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15 Dec mystery Adak duck ["Maas, Deborah F (DFG)" ] 22 Nov new sightings [alice sullivan ] 20 Oct Buntings [Ken Stenek ] 02 Oct Shishmaref Rarity ["Shishmaref Birder" ] 10 Jul Shishmaref Meanderings-Serpentine River [Ken Stenek ] 1 Jul Barrow [Andrew Bankert ] 24 Jun unusual sighting [alice sullivan ] 21 Jun Shishmaref Meanderings--Serpentine Trip 2 [Ken Stenek ] 20 Jun Shishmaref Meanderings-Up the Coast Trip [Ken Stenek ] 17 Jun Shishmaref Meanderings: Serpentine River and Pack Ice Trip [Ken Stenek ] 17 Jun Shishmaref Meanderings: Serpentine River and Pack Ice Trip [Ken Stenek ] 17 Jun Hawfinch in Chevak ["Ulric J." ] 15 Jun Shishmaref Meanderings--Kougaruk Trip [Ken Stenek ] 14 Jun Barrow- Red-necked Stint, Gray-tailed Tattler [Andrew Bankert ] 13 Jun Shishmaref Rare bird sighting [Ken Stenek ] 13 Jun Shishmaref Rare bird sighting [Ken Stenek ] 12 Jun Re: Aleutian terns at Nome [David K Weaver ] 12 Jun Aleutian terns at Nome [Carol Gales ] 8 Jun Shishmaref Meanderings [Ken Stenek ] 8 Jun Barrow Updates [Andrew Bankert ] 4 Jun Barrow [Andrew Bankert ] 31 May A couple more Shishmaref regulars... [Ken Stenek ] 31 May Plovers... [Ken Stenek ] 27 May Chevak Bird & Culture Tours ["Ulric J." ] 25 May 2nd documented Orange-crowned [Ken Stenek ] 23 May Long Distance Visitor [Ken Stenek ] 20 May Shemya birds May 12-18 ["rtrotter56" ] 17 May Nome Area - bird reports (May 7 - May 16) ["pjbente" ] 16 May More Shishmaref Arrivals [Ken Stenek ] 14 May Good Morning from Shishmaref ["Shishmaref Birder" ] 14 May Re: New Arrivals ["Shishmaref Birder" ] 14 May New Arrivals ["Shishmaref Birder" ] 11 May Chevak Birds ["Ulric J." ] 17 Mar Shishmaref Bird Report [2 Attachments] [Ken Stenek ] 17 Mar Shishmaref Bird Report [Ken Stenek ] 27 Feb sightings [alice sullivan ] 20 Dec Shishmaref Birds [Ken Stenek ] 28 Nov Re: McKay's Buntings ["Shishmaref Birder" ] 27 Nov McKay's Buntings [4 Attachments] [Ken Stenek ] 27 Nov McKay's Buntings [Ken Stenek ] 10 Oct Cold Ride in Shishmaref [Ken Stenek ] 3 Oct Serpentine Meanderings [Ken Stenek ] 3 Oct shishmaref meanderings [1 Attachment] [Ken Stenek ] 01 Oct shishmaref meanderings ["Shishmaref Birder" ] 19 Sep Shishmaref Weekend [Ken Stenek ] 16 Sep Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel ["pjbente" ] 31 Aug Serpentine Meanderings [1 Attachment] [Ken Stenek ] 27 Aug unusual sighting [alice sullivan ] 26 Aug Shishmaref Fall Migration [2 Attachments] [Ken Stenek ] 23 Aug sighting [alice sullivan ] 10 Aug fall migration [alice sullivan ] 9 Aug Serpentine Meanderings [Ken Stenek ] 18 Jul Shishmaref Meanderings [Ken Stenek ] 6 Jul Shishmaref Meanderings [Ken Stenek ] 5 Jul Serpentine River Meanderings [Ken Stenek ] 28 Jun Shishmaref Meanderings [Ken Stenek ] 27 Jun Shishmaref Meanderings [Ken Stenek ] 23 Jun Shishmaref Meanderings [Ken Stenek ] 20 Jun common, arctic loon at Safety Sound, Nome [Jim Dory ] 19 Jun Shishmaref Meanderings [1 Attachment] [Ken Stenek ] 17 Jun database revised ["pjbente" ] 17 Jun Shishmaref Meanderings [Ken Stenek ] 16 Jun Shishmaref Meanderings [Ken Stenek ] 16 Jun Re: Birding Nome [Jim Dory ] 16 Jun Birding Nome ["mortensen_christopher" ] 15 Jun Shishmaref Meanderings [2 Attachments] [Ken Stenek ] 14 Jun Everyone is happy! ["Ulric J." ] 13 Jun Shishmaref Meanderings [3 Attachments] [Ken Stenek ] 09 Jun Another Spectacular Birding Season ["Ulric J." ] 03 Jun Gambell ["lindagoodfellow AT ymail.com" ] 1 Jun bluethoat cropped in a bit more [1 Attachment] [Jim Dory ] 31 May Bluethroats are here [1 Attachment] [Jim Dory ] 28 May Kittlitz Murrelet [Mark Vachavake ] 28 May warblers [Jim Dory ] 26 May rusty blackbird in Nome [Jim Dory ] 23 May Shishmaref Meanderings [Ken Stenek ] Subject: mystery Adak duck From: "Maas, Deborah F (DFG)" <debbie.maas AT alaska.gov> Date: Thu, 15 Dec 2011 11:36:36 -0900 I've just joined this group, primarily to help with identification of a duck I saw on Adak Island (photo at http://takudebbie.com/homestead2011/Adak/1/9_Adak_duck.jpg). I took this photo on Heart Lake (a small lake in the middle of the island) on August 25, 2011. Any thoughts? Debbie Maas AKSSF Assistant Program Manager Alaska Department of Fish and Game Box 115526, Juneau, AK 99811 907-465-6134Subject: new sightings From: alice sullivan <sullyinnome AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 22 Nov 2011 15:34:20 -0800 (PST) The hurricane we had in Nome, Alaska brought us some visitors. Four Fork-tailed Storm Petrals were observed the day after the storm at Cape Nome. Other birding notes: a week prior to the storm a Bluethroat was seen right on the main street poking about in some frozen grass looking for something to eat. Fewer than usual McKays Buntings and Snow Buntings have been observed in their local feeding spot in Icy View. AliceSubject: Buntings From: Ken Stenek <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Thu, 20 Oct 2011 19:11:19 -0800 I was dropping students off after their arrival home from the Elders & Youth Conference in Anchorage this week and feeding on seed where I usually see them were two McKay's Buntings feeding along the ridge of the small shack where a local throws seed. Nice to see them but know that also means the end of my birding season until next spring. There were also a flock of 25 low-flying dark birds over the water spread out in a line that must have been cormorants, not quite sure what else they would have been. Ken Stenek Shishmaref Science Teacher Site Activities Director (907) 649-3021 Phone (907) 649-3031 Fax Shishmaref School "Where Northern Lights Shine Bright" ------------------------------------Subject: Shishmaref Rarity From: "Shishmaref Birder" <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Sun, 02 Oct 2011 21:01:56 -0000 I spied with my own eyes yesterday not one, not two, but three BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEES. In my time here I have only documented two other individuals in the Spring. Still seeing Glaucous Gulls, a few young Herring Gulls, Dunlin, Pacific Golden Plovers, etc. Also hearing some Snow Buntings in the morning although the skies are too dark to see them when going to work. ------------------------------------Subject: Shishmaref Meanderings-Serpentine River From: Ken Stenek <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Sun, 10 Jul 2011 09:06:18 -0800 My wife and I took her sister up to the Serpentine River to look for molted Northern Pintail, which are called izza here and are hunted as they are fairly easy to catch when they can be found, not one could be found at all tonight. But two new species to report for the year. Along the main river I found a RED-NECKED GREBE. For some reason, I usually see one a year always around the same area this year was no exception although a slightly different location just down river from where I normally find them. The biggest surprise were a few NORTHERN SHRIKE up a tributary known as Middle Fork. I had been told by one individual a couple years ago that they had seen shrike so it was nice to confirm that individual’s specie sighting. These make 82 and 83 on the year and the shrike put me closer to 110 documented species in this area. Also of note were many young Anseriformes with several Tundra Swan cygnets and many Canadian and Greater White-fronted Geese goslings. While I have been cutting fish at the beach lately mixed in with the kittiwakes, Glaucous Gulls, and jaegers have been a few Herring Gulls, which may be Vega gulls. If I had time to stop cutting to take photos I would but alas too much work to be done putting up the fish. Great close-ups of these birds though. Ken Stenek Shishmaref Check out my new "Birds of Shishmaref" page at: http://shishmaref.bssd.org/birdsofshishmaref/Subject: Barrow From: Andrew Bankert <abankert AT my.fit.edu> Date: Fri, 1 Jul 2011 23:42:46 -0800 The season is well under way and I have been too busy to send any updates from the top of the world. I think we are between 250 and 300 shorebird nests on our study plots which I think is about average. The birds are acting like it is a decent lemming year, although we are not seeing many lemmings in the field. Steller's and Spectacled Eiders are nesting with somewhere around 15 of each found so far. Freshwater Lake had a pair of Greater Scaup tonight and Northern Pintails are here in decent numbers. All three jaegers are around with at least 3 known Pomarine nests. I have heard reports of Glaucous-winged and Thayer's Gulls here, but a Vega Gull was the only large gull I have seen that was not a Glaucous. For shorebirds, we have a White-rumped Sandpiper nest on our study plot. I have not seen a Baird's for about a week and all Buff-breasteds I heard about did not stick around. We already have Semipalmated and Pectoral Sandpiper and Red Phalarope babies and we are expecting some Dunlin tomorrow. Good Birding! Andy Bankert Barrow ------------------------------------Subject: unusual sighting From: alice sullivan <sullyinnome AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 24 Jun 2011 17:27:24 -0700 (PDT) Unluckily for me I have had to miss most of the migration season. But came back to Nome on time for some nice sightings. Drove up Wooley Lagoon road this afternoon. When we arrieved at the Plover nesting area we were amazed to see large numers of Jaegars flying and walking about on the ground. A tour guide, who we met there, said he counted over seventy Jaegars, mostly Long tails. He said he saw one Black-bellied Plover some distance off on the other side of the road and a Wandering Tattler rather distantly on the other side, the creek side. There were no sightings of American or Pacific Golden Plovers. Other birders told me they saw American Goldens who were taking care of newly hatched chicks just the day before. It appeared the Jaegars were eating some kind of insect off the ground and flying. It will be interesting to make a trip up there in a few days to see what has survived . AliceSubject: Shishmaref Meanderings--Serpentine Trip 2 From: Ken Stenek <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Tue, 21 Jun 2011 09:31:34 -0800 Two more species found along the Serpentine River. BANK SWALLOWS were helping us out by catching some of the many mosquitoes along the river bank. And near the mouth of Tunu (North Fork) there were three AMERICAN WIGEON feeding in a pond. This makes 80 species currently for the year with several more that I know I should find through the fall. I have met my goal already and its not even July. A pretty windy night and possibly a couple thousand Kittiwakes were taking shelter and loafing in ponds and the river. Many of the same species seen as the past trip to the river. Also of note were three little cute Semipalmated Sandpiper chicks near our cabin. Their parents were trying hard to lure us away from the nest pretending to be injured and giving us the broken wing dance. I did get some photographs of a chick and the parents. Ken Stenek Shishmaref Check out my new "Birds of Shishmaref" page at: http://shishmaref.bssd.org/birdsofshishmaref/Subject: