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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 ] 23 May Shishmaref Meanderings [Ken Stenek ] 22 May Shishmaref Meanderings [Ken Stenek ] 21 May Yellow-rumped Warbler [1 Attachment] [Ken Stenek ] 19 May Shishmaref Meanderings [Ken Stenek ] 18 May Shishmaref Thrushes [3 Attachments] [Ken Stenek ] 18 May Shishmaref Meanderings [Ken Stenek ] 15 May More Shishmaref Meanderings... [Ken Stenek ] 15 May Shishmaref Meanderings [1 Attachment] [Ken Stenek ] 13 May Shishmaref Meanderings [Ken Stenek ] 12 May Shishmaref Add-on [Ken Stenek ] 12 May Migrant Arrival... [1 Attachment] [Ken Stenek ] 12 May They are coming! [alice sullivan ] 12 May Golden-crowned sparrow today ["beringsue" ] 11 May Quick overview ["beringsue" ] 11 May When should birders come to Nome? ["beringsue" ] 4 May Gulls, Gulls, Gulls... [Ken Stenek ] 3 May Serpentine Hotsprings [2 Attachments] [Ken Stenek ] 28 Apr Nome area: late April ["pjbente" ] 19 Apr seagulls in Nome today [Jim Dory ] 18 Apr Canada Geese in Shaktoolik [Ken Stenek ] 13 Apr McKay's Bunting female near Kotzebue [Jason Rogers ] 31 Mar Boreal Owl in Elim [Ken Stenek ] 23 Mar McKay's Buntings in Unalakleet [Jason Rogers ] 15 Mar sightings [alice sullivan ] 4 Feb omission [alice sullivan ] 14 Jan Carrie McLain Memorial Museum Request [Ken Stenek ] 14 Jan Bird Photos [Ken Stenek ] 9 Jan CBC [alice sullivan ] 21 Dec Christmas Bird Count [alice sullivan ] 21 Nov Christmas Bird Count [alice sullivan ] 17 Oct McKay's [4 Attachments] [Ken Stenek ] 17 Oct McKay's [Ken Stenek ] 27 Sep Serpentine Meandersings [Ken Stenek ] 17 Sep Re: Shishmaref Meanderings ["kstenek" ] 16 Sep Shishmaref Meanderings [Ken Stenek ] 4 Sep Shishmaref Report [Ken Stenek ] 2 Sep Shishmaref Report [Ken Stenek ] 19 Aug Re: Shishmaref Report [Chris Maack ] 19 Aug Re: [AK Birding] Shishmaref Report [Chris Maack ] 19 Aug Shishmaref Report [Ken Stenek ] 19 Aug Shishmaref Report [Ken Stenek ] 18 Aug RE: Call ID? [WILLIAM HUBER ] 17 Aug Call ID? [Ken Stenek ] 17 Aug Call ID? [Ken Stenek ] 17 Aug Shishmaref Report [Ken Stenek ] 14 Aug Shishmaref Report [Ken Stenek ] 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/Subject: Shishmaref Meanderings From: Ken Stenek <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Sun, 23 May 2010 00:19:25 -0800 I woke up early and took a walk along the dump road and found Western Sandpipers, Lapland Longspurs, and Snow Buntings trying to forage on ice covered ponds/puddles. Further along the road there was an EASTERN YELLOW WAGTAIL and a Northern Wheatear. There was also a flock of CANADA GOOSE flying south of the runway. Also seen South of town were Dunlin, Black Turnstones, Westerns, and Lapland Longspurs. Later in the day my son Timothy and I followed my father-in-law west to his cabin 8 miles down the coast. We saw many shorebirds including Westerns, Dunlin, Turnstones, Longspurs, etc. Canada Geese were flying around sporadically. We went over to the reindeer corral and ran into a bunch of Willow Ptarmigan and Sandhill Cranes. But most interesting to me were several PARASITIC JAEGARS, some with long tails that made me double take had they not had breast bands. Near the cabin we saw a dark morph Parasitic Jaegar. Locals say that jaegars being showing up just before it warms up, that will be nice if it does, still lots of snow on the ground off the 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: Sat, 22 May 2010 00:35:02 -0800 Walking around today I found an American Tree Sparrow and a Dark-eyed Junco (neither are new species but continue to linger around). There were many Western Sandpipers, Dunlin, and Lapland Longspurs flying around the grassy wet areas and even five Black Turnstones. My wife and I took the youngest and my little bird girl for a ride along the airport and there were a pair of NORTHERN SHOVELERS along the runway as well as a RED-NECKED PHALAROPE. When the shovelers took off a raptor took off. At first we thought it was the Short-eared Owl that had been hanging out in the area, but soon realized it was a hawk and a ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK at that. We watched as it caught and consumed a mouse. A young hunter also showed us a GREEN-WINGED TEAL he had shot with a pellet gun and was taking it home to eat. Ken Stenek Shishmaref Check out my new "Birds of Shishmaref" page at: http://shishmaref.bssd.org/birdsofshishmaref/Subject: Yellow-rumped Warbler [1 Attachment] From: Ken Stenek <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Fri, 21 May 2010 13:46:49 -0800 I found my first Yellow-rumped Warbler today during lunch time. This is the 101st bird I have found locally and 5th new bird seen here this year. Been a very interesting Spring. 