Birdingonthe.Net Recent Postings from Eagle Chat, Alaska Birding > Home > Mail > Alerts Updated on Friday, November 20 at 10:04 PM ET The most recently received Mail is at the top.	Spectacled Owl,©Shawneen Finnegan

21 Nov Audubon at the Public Market ["p_rose_raven" ] 20 Nov Swamp Sparrow ["Nicholas" ] 20 Nov Haines Hummer ["pamelathr" ] 19 Nov Haines sightings ["pamelathr" ] 18 Nov merlin [Beth Peluso ] 12 Nov Pygmy Owl ["larrythefishguy" ] 10 Nov Help with Haines trip [] 06 Nov Snowy owl at Point Bridget State Park - 11-06-09 [1 Attachment] [Paul Suchanek ] 4 Nov pioneer marsh [Gwen Baluss ] 04 Nov Re: golf course birds [Mark Schwan ] 4 Nov golf course birds [Gwen Baluss ] 29 Oct Fw: Birding Update - Pearlberg (nature writing) [] 29 Oct Admiralty Island this weekend [Beth Peluso ] 29 Oct Admiralty Island this weekend [Beth Peluso ] 21 Oct Release of barred owl Sun Oct 25, 5PM [Pat Bock ] 19 Oct Pioneer Pond AMCO ["andersonmark142" ] 18 Oct Eagle Beach shorebirds [Paul Suchanek ] 16 Oct Black-backed woodpecker @ end of North Douglas Highway [Paul Suchanek ] 14 Oct Auke Lake Eagle [Pat Bock ] 13 Oct Catbird still around [Paul Suchanek ] 13 Oct Catbird in my North Douglas yard [Paul Suchanek ] 13 Oct Auke Lake eagle [Laurie Craig ] 12 Oct Juneau Audubon Special Program Tuesday Evening [Mark Schwan ] 08 Oct airport dike trail 10-noon Thursday [Deanna MacPhail ] 07 Oct First Fall Meeting, Juneau Audubon, Thursday Oct 8 [Mark Schwan ] 06 Oct Too good to miss ["callipygia600" ] 05 Oct Just smile! ["aymanblogger" ] 3 Oct Raptors on Blackerby Ridge today- RLHA and GOEA [2 Attachments] [Gwen Baluss ] 03 Oct wetlands ["Agler, Bev (DFG)" ] 03 Oct Great Crested Flycatcher ["lscottranger" ] 02 Oct Re: Great crested flycatcher still here [] 2 Oct Re: Great crested flycatcher still here [Karla Hart ] 01 Oct dike trail 5 pm [Deanna MacPhail ] 1 Oct Great crested flycatcher still here [Beth Peluso ] 01 Oct RE: Great Crested Flycatcher [2 Attachments] [Doug Jones ] 01 Oct Nick's flycatcher ["jeffreysauer2007" ] 01 Oct Nick's flycatcher ["jeffreysauer2007" ] 30 Sep RE: Great Crested Flycatcher ["Agler, Bev (DFG)" ] 30 Sep Great Crested Flycatcher ["Nicholas" ] 29 Sep Golden eagles - Heintzleman ridge today [Gwen Baluss ] 27 Sep Osprey ["Brad" ] 26 Sep Rough Leg Hawk or Osprey? ["Brad" ] 24 Sep Bird Conservation Alliance Meeting Nov. 12 at U.S. Capitol Visitors Center [Steve Holmer ] 24 Sep Shorebird photo quiz, Gustavus ["spruceak" ] 23 Sep Need ID, Grebe? ["tazman0895" ] 22 Sep still in Juneau and Icy Bay article [Beth Peluso ] 22 Sep still in Juneau and Icy Bay article [Beth Peluso ] 18 Sep waxwings? [] 18 Sep a free beer for the coastal cleanup! [Beth Peluso ] 18 Sep Thurs. mendenhall wetlands [] 17 Sep Coastal Cleanup in Juneau this Saturday! [Beth Peluso ] 17 Sep Thurs. mendenhall wetlands [Deanna MacPhail ] 16 Sep Mendenhall Wetlands [Deanna MacPhail ] 16 Sep Sharp-tailed Sandpiper a MWSGR ["andersonmark142" ] 13 Sep Re:Barred Owl [] 11 Sep Barred Owl ["tazman0895" ] 10 Sep Re: Bird Ruminations [Paul Suchanek ] 10 Sep Bird Ruminations ["bbpaige" ] 09 Sep Sharp-tailed sandpiper at Mendenhall Dike Trail [Paul Suchanek ] 06 Sep Upland sandpiper at Eagle Beach [Paul Suchanek ] 06 Sep Sharp-tailed sandpiper, Gustavus ["bbpaige" ] 04 Sep Cassin's Vireo at Sandy Beach - 9/04 [Paul Suchanek ] 04 Sep Pomarine Jaeger ["tazman0895" ] 02 Sep More buff-breasted sandpipers, Gustavus. ["bbpaige" ] 01 Sep Birds of Paradise DVD [Laurie Craig ] 01 Sep Bar-tailed Godwit, Gustavus ["bbpaige" ] 31 Aug Eagle releases scheduled [Pat Bock ] 31 Aug Pictures of Anna's Hummer? [2 Attachments] [Marlena Mooring ] 30 Aug Hummer [Marlena Mooring ] 29 Aug Upland sandpiper, Gustavus ["bbpaige" ] 28 Aug Eagle Beach shorebirding [Paul Suchanek ] 28 Aug RE: RE: Juneau visit next month [Deanna MacPhail ] 28 Aug RE: Juneau visit next month [Pat Bock ] 26 Aug mystery flycatcher [Matt Goff ] 26 Aug mystery flycatcher [Matt Goff ] 24 Aug Shorebird on trail at Twin Lakes ["callipygia600" ] Subject: Audubon at the Public Market From: "p_rose_raven" <p_rose_raven AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 21 Nov 2009 04:04:34 -0000 Happy turkey day! After the holiday comes the public market at centennial hall. Juneau Audubon needs just a few more volunteers to help out at the public market booth. If you have 2 hours to volunteer on Saturday 11/28 2-4pm or Sunday 11/29 noon-2 or 2 to 4, Please call Brenda at 789-4656. Thank you! Brenda Subject: Swamp Sparrow From: "Nicholas" <upupa_epops200 AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:01:29 -0000 Hey all, Today around 11AM I found a Swamp Sparrow feeding near Switzer Creek off of Alaway Road. If you drive down Alaway Rd. there is an empty lot on your right hand side and in the far right corner of that lot there is a trail that leads to a bridge that crosses Switzer Creek. I saw the bird before the bridge and off the trail on the right side. There is still some visible grass and a little bit of open water. Anyways, I was not able to get pictures right then and had to leave to take a friend to the airport. When I returned at 11:30ish I could not re-find the bird. I also tried around 2:30PM and was not successful. I wouldn't be surprised if it was still there I just didn't connect with it. Email me if you have any other questions. Bird on, Nick Hajdukovich Subject: Haines Hummer From: "pamelathr" <pamrandles AT me.com> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 02:29:47 -0000 The hummingbird that just left Haines was an Anna's subadult. Photos have been uploaded to Mourning Dove album. Subject: Haines sightings From: "pamelathr" <pamrandles AT me.com> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:39:08 -0000 Apologies for the late postings - computer issues. We had several Mourning Doves who spent the late summer and fall in town and up the Highway as far as Klukwan. I will try to figure out how to post the photos. We also had some hummingbirds (Rufous and Anna's) arrive (possibly on a storm) in mid-September. All the others had left by the end of August. The last of these late comers left Nov. 12 (on another storm?). I will post the photos when I get them. Parasitic Jaegers have also been sighted on the Chilkat River. Subject: merlin From: Beth Peluso <bpeluso AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:18:47 -0800 (PST) Sitting in my office by the bridge looking out across the channel I just saw what I think was a merlin fly by on a beeline for downtown. Didn't have time to get out binoculars but it had a smallish falcon shape. Wonder if it's going to look for a pigeon lunch... Beth Peluso Juneau Subject: Pygmy Owl From: "larrythefishguy" <larrythefishguy AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 12 Nov 2009 01:18:20 -0000 Today at my feeder, a Pygmy Owl pounced on some juncos and then flew into my living room window with a thud. I ran to the window and noted a cat was at the owl instantly. I rapped on the window to get the cat's attention and then ran outside. The owl fluttered over near my feet and looked up at me, lying on its side. I thought it was a goner. But then it rose up and flew away. And life, as we know it, goes on. Subject: Help with Haines trip From: doug-jones AT ak.net Date: Tue, 10 Nov 2009 01:51:37 -0000 I'm going to Haines next week and was curious if anyone could help me with places to go birding (other than the obvious eagles)? Also I've heard that the chum run is late (hopefully) so maybe the eagle viewing won't be all that good. Does anyone know if a survey has been done on the eagle numbers this year? Many thanks! Doug Jones www.pbase.com/doug_jones Subject: Snowy owl at Point Bridget State Park - 11-06-09 [1 Attachment] From: Paul Suchanek <paulms AT gci.net> Date: Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:18:34 -0900 This morning, I encountered a duck hunter on the trail out