Shishmaref Meanderings-Up the Coast Trip From: Ken Stenek <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Mon, 20 Jun 2011 10:31:25 -0800 Our family took Bobby (dental) and Mamie (classroom aide) for a ride up the coastline to get some firewood for our cabin during berry picking time. One new species to document to our area and for the year. While out in the pack ice there were several THICK-BILLED MURRE. Although its a new species for my list, I am sure its not a new species, just one I finally ran into. Also identified were Red-throated Loons, Common Eiders, Long-tailed Ducks, 2 Tundra Swans, Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Sandhill Cranes, Glaucous Gulls, Arctic Terns, Black-legged Kittiwakes, Common Murres, Dunlin, Western Sandpipers, Savannah Sparrows, and Lapland Longspurs. This makes the 78th species I have documented this year and 6th new species bringing me ever closer to my annual goal of 80 species and all before July. Looking at my list of birds I haven’t seen, I should easily get four more species (Northern Harrier, Red Phalarope, Peregrine Falcon, and Slaty-backed Gull) either in the next few weeks or during the fall migration. Ken Stenek Shishmaref Check out my new "Birds of Shishmaref" page at: http://shishmaref.bssd.org/birdsofshishmaref/Subject: Shishmaref Meanderings: Serpentine River and Pack Ice Trip From: Ken Stenek <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Fri, 17 Jun 2011 15:24:25 -0800 Several sightings of new documented species for me this year yesterday (6/16) two were first documentations. I took my summer school students out on the beach to scout for dead birds for a COASST survey and spotted a PELAGIC CORMORANT flying low over the water. A very good start to the day. After summer school let out our family took my sister-in-law's boys to the Serpentine River to pick suzra (young willow greens). As we entered the river there were a flock of BRANT as well as many other birds flying around. At a good place to pick suzra there were singing White-crowned Sparrows, American Tree Sparrows, Hoary Redpolls and Eastern Yellow Wagtails. I climbed up on top of the hill to get a better look of the land and saw several male RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS, a MEW GULL, and PACIFIC LOONS flying or in nearby ponds. There was even a swallow that I didn't see a "bankers" vest on so believe it might have been a Tree Swallow but I would have preferred to have photos for a positive ID. After picking we took a ride up my favorite part of the river and stopped by a cabin to let the kids get out and stretch. Many passerines were calling some I recognized and some I didn't. There were several Redpolls and even a couple GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH but there was a song I didn't recognize and found an individual. It was a YELLOW WARBLER. At first I thought it was a Wilson's but it was missing the black crown and other features, and the faint streaking along the flanks was pretty unmistakable. This is a new documented species for me here. At that same location we flushed a Wilson's Snipe off its nest and found two little chicks playing possum. On the way back out of the river many water fowl and several HUDSONIAN GODWITS along the mud flats showing as the tide had gone out. On the way home it was very calm so we decided to see what we might see out around the pack ice. We didn't see walrus but we did see many Ringed and Spotted Seals and even a couple Bearded Seals. I also saw several Pelagic Cormorants and Common Murres but I also was able to document a BLACK GUILLEMOT. A species I have suspected but had yet to confirm. Here is a list of the 39 species identified. Yellow-billed Loon PACIFIC LOON Red-throated Loon PELAGIC CORMORANT Sandhill Crane Tundra Swan Canada Goose BRANT Greater White-fronted Goose Northern Pintail Green-winged Teal Northern Shoveler Greater Scaup Common Eider Black Scoter Long-tailed Duck RED-BREASTED MERGANSER HUDSONIAN GODWIT Red-necked Phalarope Wilson's Snipe Western Sandpiper Pomarine Jaeger Parasitic Jaeger (dark and light morph) Long-tailed Jaeger Mew Gull Glaucous Gull Black-legged Kittiwake Sabine's Gull Arctic Tern Common Murre BLACK GUILLEMOT Common Raven GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH Eastern Yellow Wagtail YELLOW WARBLER Savannah Sparrow American Tree Sparrow White-crowned Sparrow Lapland Longspur Hoary Redpoll Ken Stenek Shishmaref Check out my new "Birds of Shishmaref" page at: http://shishmaref.bssd.org/birdsofshishmaref/Subject: Shishmaref Meanderings: Serpentine River and Pack Ice Trip From: Ken Stenek <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Fri, 17 Jun 2011 15:24:25 -0800 Several sightings of new documented species for me this year yesterday (6/16) two were first documentations. I took my summer school students out on the beach to scout for dead birds for a COASST survey and spotted a PELAGIC CORMORANT flying low over the water. A very good start to the day. After summer school let out our family took my sister-in-law's boys to the Serpentine River to pick suzra (young willow greens). As we entered the river there were a flock of BRANT as well as many other birds flying around. At a good place to pick suzra there were singing White-crowned Sparrows, American Tree Sparrows, Hoary Redpolls and Eastern Yellow Wagtails. I climbed up on top of the hill to get a better look of the land and saw several male RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS, a MEW GULL, and PACIFIC LOONS flying or in nearby ponds. There was even a swallow that I didn't see a "bankers" vest on so believe it might have been a Tree Swallow but I would have preferred to have photos for a positive ID. After picking we took a ride up my favorite part of the river and stopped by a cabin to let the kids get out and stretch. Many passerines were calling some I recognized and some I didn't. There were several Redpolls and even a couple GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH but there was a song I didn't recognize and found an individual. It was a YELLOW WARBLER. At first I thought it was a Wilson's but it was missing the black crown and other features, and the faint streaking along the flanks was pretty unmistakable. This is a new documented species for me here. At that same location we flushed a Wilson's Snipe off its nest and found two little chicks playing possum. On the way back out of the river many water fowl and several HUDSONIAN GODWITS along the mud flats showing as the tide had gone out. On the way home it was very calm so we decided to see what we might see out around the pack ice. We didn't see walrus but we did see many Ringed and Spotted Seals and even a couple Bearded Seals. I also saw several Pelagic Cormorants and Common Murres but I also was able to document a BLACK GUILLEMOT. A species I have suspected but had yet to confirm. Here is a list of the 39 species identified. Yellow-billed Loon PACIFIC LOON Red-throated Loon PELAGIC CORMORANT Sandhill Crane Tundra Swan Canada Goose BRANT Greater White-fronted Goose Northern Pintail Green-winged Teal Northern Shoveler Greater Scaup Common Eider Black Scoter Long-tailed Duck RED-BREASTED MERGANSER HUDSONIAN GODWIT Red-necked Phalarope Wilson's Snipe Western Sandpiper Pomarine Jaeger Parasitic Jaeger (dark and light morph) Long-tailed Jaeger Mew Gull Glaucous Gull Black-legged Kittiwake Sabine's Gull Arctic Tern Common Murre BLACK GUILLEMOT Common Raven GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH Eastern Yellow Wagtail YELLOW WARBLER Savannah Sparrow American Tree Sparrow White-crowned Sparrow Lapland Longspur Hoary Redpoll Ken Stenek Shishmaref Check out my new "Birds of Shishmaref" page at: http://shishmaref.bssd.org/birdsofshishmaref/ [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Remember -- Be nice!Subject: Hawfinch in Chevak From: "Ulric J." <kash44ulroan AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 17 Jun 2011 04:04:04 -0000 The last tour group that was here in Chevak spotted a Hawfinch in the bushes near some houses. That is a rare bird and the first time I ever seen the bird. Had a wonderful time birding this year. Seen many and were able to get the perfect photo opp. with the male and female Spectacled Eider's, Emperor Geese, Sabine's Gulls, Sandhill Cranes, Black Turnstones, Bar Tailed Godwits, Long Tailed Jeagers, Aleutian Terns, etc... A professional photographer was here from Baltimore MD. and is making a new book about the birds of North America. The book will be out in a couple of years, but when it's done I get a free copy. There should be breathtaking shots of the birds seen around my camp. Seen 20 white wing scooters yesterday while I was getting some herring out at the Bay. But nature is calling and going back out to camp. Happy Birding. Ulric J. Ulroan Chevak Bird & Culture Tours PO Box 325 Chevak, AK 99563 email: kash44ulroan AT yahoo.com or uulroan AT hotmail.com ------------------------------------Subject: Shishmaref Meanderings--Kougaruk Trip From: Ken Stenek <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Wed, 15 Jun 2011 11:56:57 -0800 To start there have been continued sightings of the male Ruff. Would be interesting if the pair nested here on the island. We will see if that happens. My wife and I finally have our boat in the water and were able to take our family and my sister-in-law and her boys for a ride looking for eggs. Quite a number of Arctic Terns, Black-legged Kittiwakes and Glaucous Gulls flying around the ocean. We saw all of our ice seals Ringed Seal, Spotted Seal, and Bearded Seal (Ugzruk). On the way home there was even a COMMON MURRE. In the Kougaruk River there were many individual birds and many species as well. I will list the 26 species I identified taxonomically. Red-throated Loon Sandhill Crane Tundra Swan Canada Goose Emperor Goose Northern Pintail Green-winged Teal NORTHERN SHOVELER GREATER SCAUP Common Eider BLACK SCOTER Long-tailed Duck Red-necked Phalarope Long-billed Dowitcher Wilson’s Snipe Black Turnstone Western Sandpiper Parasitic Jaeger Glaucous Gull Black-legged Kittiwake SABINE’S GULL Arctic Tern COMMON MURRE Willow Ptarmigan Savannah Sparrow Lapland Longspur Ken Stenek Shishmaref Science Teacher Site Activities Director (907) 649-3021 Phone (907) 649-3031 Fax Shishmaref School "Where Northern Lights Shine Bright"Subject: Barrow- Red-necked Stint, Gray-tailed Tattler From: Andrew Bankert <abankert AT my.fit.edu> Date: Tue, 14 Jun 2011 00:40:10 -0800 We had a nice little fallout of shorebirds in Barrow today including 2
Red-necked Stints and a Gray-tailed Tattler at the pond at the beach
road and Cakeeater Road. Both birds were found by a tour group this
morning, but the Gray-tailed Tattler flew off around 9:30 PM and was
not seen at midnight. Both stints were seen when we last checked the
pond at midnight. The pond also had at least 2 Baird's Sandpipers and
about 15-20 Sanderlings for most of the day as well as a Red Knot and
Dark-eyed Junco that dropped in for a few minutes.