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, 19 May 2010 23:25:27 -0800 I walked to an area behind the Native Store and found a small mixed flock of Hoary and Common Redpolls as well as a Dark-eyed Junco. Later this evening my wife wanted to go for a ride so we went out on the runway. We immediately saw Dunlin and Western Sandpipers flying in flocks near the Eastern end of the runway. Near the taxi-way with a Western Sandpiper was a SEMIPALMATED PLOVER. I have always enjoyed these little plovers and enjoy their return each year. Many Lapland Longspurs and a turnstone as well along the runway. Ken Stenek Shishmaref Check out my new "Birds of Shishmaref" page at: http://shishmaref.bssd.org/birdsofshishmaref/Subject: Shishmaref Thrushes [3 Attachments] From: Ken Stenek <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Tue, 18 May 2010 20:47:03 -0800 Two more thrush species today with the arrival of many more Northern Wheatears and a somewhat unlikely pair, an AMERICAN ROBIN and VARIED THRUSH. Many of the other usual suspects: redpolls, lapland longspurs, western sandpipers, dunlin, snow buntings, etc.. 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, 18 May 2010 07:41:26 -0800 After our graduation ceremony my 1-year old and I drove down along the airport and found the usual suspects and then we made our way to the dump where we ran into the flock of turnstones. Mixed in with 6 Ruddies were 2 BLACK TURNSTONES. I have seen black turnstones each of the three years I have been studying birds here. Heading back into town I found a Northern Wheatear near the cemetery. It was a nice night with some nice birds. Ken Stenek Shishmaref Check out my new "Birds of Shishmaref" page at: http://shishmaref.bssd.org/birdsofshishmaref/Subject: More Shishmaref Meanderings... From: Ken Stenek <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Sat, 15 May 2010 22:07:15 -0800 I had some good finds this morning but this evening I found many new FOY birds. I took my 1 year old son Norman on a ride with our 4-wheeler to see if there was anything flying around near the airport and we ran into the first shorebirds of the year. There were a pair of RUDDY TURNSTONES, some WESTERN SANDPIPERS, a DUNLIN, about 100 LAPLAND LONGSPURS, a SHORT-EARED OWL, and we chased around a WILSON'S SNIPE. I have a very hard time getting photos of these guys, they are camouflaged too well for my color blind eyes, I could stand on top of them and not see them. 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: Sat, 15 May 2010 11:23:47 -0800 I went out this morning in the fog since I wasn't able to go out and see what had arrived yesterday. It was pretty tough with the poor visibility. Thankfully it was very quiet and tuned into the sounds of the morning and located some birds. I found one of the Horned Larks out near the airport with a pair of Snow Buntings. There were also a few redpolls flying around. I headed towards town and found my first SAVANNAH SPARROW of the year near the church as well as a pair of Hoary Redpolls. I heard some singing near the old Tannery and found the Rusty Blackbird singing his little heart out. I moved on towards one of my favorite places to check out where one of the locals feeds the buntings throughout the winter. I found a pair of White-crowned Sparrows and Dark-eyed Juncos. All in all not too bad. 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: Thu, 13 May 2010 21:18:29 -0800 I went out this evening in a light freezing rain and was I ever rewarded. I was hoping to see the rusty blackbird that was seen yesterday and found it (see attached). Nearby where I found the blackbird was a Hoary Redpoll. But an even bigger surprise was a pair of HORNED LARKs. I was able to get several photographs. and chased them around and ran into an AMERICAN PIPIT. He had my attention for a little while until someone scared it off with their 4-wheeler. I rode around the East end of the island and found a EMPEROR GOOSE flying overhead and on my way home found a GRAY-CROWNED ROSY FINCH. I had found a Rosy Finch at Serpentine Hot Springs two weeks ago but this is a first here. The Rusty Blackbird, the Horned Larks, American Pipit and