to Point Bridget State Park who excitedly reported seeing a snowy owl. I continued onward and found the bird exactly where he had reported it. It was along the treeline next to the tidal slough which is formed by the creek running past the Cowee Meadows cabin - although way downstream (just before the slough turns away from the trees and runs out into Cowee Creek). It was tucked in under a spruce tree - presumably to avoid the eagles and ravens. There weren't a lot of other birds around (no sparrows or jays) although I did see a sharp-shinned hawk, peregrine falcon, downy woodpecker, and a yellow-billed loon. If you go out looking for this bird beware of possibly road delays at Eagle Beach due to road construction and also that this slough floods out at about 15 to 16 foot tides making for a major detour with the 17+ afternoon tides. Oddly enough, it was completely dry out there the entire day - what a bonus! Subject: pioneer marsh From: Gwen Baluss <gwenbaluss AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 15:06:59 -0800 (PST) Still fairly lively, stopped there casually today and  saw a nice male gadwall, 3 coots, and, weirdly, what I believe were 2 long-billed dowitchers in the water, swimming with the ducks, making a squeeky "keek" call. Subject: Re: golf course birds From: Mark Schwan <aukebay AT gci.net> Date: Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:47:58 -0900 Gwen et al. I hadn't seen any SEOWs this fall until Sunday (I had just returned from being away for a couple of weeks though), but out along the airport dike Debi and I saw at least 5 to 6 owls. Yesterday, Bob Armstrong and I saw about 40 Bohemian Waxwings near the Rotary Pond in the valley; that was our first waxwing encounter for this fall. Mark Schwan ----- Original Message ----- From: Gwen Baluss To: eaglechat eaglechat Sent: Wednesday, November 04, 2009 8:54 AM Subject: [Eaglechat] golf course birds Well either there is a problem with my eaglechat account... or the birding has been as slow for everybody else as it has been for me! The best place I've been lately is the golf course side of the wetlands. Yesterday saw a lively Northern shrike hunting and late-migrant Lincoln's sparrows. Last Thursday evening there was a short-eared owl. (I saw only 2 SEOWtotal this fall -- nothing like the nice groups last year- and didnt hear that many obs from others) Still quite a few snipe blasting out from underfoot out there as well. Subject: golf course birds From: Gwen Baluss <gwenbaluss AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 09:54:09 -0800 (PST) Well either there is a problem with my eaglechat account... or the birding has been as slow for everybody else as it has been for me! The best place I've been lately is the golf course side of the wetlands. Yesterday saw a lively Northern shrike hunting and late-migrant Lincoln's sparrows. Last Thursday evening there was a short-eared owl. (I saw only 2 SEOWtotal this fall -- nothing like the nice groups last year- and didnt hear that many obs from others)  Still quite a few snipe blasting out from underfoot out there as well. Subject: Fw: Birding Update - Pearlberg (nature writing) From: deborah_rudis AT fws.gov Date: Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:30:10 -0800 Thought that you would all enjoy this! -Deb Rudis They're evening grosbeaks not bobolinks. Could it be the siskins are becoming yellower? I think they are. A tree swallow's flight: sheer elegance. "Separate Liquid Notes." Sanderlings spring inexplicably to mind. MacGillivray's song simply undulates upward. Yesterday's shy black and orange: Bullock's Oriole? Baltimore? The book says they hybridize. But now I think it might have been a black-headed grosbeak. Who was MacGillivray? - Pearlberg Subject: Admiralty Island this weekend From: Beth Peluso <bpeluso AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:08:12 -0700 (PDT) Spent the weekend at the Oliver's Inlet cabin on Admiralty. I heard one varied thrush still singing--I wonder if he knows how late it is? Also saw 3 swans, one of which was calling so we could tell it was a trumpeter. Lots of common mergansers in groups of up to 10, Canada geese, mallards. About a dozen buffleheads, about the same of surf scoters, a couple magpies, and one common loon calling from high overhead, which I've never experienced before. Also lots of winter wrens. Didn't see any bears, although definitely still signs they're around. Beth Peluso Juneau Subject: Admiralty Island this weekend From: Beth Peluso <bpeluso AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:08:12 -0700 (PDT) Spent the weekend at the Oliver's Inlet cabin on Admiralty. I heard one varied thrush still singing--I wonder if he knows how late it is? Also saw 3 swans, one of which was calling so we could tell it was a trumpeter. Lots of common mergansers in groups of up to 10, Canada geese, mallards. About a dozen buffleheads, about the same of surf scoters, a couple magpies, and one common loon calling from high overhead, which I've never experienced before. Also lots of winter wrens. Didn't see any bears, although definitely still signs they're around. Beth Peluso Juneau Subject: Release of barred owl Sun Oct 25, 5PM From: Pat Bock <pbkritters AT hotmail.com> Date: Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:04:50 -0800 Weather permitting, the Juneau Raptor Center will release a barred owl - Henry - on Sunday, October 25, 5PM, Thane Ore House. Please note that parking is limited so park safely. questions? pat, 364-3389 Subject: Pioneer Pond AMCO From: "andersonmark142" <andersonmark1 AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 19 Oct 2009 21:12:23 -0000 We saw 5 American Coots and a pair of Gadwalls along with some Mallards at Pioneer Pond. We also had two GB Herons chasing each other vigorously in the air and then landing together in a nearby spruce. Subject: Eagle Beach shorebirds From: Paul Suchanek <paulms AT gci.net> Date: Sun, 18 Oct 2009 17:13:35 -0800 Eagle Beach has been packed with shorebirds the last couple days at low tide. Today (10/18) there was a flock of 3,000 to 4,000 shorebirds which were primarily surfbirds and a few hundred black turnstones, ~50 rock sandpipers, and 10 dunlin. After a bit of searching, we also picked out a RED KNOT, possibly the latest record ever for Alaska (Gustavus?). There also were 3 long-billed dowitchers today and yesterday there were 2 black-bellied plovers on the Scout Camp side. Along the beach, we found 2 orange-crowned warblers along with some juncos and a few tree sparrows. Subject: Black-backed woodpecker @ end of North Douglas Highway From: Paul Suchanek <paulms AT gci.net> Date: Fri, 16 Oct 2009 07:22:42 -0800 Yesterday morning (10/15), there was a black-backed woodpecker just past the bridge (over Outer Pt. creek) on the boardwalk extending from the very end of the North Douglas highway. About a week earlier, a black-backed was also photographed in the Point Louisa area. This species is extremely scarce in Southeast Alaska. On the North Douglas boardwalk yesterday, I also heard several flocks of white-winged crossbills and one flock of red crossbills - the first crossbills for me in a long time. I also heard a pine grosbeak, hairy woodpecker, siskins, and a red-breasted nuthatch. Siskins were also present later at Sandy beach along with an orange-crowned warbler, some yellow-rumped warblers, and a very late Swainson's thrush. Migrant tree sparrows seem to be found just about anywhere there is good habitat for them. The catbird has not been seen since the first day of sightings - a classic one day wonder. Subject: Auke Lake Eagle From: Pat Bock <pbkritters AT hotmail.com> Date: Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:10:50 -0800 Laurie Craig asked that the Juneau Raptor Center send a note about this eagle that was found dead on the Auke Lake trail on Monday, October 