Majestic Alaska
We just wrapped up another amazing trip through Alaska, visiting several parts of the state from the vast boreal forests to the wind-swept tundra.
Nome amazed us all once again with its various roads leading through unique habitats. At any point it seemed like we could see a Willow Ptarmigan, in numbers this year rivaling records.
We also got great looks at Bristle-thighed Curlews on their breeding grounds far into the interior of the Seward Peninsula.
In Anchorage we got as close as one could ask for to a male Spruce Grouse. This one at Kincaid Park was seen by many over the time we were here.
Chickadees were one of our favorite groups of birds. These included Black-capped, Chestnut-backed, and a particularly confiding Boreal along the Old Denali Highway.
One of the most highly sought after species on this tour is the Northern Hawk Owl. An unreal experience happened when one was spotted while we were in line waiting for the pilot car at some road construction. We pulled out of line, got great looks at the owl, then jumped back into the que just in time to make it through the otherwise 45 minute wait.
In Seward while birding in the rain we were serenaded by an undeterred Sooty Fox Sparrow near the northwestern limit of its range. We also observed an American Dipper voraciously feeding in order to appease the awaiting young calling from their mossy nest.
Mammal highlights were aplenty as well, including Fin and Humpback Whales on our boat trip, Muskox circling up around their young, and a River Otter successfully catching fish nearly close enough to touch.
We also felt lucky to have seen Denali void of the clouds that usually shroud its summit for almost an entire day.
On our extension to Barrow the rarest bird we encountered was probably this Temminck’s Stint.
The Snowy Owl blending in with a snow mound was also a highlight.
Our most wanted birds here were the eiders and we did well in tracking them down. A pair of Spectacled sat on the edge of the ice, several male Kings displayed for curious females, and several male Steller’s were courting their own.