Gray-Crowned Rosy Finch make 97, 98, 99, and 100 on my local species list. It has been an incredible two days here for me. But today especially rewarding after going out in tonight's weather. Ken Stenek Shishmaref Check out my new "Birds of Shishmaref" page at: http://shishmaref.bssd.org/birdsofshishmaref/Subject: Shishmaref Add-on From: Ken Stenek <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Wed, 12 May 2010 19:19:28 -0800 Beyond the great passerines that came in last night were several Sandhill Cranes and a couple Greater White-fronted Geese. Temperatures were finally in the 40's today so dare I say "Spring is sprung"? Especially after last night's snow storm??? Ken Stenek Shishmaref Check out my new "Birds of Shishmaref" page at: http://shishmaref.bssd.org/birdsofshishmaref/Subject: Migrant Arrival... [1 Attachment] From: Ken Stenek <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Wed, 12 May 2010 11:41:51 -0800 Several new species have been seen flying around Shishmaref this morning. I took one of my classes out earlier and we found the following: Fox Sparrow American Tree Sparrow White-crowned Sparrow Gold-crowned Sparrow Dark-eyed Junco and what appears to be a Rusty Blackbird which would be a first for me here. I know they are found around Nome and Golovin but haven't seen them around here before. I am attaching a photo and asking for ID help, you will have to look at structure and trust me when I say when I saw it on the ground it was all black and about robin-sized. Ken Stenek Shishmaref Check out my new "Birds of Shishmaref" page at: http://shishmaref.bssd.org/birdsofshishmaref/Subject: They are coming! From: alice sullivan <sullyinnome AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 12 May 2010 10:46:45 -0700 (PDT) MY computer was out of action just in the critical days that the first birds
arrived. In Nome the first Robins were spotted on May 9th. The same day people
reported: snipe, cranes, geese, and gulls.
Today, the 12th I had the first birds at my feeder- a pair of Red Polls. The
roads are open for some distance now and this weekend should see a jump in
activity. Alice
Subject: Golden-crowned sparrow todayFrom: "beringsue" <suesteinacher AT hotmail.com> Date: Wed, 12 May 2010 05:23:20 -0000 Nice plump male golden-crowned sparrow on my deck railing today.Subject: Quick overview From: "beringsue" <suesteinacher AT hotmail.com> Date: Tue, 11 May 2010 21:54:17 -0000 Started hearing sandhill cranes, snipe and Taverners (right Alice?) geese several days ago at the Snake River, and saw a pair of tundra swans pass by Icy View May 6th. May 9th saw a large swarm (500+) of sandhill cranes travel up the east side of Grand Central Valley and over Mt. Osborn, headed toward Nome. The roads are open but most areas are still heavily snowed over, with a bit more bare tundra around Nome, and very little open water. Snowing and blowing hard today. Looks like a late spring!Subject: When should birders come to Nome? From: "beringsue" <suesteinacher AT hotmail.com> Date: Tue, 11 May 2010 21:55:50 -0000 I have some friends who want to visit Nome for some good birding. With this late spring would anybody like to venture a guess at the best dates to recommend? Thanks!Subject: Gulls, Gulls, Gulls... From: Ken Stenek <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Tue, 4 May 2010 16:27:58 -0800 I took our family's trash to the dump this afternoon and found that the gulls had arrived. I found about 200 Glaucous Gulls around the dump. I will try to see if I can ferrot out any Glaucous-winged gulls when I have more time to stay longer. Ken Stenek Shishmaref Check out my new "Birds of Shishmaref" page at: http://shishmaref.bssd.org/birdsofshishmaref/Subject: Serpentine Hotsprings [2 Attachments] From: Ken Stenek <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Mon, 3 May 2010 00:46:18 -0800 My family joined a few other families on a trip to Serpentine Hot Springs. The trail from Shishmaref to the Hot Springs had plenty of snow yet, making for a great trail. On the way there, all that was seen was a few ravens and even when we came down into hot springs itself all that was seen was some ravens. But it didn't take long and a huge flock of at least 250 Willow Ptarmigan flew into the willows near where we parked our snow machines. The next day Curtis Nayokpuk had my wife get me from the bunk house to show me a new bird to me in the form of an Interior subspecies of a Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch. Although I had never seen one before, I had a very good idea what it was and confirmed my id with my field guide. I was able to snap off many good photos and it was seen both on Saturday and Sunday. My Sibley's guide shows that the Coastal or Hepburn's race would have been the more likely subspecies but this individual lacked the gray cheeks. For some reason, the GCRF was hanging out with some Snow Buntings that were in the area as well. There were about 20 buntings. I also found several Rough-legged Hawks in the area soaring overhead or perched on the rock formations. On Sunday morning a male American Robin was hanging out near the bunk house as well. An individual in my party also reported a smaller dark bird that flew off from a rock just before I arrived while we were looking at rock formations Saturday afternoon. The rock formations around the hot springs are absolutely spectacular and I would love to visit during the summer if the chance provides. On the way home there was a flock of 25 Willow Ptarmigan along the Serpentine River. And I was told by the lead member of our caravan that there was a raptor flying ahead of him. Ken Stenek Shishmaref Check out my new "Birds of Shishmaref" page at: http://shishmaref.bssd.org/birdsofshishmaref/Subject: Nome area: late April From: "pjbente" <peter.bente AT alaska.gov> Date: Wed, 28 Apr 2010 00:56:57 -0000 2010-04-21 flock of 60-75 McKay's buntings at feeder for most of the winter has diminished to a few individuals - migrating to islands; increased number of first-year snow buntings (brown dorsal feathers) - probably arriving migrants. 2010-04-23 four redpolls in flight above willows, edge of Icy View. 2010-04-26 snow buntings at feeder have increased to 90-100; one adult male McKay's bunting. 2010-04-27 one northern shrike favoring willows along Osborne Road near the SE corner of Icy View.Subject: seagulls in Nome today From: Jim Dory <jim.dory AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 19 Apr 2010 22:00:46 -0800 Saw a couple from a distance flying in front of Nome - large bodied like Glaucous. Lots of snow buntings hanging around the dregs of the Iditarod dog yard... cheers, JimSubject: Canada Geese in Shaktoolik From: Ken Stenek <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Sun, 18 Apr 2010 16:16:50 -0800 I am in Stebbins (Southern Norton Sound) for the BSSD Native Youth Olympics competition and one of the students received a report that Canada Geese were seen earlier today 12 miles south of Shaktoolik at a lake locals call Big Lake. It is very warm here along the sound compared to Shishmaref and the roads here have lost their snow cover and are filled with puddles. Ken Stenek Shishmaref Check out my new "Birds of Shishmaref" page at: http://shishmaref.bssd.org/birdsofshishmaref/Subject: McKay's Bunting female near Kotzebue From: Jason Rogers <hawkowl AT hotmail.com> Date: Tue, 13 Apr 2010 12:45:03 +0000 Received some photos of a lone female McKay's Bunting (probably second-cycle or older) found Sunday (April 11) on a beach north of Kotzebue. There was also a small flock of Plectrophenax nearby consisting of darker birds. Jason Rogers hawkowl AT hotmail.com _________________________________________________________________ Live connected. Get Hotmail & Messenger on your phone. http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9724462Subject: Boreal Owl in Elim From: Ken Stenek <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Wed, 31 Mar 2010 09:26:02 -0800 My friend and fellow teacher in Elim, Mark Vachavake, sent me a nice picture of a Boreal Owl. It was either sick or injured and eventually died. Ken Stenek Shishmaref Check out my new "Birds of Shishmaref" page at: http://shishmaref.bssd.org/birdsofshishmaref/Subject: McKay's Buntings in Unalakleet From: Jason Rogers <hawkowl AT hotmail.com> Date: Tue, 23 Mar 2010 14:44:01 +0000 Received a report (with photos) of a flock of about ten McKay's Buntings in Unalakleet on some slough ice about a quarter mile inland on March 16. The birds may have been feeding on wheat grains from straw strewn about for a sled dog race. Jason Rogers hawkowl AT hotmail.com _________________________________________________________________ IM on the go with Messenger on your phone http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9712960Subject: sightings From: alice sullivan <sullyinnome AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:19:04 -0700 (PDT) Hello from Nome. While waiting for the Iditarod mushers to arrive I wanted to