12, 2009. The Juneau Raptor Center received a page about this bird close to sunset on Mon Oct 12. Too late to go out. 8:30AM on Tues Oct 13 Sandy Colon and myself (both Juneau Raptor Center members) walked in and found the bird. Our exam revealed a bird that was not skinny, had a little bit of moss in its talons, no obvious blood found, no evidence of wounds (gunshot, etc.), feathers in good condition, ears appeared normal. Laurie: Hope this is ok. Pat Bock 364-3389 Subject: Catbird still around From: Paul Suchanek <paulms AT gci.net> Date: Tue, 13 Oct 2009 18:09:47 -0800 I was able to entice the catbird to hang around the yard with some grape sections and mountain ash berries. If you perhaps are interested in trying to see the bird tomorrow morning - give me a call at 463-4891. Paul Subject: Catbird in my North Douglas yard From: Paul Suchanek <paulms AT gci.net> Date: Tue, 13 Oct 2009 14:43:35 -0800 About 30 minutes ago, I watched a catbird slink through my back yard. It never showed itself very well so I was unable to see the rusty undertail coverts but it was a gray bird of the right size with a black cap and long tail. I'm quite familiar with this species as I saw 5 to 10 only about 2 to 3 weeks ago in Minnesota. I will let you know if I see it again, but it normally isn't interested much in bird seed so it probably won't hang around. Subject: Auke Lake eagle From: Laurie Craig <lauriecraig AT gci.net> Date: Tue, 13 Oct 2009 09:42:56 -0800 Greetings, birders, The sky over Auke Lake is emptier today. A beautiful adult eagle was found dead along the edge of the new trail on the east side of the lake. It appeared to have struggled up the bank from the lake and made it just to the side of the gravel trail. I have never found a dead eagle before. It is an incredibly sad moment to discover such a magnificent bird in nearly perfect condition lying lifeless at one's feet. We seem to see these great birds only at a distance. Even far away and as common as they are in Juneau, they are majestic. It is amazing to see one close up. I assume this is one of the pair of eagles that nest across the street from my house because the bird was so close to the nest and to the resident birds' favorite perching and fishing areas. I have listened to the pair call to each other over the years and heard the whiny tone of their eaglets in summer. Although I did not know these eagles as well as I know the special pair at the airport, this death feels like a personal loss. Laurie Craig DSCN0874.JPG Subject: Juneau Audubon Special Program Tuesday Evening From: Mark Schwan <aukebay AT gci.net> Date: Mon, 12 Oct 2009 16:05:41 -0800 Hello Juneau Eaglechat: Juneau Audubon Society is sponsoring a special presentation tomorrow night, Tuesday, October 13, 7 PM, on the UAS campus, in the Egan Bldg, Room 221/222, known as the Glacier View Room. This is the normal meeting place for the Juneau Audubon meetings. Lisa Matlock, from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Homer Office, has offered to do this presentation for us and it would be nice to support her and come and learn about a part of the state that many of us have never had an opportunity to visit. Below is the meeting announcement we put in our most recent newsletter concerning her talk. The Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge is celebrating 100 years of conserving Alaska's marine birds this year. In 1909 President Teddy Roosevelt set aside 50 "federal bird reservations" which were the beginning of the National Wildlife Refuge System. Five island groups within the Alaska Maritime NWR and part of the Yukon Delta NWR were some of these first refuges. How did President Roosevelt learn about these wild Alaska places and their native birds 100 years ago? The answer to this question parallels the historical beginnings of the Audubon Society itself. Please come and join Lisa Matlock, Education Specialist for the Alaska Maritime NWR, on Tuesday October 13 at 7pm in UAS Egan Room 221/222 to learn more. I'm looking forward to the program and hope to see you there. Mark Schwan Juneau Audubon Subject: airport dike trail 10-noon Thursday From: Deanna MacPhail <bandmac AT gci.net> Date: Thu, 08 Oct 2009 16:20:15 -0800 It seems as though many birds have headed south. Did not see or hear the Am. Tree Sparrows today. All numbers of birds seen were low. Golden-crowned Kinglets are present in good numbers. One Ruby-crowned showed itself, near the end of the dike trail. Nearby, one Varied Thrush. One Song Sparrow posed for photos before disappearing into the tall grass at end of trail. One White-crowned Sparrow ran, did not fly, across my path. Mallards, Gt. Scaup, two Bufflehead, misc. eagles and ravens. And it was a beautiful morning for a walk. Deanna Mac Phail Subject: First Fall Meeting, Juneau Audubon, Thursday Oct 8 From: Mark Schwan <aukebay AT gci.net> Date: Wed, 07 Oct 2009 13:47:46 -0800 Hello Juneau Eaglechat; tomorrow evening, Thursday, October 8th, Juneau Audubon will have its first meeting of the fall. This will comprise a short business meeting and election of officers and then we will have a group slide show. You don't need to be a member of Audubon to participate (except for the election) and all are welcome. We will provide light refreshments. We will be meeting at the UAS campus, in the Egan building Room 108, at 7pm. Please note that this in not our normal meeting place. We couldn't get the glacier view room, so we will be downstairs, lower level. We won't have as much space as usual but generally, our meeting for elections and the slide show seems to draw a small audience. So, please think about coming and sharing a few images that you think might be of interest/fun/humorous/mysterious . . .for the group. We will have a laptop computer and digital LCD projector. We are asking for folks to bring around 10 images, but we won't get the hook if anybody goes over. It seems that many folks don't bring slides, so a few people having more is just fine. People will need to bring their images on either a CD or a USB memory device. We will also have a traditional slide projector on hand. I don't believe anyone used it last year, but if someone is digging into their archives, we need to be ready! Thanks, and hope to see you there. Mark Schwan Juneau Audubon P.S. We will be sponsoring a special presentation by Lisa Matlock from Fish and Wildlife on the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge system. This is next Tuesday, October 13 at UAS in our usual room (221/222) at 7pm. I will post another email to Eaglechat on this next Monday, but if you start hearing announcements about that meeting, don't get confused over which meeting is what and when etc. We generally don't have meetings or presentations as close together as this. Thanks. Subject: Too good to miss From: "callipygia600" <callipygia600 AT aol.com> Date: Tue, 06 Oct 2009 15:38:07 -0000 A friend sent me this picture and article - marvellous bird story. http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_13452818 Subject: Just smile! From: "aymanblogger" <aymanmo60 AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 05 Oct 2009 12:26:17 -0000 Hi All, Just smile! If you can't stop laughing don't see this video. Click Here to See Funny Parrot speech Have all fun! yours, Ayman Subject: Raptors on Blackerby Ridge today- RLHA and GOEA [2 Attachments] From: Gwen Baluss <gwenbaluss AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 3 Oct 2009 22:06:00 -0700 (PDT) Virtually no small birds, but still good hawkwatching in the alpine. 3 nice Rough-legged Hawks, light phase.  Hunting in an interesting manner, lots of trips to short trees or rocks, or even the ground, then going back up to the ridge and occasionally pulling off a sortof clumsy, slow-winged, hover. They were harassed by a Merlin and a N. Harrier.  