Alaska Bird Observatory

Birding reports are listed in reverse order, most recent first.

26 May 2010–Bird migration is winding down…

Although the intensity of spring migration activity has peaked, the diversity of birds in the Tanana Valley is still impressive. Some of the week’s highlights include a Black-bellied Plover and a Whimbrel at Tanana Lakes Recreation Area, a Long-tailed Duck at the float plane pond, and a Great Gray Owl near Rosie Creek Farm. Large numbers of Sandhill Cranes are still present at Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge—other birds being seen at Creamer’s Field include: Canada Geese, American Wigeon, Mallard, Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal and Northern Shoveler. A lone Snow Goose was hanging out at the front ponds this week; probably the same bird was using Wander Lake on the Wedgewood Resort Wildlife Sanctuary recently. Other Snow Geese were reported this past week—three were seen flying to Smith Lake and two were flying over the float pond; both sightings were from Saturday, May 22^nd. These white, medium-sized geese, breed on the North Slope and are uncommon spring migrants in the interior. Other noteworthy birds at Creamer’s Field include a Hudsonian Godwit and a European Starling.

Most, if not all, of our interior warbler species are being seen and heard in the area this week—many Townsend’s, Blackpoll, Yellow and Wilson’s Warblers are adding their songs with those of the Orange-crowned and Yellow-rumped Warblers. And, I can’t forget to mention the loud, yet skulky Northern Waterthrushes are also singing up a storm attracting their mates and defending their territories. Some of the last songbird migrants to arrive, the Olive-sided and Alder Flycatchers have yet to turn up. If you happen to hear a bird call that sounds a lot like “quick, three beers”, you’ll know an Olive-sided Flycatcher is close by.  The average arrival date for Alder Flycatchers on Creamer’s Refuge is about June 4^th—they are coming from as far away as Argentina after all! Listen for their call, which sounds a lot like “free-beer”. The thrushes arrived back into the area in full-force last week, filling the woods with their flute-like songs. The Swainson’s Thrush song goes up in pitch, while the Gray-cheeked Thrush has a downward-spiraling song. Their close cousin, the Hermit Thrush, has a song that is a melodious, fluty warble, mostly on one pitch, that usually starts with a clear whistled note. Juvenile Gray Jays are being fed by their parents right now, duckling Mallards have been seen swimming around in local lakes and ponds and Common Redpolls are already on their second nests. The nesting season is well underway for many songbirds in the interior.

Airport Ponds/Float Plane Ponds: Notable waterfowl sightings from the front airport ponds include: Common Goldeneye and Canvasback, Bonaparte’s Gulls and nesting Red-necked Grebes. Shorebirds include Long-billed Dowitchers, Pectoral and Semipalmated Sandpipers, Red-necked Phalarope. Multiple singing Yellow Warblers are using the willows surrounding the ponds.

The float plane pond was hopping this week, many peep species were seen this week, the most numerous being Semipalmated and Baird’s Sandpipers, with a few Pectoral Sandpipers. A Stilt Sandpiper was mixed in with the peeps. Territorial Semipalmated Plovers will greet you as you bird the shoreline. A raft of White-winged Scoters was mixed in with the usual dabbling and diving ducks on the pond. Savannah Sparrows and swallows abound here, as do occasional large flocks of American Pipits.

Tanana Lakes: Highlights from a trip to Tanana Lakes on Saturday, May 22^nd yielded a lone Black-bellied Plover and Whimbrel, two Blue-winged Teal, Artic Terns and the usual dabbling and diving ducks. Singing Blackpoll Warblers were heard along the foot path, while a Northern Harrier was seen working the flats. Osprey and Bald Eagles, as well as many gulls can be seen here.

Lakeview Terrace: A quick trip here over the weekend yielded a huge raft of Mew and Herring Gulls with a few Glaucous-winged Gulls mixed in, as well as White-winged Scoters, American Wigeon and Mallards. The gravel pit directly to the south of the lake yielded Surf Scoters, Red-breasted Mergansers and a lone Common Loon.

Smith Lake: Notable sightings from this past week include large numbers of Scaup and Ring-necked Ducks, Northern Shovelers, Bufflehead, and Red-necked Grebes. Rusty Blackbirds, Bohemian Waxwings, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Yellow and Townsend’s Warblers are just a few of the notable songbirds being seen and heard here. This is a great place to get a look at a Wilson’s Snipe, usually found perched atop a spruce tree.

Please contribute your reports by calling or writing in your bird sightings to the Alaska Bird Observatory (451-7159 or www.alaskabird.org) or the Arctic Audubon Society Birding hotline (451-9213). Thanks to all who contributed their sightings to this report; this will be the last one for this year.