share with you two sightings a couple or weeks ago. A snowmachiner, who
regularly goes to Council reports that for the fourth year in a row he has seen
a drake Mallard on a small open stream just beyond Solomon. Also, a report was
made of a Long tailed Duck on Bonanza creek just off the NOme river. There are
no reports of waterfowl on the Iditarod trail. Alice
Subject: omissionFrom: alice sullivan <sullyinnome AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 4 Feb 2010 16:06:43 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Carrie McLain Memorial Museum RequestFrom: Ken Stenek <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Thu, 14 Jan 2010 08:57:58 -0900 I actually goofed in including the Beringia Birders e-mail in my earlier post and it did not include what the museum is looking for, so here is Laura Samuelson's e-mail looking for some photos. I know some of you out there (Monte and others) have much better lenses and training than I do. If you can donate something, it would certainly help in giving back to Nome and the Seward Peninsula. > We are working on a birding exhibit for the Museum. Does anyone out > there have any quality photos of the following birds?: > > SIBERIAN BLUE THROAT > PACIFIC GOLDEN PLOVER > NORTHERN WHEATEAR > BAR-TAILED GODWIT > ARCTIC WARBLER > > Please reply to this e-mail or call us at the number below. > > Thank you, > Laura > > > Laura Samuelson > Director > Carrie M. McLain Memorial Museum > 223 Front Street > Box 53 > Nome, Alaska 99762 > Phone: 907-443-6630 > FAX: 907-443-7955 > E-Mail: museum AT ci.nome.ak.us Ken Stenek Shishmaref Check out my new "Birds of Shishmaref" page at: http://shishmaref.bssd.org/birdsofshishmaref/Subject: Bird Photos From: Ken Stenek <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Thu, 14 Jan 2010 08:42:58 -0900 One of your best bets is to post on the beringia_birders yahoo group which I will do for you. I have some good photos of all but blue throats as we don't have them here in Shishmaref but I am sure that anyone of my professional photographer friends might donate to the museum. I will put out a feeler as well as send you some of my best. I also have a profound collection of McKay's Bunting, which are my pride and joy. Ken Stenek Shishmaref Check out my new "Birds of Shishmaref" page at: http://shishmaref.bssd.org/birdsofshishmaref/Subject: CBC From: alice sullivan <sullyinnome AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 9 Jan 2010 21:26:51 -0800 (PST) Well, six faithful birders did the CBC for Nome on Dec. 27th. It was a
sunny day with almost no wind. We found a grand total of four species
which included: 150 Ravens, 1 Willow Ptarm.
35(6) McKays Buntings and 11 Snow Buntings. The Raven count was
exceptionally low. Previous years we had counted up to five or six
hundred Ravens. They have changed the way they are handling refuse in
the town landfill. There is now very little garbage as they cover the
landfill frequently. Where did all the Ravens go? I think the smart
ones went to the south of France where, not only is it warm, but there
is Cordon Bleu garbage. Next time. alice
Subject: Christmas Bird CountFrom: alice sullivan <sullyinnome AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 21 Dec 2009 11:00:52 -0800 (PST) This is a reminder to Nome, alaska birders that we will have a
Christmas Bird Count on sunday the 27th of December. We will be rolling
out of the parking lot of Airport Pizza at 1:p.m.. For those who like
some of us gather at the restaurant for a pre-birding brunch. Call me
(Alice-443-2094) if you have any questions. Alice
Subject: Christmas Bird CountFrom: alice sullivan <sullyinnome AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:08:44 -0800 (PST) I don't know if all of you are familiar with the Christmas Bird Count
run by the Audubon Society. They run this count to get a picture
over the entire country of birds completely native to an area. It is a
nation wide effort and it is really interesting to follow on their web
site as people like ourselves report bird sightings in their area.
You need to pick one day between Dec. 14 and Jan. 5th. You report only the
birds you have seen that day. Report numbers also.
We have done it several years now in Nome. It would be great to have reports
from rural Alaska.
To report go to Christmas Bird Count Audubon. Then click on COMPILERS.