Then I saw another young Golden Eagle. Managed a couple pics this time. Later, over Cairn peak there were two more distant large hawks, probably and adult GOEA and a dark buteo that could have been a Harlan's hawk. Subject: wetlands From: "Agler, Bev (DFG)" <bev.agler AT alaska.gov> Date: Sat, 03 Oct 2009 16:09:39 -0800 Hi all, there was a northern shrike near the parking lot this afternoon. Bev. Bev Agler Thermal Mark Lab Supervisor Mark, Tag, and Age Lab Alaska Department of Fish and Game 10107 Bentwood Place Juneau, Alaska 99801 (907) 465-3498 (907) 465-2765 fax PLEASE NOTE NEW EMAIL bev.agler AT alaska.gov ><((((º>`·..·`·..·`·...><((((º>...·`·..·`·...><((((º>.·`·..·`·...><((((º>.·` >·..·`·...><((((º>·.. ><((((º> >·`·..·`·...·..·`><((((º>.·`·..·`·...><((((º>.·`·..·`·...><((((º>..·`·..·`·.. >.><((((º>·.. ·`·..·`·....·`·..·`·...><((((º> Subject: Great Crested Flycatcher From: "lscottranger" <scottranger AT comcast.net> Date: Sat, 03 Oct 2009 23:57:00 -0000 Still at UAS student housing in the area of buildings A, B and C and the covered pavilion at 3 pm 10/3. I followed it around for 45 minutes and got to hear it call as well as do its flycatcher thing. It landed in two red osier dogwood bushes, but I never saw it eat any fruit. Scott Subject: Re: Great crested flycatcher still here From: mnaklamm AT gci.net Date: Fri, 02 Oct 2009 20:05:23 -0800 (AKDT) I second Karla's thanks. Thanks everyone for posting updates. I saw the flycatcher today about 4:45pm. Laurie L. On Fri, Oct 2, 2009 at 5:00 PM , Karla Hart wrote: How easy! Less than five minutes of leaning against the dumpster building facing building a apartment 2 entrance and the flycatcher appeared at 4:55pm. Still berries on the bush. Thanks all. > Subject: Re: Great crested flycatcher still here From: Karla Hart <khart AT gci.net> Date: Fri, 2 Oct 2009 17:00:28 -0800 How easy! Less than five minutes of leaning against the dumpster building facing building a apartment 2 entrance and the flycatcher appeared at 4:55pm. Still berries on the bush. Thanks all. > Subject: dike trail 5 pm From: Deanna MacPhail <bandmac AT gci.net> Date: Thu, 01 Oct 2009 23:36:36 -0800 Watched a juv. Northern Goshawk work two GW Teal & one Mallard in the small ditch on the inside of the dike. The ducks stayed in the water, spinning nervously, while the goshawk flew low over them, from one side of the ditch to the other. Multiple times. Initially I thought one or more of the ducks might be injured. But with the bombastic arrival of a black lab, all ducks flew away and the goshawk disappeared into the shrubbery. I won't begin to describe the extent of inner turmoil regarding the behavior of the dog owner. I was simply too annoyed to speak civilly, so didn't say anything. A weakness on my part. I saw at least another dozen dogs and owners behaving well. The irony that the lab saved one of the ducks, which would likely have been the goshawks dinner, didn't escape me. But goshawks have to eat, too. deanna Subject: Great crested flycatcher still here From: Beth Peluso <bpeluso AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 1 Oct 2009 10:45:20 -0700 (PDT) Went out to the university this morning--about 8:30 and again about 10 minutes later we saw the bird apparently in the same clump of bushes it was in yesterday (according to Jeff Sauer and Gwen Baluss; Bob Armstrong was also there this morning). If I had to guess, I'd say the bush was red osier dogwood with its clumps of white berries, but I wasn't really paying attention to the foliage except when it was blocking the flycatcher. The bird flew in with a flourish and grabbed a few berries, but then managed to fly away on the sly. We didn't see it until it zipped in again, possibly from the willows where Gwen said she saw it yesterday. It did a great "flycatch" to grab a berry instead of perching next to the fruit. A beautiful bird--really rich yellow on the belly. Beth Peluso Juneau Subject: RE: Great Crested Flycatcher [2 Attachments] From: Doug Jones <doug-jones AT ak.net> Date: Thu, 01 Oct 2009 11:26:03 -0800 Nick, thanks so much for posting this on Eaglechat so early! I just got back from UAS housing and got a couple decent photos (attached). These were taken about 11am this morning, few minutes ago. Amazing bird! Thanks again, Doug Jones E-mail message checked by Spyware Doctor (6.1.0.447) Database version: 6.13380 http://www.pctools.com/en/spyware-doctor-antivirus/ Subject: Nick's flycatcher From: "jeffreysauer2007" <Jeffreysauer AT hotmail.com> Date: Thu, 01 Oct 2009 17:40:36 -0000 Thur 10-01 8:40am the bird is still there Subject: Nick's flycatcher From: "jeffreysauer2007" <Jeffreysauer AT hotmail.com> Date: Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:23:40 -0000 Still there at 4:20 pm wed. sept 30. Jeff Sauer Subject: RE: Great Crested Flycatcher From: "Agler, Bev (DFG)" <bev.agler AT alaska.gov> Date: Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:34:15 -0800 Hi all, so the bird was re-found this morning by Nick. Then several folks were out around 9-10, but no luck. I believe playing a tape was tried, but no response. At around 10:50, James Levinson of Fairbanks and Deanna MacPhail relocated the bird. I just saw it around 11:10, so... It wasn't spending much time at the berry bush. Just grabbing something (berry or insect) then going back around building A. So it's still around. Good luck. FYI All 3 Great Crested Flycatcher records have occurred on 29 September! 9/29/90 -- Middleton Island, north Gulf of Alaska 9/29/94 - Triangle Island, off the extreme northwest tip of Vancouver Island, B.C. 9/29/09 - Auke Bay, north of Juneau, Alaska PS Apparently, there are still NO records for Oregon, Washington, or the Yukon ... Bev Agler Thermal Mark Lab Supervisor (907) 465-3498 ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·...¸><((((º> ¸¸..·´¯`·..¸><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·...¸><((((º> ________________________________ From: Eaglechat AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:Eaglechat AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Nicholas Sent: Tuesday, September 29, 2009 9:08 PM To: Eaglechat AT yahoogroups.com Subject: [Eaglechat] Great Crested Flycatcher Hey all, Today I found an interesting flycatcher at the UAS housing near Auk Bay/Auk Lake. With the help of Gus Van Vliet we came to the conclusion that it was a Great Crested Flycatcher. This would represent the second record for this species in the state. If anyone needs anymore information about it, please email me and I can give you my phone number and keep you updated. I will be up bright and early tomorrow morning to see if it is still around. I'll try to put a picture of it in a photo album. It was observed from 5:15PM till about 6:45PM and was in the same place until it was too dark to really see it. Bird on, Nick Hajdukovich Subject: Great Crested Flycatcher From: "Nicholas" <upupa_epops200 AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 30 Sep 2009 05:08:29 -0000 Hey all, Today I found an interesting flycatcher at the UAS housing near Auk Bay/Auk Lake. With the help of Gus Van Vliet we came to the conclusion that it was a Great Crested Flycatcher. This would represent the second record for this species in the state. If anyone needs anymore information about it, please email me and I can give you my phone number and keep you updated. I will be up bright and early tomorrow morning to see if it is still around. I'll try to put a picture of it in a photo album. It was observed from 5:15PM till about 6:45PM and was in the same place until it was too dark to really see it. Bird on, Nick Hajdukovich Subject: Golden eagles - Heintzleman ridge today From: Gwen Baluss <gwenbaluss AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 29 Sep 2009 18:28:21 -0700 (PDT) This morning I saw a hatch-year GOEA perched on a spire of the "knife edge" that you reach if you head on the route to the right just after hitting tree line.  