Most groups seem to be able to locate all the eiders, and I have been
hearing that the Freshwater Lake area is the best for them. Snowy
Owls are still a little harder to find this year, but I saw a
beautiful male on Gaswell Road tonight. I think there are more over
on the Freshwater Lake side of town but I haven't been over there in a
while. Both Pomarine and Parasitic Jaegers are around in decent
numbers, but we have only seen one Long-tailed.
That is all that I can think of for now.
Good Birding!
Andy Bankert
Barrow
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Subject: Shishmaref Rare bird sightingFrom: Ken Stenek <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Mon, 13 Jun 2011 05:25:42 -0800 I give my wife the credit for this one as she found it first and came back to let me know about it. A pair of RUFFs. The male is quite interesting. The majority of the photos and drawings I have seen with this darker plumage have a dark ruff but this one has a light ruff with a dark crown which there are no photos of that I have seen. Individuals with a light ruff usually have a light crown. So a couple oddities as far as that goes. This is the second Ruff sighting I have documented, the other a female June 5, 2008 (A few days earlier than what I reported to my birding mentors earlier). I also know that there is a Ruff specimen in the UAF Museum of the North collection taken from here as well. I wish the photos were better but at 4:30 AM the light you get is what you get. Still two exciting birds. IMG_2749Subject: Shishmaref Rare bird sighting From: Ken Stenek <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Mon, 13 Jun 2011 05:25:42 -0800 I give my wife the credit for this one as she found it first and came back to
let me know about it. A pair of RUFFs.
The male is quite interesting. The majority of the photos and drawings I have
seen with this darker plumage have a dark ruff but this one has a light ruff
with a dark crown which there are no photos of that I have seen. Individuals
with a light ruff usually have a light crown. So a couple oddities as far as
that goes.
This is the second Ruff sighting I have documented, the other a female June 5,
2008 (A few days earlier than what I reported to my birding mentors earlier). I
also know that there is a Ruff specimen in the UAF Museum of the North
collection taken from here as well.
I wish the photos were better but at 4:30 AM the light you get is what you get.
Still two exciting birds.
IMG_2749
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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Subject: Re: Aleutian terns at NomeFrom: David K Weaver <cygnus-dkw AT verizon.net> Date: Sun, 12 Jun 2011 19:44:41 -0400
Sent from my iPod
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Subject: Aleutian terns at NomeFrom: Carol Gales <carolgales AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 12 Jun 2011 12:17:26 -0800 Something unusual this year - I am regularly seeing (after first
hearing, in all cases) Aleutian terns flying back and forth in front
of Nome.
About 2 weeks ago some Nome visitors told me they had seen about 70
Aleutian terns at West Beach. I went there a few days later with some
friends and we found maybe 15 Aleutian terns along with Arctic terns.
Since then, I've been hearing the bubbly Aleutian tern call quite
frequently. They are pretty consistently flying back and forth in
front of town. I am GUESSING that they are nesting on the banks above
West Beach and flying to the Nome River mouth for fry. During the "Run
for Wes" fundraiser, for which we walked from East End Park to the
turnaround at Fort Davis/Nome River bridge, I saw quite a few Aleutian
Terns.
I believe their known nesting grounds in recent years have more
frequently been about 30-40 miles east of Nome.
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Subject: Shishmaref MeanderingsFrom: Ken Stenek <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Wed, 8 Jun 2011 22:04:25 -0800 Two days ago (6/6/11) a SNOW GOOSE flew by while we were riding on the beach and yesterday (6/7/11) an ARCTIC WARBLER was seen near the water collection pond on the east end of the island. Both are annual spring visitants. The Arctic Warbler is sometimes seen in the fall. Today a pair of POMARINE JAEGERS, a pair of EMPEROR GEESE, and a flock of LONG-TAILED DUCKS. Lapland Longspurs, Savannah Sparrows, Semipalmated Sandpipers, Western Sandpipers and Dunlin are beginning to nest and egg hunters have been collecting the eggs from the shorebirds. Also plenty of Arctic Terns and Black-legged Kittiwakes around the cracks and open water of the ocean. The Savannah Sparrows are in very large numbers this year and we came across one pair's nest with 6 little eggs in it. Savannah Sparrows may be the most abundant species on the island currently. Normally that would go to redpolls or Lapland Longspurs. This has been an odd year as I have documented 75% of my expected birds through the month of May. Once I am able to boat around, which will be very soon now that the sea and lagoon ice are rapidly breaking up, I will be able to document more species at the Serpentine River Estuary and along the other islands. Ken Stenek Shishmaref Science Teacher Site Activities Director (907) 649-3021 Phone (907) 649-3031 Fax Shishmaref School "Where Northern Lights Shine Bright"Subject: Barrow Updates From: Andrew Bankert <abankert AT my.fit.edu> Date: Wed, 8 Jun 2011 18:48:32 -0800 The tundra seems pretty quiet this year, but we are still getting new arrivals.
Today we had our first Western Sandpipers and a Buff-breasted
Sandpiper on our study plots. I will keep an eye out for lekking
Buff-breasteds this weekend and post if there are any near the roads.
I have not seen many White-rumpeds (none close to the roads) and the
only Baird's I saw were behind the elementary school last week.
I have not seen too many eiders around, but the crew working on them
says they have seen at least 20 of both Steller's and Spectacleds
mostly between the left turn in Cakeeater/Gaswell and the turnoff for
the landfill. Almost all have been very far off the road, which could
be why I have not seen any while riding my ATV to work. Waterfowl
diversity has been better than last year with several pairs of
Green-winged Teal and lots of Northern Pintails around. One of our
crew also saw a Greater Scaup yesterday.
There is a least one Snowy Owl on Cakeeater before the houses end, and
I heard of another on Gaswell past the bridge past the KBRW tower.
There are a lot of owls down Nunavak Road, but it is very wet in one
area and one of our ATVs got stuck last week.
I will send out another update after my day off on Saturday.
Andy Bankert
Barrow
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Subject: BarrowFrom: Andrew Bankert <abankert AT my.fit.edu> Date: Sat, 4 Jun 2011 13:13:49 -0800 I am part of a shorebird research crew up in Barrow this summer, and I
figured people would be interested in what is happening around town.
Most of the shorebirds are back in moderate numbers with numbers still
increasing. In addition to the more common species, we have had 2
Baird's Sandpipers behind the elementary school, a White-rumped
Sandpiper on our study plot, and a Sanderling near the old landfill.
Both Steller's and Spectacled Eiders are back with about 20 of each
seen near the landfill two days ago. The road to the landfill is marked
"No Trespassing" this year, but it may still be possible to see the
pond from Gaswell Road. We saw pairs of both Steller's and Spectacled
Eiders from Cakeeater today.
Our crew has only seen two Snowy Owl so far this year.
Over the past week we have also seen a few overshoots including 3
Varied Thrushes, 2 Dark-eyed Juncos, a Hermit Thrush, and a Wilson's
Warbler.
I will try to keep the information coming, especially as the tour
companies start arriving over the next few weeks.
Good Birding,
Andy Bankert
abankert AT my.fit.edu
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Subject: A couple more Shishmaref regulars...From: Ken Stenek <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Tue, 31 May 2011 21:47:24 -0800 Yesterday while riding with my family I couldn't confirm but believed I had heard wagtails and sanderlings. Today my bossy little 2 year old let me take him for a ride. I confirmed EASTERN YELLOW WAGTAILS on the east end of town near our drinking water pond where several pairs nest annually. Usually I do not see these until the second week of June but like everything else they are early this year. As well on the beach a three-toed shorebird in a SANDERLING. I see a few occasionally during the spring but normally I see more in the fall. Also seen were a pair of male American Golden-Plovers as well as the regulars. Birds are beginning to nest and people are just beginning to find eggs. I have never heard of anyone finding eggs this early before. Certainly a very interesting year. I have 75% of my usual quota of annual species already this year. Ken Stenek Shishmaref Science Teacher Site Activities Director (907) 649-3021 Phone (907) 649-3031 Fax Shishmaref School "Where Northern Lights Shine Bright"Subject: Plovers... From: Ken Stenek <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Tue, 31 May 2011 01:35:53 -0800 Yesterday I took a quick walk and used my binocs to survey the wet area where
all the shorebirds have been feeding. I am seeing fewer Long-billed Dowitchers
and Pectoral Sandpipers but saw 4 Pacific Golden-Plovers (3 males and 1 female)
and a Black-bellied Plover.
Tonight while riding near the east end drying racks there was a male American
Golden-Plover.
Ken Stenek
Shishmaref Science Teacher
Site Activities Director
(907) 649-3021 Phone
(907) 649-3031 Fax
Shishmaref School
"Where Northern Lights Shine Bright"
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Subject: Chevak Bird & Culture ToursFrom: "Ulric J." <kash44ulroan AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 27 May 2011 23:48:08 -0000 After a scare of a long and cold spring the weather warmed up and the Chevak
river is a day or two away from being open. All the birds are here! Plenty of
Emperor Geese and Spectacle Eiders around my camp. Other special birds are
plenty as well like: Sabine's Gull, Bar-Tailed Godwit, Black Turnstone, Yellow
Wagtail (around Chevak), and many more!!! Two swans are making a nest right in
the Chevak lake which is around a 100 acre lake right in the middle of Chevak.