There are a lot of rules but most of them don't apply to us. The final
results appear in Birding Magazine but it is fun to watch the count
progress across the country on the web site. Alice
Subject: McKay's [4 Attachments]From: Ken Stenek <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Sat, 17 Oct 2009 19:37:32 -0800 The McKay's Buntings have finally arrived in Shishmaref! I found 50 buntings hanging around the seawall this afternoon, at least 20 appeared to be McKay's. This is usually the time of year that the earliest arrive here. Unfortunately, this pretty much ends my calendar year of birding, outside of a few stray species, including gulls, I usually won't see much else. I did see some interesting gulls today as well. There was a very dark Slaty-backed Gull on west beach and among a large flock of Glaucous Gulls and immature gulls I believe I teased out a Glaucous-winged Gull, which would be the first I have seen this year and and second one I have identified since I started (with the help of Nick Hadjukovich and Luke DeCicco. Ken Stenek Shishmaref Check out my new "Birds of Shishmaref" page at: http://shishmaref.bssd.org/birdsofshishmaref/Subject: McKay's From: Ken Stenek <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Sat, 17 Oct 2009 19:37:32 -0800 The McKay's Buntings have finally arrived in Shishmaref! I found 50 buntings hanging around the seawall this afternoon, at least 20 appeared to be McKay's. This is usually the time of year that the earliest arrive here. Unfortunately, this pretty much ends my calendar year of birding, outside of a few stray species, including gulls, I usually won't see much else. I did see some interesting gulls today as well. There was a very dark Slaty-backed Gull on west beach and among a large flock of Glaucous Gulls and immature gulls I believe I teased out a Glaucous-winged Gull, which would be the first I have seen this year and and second one I have identified since I started (with the help of Nick Hadjukovich and Luke DeCicco. 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: Serpentine Meandersings From: Ken Stenek <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Sun, 27 Sep 2009 23:38:56 -0800 Our family took maybe our last trip of the year to the Serpentine River. As I had predicted many of the waterfowl had left for warmer climates. There were some Green-winged Teal, Northern Pintail, Greater Scaup and Black Scoters still around but not near the numbers as there were two weeks ago. There were 5 Tundra Swans, some flocks of Canada Geese and some unidentified black water fowl at the mouth of the river that I believe were Brant. There were plenty of Common Ravens and Glacous Gulls as well as some large flocks of redpolls as well as some Pacific Loons and Red-throated Loons. No owls or other birds of prey were spotted. We did see a grizzly bear and a red fox but no moose or caribou that we were hoping to find. Ken Stenek Shishmaref Check out my new "Birds of Shishmaref" page at: http://shishmaref.bssd.org/birdsofshishmaref/Subject: Re: Shishmaref Meanderings From: "kstenek" <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Thu, 17 Sep 2009 23:44:57 -0000 I forgot to add that several juvenile Pacific Golden-Plovers have been seen as well as reports of Long-billed Dowitchers near tundra ponds on the east end of the island by students. --- In beringia_birders AT yahoogroups.com, Ken StenekSubject: Shishmaref Meanderings From: Ken Stenek <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Wed, 16 Sep 2009 17:14:58 -0800 Over the past couple nights we have driven our 4-wheeler to take the kids out since it's been so nice here. Spring tides are exposing sandbars more than normal bringing out many Dunlin, Western Sandpipers and even a few Sanderlings. In the west channel waters there have been phalaropes, which I believe our Red Phalaropes. There were three Short-eared Owls last night patrolling the grassy area on the southeast end of the island, we only saw one the night before. Many gulls of different ages, nothing I could say to suggest anything other than Glaucous except for some very dark juvenile gulls that were either Herring Gulls or possibly Glaucous-winged (which is a species I have not been able to document this year). Some Redpolls still lingering. But there appears to be more Snow Buntings around (one of our year long species), and a few Common Ravens. There was also a Long-tailed Duck in the east channel two nights ago as well as a hen Common Eider in the west channel. Ken Stenek Shishmaref Check out my new "Birds of Shishmaref" page at: http://shishmaref.bssd.org/birdsofshishmaref/Subject: Shishmaref Report From: Ken Stenek <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Fri, 4 Sep 2009 13:48:24 -0800 My wife and I went for a ride along the West side beach down to the channel. Found some birds of interest to me. There were 3 Black Turnstones (2 were juveniles), the adult appeared to be wounded or something else going on with it. Was wishing I had had my camera with me to see just what was wrong. There were plenty