It looked sleepy like it might have roosted there, and was making an incessant chirping noise that sounded a lot like a young chicken in distress. It then flew right over my head and was joined by a second young GOEA. Both dipped right down below me, very close, and hit a thermal up. At least one of them was still in the vicinity when I returned from hiking out the ridge several hours later.  Subject: Osprey From: "Brad" <bjf AT gci.net> Date: Sun, 27 Sep 2009 02:02:16 -0000 Walt Chapman while fly fishing this afternoon saw an Osprey diving into the Channel. Walt was between 9 mile Creek and Bayview and the time was about 2:00PM. Subject: Rough Leg Hawk or Osprey? From: "Brad" <bjf AT gci.net> Date: Sat, 26 Sep 2009 02:11:37 -0000 Interesting bird flying over the beach and channel this afternoon. this is the second time I have seen this bird and have looked in both Sibley and Stokes bird guides. I am guessing Rough Leg because of size and bottom of the wings. But the head is not convincing. Very white top and bottom with a strong black band over the eye. The back is dark and the wings have the strong black wrist markings of the hawk. If anyone else has this this bird and could verify it would be wonderful. Subject: Bird Conservation Alliance Meeting Nov. 12 at U.S. Capitol Visitors Center From: Steve Holmer <sholmer AT abcbirds.org> Date: Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:44:08 -0700 To: All Bird Lovers and Bird Conservation Activists From: Steve Holmer, Director, Bird Conservation Alliance Date: September 24, 2009 Bird Conservation Alliance Meeting November 12th, 2009 9:30 am to 5:00 pm At the U.S. Capitol Visitors Center The Bird Conservation Alliance Meeting will be November 12 and located at the new Capitol Visitors Center, in the U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. The Bird Conservation Alliance is a network of 195 organizations working together to conserve wild birds. The theme of this meeting is "Reversing the Decline of Neotropical Migratory Bird Species and Protecting Their Habitats." To register visit: http://www.abcbirds.org/membership/BCA_1109_reg.html The meeting will feature several keynotes; Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson have been invited to speak as have congressional champions Sen. Ben Cardin, and Representatives Ron Kind and Frank Kratovil. We are working on arranging a private tour of the Capitol following the meeting for BCA members. Panels include "Strategies to Address the Decline of Neotropical Migrant Species", "Reducing Threats to Migratory Birds", "Legislative and Administration Opportunities to Conserve Migratory Birds", and "Joint Ventures and other Partnerships Benefiting Migratory Birds." Each panel will be followed by questions and discussion. For more information, please contact Steve Holmer, sholmer AT abcbirds.org, 202/234-7181 and to register visit: http://www.abcbirds.org/membership/BCA_1109_reg.html Steve Holmer Director of the Bird Conservation Alliance & Senior Policy Advisor American Bird Conservancy 202/234-7181 ext. 216 sholmer AT abcbirds.org www.birdconservationalliance.org www.abcbirds.org The Bird Conservation Alliance (BCA) is a network of organizations working together to conserve wild birds. BCA is facilitated by American Bird Conservancy which conserves native wild birds and their habitats throughout the Americas. [cid:image001.jpg AT 01CA3D1D.1743B6A0] Subject: Shorebird photo quiz, Gustavus From: "spruceak" <spruceak AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 24 Sep 2009 02:40:15 -0000 On a rainy day, stay warm and check out the mixed shorebird flock that was at Gustavus two days ago, on the photo page. Do you know them all? Subject: Need ID, Grebe? From: "tazman0895" <tazmans AT gci.net> Date: Wed, 23 Sep 2009 04:37:58 -0000 Dark and rainy today but I tried my best to get an ID on this bird. I believe it to be in the grebe family but I can't find it in my book. Any help? There were two of these and every time I tried to get closer they would dive. Very poor photo but enough to ID? These were at Rocky island in Icy Straights. Thanks in advance. Ron http://sealaskaphotographicsociety.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=607 Subject: still in Juneau and Icy Bay article From: Beth Peluso <bpeluso AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 22 Sep 2009 17:14:35 -0700 (PDT) Driving past the Mendenhall Wetlands today I saw what I think was a sharp-shinned hawk sitting on a lightpost--just caught a glimpse of rusty red belly at 60mph. Closer to downtown on the shore by the Fish and Game headquarters building by the bridge there were a handful of Savannah sparrows and at least one or two pipits (mostly heard and seen flying, no good looks) hanging out with mew gulls. Last week on our one sunny day I hiked up to Gold Ridge. There were 2 sooty grouse clucking to each other under the tram tower. Further up were 3 ptarmigan that seemed small, so possibly young of the year. I'm not sure if they were rock or willow, I'll have to see if any of my photos are good enough for identification. They were also clucking to each other as they walked along the path or ducked into the brush on either side. Quiet up at the ridge, except for one adult pipit with a beakful of bugs. Seems late to still be feeding fledges! Also, I'm not sure what the protocol for this is or if anyone is interested, but I just finished an article for Alaska Fish and Wildlife News (the ADF&G online magazine) about volunteering for a week on a Kittlitz's Murrelet research project in Icy Bay just north of Yakutat. http://www.wildlifenews.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=wildlife_news.view_article&articles_id=439 Beth Peluso Juneau [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: still in Juneau and Icy Bay article From: Beth Peluso <bpeluso AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 22 Sep 2009 17:14:35 -0700 (PDT) Driving past the Mendenhall Wetlands today I saw what I think was a sharp-shinned hawk sitting on a lightpost--just caught a glimpse of rusty red belly at 60mph. Closer to downtown on the shore by the Fish and Game headquarters building by the bridge there were a handful of Savannah sparrows and at least one or two pipits (mostly heard and seen flying, no good looks) hanging out with mew gulls. Last week on our one sunny day I hiked up to Gold Ridge. There were 2 sooty grouse clucking to each other under the tram tower. Further up were 3 ptarmigan that seemed small, so possibly young of the year. I'm not sure if they were rock or willow, I'll have to see if any of my photos are good enough for identification. They were also clucking to each other as they walked along the path or ducked into the brush on either side. Quiet up at the ridge, except for one adult pipit with a beakful of bugs. Seems late to still be feeding fledges! Also, I'm not sure what the protocol for this is or if anyone is interested, but I just finished an article for Alaska Fish and Wildlife News (the ADF&G online magazine) about volunteering for a week on a Kittlitz's Murrelet research project in Icy Bay just north of Yakutat. http://www.wildlifenews.