Geese and Cranes are already starting to lay eggs. Baluga whales are swimming
around the coast, herring fish and already running up the rivers around Chevak,
and the first run of the Salmon will be here pretty soon. King Salmon follow
the herring fish and the Chum and Sockeye after the Kings. We will have fresh
Salmon by next week. I will be taking out two groups of birders June 7-9 and
10-13. Looking to have another great birding season. Take care and happy
birding. I will give an update after the two trips. To take a glance on the web
feel free to visit wildernessbirdingadventures.com and look up "Chevak
Spectacle Eider Camp".
Ulric J. Ulroan
Chevak Bird & Culture Tours
PO Box 325
Chevak, AK 99563
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Subject: 2nd documented Orange-crownedFrom: Ken Stenek <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Wed, 25 May 2011 13:27:20 -0800 I went out this morning and the first bird I found was an ORANGE-CROWNED
WARBLER. This is the second OCWA I have documented here, the first was two
years ago. Also saw my first LONG-TAILED JAEGER of the year (of which there may
have been two as there were two instances I saw a LTJA). Lots of Savannah
Sparrows, Long-billed Dowitchers, and continuing Pectoral Sandpipers. Also the
other usuals Lapland Longspurs, Red-necked Phalaropes, Western Sandpipers,
Semipalmated Sandpipers, Dunlin, Black Turnstone, Northern Pintail,
Green-winged Teal and Snow Buntings. Also of note were a pair of Mallards and a
Varied Thrush. Also heard a plover and saw it flying overhead, which sounded
like one of the golden plovers but couldn't ID it. I will hopefully confirm a
golden plover later this evening.
I have now documented 47 species here so far this year.
Ken Stenek
Shishmaref
Check out my new "Birds of Shishmaref" page at:
http://shishmaref.bssd.org/birdsofshishmaref/
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Subject: Long Distance VisitorFrom: Ken Stenek <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Mon, 23 May 2011 23:53:15 -0800 Took my son out this evening since we had been cooped up all day. Tons of
Pectoral Sandpipers all over the wet grassy areas. Males are either having
territorial displays and/or some courting behavior which is interesting because
I have only seen one pair mating on the island before and have never heard of a
nest being found (and people would brag about finding a "curl snipe" nest). I
have attached a photo of what I believe a territorial display between two
males.
Also Long-billed Dowitchers, Wilson's Snipe, Red-necked Phalaropes, a
Semiplamated Plover, Western Sandpipers, Dunlin, Black and Ruddy Turnstones, a
few Semipalmated Sandpipers, Lapland Longspurs, Savannah Sparrows, Green-winged
Teal, Glaucous Gulls, Herring Gulls, a couple Red-throated Loons, and even a
couple Black-bellied Plovers. I have still yet to see a Common Redpoll, just
the pale flanks of Hoaries.
But today one of my favorite visitors from the savannas of Africa a male
Northern Wheatear. I sometimes see these in large numbers in the spring and
sometimes even in the fall. These and Bar-tailed Godwits get a lot of respect
from me for the great distances these especially make.
Another major sign of spring for me were Wooly Lousewort shoots just coming out
of the dry sandy hills.
Ken Stenek
Shishmaref Science Teacher
Site Activities Director
(907) 649-3021 Phone
(907) 649-3031 Fax
Shishmaref School
"Where Northern Lights Shine Bright"
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Subject: Shemya birds May 12-18From: "rtrotter56" <rtrotter56 AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 20 May 2011 02:04:50 -0000 A note from the far western Aleutians. A list of species and highest daily
count for the week of May 12-18.
Emperor Goose 2
Cackling Goose 544
Eurasian Wigeon 23
Mallard 22
Northern Pintail 27
Green-winged Teal (crecca) 27
Tufted Duck 3
Greater Scaup 30
Common Eider 157
Harlequin Duck 125
White-winged Scoter 6
Black Scoter 33
Long-tailed Duck 5
Bufflehead 16
Common Goldeneye 3
Smew 3
Common Merganser 1
Red-breasted Merganser 2
Red-throated Loon 3
Arctic Loon 2
Pacific Loon 1
Common Loon 2
Red-necked Grebe 1
Laysan Albatross 38
Short-tailed Shearwater 14
Red-faced Cormorant 154
Pelagic Cormorant 247
Peregrine Falcon 1
Pacific Golden-Plover 6
Lesser Sand-Plover 1
Wandering Tattler 1
Wood Sandpiper 1
Rock Sandpiper 4
Dunlin 1
Long-billed Dowitcher 2
Common Snipe 1
Black-headed Gull 1
Glaucous-winged Gull 208
Common Murre 26
Ancient Morrelet 1
Tufted Puffin 9
Snowy Owl 1
Common Raven 8
White Wagtail (ocularis) 1
Lapland Longspur 16
Snow Bunting 6
Song Sparrow 6
Bob Trotter
Shemya, AK
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Subject: Nome Area - bird reports (May 7 - May 16)From: "pjbente" <peter.bente AT alaska.gov> Date: Tue, 17 May 2011 16:32:07 -0000 In the Nome area, the following species have been reported to ADF&G:
May 7 - Tree Swallow, at nestbox (Icy View)
May 8 - Golden-crowned Sparrow, singing (Icy View)
May 13 - Mallard, pair (Monofil Pond)
May 13 - Northern Harrier, male (Kougarok Rd, MP 15)
May 13 - Bar-tailed Godwit (Nome Port/Seppala meadow)
May 13 - Red-necked Phalarope (Monofil Pond)
May 13 - Mew Gull (Nome Port)
May 13 - American Robin, pair (Icy View)
May 14 - Canada Goose, pair (Nome River Bridge - Council Rd)
May 14 - American Wigeon, male (Monofil Pond)
May 14 - Red-throated Loon (East End Park)
May 14 - Black Turnstone, (Nome Port/Seppala meadow)
May 14 - Wilson's Snipe, winnowing (Dry Creek, Nome area)
May 14 - Long-tailed Jaeger (Nome River Bridge - Council Rd)
May 14 - Arctic Tern (Nome Port)
May 14 - American Tree Sparrow (East End Park)
May 14 - Fox Sparrow, singing (Icy View)
May 14 - White-crowned Sparrow (East End Park)
May 15 - Short-eared Owl (Nome Port)
May 15 - Whimbrel, calling (Dry Creek, Nome area)
May 16 - Dark-eyed Junco (Nome)
updates are appreciated, either at ADF&G or Nome Visitors Center.
-peter bente
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Subject: More Shishmaref ArrivalsFrom: Ken Stenek <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Mon, 16 May 2011 02:06:43 -0800 What a weekend, I started with 10 species on my local list Friday and have
since added 28 new species. Today was another eventful day so bear with this
long post or skim through the highlights.
I took my 6 and 7 year olds out this morning for a walk and heard a bunch of
new voices in the neighborhood. I began with several Northern Pintails but then
saw an AMERICAN ROBIN a common spring visitor. Some honking caught my attention
and I found 3 CANADA GEESE flying to the East. Within the fence of the sewer
lagoon I found a GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW and on the fence a WHITE-CROWNED
SPARROW. Behind the city shop another golden-crowned and then up on top of a
sewer piper landed one of my favorites a butter butt aka YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER.
Quite a few Hoary Redpolls and Glaucous Gulls. A bird flying along the lagoon
edge caught my eye it was a raptor that with help was later identified as a
Rough-legged Hawk.
Back on the Eastern end of town more American Robins, a FOX SPARROW, and an
American Tree Sparrow. Walking back towards the church we were talking to local
business owner Percy Nayokpuk and we spotted a first record for me here with a
CLIFF SWALLOW. We see many Bank Swallows along the rivers but that light patch
on the forehead was a clear ID mark.
A couple of HERRING GULLS flew over possibly of the Vega variety but not enough
details to tell for sure. We stopped by Albert Olanna's house where the McKay's
our fed throughout the winter and there was another Fox Sparrow, Snow Bunting,
American Tree Sparrow, and White-crowned Sparrow.
My 6-year-old begged to go duck hunting so we packed up the sled quickly and
went West towards my father-in-laws cabin on the next island over (some 8
miles). There were several common seals sunning themselves on the ice on the
way there. As we were approaching the cabin there were two BAR-TAILED GODWITs
and several BLACK TURNSTONES and a couple Sandhill Cranes.
After stopping by the cabin we continued looking for ducks but ran into only
peeps. Black-bellied Dunlin were easy to identify and I am sure that the
majority of the rest were Western Sandpipers. Some passerines as well with some
Snow Buntings and Lapland Longspurs. There was a Red Fox running away from us
but did allow us to get within 50 feet away and some decent photos.
On the way back towards town more cranes and peeps, godwits, many black
turnstones and a RED-NECKED PHALAROPE when we flushed a pair of TUNDRA SWANs.
We stopped near a family's tent frame and there was another godwit that I
photographed as well as more black turnstones and even some RUDDY TURNSTONEs.
Hundreds of gulls mostly Glaucous but a few Herring Gulls as well. Closer to
town there was a small Semipalmated Plover and how could I forget a few Common
Ravens.
Later in the night when I went over to the school I heard someone calling. It
was an American Robin high on an antennae at the city shop. There was another
that flew nearby as well as a Rusty Blackbird. They ended up flying into a
grassy area between the two sewer ponds where I also found a VARIED THRUSH and
a Fox Sparrow and an American Tree Sparrow. What a day, 15 new species.
Ken Stenek
Shishmaref
Check out my new "Birds of Shishmaref" page at:
http://shishmaref.bssd.org/birdsofshishmaref/
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Subject: Good Morning from ShishmarefFrom: "Shishmaref Birder" <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Sat, 14 May 2011 18:42:34 -0000 Took a walk this morning to the west end of the airport and found quite a few
more new arrivals. I started off running into a singing SAVANNAH SPARROW. This
was one of the first species I documented years ago when I began documenting
species. Shortly after I spooked up a pair of GREEN-WINGED TEAL. There were
many male LAPLAND LONGSPURs on the lagoon-side of the airport flying up and
gliding down while singing. Large numbers of redpolls of which I only found the
pale flanks of Hoary Redpolls.
Halfway down the runway I spotted a flock of shorebirds there were mostly
WESTERN SANDPIPERS but also a couple DUNLIN.
At the end of the runway more teal, longspurs, a savannah sparrow, redpolls, as
well as a female Snow Bunting mixed in. As I was getting ready to turn back I
also found an AMERICAN TREE SPARROW and a male DARK-EYED JUNCO.
Closer to town a pair of American Tree Sparrows were feeding in the grasses,
what an end to a great morning.