of Glaucous Gulls (juvenile and adults) loafing all over. Quite a few Dunlin probing in the sand at the end of the island on the lagoon side as well as Sanderlings and quite a few Red Phalaropes in their non-breeding plumage, which is not very red. A single Northern Wheatear showing off its white rump. Two flocks of Golden-Plovers totaling about 50 birds. And a flock of Western Sandpipers, about 15. Ken Stenek Shishmaref Check out my new "Birds of Shishmaref" page at: http://shishmaref.bssd.org/birdsofshishmaref/Subject: Shishmaref Report From: Ken Stenek <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Wed, 2 Sep 2009 22:31:57 -0800 The island reports by Paul and Scott had me excited to see what I might see here. My wife and I walked on the east beach. We started off with a flock of about 90 brant flying west along the coast. Quite a few juvenile and adult Glaucous Gulls and 4 Black-legged Kittiwakes. There were 3 Sanderlings chasing the waves. One stayed just in front of us for quite some time. We came up through the drying racks and had a flock of 15 Long-billed Dowitchers fly around us showing off the white stripe on their backs. A few Pacific Golden Plovers were feeding in a grassy area near the drying racks and a small flock of Green-winged Teal were in a nearby pond. Not overly exciting but at least I tried. One thing that surprised me was the lack of passerines except for some Snow Buntings on the seawall. Ken Stenek Shishmaref Check out my new "Birds of Shishmaref" page at: http://shishmaref.bssd.org/birdsofshishmaref/Subject: Re: Shishmaref Report From: Chris Maack <cmaack AT gci.net> Date: Wed, 19 Aug 2009 13:51:30 -0700 Ken, can you explain the 2cy and 3cy abbreviations, please. Chris Maack Anchorage On Aug 19, 2009, at 9:32 AM, Ken Stenek wrote: > Thanks to all who sent me many species to look out for. The majority > were for Bristle-thighed Curlew and Upland Sandpiper both would be > awesome species to document here. Jason Rogers sent me a recording > that is just about what I heard of a Bristle-thigh that he recorded > showing loud and clear the tee-oo-weet (Jason's mnemonic that I like > better than the one I presented). > > On further note my family made a dump run last night. There were > quite a few Northern Wheatear, Glaucous Gulls a young Herring Gull > (maybe 2cy or 3cy) and two Slaty-backed Gulls (one subadult and one > adult). I also heard the call of some Eastern Yellow Wagtails and saw > some Lapland Longspurs, Western Sandpipers, Dunlin, Red-necked > Phalarope, Common Raven, and a nostalgic sighting of a juvenile > Pacific Golden Plover. > > 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: Re: [AK Birding] Shishmaref Report From: Chris Maack <cmaack AT gci.net> Date: Wed, 19 Aug 2009 13:51:30 -0700 Ken, can you explain the 2cy and 3cy abbreviations, please. Chris Maack Anchorage On Aug 19, 2009, at 9:32 AM, Ken Stenek wrote: > Thanks to all who sent me many species to look out for. The majority > were for Bristle-thighed Curlew and Upland Sandpiper both would be > awesome species to document here. Jason Rogers sent me a recording > that is just about what I heard of a Bristle-thigh that he recorded > showing loud and clear the tee-oo-weet (Jason's mnemonic that I like > better than the one I presented). > > On further note my family made a dump run last night. There were > quite a few Northern Wheatear, Glaucous Gulls a young Herring Gull > (maybe 2cy or 3cy) and two Slaty-backed Gulls (one subadult and one > adult). I also heard the call of some Eastern Yellow Wagtails and saw > some Lapland Longspurs, Western Sandpipers, Dunlin, Red-necked > Phalarope, Common Raven, and a nostalgic sighting of a juvenile > Pacific Golden Plover. > > Ken Stenek > Shishmaref > > Check out my new "Birds of Shishmaref" page at: > http://shishmaref.bssd.org/birdsofshishmaref/ > > >Subject: Shishmaref Report From: Ken Stenek <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Wed, 19 Aug 2009 08:32:39 -0800 Thanks to all who sent me many species to look out for. The majority were for Bristle-thighed Curlew and Upland Sandpiper both would be awesome species to document here. Jason Rogers sent me a recording that is just about what I heard of a Bristle-thigh that he recorded showing loud and clear the tee-oo-weet (Jason's mnemonic that I like better than the one I presented). On further note my family made a dump run last night. There were quite a few Northern Wheatear, Glaucous Gulls a young Herring Gull (maybe 2cy or 3cy) and two Slaty-backed Gulls (one subadult and one adult). I also heard the call of some Eastern Yellow Wagtails and saw some Lapland Longspurs, Western Sandpipers, Dunlin, Red-necked Phalarope, Common Raven, and a nostalgic sighting of a juvenile Pacific Golden Plover. Ken Stenek Shishmaref Check out my new "Birds of Shishmaref" page at: http://shishmaref.bssd.org/birdsofshishmaref/Subject: Shishmaref Report From: Ken Stenek <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Wed, 19 Aug 2009 08:32:39 -0800 Thanks to all who sent me many species to look out