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=wildlife_news.view_article&articles_id=439 Beth Peluso Juneau Subject: waxwings? From: deborah_rudis AT fws.gov Date: Fri, 18 Sep 2009 16:44:38 -0800 I am trying to tell from quite a distance (from my office window in Vintage Park), but I am pretty sure I am seeing a flock of 8+ waxwings in the tall spruce trees behind Safeway. Will try and check id after I leave the office tonight! -Deb Rudis Juneau Subject: a free beer for the coastal cleanup! From: Beth Peluso <bpeluso AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 18 Sep 2009 12:23:59 -0700 (PDT) Septermber 19 9:00 am-Noon Echo Cove parking lot As an added incentive to encourage you to help clean up our much-loved coastline, Alaska brewery is offering one free beer to volunteers who turn in their coastal cleanup data sheet at the Juneau Arts and Humanities Council building (the old Armory)! There will be a fall festival there with craft booths there, so you can meander as you sip your well-earned beverage. So come join Juneau Audubon as we clean up at Echo Cove! If you have questions about carpooling, please contact me at this email. Beth Peluso Subject: Thurs. mendenhall wetlands From: deborah_rudis AT fws.gov Date: Fri, 18 Sep 2009 09:50:26 -0800 And in the neighborhood nearby the wetlands, one of the Eurasian collared doves made an appearance on Radcliffe Rd about 6:30 last night (9/17). Wonder if they (assuming that there are >1) will stick around for the winter? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Deborah Rudis Juneau, Alaska Subject: Coastal Cleanup in Juneau this Saturday! From: Beth Peluso <bpeluso AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:05:29 -0700 (PDT) 9:00am Saturday, September 19  This Saturday is International Coastal Cleanup Day! Last year this event boasted 400,000 volounteers worldwide. Join Juneau Audubon in doing our part locally to keep our coast clean. We'll meet at Echo Cove at the end of the road at 9:00am and the cleanup goes until noon. We'll provide bags and Juneau Watershed Partnership will coordinate hauling away what we collect. Hope to see you there!  Beth Peluso Juneau Subject: Thurs. mendenhall wetlands From: Deanna MacPhail <bandmac AT gci.net> Date: Thu, 17 Sep 2009 13:32:48 -0800 2nd day of hunting season - the dike trail was well used this morning: walkers, dog walkers, duck hunters, mushroom gatherers, the occasional itinerant birder. Three juv. Northern Harriers appeared unsuccessful in dislodging the lingering flock of Lapland Longspurs. Or perhaps another flock. Humpbacked dowagers, or Long-billed Dowitchers if you will, were in the majority at Phalarope Slough, along with three Pectorals & one Stilt Sandpiper. Belted Kingfisher, Golden-crowned Kinglets, Song & Savannah Sparrows. Gt. Yellow-legs called from somewhere out of sight. The more prudent waterfowl have moved to the inside ponds; Mallards, GW Teal & Am. Wigeon. Bald Eagles, Common Ravens, one quick pass by a Merlin. Deanna Mac Phail Subject: Mendenhall Wetlands From: Deanna MacPhail <bandmac AT gci.net> Date: Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:40:18 -0800 1st day of hunting season - and an absolutely enjoyable day birding with Bob & Sally Sundstrom, in town off a cruise ship. Once I got over the idea of taking a professional bird guide on a tour of Juneau birding spots, I had a fine day! Best sighting - a flock of 200+ Lapland Longspurs on the wetlands. Also saw a couple of Am. Pipits and Bob heard a Horned Lark. Nothing else remarkable, Savannah Sparrow, Bald Eagles, Ravens. Didn't have time for the walk to Phalarope Slough. Glacier visitor center was over-run with visitors but short on birds. Two Yellow-rumped Warblers. Summer may be just about over.. Deanna Mac Phail Subject: Sharp-tailed Sandpiper a MWSGR From: "andersonmark142" <andersonmark1 AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 16 Sep 2009 23:18:33 -0000 Yesterday there was a juvenile Sharp-tailed Sandpiper at Phalarope Slough on the MWSGR Dike trail. I got a couple ok photos, if anyone is interested. There were also quite a few dowitchers, Greater Yellowlegs and a Pectoral and Western Sandpiper. A merlin was harassing the shorebirds. We also saw at least 6 Rusty Blackbirds hanging out in the willow near the Gazebo. Subject: Re:Barred Owl From: juneauart AT aol.com Date: Sun, 13 Sep 2009 00:04:11 EDT Yep...that's a Barred Owl, and a pretty one at that! Kathy Benner Subject: Barred Owl From: "tazman0895" <tazmans AT gci.net> Date: Fri, 11 Sep 2009 19:24:57 -0000 I found and photographed what I believe is a barred owl today at the north end of Douglas Highway on the trail that continues onto the beach. This shot is from the little bridge that goes over the little stream just as you enter the woods. The only reason I saw it is that I was shooting a landscape of the stream and this owl was chasing a little bird. It flew right by me then gave up the chase and landed. Poor photo as that it was pretty dim in there. Thanks for looking. Cheers Ron http://sealaskaphotographicsociety.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=600 Subject: Re: Bird Ruminations From: Paul Suchanek <paulms AT gci.net> Date: Thu, 10 Sep 2009 19:55:39 -0800 Just a couple of impressions for Juneau. Crows numbers seem about normal here (i.e. abundant) but I think that local populations of great blue herons, kingfishers, and winter wrens (and brown creepers) are down here - presumably due to the last couple of tough winters. Song sparrows seem to be doing OK. Crossbills and siskins are very scarce, but these species often are boom or bust here. Nuthatches are typically scarce here also but I think jay numbers seem a bit off - perhaps again due to the recent snowy, cold winters. A quick plug here: Although these mailing lists normally just discuss rarities, a great way to actually document changes in numbers of more common birds is for birders to enter their sightings into eBird from their daily walk in the park, on the beach, birding trip, or just looking out their window. For the Juneau area, there are now enough data in eBird for 2008 and 2009 for the interested observer to actually look at the differences between years in relative abundance for a number of species. ----- Original Message ----- From: bbpaige To: Eaglechat AT yahoogroups.com Sent: Thursday, September 10, 2009 1:44 PM Subject: [Eaglechat] Bird Ruminations It's raining and blowing today, I've gotten wet once already birding, so I thought I'd jot down a few Gustavus bird thoughts and see how they resonate on a more regional basis. The status of certain bird species appear a bit off-center, based on this past month's observations. Northwestern Crow- I can't remember ever going a full month around the Gustavus Foreland without seeing or hearing a crow in August. There are multiple colonies in the area, they usually are flocking up about now and are foraging around the golf course, beaches, and are being their obvious, mischievous selves. What would explain their near total absence? There have been flocks noted in Glacier Bay and a huge one of about 500 crows on the Porpoise Islands recently, but none at Gustavus, where there are berries, fish carcasses, spawning salmon, beach goodies, refuse, bird feeders, and all kinds of food right now. Are the numbers indeed down, or have they moved elsewhere for the moment (and if so why this year and not any other)? Common ravens, on the other hand, seem distributed normally. Some other species around Gustavus seem to be scarce, notably great blue herons, belted kingfishers, winter wrens, and song sparrows. Have the last three long, cold, wet winters taken a toll on them, is there some other reason, or are they in usual concentrations elsewhere in SE? Lastly, Stellar's Jays, red-breasted nuthatches, and the cyclical finches (like siskins and crossbills) seem at a very low ebb at Gustavus. Is this also true elsewhere in SE? Subject: Bird Ruminations From: "bbpaige" <spruceak AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 10 Sep 2009 21:44:24 -0000 It's raining and blowing today, I've gotten wet once already birding, so I thought I'd jot down a few Gustavus bird thoughts and see how they resonate on a more regional basis. The status of certain bird species appear a bit off-center, based on this past month's observations. Northwestern Crow- I can't remember ever going a full month around the Gustavus Foreland without seeing or hearing a crow in August. There are multiple colonies in the area, they usually are