19 May 2010–Here come our long-distance migrants!!

Last week I was lamenting the lull in bird migration; what a difference a few days can make! It’s a great time to be a birder in the interior—waterfowl are at their peak diversity, and have been joined by many shorebirds and songbirds. With this lovely weather of late, it’s great to be outside and see many of these species before they head to their breeding grounds.

Sandhill Cranes are still a constant presence at Creamer’s Field, with a few Canada Geese mixed in. American Wigeon, Mallard, Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal and Mew Gulls are still regular visitors to the front ponds. Exciting sightings on the refuge this week include several American Golden-Plovers and a few American Pipits; both species were using the recently burned fields by the Alaska Bird Observatory’s banding station. The American Golden-Plover is not only a spectacular-looking bird; it also makes one of the longest migratory journeys of any shorebird. It breeds on the high Arctic tundra of Alaska and Canada and winters in the grasslands of central and southern South America. Wander Lake at the Wedgewood Wildlife Sanctuary (located adjacent to Creamer’s Field) hosted many Lesser Yellowlegs, Pectoral Sandpipers and Long-billed Dowitchers this week. A Belted Kingfisher also frequents the lake. A pair of Trumpeter Swans is using the pond along Ballaine Road, near Goldstream Creek this past week.

This past weekend brought a wave of long-distance migrants to Creamer’s and the surrounding areas. Noteworthy warbler arrivals include: Orange-crowned, Townsend’s, Blackpoll and Wilson’s Warblers, and Northern Waterthrush. Swainson’s Thrush numbers are growing and their beautiful songs are joining those of the Hermit Thrush; we’re still awaiting the arrival of the Gray-cheeked Thrush. A walk around the refuge fields will yield multiple sightings of Savannah, White-crowned and Lincoln’s Sparrows. Shorebirds here include a lone Solitary Sandpiper, a few Lesser Yellowlegs and multiple Rusty Blackbirds near any available water. If you’re lucky, you might spot or hear the winnowing Wilson’s Snipe. A Northern Harrier and an American Kestrel were seen using the fields near the banding station recently. Hammond’s Flycatchers are quite numerous on the refuge this year—if you need to learn their call, now is a good time to take a good listen! The refuge is now hosting many pairs of Tree Swallows, as well as a few pairs of Violet-green Swallows—many pairs are investigating nest boxes along the trails. It’s a great place to make the comparison between the two species. Cliff Swallows arrived this past week with a first of the year sighting reported on May 15^th.

Common Redpolls have produced their first young of the year and are now on round-two of nesting. Black-capped and Boreal Chickadees and woodpeckers are paired up and nesting. American Robins and Dark-eyed Juncos have begun building their nests and are laying eggs. On May 13^th, a pair of Brown Creepers was seen and heard near the Large Animal Research Station on Yankovich Road. Keep your ears peeled for their high-pitched song “Trees, trees, beautiful trees”. Two Northern Wheatears were seen flying near the top of Murphy Dome on May 17^th—these birds represent the first sightings of the year for this species; Northern Wheatears winter in east Africa and fly across Asia to Alaska to breed in high elevation tundra and scree.

Airport Ponds: Notable waterfowl sightings here this past week include two male Blue-winged Teal (an uncommon interior species), Gadwall (another uncommon interior species), Green-winged Teal, Common Goldeneye, Ring-necked Duck, and Canvasback. Red-necked Grebes were joined by Lesser Yellowlegs, one Long-billed Dowitcher and multiple Bonaparte’s and Mew Gulls. Tree Swallows can also be found gleaning insects from the water.

Float Plane Ponds: The pond has been hopping and is a great place to take a scope to check out the waterfowl and shorebirds. Species of note here include: a male Ruddy Duck (an uncommon interior species), Ring-necked Duck, Redhead, Canvasback, Lesser and Greater Scaup, Horned and Red-necked Grebe and Bonaparte’s Gull. Shorebirds here include: Pectoral, Baird’s and Semipalmated Sandpipers, American Golden and Semipalmated Plovers, and Hudsonian Godwits. An uncommon Killdeer was both seen and heard calling on Saturday, May 15th. A shorebird you can see without going to the beach, Killdeer are graceful plovers common to lawns, golf courses, athletic fields, and parking lots. They get their name from their call—a far-carrying, excited kill-deer, a common sound heard in the lower 48 and Canada but not here in the interior! Songbird sightings here include Tree Swallows, Savannah Sparrows, and an uncommon European Starling on May 16^th—it flew up from the grass and landed on a plane and allowed close, if brief, views before it flew off. An American Kestrel was also seen here this past week.