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Subject: Re: New ArrivalsFrom: "Shishmaref Birder" <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Sat, 14 May 2011 10:19:21 -0000 I need to correct my identification of a Lesser Yellowlegs to a SOLITARY SANDPIPER, which is a very good sighting as well. Another migratory overshoot, my second new species documented here on the island this year (the Harlan's being the first). --- In beringia_birders AT yahoogroups.com, "Shishmaref Birder"Subject: New Arrivals From: "Shishmaref Birder" <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Sat, 14 May 2011 10:02:29 -0000 I went out late tonight with my son and road around the island and found a
bunch of Glaucous Gulls near our family's drying racks. Nearby in melt-water
there were 3 NORTHERN PINTAIL. On the way home to get my camera I ran into a
SEMIPALMATED PLOVER that allowed me to get close enough for a very good look as
well as a LESSER YELLOWLEGS near the east end of the runway. This was only the
second time I have seen a Lesser Yellowlegs on the island.
After getting my camera and snapping photos of the Yellowlegs my nephew showed
me several Western Sandpipers he had shot with his pellet gun (I won't count
them until I have seen some live ones). As I was making my way home I heard and
saw a winnowing WILSON'S SNIPE and ran into three RUSTY BLACKBIRDS on an
electrical pole near my house.
I took a short ride back towards the drying racks to photograph the pintails
and on my way home on the south-eastern side of the island I spotted a
SHORT-EARED OWL.
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Subject: Chevak BirdsFrom: "Ulric J." <kash44ulroan AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 11 May 2011 01:02:35 -0000 Greeting Birders, spring is finally here in Chevak!!! For the past week there
has been more and more birds around Chevak. We still have a lot of snow here,
but around the rivers the birds are congregating. So far around Chevak I have
seen:
Coastal birds
1. Long Tail Ducks
2. Spectacle Eiders
3. King Eiders
4. Common Eiders
5. Glaucous Gull
6. Cormorant
7. Mew Gull
Inland
8. White Fronted Geese
9. Cackling Canada Geese
10. Sandhill Cranes
11. Tundra Swans
12. Willow Ptarmigans
13. Hoary Redpoll
14. Redpoll
15. Snow Bunting (Leaving but a few still around)
16. McKay Bunting (Leaving but a few still around)
17. Bald Eagle
I think that is about it so far. We have not had the swarms of geese arrive her
yet, but when they do I'll be sure and capture some footage with my camcorder
and keep you posted on where you can view "Birding by snowmachine". I'll most
likely post it on the Wilderness Birding Adventures website or on Youtube.
Happy Spring Everyone!
Ulric J. Ulroan
Chevak Bird & Culture Tours
PO Box 325
Chevak, AK 99563
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Subject: Shishmaref Bird Report [2 Attachments]From: Ken Stenek <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Thu, 17 Mar 2011 18:18:18 -0800 I wish I could say there were lots of exciting species right now but still mostly rowdy McKay's Buntings and Common Ravens here on the island. There were reports of a gull, which would most likely be a Glaucous Gull as well as a redpoll sighting. I have yet to confirm those sightings but they bring me hope of the coming spring and what it may bring. Thanks to a birding friend and photographer I was able to get some nice photos of McKay's and Snow Buntings this morning out on the ocean ice where a local man feeds them seed. Here are a couple of those photos. Ken Stenek Shishmaref Check out my new "Birds of Shishmaref" page at: http://shishmaref.bssd.org/birdsofshishmaref/Subject: Shishmaref Bird Report From: Ken Stenek <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Thu, 17 Mar 2011 18:18:18 -0800 I wish I could say there were lots of exciting species right now but still mostly rowdy McKay's Buntings and Common Ravens here on the island. There were reports of a gull, which would most likely be a Glaucous Gull as well as a redpoll sighting. I have yet to confirm those sightings but they bring me hope of the coming spring and what it may bring. Thanks to a birding friend and photographer I was able to get some nice photos of McKay's and Snow Buntings this morning out on the ocean ice where a local man feeds them seed. Here are a couple of those photos. ---------- Ken Stenek Shishmaref Check out my new "Birds of Shishmaref" page at: http://shishmaref.bssd.org/birdsofshishmaref/ [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: sightings From: alice sullivan <sullyinnome AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 27 Feb 2011 17:30:30 -0800 (PST) The season has started very early on the Seward Peninsula. For two days we had
a fierce Southeast storm with 50 mph winds. Once the winds stopped on Friday
there were two birds on the water at the inner harbor of the Snake river here
in Nome. There was a male Long tailed Duck in winter plumage and a Seagull of
undetermined species. Alice
Subject: Shishmaref BirdsFrom: Ken Stenek <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Mon, 20 Dec 2010 13:19:15 -0900 Walking home from the store this afternoon there were a few ravens and 30 McKay's buntings. Probably many more Ravens hanging out at the dump but species-wise that should be all that can be found. Ken Stenek Shishmaref Check out my new "Birds of Shishmaref" page at: http://shishmaref.bssd.org/birdsofshishmaref/Subject: Re: McKay's Buntings From: "Shishmaref Birder" <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Sun, 28 Nov 2010 09:14:18 -0000 I was a little premature on posting my link to my video of McKay's feeding while it was still uploading. It has finally finished and you should be able to access it now. Also if you are interested, I made a field guide using MakeAGuide from WhatBird.com of the local birds that I have documented (somehow a red-legged kittiwake made it in though, I have not seen one). McKay's http://dl.dropbox.com/u/15789801/McKays%20Bunting.MOV Birds of Shishmaref Guide http://dl.dropbox.com/u/15789801/Field%20Guide%20to%20the%20Birds%20of%20Shishmaref%202010.pdf > Ken Stenek > Shishmaref > > Check out my new "Birds of Shishmaref" page at: > http://shishmaref.bssd.org/birdsofshishmaref/ >Subject: McKay's Buntings [4 Attachments] From: Ken Stenek <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Sat, 27 Nov 2010 17:30:30 -0900 Took an opportunity to go out and take some photos today before a snow storm rolled in. I had seen some smaller birds in the surf that must have been Red Phalaropes but didn't have my camera with me at the time. There were also a few gulls flying around, which are very late this year but we usually don't have open water on the ocean still so not too unbelievable to have gulls yet. When I didn't see those birds after getting my camera and tripod I went to my old standby in the winter time, my McKay's Buntings. After playing with exposure settings I started getting some decent shots and have included some on this e-mail. Also I took a minute of video of a flock of about 15 on a shed where they are often fed. I have uploaded the video to my DropBox account, which you can access via the following link: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/15789801/McKays%20Bunting.MOV Ken Stenek Shishmaref Check out my new "Birds of Shishmaref" page at: http://shishmaref.bssd.org/birdsofshishmaref/Subject: McKay's Buntings From: Ken Stenek <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Sat, 27 Nov 2010 17:30:30 -0900 Took an opportunity to go out and take some photos today before a snow storm rolled in. I had seen some smaller birds in the surf that must have been Red Phalaropes but didn't have my camera with me at the time. There were also a few gulls flying around, which are very late this year but we usually don't have open water on the ocean still so not too unbelievable to have gulls yet. When I didn't see those birds after getting my camera and tripod I went to my old standby in the winter time, my McKay's Buntings. After playing with exposure settings I started getting some decent shots and have included some on this e-mail. Also I took a minute of video of a flock of about 15 on a shed where they are often fed. I have uploaded the video to my DropBox account, which you can access via the following link: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/15789801/McKays%20Bunting.MOV Ken Stenek Shishmaref Check out my new "Birds of Shishmaref" page at: http://shishmaref.bssd.org/birdsofshishmaref/ [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Cold Ride in Shishmaref From: Ken Stenek <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Sun, 10 Oct 2010 19:07:45 -0800 My wife and I drove on the beach in a cold Northeasterly wind. Many Glaucous Gulls and a few very dark juvenile birds that I am guessing were 1cy Herring Gulls. Also seen were a pair of Sanderlings on the beach and a small flock of Common Redpolls both are very late. There are also a growing number of Common Ravens. No sign of McKay's Buntings yet although this is the week that they tend to show up. Looking forward to their return. With the low temperatures ice is forming on the fresh water. There were a few seals in the channel, most likely Spotted Seals that are highly prized here for their pelts. The women are expert sewers and will make slippers, mittens, and other items with their tanned skins. Ken Stenek Shishmaref Check out my new "Birds of Shishmaref" page at: http://shishmaref.bssd.org/birdsofshishmaref/Subject: Serpentine Meanderings From: Ken Stenek <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Sun, 3 Oct 2010 21:31:04 -0800 Our family took a quick trip to the Serpentine River this afternoon to take some things to the family cabin before pulling the boat out for the winter. Plenty of water fowl still here. Hundreds of Long-tailed ducks, Common Eiders, and Greater Scaup were resting in the calm waters of the lagoon. Ever wonder how fast they fly? We were traveling at 38 mph, the scaup and long-tails were pulling ahead of us quite easily, the eiders just staying ahead of us pulling away slowly. Plenty of Red Phalaropes as well swimming around in the lagoon especially at the mouth of the river. Plenty of Tundra Swans still hanging out along the river and ponds as well as Greater Scaup, Green-winged Teal, Northern Pintail, and a flock of Canada Geese. Plenty of Glaucous Gulls were loafing on sand bars all over. A few dowitchers were flying around and even a couple flocks of Western Sandpipers. My favorite sighting of the evening was a female Northern Harrier that flew quite close to the cabin along a narrow pond nearby. A beautiful evening with scenic views of the light snow covered mountains nearby. I also saw a distant herd of muskox on a hill to the Northeast. Ken Stenek Shishmaref Check out my new "Birds of Shishmaref" page at: http://shishmaref.bssd.org/birdsofshishmaref/Subject: shishmaref meanderings [1 Attachment] From: Ken Stenek <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Sun, 3 Oct 2010 13:58:48 -0800 I went out yesterday in the rain to check out the extensive sandbars around Shishmaref with very low water. The usual gulls: Glaucous and a couple Herring Gulls as well as a bit of a surprise a Black-legged Kittiwake still hanging out. There were about 10 Common Eiders at the east channel and a few Red Phalaropes as well. Maybe an even bigger surprise was a winter plumaged Ruddy Turnstone on the lagoon edge towards the dump. This is the first Ruddy Turnstone I have seen in the fall here. Also a few Common Ravens hanging out at the dump. Ken Stenek