flocking up about now and are foraging around the golf course, beaches, and are being their obvious, mischievous selves. What would explain their near total absence? There have been flocks noted in Glacier Bay and a huge one of about 500 crows on the Porpoise Islands recently, but none at Gustavus, where there are berries, fish carcasses, spawning salmon, beach goodies, refuse, bird feeders, and all kinds of food right now. Are the numbers indeed down, or have they moved elsewhere for the moment (and if so why this year and not any other)? Common ravens, on the other hand, seem distributed normally. Some other species around Gustavus seem to be scarce, notably great blue herons, belted kingfishers, winter wrens, and song sparrows. Have the last three long, cold, wet winters taken a toll on them, is there some other reason, or are they in usual concentrations elsewhere in SE? Lastly, Stellar's Jays, red-breasted nuthatches, and the cyclical finches (like siskins and crossbills) seem at a very low ebb at Gustavus. Is this also true elsewhere in SE? Subject: Sharp-tailed sandpiper at Mendenhall Dike Trail From: Paul Suchanek <paulms AT gci.net> Date: Wed, 09 Sep 2009 18:31:27 -0800 There was a juvenile sharp-tailed sandpiper along the dike trail near the Gazebo this afternoon. It and the other shorebirds in the area were forced out by the high tide at 4:30 PM but presumably will move back after the tide recedes. There also was a juvenile stilt sandpiper at Phalarope Slough with some long-billed dowitchers. I also saw an empidonax flycatcher along the dike perching in the fireweed which I thought was probably an Alder/Willow type. Out on the mud flats, I also saw an adult ring-billed gull (presumably the same one reported by Steve Zimmerman a while back). The number of shorebirds out there on the mudflats was low - all I saw were some least sandpipers and a greater yellowlegs. Subject: Upland sandpiper at Eagle Beach From: Paul Suchanek <paulms AT gci.net> Date: Sun, 06 Sep 2009 19:30:53 -0800 Today (9/06), there was an upland sandpiper on the mudflats along the Scout Camp side of Eagle Beach. It also flew around the entire area calling for quite some time. Also saw 4 sanderlings and a few raptors. Yesterday up above the tram, there were large numbers of sharp-shinned hawks and harriers migrating by along with a few other species of raptors. Subject: Sharp-tailed sandpiper, Gustavus From: "bbpaige" <spruceak AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 06 Sep 2009 21:37:38 -0000 There was a very cooperative juv. sharp-tailed sandpiper along the Salmon River below the bridge this morning. This mostly Asian shorebird is usually very secretive and stays close to cover, but this one hadn't read the manuals and walked within 20 feet of me. Also, there was a buff-breasted and 7 Baird's sandpipers near the dock. I have pics of the sharp-tailed should anyone wish to see them. Subject: Cassin's Vireo at Sandy Beach - 9/04 From: Paul Suchanek <paulms AT gci.net> Date: Fri, 04 Sep 2009 13:17:24 -0800 This morning there was a Cassin's vireo in a flock of mostly townsend's warblers and ruby-crowned kinglets at Sandy Beach in Douglas. The flock was located just past a small concrete building on your left as you walk down the main trail. Besides this flock (and some robins nearby), there were few other birds around. Although this species has recently been about annual here in the late spring, this is one of very few "fall" records. I also heard that Rich Gordon saw a sharp-tailed sandpiper today on the mudflats out toward the mouth of the Mendenhall River. Subject: Pomarine Jaeger From: "tazman0895" <tazmans AT gci.net> Date: Fri, 04 Sep 2009 14:35:30 -0000 I believe this to be a pomarine jaeger but it lacks the breast bar of the light phase pomarine. Any insight? Please see photos. It looked and acted like a parasitic which I have several photos of but this had the blunt tail. This is in front of Sentinel Island. Photos http://sealaskaphotographicsociety.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=595 Subject: More buff-breasted sandpipers, Gustavus. From: "bbpaige" <spruceak AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 02 Sep 2009 20:08:33 -0000 Three buff-breasted sandpipers were foraging in the high-tide seaweed flotsam next to the dock this morning, continuing what may be a record number of fall sightings at Gustavus for the species. In the same area were 4 Baird's sandpipers. Bruce Subject: Birds of Paradise DVD From: Laurie Craig <lauriecraig AT gci.net> Date: Tue, 01 Sep 2009 21:19:24 -0800 I am happy to recommend a terrific DVD for birders! There are a few copies of the amazing DVD at Costco of David Attenborough's Birds of Paradise program from a few years ago. These fantastic and beautiful birds are wonderfully documented in the BBC program. I bought a copy last year online. I was surprised to see it today at Costco. A companion DVD called Wildlife Specials is worthwhile, too, for its study of humpback whales and wolves, plus leopards and others. Cheers, and happy viewing, Laurie Craig Subject: Bar-tailed Godwit, Gustavus From: "bbpaige" <spruceak AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 01 Sep 2009 14:45:02 -0000 Yesterday morning, near the Goode River, there was a lone bar-tailed godwit associating with loafing gulls. This is the rarest of the three godwit sp. found in this area. There were also 4 american golden plovers and 8 Baird's sandpipers in the same area. Other indications of autumn, several golden-crowned sparrows have arrived at the feeders, and a flock of 15 white-fronted geese were in the Airport uplands on the 30th. Subject: Eagle releases scheduled From: Pat Bock <pbkritters AT hotmail.com> Date: Mon, 31 Aug 2009 14:08:22 -0800 Weather permitting, the Juneau Raptor Center is scheduled to release an adult bald eagle and a juvenile bald eagle on Wednesday, September 2, 7PM, Brotherhood Bridge Parking lot. All welcome! Tell your family/friends. Be sure to be on time!!!! Subject: Pictures of Anna's Hummer? [2 Attachments] From: Marlena Mooring <snowgirlmjm AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 31 Aug 2009 08:22:17 -0700 (PDT) Thanks David for your imput.   I did get some photos, but not very clear.  I noticed that this hummer is definitely larger than the rufus, at the bottom of the tail the feathers are white and scalloped, a gray breast, and pink splotches on either side of its neck inbetween a dark gorget.  The weather wasn't the best yesterday and maybe I'll get a better photo today.    Subject: Hummer From: Marlena Mooring <snowgirlmjm AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 30 Aug 2009 19:04:08 -0700 (PDT) A rufus hummer arrived at our feeder (which we haven't taken down yet) yesterday.  There was another hummer which I can't identify.  As soon as I can get a decent picture, I'll post it and maybe one of you can id the bird.  It looks like an Anna's, but I'm not sure.  It doesn't stay very long.   Also, should I take the feeder down?  Or, will the hummers move on when they're ready.     