill, please call Caroline Van Hemert at the Alaska Science Center. The number is 907-786-3981

February 26, 2007

First, if you see a bird with a deformed bill, please call Caroline Van Hemert at the Alaska Science Center. The number is 907-786-3981 or report it online at alaska.usgs.gov.

The Great Backyard Bird Count was held on February 16-19th. The results are tabulated at gbbc.birdsource.org for Homer, AK. As of today not all birds/numbers are on there, but it should be complete soon.

From across the Bay Great Blue Heron (7) were reported and Chestnut-backed Chickadees (4).

On the Spit, a large flock of about 30 Snow Buntings was reported. Large groups (~300) of Gray-crowned Rosy-Finches were seen. Steller’s Eiders are being seen both to the east and to the west from the spit. Some usual sightings were of Harlequin Ducks, Long-tailed Ducks, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneyes, 2 species of mergansers and 3 species of scoters. A group of about 1200 Rock Sandpipers were seen on the spit and toward the east along the Bay. Very few grebes were seen.

There were reports from around town of Red-breasted Nuthatches, Golden-crowned Sparrows, Robins, Juncos, White-winged Crossbills, Common Redpolls and Pine Siskins. Also a Downy Woodpecker and a Goshawk. Very few sparrows were reported.

A while back there was a report of some swans being seen flying low over the Harbor going toward Stone Steps Lake. Also a Snowy Owl that was found dead in the water by a fisherman.

February 15, 2007

The Backyard Bird Count is February 16-19. Anyone interested in doing this should go to the website www.birdsource.org/gbbc/howto for more information. This bird count is jointly sponsored by Audubon and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. You can enter your count directly on the website or send them to me and I will do it. The weather is supposed to be good on Saturday anyway and fortunately there is much more daylight now than there was for the Christmas Count.

Not many reports have come in recently…

Out at the end of the Spit several different gulls were reported a few days ago: Glaucous-winged, Mew, Herring, and Glaucous—an immature one. Also seen there were huge numbers of Long-tailed Ducks, Loons, Cormorants, and both species of Mergansers. A large group of over 125 crows and many, many eagles.

Near the Deep Water Dock areas Harlequin, Barrow’s Goldeneyes, both species of Mergansers, Bufflehead, and Scaup were seen. Gray-crowned Rosy-Finches were seen in many places.

The large group of Rock Sandpipers is being seen from the Spit and then east down past Miller’s Landing. A delightful cloud of birds looking for the best spot to feed!

Saw-whet Owls continue to be reported here and there around town as well as robins.

January 27, 2007

Not many reports have come in recently…

The Purple Finch which was first seen the middle of December is still around. It is being seen at the end of Island View Court. Last week there were actually two there that were photographed.

There have been several reports of Saw-Whet Owls, up on Baycrest, by the Hospital, and below the Bidarka Inn.

Many reports of robins being seen in all over. On the Christmas Bird Count, in mid-

December, 264 were counted. Old-timers say that there are usually some of them that stick around all winter, but this year seems like many more than usual decided to stay.

Many Gray-crowned Rosy-Finches have been seen up on Skyline Dr.

January 11, 2007

In Seldovia today two swans were seen flying over the Post Office!

There has been an amazing report of a pair of Sandhill Cranes that are apparently wintering over in Nanwalek. This is a very unusual occurrence although some folks said this may have happened in the past. (During previous winters there have been several reports of Great Blue Herons across the Bay, but cranes would be quite unusual.) Also 3 Peregrine Falcons were seen in Nanwalek recently.

In town near the High School there has been a white-headed Common Redpoll seen and photographed.

The Purple Finch which was first seen the middle of December is still around. It is being seen at the end of Island View Court.

On January 6th a Northern Saw-whet Owl was seen and heard near Waddell Street.

Near Larkspur St. (up East Hill Rd), Pine Grosbeaks, Bohemian Waxwings, and many Robins are being seen.

In Anchor Point many Snow Buntings are being seen.

In Fritz Creek White-winged Crossbills, Pine Grosbeaks and a Sharp-shinned Hawk are being seen.