Shishmaref Check out my new "Birds of Shishmaref" page at: http://shishmaref.bssd.org/birdsofshishmaref/Subject: shishmaref meanderings From: "Shishmaref Birder" <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Fri, 01 Oct 2010 04:04:55 -0000 My wife purchased a pair of new Nikon Binocs for me so I took them for a test run today. Found a pair of Long-billed Dowitchers with a Pacific Golden-plover. Plenty of Glaucous Gulls as well as a Herring Gull on the lagoon. Also a pair of Common Redpolls hanging out near my house as well as some Snow Buntings. There have been reports of a raptor and thought I saw something that resembled a gray morph Gyr Falcon. Will keep looking and try to get a photo for confirmation.Subject: Shishmaref Weekend From: Ken Stenek <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Sun, 19 Sep 2010 21:16:20 -0800 While riding around on the island and picking berries I was able to survey what birds are still around. Friday night I had some excitement when I found a little ball of feathers along the shore line that turned out to be a Crested Auklet (thanks to Paul Lehman for helping correctly ID the individual). As far as shorebirds there are Red Phalaropes ~300 working the west channel current, Dunlin 50+, Sanderling ~20, Black Turnstone 1, Golden-plovers (mixed American and Pacific) ~10, and Long-billed Dowitchers ~5. I found a juv. Red-throated Loon, 7 Arctic Terns (mostly juvenile), 3 Black Kittiwakes, many Glaucous Gulls, a few Herring Gulls and maybe a couple Glaucous-winged (but waiting for confirmation). Very few passerines around and just year round resident birds in Snow Buntings and Common Ravens. I expect to see the first McKay's Buntings in a couple weeks. Ken Stenek Shishmaref Check out my new "Birds of Shishmaref" page at: http://shishmaref.bssd.org/birdsofshishmaref/Subject: Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel From: "pjbente" <peter.bente AT alaska.gov> Date: Thu, 16 Sep 2010 16:33:19 -0000 September 15: at Golovin, Alaska a Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel was found flightless near the community. Adult plumage in excellent feather but emaciated and unable to fly; strong southerly storm winds for previous 3 days probably pushed this bird north, away from foraging areas near the Aleutians. Reported to ADF&G Nome.Subject: Serpentine Meanderings [1 Attachment] From: Ken Stenek <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2010 02:32:04 -0800 We went camping this weekend and enjoyed seeing tons of water fowl beginning to gather. Thousands of Brant on the lagoon, Green-winged Teal, Greater Scaup, Northern Pintails, Northern Shovelers, Tundra Swans, Canada Geese, Greater White-fronted Geese all in large numbers. There were many American Tree Sparrows and Lapland Longspurs flying around as well. Large flocks of golden plovers, Long-billed Dowitchers, Western Sandpipers, Dunlin, etc. feeding and flying around too. As well as all three "divers" Pacific, Yellow-billed, and Red-throated loons. There are still some broods of Greater Scaup, Red-breasted Merganser, and Black Scoters swimming around not yet ready to fly. Highlight of my trip were quite a few NORTHERN HARRIERS flying around to add to my list and a small bird that I thought might have been a merlin fly low and fast right in front of me, unfortunately, no photograph to confirm. Six caribou, a cow and calf moose, many "Itchy Little Muskox" (if you are familiar with the book), and a weasel that was very dark (bordering on black) feasting on a floating dead spotted seal along the riverside. Many blueberries to pick. We have picked nearly 3 gallons. Ken Stenek Shishmaref Check out my new "Birds of Shishmaref" page at: http://shishmaref.bssd.org/birdsofshishmaref/Subject: unusual sighting From: alice sullivan <sullyinnome AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 27 Aug 2010 12:28:59 -0700 (PDT) A few days ago I posted a message about a flock of Terns I saw feeding off
marsh land in vicinity of Nome's Swanberg Dredge. I received a suggestion of
Aleutian Terns. It fits, however, these Terns did not have a black strip
between the black on the head and the beak-passing through the eye. A strong
field mark for Aleutian Terns. The black on the face was BESIDE the eye. It was
a distinct spot rather than a streak of black. I looked at juvenile Terns but
none show a distinct spot of black. All in all, however, I think the birds are
more likely to be Aleutians with a varied color pattern than the Black Terns I
originally tagged them as. Next time/ Alice
Subject: Shishmaref Fall Migration [2 Attachments]From: Ken Stenek <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Thu, 26 Aug 2010 11:14:50 -0800 Last night we drove around to enjoy the good weather and look for berries. There were a few gulls of various ages and species. For sure young Glaucous and Herring Gulls. There was also a Common Eider hen resting on the beach that went into the surf as we neared. A semipalmated plover fed along the lapping waves as well as about 10 Sanderlings and a couple Dunlin. And a few Red-throated Loons called as they passed overhead. There were some Pectoral Sandpipers and Western Sandpipers hanging out near a pond behind the seawall. In the grassy areas there were many passerines of note were Lapland Longspurs, American Tree Sparrows, Savannah Sparrows, a Eastern Yellow Wagtail, a Northern Wheatear, and some redpolls. Also several Green-winged Teal and Northern Pintail. There was a RED PHALAROPE still with a bit of its red left over but nearly completed its molt. As well as quite a few plovers. There were both AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVERs and Pacific Golden Plovers feeding on crow berries it appears. Quite a few birds compared to the numbers that have been seen of late. Ken Stenek Shishmaref Check out my new "Birds of Shishmaref" page at: http://shishmaref.bssd.org/birdsofshishmaref/Subject: sighting From: alice sullivan <sullyinnome AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 23 Aug 2010 16:07:33 -0700 (PDT) Hello All, I had an unusual sighting yesterday. It was sunny and quite warm in
Nome. I had been biking on the Council road and was returning to Nome. Shortly
before reaching Swanberg's dredge I saw a flock of rather large birds circling
and diving as Terns do over water for fish. However, these birds were diving on
the wet lands and small ponds near the dredge. I had assumed I was seeing gulls
or terns. When I observed with the bins I saw these birds had broader wings
than terns, yet they were diving just like terns except they stopped short
above the ground and made amazing twisting turns to soar up again. They
appeared to be snatching insects out of the air. In addition to the broad wings
they had immaculate white tails and rumps. Their backs and wings were grey
with a hint of brown. They had black on the top of the head but additionally a
small black streak or spot between their eye and beak. Sometimes one or two of
them would land and chase about
on the ground snatching insects. This went on for at least fifteen or twenty
minutes. The flock, which looked to be about twenty began to diminish. Some
flew off down the coast. Others flew more out towards the sea. Then they were
all gone.
I went over these field marks with other birders. We eliminated Petrals and
Kittiwake. In Sibley the only bird that matched the field marks and the hunting
behavior was the Black Tern which is generally not associated with this area at
all. Any other suggestions? Alice
I went over these field marks with other Nome birders. We eliminated Petrals
and Kittiwakes. I had had a camera with me but did not have the reflex to try
some photos.
Subject: fall migrationFrom: alice sullivan <sullyinnome AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 10 Aug 2010 07:57:23 -0700 (PDT) There had been reports of Bristle-thigh Curlews in the Nome area. Last night I
went to a field just behind the dog lots off center creek road. A big flock
of about thirty birds was circling the field. It took me some time to get off
the road to a safe spot to see the birds. They landed in the field and then
very close by on a patch of open gravel. They had the light breasts of
Bristle-thighs. Had some great views. Alice
Subject: Serpentine MeanderingsFrom: Ken Stenek <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Mon, 9 Aug 2010 20:48:05 -0800 My family went to the Serpentine River to pick Cloud Berries (aka Salmon Berries). Major highlights for me were a PEREGRINE FALCON and MEW GULLs which were FOYs for me. Also seen were the following: Red-throated Loon Yellow-billed Loon Pacific Loon Red-breasted Merganser (with 20 chicks!) Greater Scaup Northern Pintail Green-winged Teal Long-tailed Duck Black Scoter Tundra Swan Canadian Geese Greater White-fronted Geese Sandhill Crane Western Sandpiper Semipalmated Sandpiper Dunlin Pectoral Sandpiper Hudsonian Godwit Arctic Tern Parasitic Jaeger Long-tailed Jaeger Glaucous Gull Black-legged Kittiwake Lapland Longspur American Tree Sparrow Savannah Sparrow Ken Stenek Shishmaref Check out my new "Birds of Shishmaref" page at: http://shishmaref.bssd.org/birdsofshishmaref/Subject: Shishmaref Meanderings From: Ken Stenek <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Sun, 18 Jul 2010 02:04:26 -0800 It's been a while since I posted but thought I would pass on what I have seen lately here on the the island. There are many gulls of all ages of both Glaucous and Herring Gulls as well as many Black-legged Kittiwakes including juveniles, I know these are cliff nesters so the young kittiwakes must be from last year's crop. There are many Long-tailed Jaegers on the island this year, last year there were tons of Poms. There have been a few Poms and Parasitic Jaegers both light and dark morphs out front over the ocean harassing the kittiwakes for food. While walking along the sea wall there was a pair of Red-necked Phalarope chicks with their father as well as a brood of Green-winged Teal. There have been Snow Buntings, Eastern Yellow Wagtails, Lapland Longspurs, and redpolls flying around as well. The biggest surprise came when my wife and I went down the eastern beach today and found a WHIMBREL. I was really surprised when my wife let me go back and get my camera to take photos to confirm. This is the first time I have seen a Whimbrel on the island although I have seen them along the Serpentine River. Ken Stenek Shishmaref Check out my new "Birds of Shishmaref" page at: http://shishmaref.bssd.org/birdsofshishmaref/Subject: Shishmaref Meanderings From: Ken Stenek <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Tue, 6 Jul 2010 04:11:52 -0800 My brother-in-law and I took my 5 year old son over to egg island (about a mile away) for a egg hunt. Huge numbers of Black-legged Kittiwakes on the way over as well as Glaucous Gulls. There were so many Glaucous Gulls we saw to the west of the island and thought ice, but turned out to be gulls. There were many jaegers, both light and a couple dark morph Parasitic Jaegers some of which look like they recently molted their tail feathers. There were also some POMARINE JAEGERS, which I have been wondering about after having hundreds here on the island daily, I hadn't seen any this year. There were many Arctic Terns, Common Eiders, a few Sabine's Gulls, couple pairs of Black Turnstones, a large flock of Dunlin and a pair of Western Sandpipers. Quite a night. Ken Stenek Shishmaref Check out my new "Birds of Shishmaref" page at: http://shishmaref.bssd.org/birdsofshishmaref/Subject: Serpentine River Meanderings From: Ken Stenek <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Mon, 