Subject: Upland sandpiper, Gustavus From: "bbpaige" <spruceak AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 29 Aug 2009 19:41:12 -0000 An upland sandpiper flushed from a meadow near the Salmon River this rainy, windy morning. It called, lit briefly nearby, then circled around as if looking for a landing spot down river. There were also 5 Baird's sandpipers at the mouth of the river. Subject: Eagle Beach shorebirding From: Paul Suchanek <paulms AT gci.net> Date: Fri, 28 Aug 2009 18:15:04 -0800 Today out at Eagle Beach, Nick Hajdukovich and I tallied 16 species of shorebirds including an adult red knot in winter plumage and a juvenile stilt sandpiper. This is probably a record number of shorebird species for the area in one day. Below is my eBird tally of species and numbers for the day including some other nice species. On the way, we also stopped just past the Methodist Camp where there are several chokecherry(?) trees across the road. A large number of robins and other birds were feeding on the berries and we also picked out a juvenile cedar waxwing, warbling vireo, and a couple of wood-pewees out of the crowd there. On the way back we stopped again to find nothing there. Location: Eagle Beach SRA Observation date: 8/28/09 Notes: Outgoing (low) high tide, little tidal range, small riffles, probably most shorebird species ever at Eagle Beach Number of species: 45 Canada Goose 2 American Wigeon 13 Mallard 2 Northern Shoveler 21 Northern Pintail 3 Green-winged Teal 36 Surf Scoter 50 Common Merganser 5 Bald Eagle 3 Peregrine Falcon 1 probably a young bird Black-bellied Plover 1 adult Semipalmated Plover 8 juv Greater Yellowlegs 5 juv Lesser Yellowlegs 2 juv Black Turnstone 150 Surfbird 20 most adults, at least 1 juvenile Red Knot 1 adult in winter plumage, photos taken Sanderling 1 Semipalmated Sandpiper 1 juv Western Sandpiper 35 juv Least Sandpiper 20 Pectoral Sandpiper 1 Rock Sandpiper 4 adults, but probably 1 juvenile Stilt Sandpiper 1 juv Short-billed Dowitcher 1 juv, id by call and plumage Long-billed Dowitcher 3 juv, id by call and plumage Black-legged Kittiwake 60 Bonaparte's Gull 60 Mew Gull 75 California Gull 15 many adults Herring Gull 300 Thayer's Gull 30 most adults Glaucous-winged Gull 400 gull sp. 100 Empidonax sp. 1 Northwestern Crow 200 Common Raven 8 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 Orange-crowned Warbler 5 Yellow Warbler 2 Townsend's Warbler 1 Common Yellowthroat 3 Lincoln's Sparrow 4 Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon) 1 Red Crossbill 18 one flock Subject: RE: RE: Juneau visit next month From: Deanna MacPhail <bandmac AT gci.net> Date: Fri, 28 Aug 2009 16:33:23 -0800 I've no clue as to who is in town and/or able and willing to go birding with these visitors. But I think it would be more fun for all involved if several of us got together and took them out to a few local hot? spots, if there is such a thing mid Sept. They'll be here on Tues. Sept 15. Anyone interested? Deanna Mac Phail From: Eaglechat AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:Eaglechat AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Pat Bock Sent: Friday, August 28, 2009 2:38 PM To: Jeff Brown; Eagle Chat Subject: [Eaglechat] RE: Juneau visit next month Eaglechat people: I got this from Jeff Brown (KTOO) and thought I would share it with you. Please feel free to contact these people if you can help. Thanks. Pat Bock _____ Subject: RE: Juneau visit next month Date: Fri, 28 Aug 2009 14:10:47 -0800 From: JeffB AT ktoo.org To: ixoreus AT scattercreek.com Hello from Juneau! Great that you're coming up. I'll see if we can come up with someone from the local Audubon Society to give you the Bird's Eye Tour. Otherwise, it'll be me! Jeff Juneau bird folks: If you have time, it might be fun to take Bob & his wife around. Contact Bob if you wish/can and pass the note around. Thanks! Jeff Jeff Brown Program Director KTOO & KRNN 360 Egan Drive Juneau, AK 99801 907-463-6425 From: Bob Sundstrom [mailto:ixoreus AT scattercreek.com] Sent: Friday, August 28, 2009 1:52 PM To: Jeff Brown Subject: Juneau visit next month Hi, Jeff, I'm the lead writer for BirdNote, and will be in Juneau with my wife next month. Chris Peterson, BirdNote's executive director, gave me your name. I've seen a lot of Alaska and the Bering Sea region as a professional birding tour leader (http://ventbird.com/people/bob-sundstrom) and even lived on St. Paul Island for two summers, but have never set foot in the southeast region. I am hoping to meet up with someone in Juneau who could show Sally and I around a bit for a few hours, and Chris suggested contacting you as our BirdNote connection. I could bring you up to date on what's happening with BirdNote. Is there any chance you (or perhaps someone you know) could help acquaint us with Juneau? We are coming on a cruise - it's one of those family things we sort of had to go along with - and would love to get out of that scene for a while. We'll be in town just for Sept. 15. And we'd be happy to return the favor - we live in the country near Olympia, Wa. Thanks for any help or ideas, Bob Bob Sundstrom Tenino, Washington ixoreus AT scattercreek.com Subject: RE: Juneau visit next month From: Pat Bock <pbkritters AT hotmail.com> Date: Fri, 28 Aug 2009 14:37:44 -0800 Eaglechat people: I got this from Jeff Brown (KTOO) and thought I would share it with you. Please feel free to contact these people if you can help. Thanks. Pat Bock Subject: RE: Juneau visit next month Date: Fri, 28 Aug 2009 14:10:47 -0800 From: JeffB AT ktoo.org To: ixoreus AT scattercreek.com Hello from Juneau! Great that you’re coming up. I’ll see if we can come up with someone from the local Audubon Society to give you the Bird’s Eye Tour. Otherwise, it’ll be me! Jeff Juneau bird folks: If you have time, it might be fun to take Bob & his wife around. Contact Bob if you wish/can and pass the note around. Thanks! Jeff Jeff Brown Program Director KTOO & KRNN 360 Egan Drive Juneau, AK 99801 907-463-6425 From: Bob Sundstrom [mailto:ixoreus AT scattercreek.com] Sent: Friday, August 28, 2009 1:52 PM To: Jeff Brown Subject: Juneau visit next month Hi, Jeff, I'm the lead writer for BirdNote, and will be in Juneau with my wife next month. Chris Peterson, BirdNote's executive director, gave me your name. I've seen a lot of Alaska and the Bering Sea region as a professional birding tour leader (http://ventbird.com/people/bob-sundstrom) and even lived on St. Paul Island for two summers, but have never set foot in the southeast region. I am hoping to meet up with someone in Juneau who could show Sally and I around a bit for a few hours, and Chris suggested contacting you as our BirdNote connection. I could bring you up to date on what's happening with BirdNote. Is there any chance you (or perhaps someone you know) could help acquaint us with Juneau? We are coming on a cruise - it's one of those family things we sort of had to go along with - and would love to get out of that scene for a while. We'll be in town just for Sept. 15. And we'd be happy to return the favor - we live in the country near Olympia, Wa. Thanks for any help or ideas, Bob Bob Sundstrom Tenino, Washington ixoreus AT scattercreek.com Subject: mystery flycatcher From: Matt Goff <goff AT nawwal.org> Date: Wed, 26 Aug 2009 23:48:51 -0800 Today I took some (mediocre) photos of a flycatcher that I think might be a Western Wood-Pewee (which would be one of only a handful of reports from Sitka). However, based on the photos I'm not convinced that's what it is (though I also don't have any better options) and was hoping for confirmation and/or help with identifying this bird. http://www.sitkanature.org/wordpress/2009/08/26/mystery-flycatcher/ Thanks, Matt Goff Sitka [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: mystery flycatcher From: Matt Goff <goff AT nawwal.org> Date: Wed, 26 Aug 2009 23:48:51 -0800 Today I took some (mediocre) photos of a flycatcher that I think might be a Western Wood-Pewee (which would be one of only a handful of reports from Sitka). However, based on the photos I'm not convinced that's what it is (though I also don't have any better options) and was hoping for confirmation and/or help with identifying this bird. http://www.sitkanature.org/wordpress/2009/08/26/mystery-flycatcher/ Thanks, Matt Goff Sitka Subject: Shorebird on trail at Twin Lakes From: "callipygia600" <callipygia600 AT aol.com> Date: Mon, 24 Aug 2009 01:57:02 -0000 Walking the dogs this afternoon a lone shorebird along the trail. Didn't have binoculars or camera. Short sharp bill, small head, good sized, brown breast, overall brown look, flash of white on each side of short tail in flight. Anyone else seen it?