for. The majority were for Bristle-thighed Curlew and Upland Sandpiper both would be awesome species to document here. Jason Rogers sent me a recording that is just about what I heard of a Bristle-thigh that he recorded showing loud and clear the tee-oo-weet (Jason's mnemonic that I like better than the one I presented). On further note my family made a dump run last night. There were quite a few Northern Wheatear, Glaucous Gulls a young Herring Gull (maybe 2cy or 3cy) and two Slaty-backed Gulls (one subadult and one adult). I also heard the call of some Eastern Yellow Wagtails and saw some Lapland Longspurs, Western Sandpipers, Dunlin, Red-necked Phalarope, Common Raven, and a nostalgic sighting of a juvenile Pacific Golden Plover. Ken Stenek Shishmaref Check out my new "Birds of Shishmaref" page at: http://shishmaref.bssd.org/birdsofshishmaref/Subject: RE: Call ID? From: WILLIAM HUBER <greatscottwhatarealtor AT msn.com> Date: Tue, 18 Aug 2009 18:20:24 +0000 Hi Ken, listen to a recorded call of pacific golden plover, your description fits this species vocalization quite nicely. Love your website Scott Huber Forest Ranch, Ca. To: beringia_birders AT yahoogroups.com; AKBirding AT yahoogroups.com From: kstenek AT shh.bssd.org Date: Mon, 17 Aug 2009 17:43:33 -0800 Subject: [AK Birding] Call ID? I heard a call last night that caught my attention because it was simple and memorable. It sounded like when you whistle at someone to get your attention. Three tone higher pitch like fee-uhh-ree (bad with mnemonics). Any guesses that I could check with my electronic guide? 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: Call ID? From: Ken Stenek <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Mon, 17 Aug 2009 17:43:33 -0800 I heard a call last night that caught my attention because it was simple and memorable. It sounded like when you whistle at someone to get your attention. Three tone higher pitch like fee-uhh-ree (bad with mnemonics). Any guesses that I could check with my electronic guide? Ken Stenek Shishmaref Check out my new "Birds of Shishmaref" page at: http://shishmaref.bssd.org/birdsofshishmaref/Subject: Call ID? From: Ken Stenek <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Mon, 17 Aug 2009 17:43:33 -0800 I heard a call last night that caught my attention because it was simple and memorable. It sounded like when you whistle at someone to get your attention. Three tone higher pitch like fee-uhh-ree (bad with mnemonics). Any guesses that I could check with my electronic guide? Ken Stenek Shishmaref Check out my new "Birds of Shishmaref" page at: http://shishmaref.bssd.org/birdsofshishmaref/Subject: Shishmaref Report From: Ken Stenek <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Mon, 17 Aug 2009 02:27:56 -0800 My family took one of our new teachers blue berry picking along the Serpentine River today. Beautiful weather to go boating and picking. Before we even got to the boat, a NORTHERN WHEATEAR flew across our path. That was the first I have seen this year after seeing many last year in the spring. Near the mouth of the river all three of our loons were in force: Yellow-billed, Pacific and Red-throated. Glaucous Gulls and a Mew Gull were flying around as well as Black Scoter and Greater Scaup hens with families swimming around. There were also several Northern Harriers flying along the river's edge. We went in to a creek called "South Fork" after picking some blue berries. There were a few interesting shorebirds along the river that I didn't recognize as well as a few passerines one of which I believe may have been a White Wagtail but couldn't confirm it. It was certainly a lighter-colored belly with a long tail that it was bobbing up and down. What I wouldn't do for another pair of birding eyes. The shorebirds were medium-sized, certainly appeared bigger than golden plovers but smaller than godwits. But didn't get enough eyeball or camera lens to see what it was. The highlight of my day was while taking some silhouetted photos of Northern Harriers a (Taiga) MERLIN flew right in front of us. I immediately though Merlin because of its size and range and after getting some photos, was able to document it. Two new birds for the year, possibly could have had one or two more but great fun regardless. Ken Stenek Shishmaref Check out my new "Birds of Shishmaref" page at: http://shishmaref.bssd.org/birdsofshishmaref/Subject: Shishmaref Report From: Ken Stenek <kstenek AT shh.bssd.org> Date: Fri, 14 Aug 2009 01:03:20 -0800 I took my kids to the east-side beach of the island today and conducted a COASST survey. I found my first Slaty-backed Gull of the year. It appeared to be a 3 year bird. There was also a young Herring Gull that I thought might have been a 2 year bird. Plenty of young Glaucous Gulls as well as adults. About 20 black-legged kittiwakes, some common ravens as well. There were also some sanderlings, dunlin, black turnstones, and red-necked phalaropes too. Ken Stenek Shishmaref Check out my new "Birds of Shishmaref" page at: http://shishmaref.bssd.org/birdsofshishmaref/ |