5 Jul 2010 09:54:20 -0800 Part of my family took a visitor to the Serpentine River Estuary while weather was good enough to do so after days of fog. Huge numbers of water fowl as would be expected. Passerine numbers were low but it was a bit late and a little breezy. Again wishing I had an experienced birder on board as well as more time and better light to id birds. Many pairs of Black Scoters and Greater Scaup as well as all three "divers" Pacific, YELLOW-BILLED, and Red Throated Loons (had some great close looks of a few Pacific and a Yellow-bill). There were a pair of larger shorebirds that I should have turned around to look at and photograph, they were either Whimbrels or Bristle-thigh Curlews (the later I would be more excited to confirm). Also a good look at a HUDSONIAN GODWIT that flew across my bow while crossing the river. With these three additions to my year list I am nearing 70 species. There were a few unidentified raptors one of which attempted an attack on a teal (suggesting Peregrine I believe) and the teal made a big splash in the river but was no worse the wear and flew away moments later. Here is a list of identified species in taxonomic order: Yellow-Billed Loon Pacific Loon Red-throated Loon Sandhill Crane Tundra Swan Emperor Goose Northern Pintail Green-winged Teal Greater Scaup Common Eider Black Scoter Long-tailed Duck Red-breasted Merganser Hudsonian Godwit Red-necked Phalarope Black Turnstone Semipalmated Sandpiper Western Sandpiper Parasitic Jaeger Long-tailed Jaeger Glaucous Gull Black-legged Kittiwake Sabine's Gull Arctic Tern Common Raven Eastern Yellow Wagtail American Tree Sparrow Lapland Longspur Redpoll sp. Ken Stenek Shishmaref Check out my new "Birds of Shishmaref" page at: http://shishmaref.bssd.org/birdsofshishmaref/Subject: Shishmaref Meanderings From: Ken Stenek <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Mon, 28 Jun 2010 10:06:41 -0800 I took the family boating to a river 10 miles to the west called Kougaruk (KEW-garr-uk). Lots of birds as soon as we entered the mouth of the river and many different species. Would have been great to have had another birder to help identify different species while I was driving. Instead of running through what I saw will provide a list of species identified (new species for the year in CAPS). Pacific Loon Red-throated Loon Sandhill Crane TUNDRA SWAN Canada Goose Greater White-Fronted Goose (In Numbers) Northern Pintail (Some molted and flightless) Green-winged Teal Northern Shoveler GREATER SCAUP Common Eider BLACK SCOTER Long-tailed Duck Red-necked Phalarope Long-billed Dowitcher Wilson's Snipe Black Turnstone Dunlin Semipalmated Sandpiper Western Sandpiper Parasitic Jaeger Long-tailed Jaeger Herring Gull Glaucous Gull Black-legged Kittiwake (In Numbers) Sabine's Gull Arctic Tern Willow Ptarmigan Short-eared Owl Common Raven Eastern Yellow Wagtail Savannah Sparrow American Tree Sparrow Lapland Longspur Redpoll sp. Ken Stenek Shishmaref Check out my new "Birds of Shishmaref" page at: http://shishmaref.bssd.org/birdsofshishmaref/Subject: Shishmaref Meanderings From: Ken Stenek <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Sun, 27 Jun 2010 03:56:27 -0800 The ice has broken up just enough that it allowed us to make a lengthy trip up the coast nearly 40 miles yesterday. There were many Common Eiders and Long-tailed Ducks flying from ice and the water. We also saw Red-throated and PACIFIC LOONS, there may have also been Yellow-billed Loons but not that I could identify. At a few places that we stopped there were nesting Glaucous Gulls, Sandhill Cranes, etc. Also seen were Dunlin, Western Sandpipers, Semipalmated Sandpipers, Lapland Longspurs, Savannah Sparrows, Canada Geese, Arctic Terns, Black-legged Kittiwakes, and a pair of what I was almost sure were American Golden-Plovers. We also saw a dead Brown Bear and two dead gray whales, many Ringed and Spotted Seals, 2 Musk Ox and a Red Fox. This evening we went down the coast a few miles before getting blocked by the ice. Quite a few of the same birds, Long-tailed Ducks, Common Eiders, Glaucous Gulls, Black-legged Kittiwakes, a HERRING GULL that I wished I could have gotten close to earlier in the day to see if it was a Vega ssp., a few Long-tailed Jaegers, Parasitic Jaegers, and Arctic Terns. Also a large mob of Common Ravens were seen resting on drying racks at a camp on the next island. Ken Stenek Shishmaref Check out my new "Birds of Shishmaref" page at: http://shishmaref.bssd.org/birdsofshishmaref/Subject: Shishmaref Meanderings From: Ken Stenek <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Wed, 23 Jun 2010 10:20:58 -0800 There have been continued sightings of the Killdeer here near the old runway on the east end of town. But otherwise fairly quiet in regards to birds. Egg hunters have found many Western Sandpiper, Dunlin, and Red-necked Phalarope nests and collected them for good eats. So not as many of those species. In the past few days there have been sightings of a pair of Mallards, many Green-winged Teal, and even two male Long-tailed Ducks. Arctic Terns, Black-legged Kittiwakes, and Glaucous Gulls patrol the ice edge (which should be going out within the week) looking for food. Redpolls, Lapland Longspurs and Eastern Yellow Wagtails are plentiful as well. Quite a few Wilson's Snipes around as well, not as many winnowing yet but found easily by their turkey-like call when on the ground. I have taken many good photos of them this year, which has been tough to do in the past. One thing that has been of notice is the lack of Pomarine Jaegers this year. Last year there were hundreds but this year not a one. Ken Stenek Shishmaref Check out my new "Birds of Shishmaref" page at: http://shishmaref.bssd.org/birdsofshishmaref/Subject: common, arctic loon at Safety Sound, Nome From: Jim Dory <jim.dory AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 20 Jun 2010 23:26:21 -0800 Took a drive with Peregrine Joe, Mary, Carol, and I and got to see a couple common loons at around mile 27 or so by Safety sound. One was on the inland side and one was seaward. Also a bit farther saw a couple arctic loons. The light and weather cooperated to give us a great look at them. We also got to see pacific loons as well as the red-throated loon this trip. At the Safety bridge we got to see a Sabine's gull up close in a group of mew gulls. Kittiwakes were seen various places along the coast. Another treat or two was seeing a Eurasian Widgeon in a large group of American Widgeons at perhaps mile 23 of the Council Road (Safety Sound). And a great view of two peregrine falcons on the cliff face of Cape Nome. Earlier in the day, on a ride on the Teller Highway, Carol and I got to watch a Gyrfalcon harassing a group of agitated ravens. I think this was around mile 56. At the Teller Spit we could see pelagic cormorants and kittiwakes, and a large seal. cheers, JimSubject: Shishmaref Meanderings [1 Attachment] From: Ken Stenek <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Sat, 19 Jun 2010 01:26:13 -0800 No new species to add to my life list here but a couple new species for the year. Last night a flock of 30 BRANT flew near my wife and I as we were egg hunting near the dump. No out of the ordinary species to report, just the usual suspects. This morning though while walking around a ditch with my team teacher we came across a GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH. This is one of my original species that I found back in the Fall of 2007 when I first started making my list of birds here and remember getting help from Stuart Pimm of Duke. I have been very lucky in receiving help from some of the best bird brains around. Ken Stenek Shishmaref Check out my new "Birds of Shishmaref" page at: http://shishmaref.bssd.org/birdsofshishmaref/Subject: database revised From: "pjbente" <peter.bente AT alaska.gov> Date: Thu, 17 Jun 2010 20:52:48 -0000 Beringia Birders: a copy of the cumulative database of bird observations has been added to the 'Database Tab'. File is named: Bird Observations. This file takes original sightings and converts grouped species into single species records to facilitate searches by selected parameters. Also, map of road mileposts was referenced to provide more specific location information for each record (when description or place name allowed). After a period of transition time, the revised file will likely replace the original version. It you see problems or errors, please let me know. I encourage members to post their sightings (in the new version) so the information can help track seasonal, as well as annual, variations in presence or abundance. Good birding. Peter Bente, Moderator ADF&G, NomeSubject: Shishmaref Meanderings From: Ken Stenek <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Thu, 17 Jun 2010 09:32:29 -0800 My team teacher and I walked down to the dump last night and found a few more species that were new records for the spring. Along the road near the runway we found a pair of LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS foraging on a small island created by melt water. There were also several BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKES flying around over the shore-fast ice. The one minor surprise was a pair of MALLARDS that flew out onto the lagoon. There was also a pair of swallows that range-wise I would have said were Bank Swallows but I didn't see a "Bankers Vest" so possibly they might have been Tree Swallows? I hope to get photos today. Quite a few Savannah Sparrows, Redpolls, Eastern Yellow Wagtails, Lapland Longspurs, Western Sandpipers, even a lone Dunlin, pair of Red-throated Loons, Green-winged Teal were also seen (just to name a few). Ken Stenek Shishmaref Check out my new "Birds of Shishmaref" page at: http://shishmaref.bssd.org/birdsofshishmaref/Subject: Shishmaref Meanderings From: Ken Stenek <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2010 14:04:02 -0800 Yesterday was full of surprises and let-downs. We took our summer school students our for a walk towards the airport in the rain and I was able to photograph a semipalmated sandpiper but on our way back I found an ARCTIC WARBLER near the tank farms flitting around. Later in the evening there were several more near the rain collection pond on the East-side of the island. So a surprise. Also in our walk to the East-side we ran into the Killdeer. There were Wilson's Snipes calling, many Red-necked Phalaropes, Semipalmated Plovers, etc. The let-down came when I chased around a long looking sandpiper that I thought was something new but turned out to be a female Pectoral Sandpiper. And the main reason for walking to the water collection pond was to try and find the flycatcher to get better photos for a good id but was unable to relocate it. But a seemingly innocent group of photos of two peeps I thought were either Western Sandpipers or Semipalmated Sandpipers turned out to be BAIRD'S SANDPIPERS. Another new bird for me here and for the season. Ken Stenek Shishmaref Check out my new "Birds of Shishmaref" page at: http://shishmaref.bssd.org/birdsofshishmaref/Subject: Re: Birding Nome From: Jim Dory <jim.dory AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2010 12:04:46 -0800 Check with the Nome Visitor Center http://www.visitnomealaska.com/ for updates on species being seen and where. have fun! /jim On Wed, Jun 16, 2010 at 8:32 AM, mortensen_christopher < mortensen_christopher AT yahoo.com> wrote: > > > I'll be visiting Nome next week and am looking for tips on birding the > area. From what I've been told I've dedicated a whole day to do each of the > major roads (Council, Teller, Kougarok). Any other areas I should be sure to > check? Are there any rarities currently being seen? > > Any information you could provide would be appreciated! > > Thank you all for your help! > > Christopher Mortensen > > >Subject: Birding Nome From: "mortensen_christopher" <mortensen_christopher AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2010 16:32:00 -0000 I'll be visiting Nome next week and am looking for tips on birding the area. From what I've been told I've dedicated a whole day to do each of the major roads (Council, Teller, Kougarok). Any other areas I should be sure to check? Are there any rarities currently being seen? Any information you could provide would be appreciated! Thank you all for your help! Christopher MortensenSubject: Shishmaref Meanderings [2 Attachments] From: Ken Stenek <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Tue, 15 Jun 2010 18:25:41 -0800 Plenty of the usual suspects while walking last night with a friend here teaching summer school with me. Found a flycatcher species that I am unsure of and have attached a photo. Few possibilities but all would be beyond their ranges. I think the two major suspects are either an Alder Flycatcher or Western Wood Pewee. Another first for me was a pair of Pectoral Sandpipers mating. I see plenty of Pectorals stop on their way through but never nest. Plenty of redpolls, Eastern Yellow Wagtails, Lapland Longspurs, etc. Also seen today was an ARCTIC WARBLER and a sandpiper I am not so sure of (probably a Semipalmated Sandpiper). Also 3-4 rowdy Wilson Snipes, one of which I believe was probably a female drawing the attention of males. I have attached photos of the flycatcher and sandpiper to see if anyone can help with the id's. The flycatcher photo is not a very good one. Ken Stenek Shishmaref Check out my new "Birds of Shishmaref" page at: http://shishmaref.bssd.org/birdsofshishmaref/Subject: Everyone is happy! From: "Ulric J." <kash44ulroan AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 14 Jun 2010 06:58:32 -0000 Greetings birders from Chevak Alaska. Had a successful birding trip here in Chevak at my bird camp 10 miles down river from town. Seen many male spectacled eiders around camp and other locations during the boat ride. Seen 3 males together in the river, slowed down the boat and slowly went up to them in the river. We got to within 20 feet from the 3 males. Sun was shining and you could see the green on the back of their head with your own eye's, great photo opp. We saw over 20 spectacled eiders on this trip. The female's are about to nest, so the males are now grouping up away from the female's. We seen 4 large groups of at least 40-50 Sabine's Gull's in each group along the rivers, one of the groups eating herring eggs along my camp (Spawned egg's). We also visited a colony of nesting Sabine's, Black Turnstones, Emperor's and Black Brant's laying their eggs next to each other. We also seen many other usual Y-K Delta birds. New sightings this year for the Chevak area are a flock of King Eiders (rare around this time) and a first time sighting of a Killdeer in the softball field behind the teacher housing. Seen it with the WBA birders that were here in Chevak, seen it on their last day here, June 12. Had so much fun with the WBA (Wilderness Birding Adventure) group. Don't hesitate to look up their web site and check out the Chevak Spectacled Eider Camp for the bird list. Before the WBA group came here to Chevak I took my wife and kids on a camping trip. I heard about this place from my parents and brothers. Now talk about Bird Country! I have never seen so many nesting birds in my life and I am 32. This is my new secret place for birders. So many nesting birds so close to each other. Around one small pond I counted 18 nests. So many Emperors, Brants, Cacklers, White Front's, Spec's, Terns, Crane's, Swans, Gulls all nesting nex to each other. Some day I think I'll take a group there. It is a 3 hour boat ride, but well worth it. You also have a chance of seeing Baluga Whale's, Walrus, Killer Whale, and your are guaranteed to see the seals. Take care everyone. Ulric J. Ulroan Chevak Spectacled Eider Camp PO Box 325 Chevak, AK 99563Subject: Shishmaref Meanderings [3 Attachments] From: Ken Stenek <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Sun, 13 Jun 2010 01:02:55 -0800 I am back after taking a trip to California and Washington. I had a great time and saw some great birds. I also was able to talk to two groups of birders today. One group was on Alaska Airlines traveling to Nome to meet up with Chris Benesh and bird around Nome the other was waiting at Bering Air for the past four days waiting to travel out to Gambell, as frustrated as they might have been, they were in great spirits and had been making the best of their situation. My son wanted to go for a ride on the 4-wheeler this evening so I took advantage and did some birding and try to catch up on my list for the year. There were several expected species as we traveled along the beach. Many ARCTIC TERNS, a LONG-TAILED DUCK, and COMMON EIDERS. We cut back through a grassy area of the island to head back into town and found a RED-THROATED LOON, and BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER. But the most interesting find was a sighting of a KILLDEER. I saw many while visiting my mom in Western Washington but in all my years here, have never seen one until today. And to my knowledge this is well beyond their range, at least those listed by Sibley and Thayers. Also seen many Red-necked Phalaropes, Green-winged Teal, Western Sandpipers, a pair of Semipalmated Plovers, Redpoll sp., Lapland Longspur, Golden-crowned Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Snow Bunting, American Tree Sparrow, and several Wilson's Snipe. Ken Stenek Shishmaref Check out my new "Birds of Shishmaref" page at: http://shishmaref.bssd.org/birdsofshishmaref/Subject: Another Spectacular Birding Season From: "Ulric J." <kash44ulroan AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 09 Jun 2010 11:45:49 -0000 Greetings Birders, this is Ulric J. Ulroan from Chevak Alaska in the heart of the Yukon Kuskokwim Delta National Wildlife Refuge. It looks to be another spectacular season for our Spectacled Eiders. My bird camp is all set up and while setting up camp, seen 7 male spectaced eiders nearby my camp. Many Many Many birds nesting behind my camp as well, Emperors, Cacklers, White Fronts, Swans, Loons (Red Throat, Pacific), long tailed ducks, pintail ducks, and more nesting on the low lands. On the high grounds seen the long tailed jeager has a nest, dunlins, western and semilpalmated sandpipers also nesting. This is all by my camp. I also do boat rides to other locations with more nesting birds. Sabine's gulls are having a feeding frenzy along the river edges with freshly laid herring eggs. First group of lucky birders are coming out here to Chevak June 9-12 and a couple from Anchorage June 13-16. These are the best times to be out here to see the male spec's. Towards the end of June they take off to the bering sea. People who like to take good photo's, after the eggs hatch is a very good time because you can get closer to the birds for good photo's of the mommy with the babies. Okay birders, have a happy birding season. Ulric J. Ulroan Chevak Spectacle Eider Camp PO Box 325 Chevak, AK 99563Subject: Gambell From: "lindagoodfellow AT ymail.com" <lindagoodfellow@ymail.com> Date: Thu, 03 Jun 2010 20:46:07 -0000 Hi, My husband and I will be traveling to Alaska next week. It's our first time and we are really excited. We are avid birders in the US and worldwide and just decided a few weeks ago. Now that we have our plane flights, etc. I found that I really need some information in regard to accomadations and I hope that someone can help me. We plan to be in Gambell from the 12th of June through the 16th. I have found very little information on the web in regard to places to stay and/or renting a car. The only place I found was Sivuqaq Lodge but have not yet been able to reach them by phone at 907-985-5335. Is there another number? Or, perhaps an email address? Also does anyone know if there are any other places to stay just in case I can't reach them? Any thoughts on where to rent a car --- I presume the airport, but I can't find any names, phone numbers, etc. Looking forward to hearing from someone! Thanks so much, lindaSubject: bluethoat cropped in a bit more [1 Attachment] From: Jim Dory <jim.dory AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 1 Jun 2010 00:17:47 -0800 here it is. /jdSubject: Bluethroats are here [1 Attachment] From: Jim Dory <jim.dory AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 31 May 2010 23:44:01 -0800 Carol, a friend, and I took a hike up to Dorothy Falls today - what is that but maybe mile 24 or 26 on the Kougarok road?.Water was a bit high so hiked the ridge up and saw some little brown birds along the snow line - bad back lighting so didn't get to see enough features to I.D.. Hiked the north ridge down after the falls and heard the distinctive "cricket" sound and soon saw our first Bluethroat of the season. Attaching the only decent shot I got on handheld and windy attempt. Wind was howling. Saw a northern harrier hawk in the valley on the way down. Lots of golden-crowned sparrows. /jimSubject: Kittlitz Murrelet From: Mark Vachavake <mvachavake AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 28 May 2010 12:01:43 -0700 (PDT) Saw a Kittlitz Murrelet and a two pairs of Spectacled and King Eiders yesterday
while out boating west of Savoonga the last three days.
Mark Vachavake
Elim
Subject: warblersFrom: Jim Dory <jim.dory AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 28 May 2010 00:48:31 -0800 Carol and I took a walk down below Icy View this evening toward dredge 5 and saw some warblers: Yellow warbler, blackpoll, Wilson's, Northern waterthrush, orange-crowned as well as the gray-cheeked thrush and various other common guys - sparrows (white-crowned, golden-crowned, tree & fox) , green-winged teal, long-tailed jaeger. Nice the willows haven't leaved out yet so we could see these fellows. But give it a day or two...Subject: rusty blackbird in Nome From: Jim Dory <jim.dory AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 26 May 2010 23:38:53 -0800 Carol and I (and Mary) went out behind the Guard hanger, on the west side of the north/south runway and had a nice long view of a rusty blackbird tonight. Saw a bunch of various birds - among them a spotted sandpiper and gray-cheeked thrush at Penny R. bridge. /jimSubject: Shishmaref Meanderings From: Ken Stenek <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Sun, 23 May 2010 19:13:47 -0800 Several new first of year birds to report today. While baby and mom took a nap, I went for a long walk along the airport. Many of the regulars but I did find a photographed a SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER near the airport garage. Several groups of different waterfowl were flying around including Canada Geese, Greater White-fronted Geese, Northern Shoveler and larger flocks of NORTHERN PINTAILS. A small flock of Sandhill Cranes and many others including a couple photographs of what must be a godwit sp. I am particularly proud of a some good photos of a Wilson's Snipe (pretty sure its a Wilson's as much as I would like to make it into something else). As common as these are, they are so elusive to get good photos but it's turkey-like call on the ground gave its location away, didn't even mind that my shoes got wet. Ken Stenek Shishmaref Check out my new "Birds of Shishmaref" page at: http://shishmaref.bssd.org/birdsofshishmaref/ |