Smith Lake: This is another great place to check out waterfowl. Notable sighting this past week include: a large raft of Ring-necked Ducks, Greater and Lesser Scaup, Buffleheads, American Wigeon, Northern Pintail and Shoveler, Green-winged Teal, Red-necked and Horned Grebe, and Bonaparte’s Gulls. A drake Blue-winged Teal was seen here early in the week. Shorebirds seen here include: Wilson’s Snipe, Lesser Yellowlegs, Long-billed Dowitchers and Pectoral Sandpipers. Large flocks of Bohemian Waxwings have been active here. Other songbirds seen and heard include: loads of Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Lincoln’s Sparrows and Rusty Blackbirds. The walk to Smith Lake from UAF via the trails will yield Townsend’s Warblers in the coniferous forests.

Tanana Lakes: Species seen here this week include: yet another male Blue-winged Teal, Long-billed Dowitchers, Semipalmated Plovers and Sandpipers, a first of season Common Loon, a first of season Surf Scoter, Scaup species and Arctic Tern.

Please contribute to these reports by calling or writing your bird sightings to the Alaska Bird Observatory (451-7159 or www.alaskabird.org) or the Arctic Audubon Society Birding hotline (451-9213). A big thanks to all that contributed their sightings to this report.

12 May 2010–Shorebirds are on the move…

Canada Geese and duck numbers seemed to have declined at Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge this past week. Many of these species have moved on to their breeding grounds and have begun nesting. Sandhill Cranes can still be seen regularly on the front fields.  Besides a few Canada Geese, waterfowl such as Northern Pintail, Mallard, American Wigeon and a few Green-winged Teal are still present in the front ponds. Other highlights on the refuge this week include the constant call of the Lesser Yellowlegs and the occasional winnow of the Wilson’s Snipe. The sight of a few Violet-green and Tree Swallows wheeling about, and singing White-crowned and Savannah Sparrows may greet you if you take a walk on one of field trails. If you walk near seasonal wetlands, you might hear groups of Rusty Blackbirds or the bubbly drawn-out song of the Lincoln’s Sparrow. A walk along the Boreal Forest trail might produce a Ruby-crowned Kinglet or Boreal Chickadee. Believe it or not, the first Common Redpoll young of the year are out and about. Several were caught at the Alaska Bird Observatory’s banding station at Creamer’s Field this week.

Songbird migration seems to have stalled a bit this week. Many of the “short-distance” migrants, such as American Robin, Dark-eyed Junco and Yellow-rumped Warbler, have arrived (most ahead of schedule); we’re now awaiting the arrival of the “long-distance” migrants—birds returning from their wintering grounds in Central and South America. The next few weeks should produce long-traveling species such as Gray-cheeked Thrush and Blackpoll Warbler.

The locally uncommon Golden-crowned Sparrows are making a showing here in town of late—four were reported over the past week. This striking sparrow is unmistakable, and if you’re lucky enough to hear it sing, you won’t forget its song. Some folks think it says “I’m so tired” or “Oh dear me”. According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the Golden-crowned Sparrow remains one of our more poorly known native passerines. A first of year arrival Belted Kingfisher has been reported at Cripple Creek (near intersection of Chena Pump and Old Chena Ridge Road) since last week.

Cushman Ponds/Tanana Lakes: A flock of 40+ Lapland Longspurs was seen here on May 4^th, the only report of such a large flock here in town.

Peat Ponds (located at the intersection of Goldstream and Murphy Dome Roads): Red-winged Blackbirds have made their way to here. This is a great spot to see this uncommon interior blackbird species. The ponds are still mostly frozen, but birds are still using them. Species seen over the past week include: Horned Grebe, Bonaparte’s Gull, Lesser Yellowlegs, Bufflehead, American Wigeon, Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler, Ring-neck Duck, Green-winged Teal and Mallard.

Airport Ponds/Float Plane Pond: The Arctic Audubon Waterfowl Field Trip on May 8^th produced the first of the season Red-necked Phalarope on the front ponds at the Airport. The airport also produced another first of the season Arctic Tern; four were spotted here on May 9^th. Other species of note from this area include: Red-necked Grebe, Canvasback, American Wigeon, Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler, Mallard, Bufflehead and Lesser Scaup.

The float plane pond also had a lot of activity this week, species of note include: Horned and Red-necked Grebe, Bonaparte’s Gulls, Lesser Yellowlegs, many Canvasback with several pairs of Redhead, both Common and Barrow’s Goldeneye, Bufflehead, Scaup species, Green-winged Teal, and the first Semipalmated Plover of the season.  Finally there was a group of seven or so Baird’s Sandpipers (another first of the season) utilizing the shoreline.

Smith Lake: The lake is fully free of ice and is very low. Trumpeter Swan, Red-necked and Horned Grebe, Bufflehead, Northern Shoveler, American Wigeon, Bufflehead, Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck, Greater Scaup and Mallard have all been reported from the lake this week. Mew and Bonaparte’s Gulls were also seen, as were Lesser Yellowlegs. Other shorebirds here include: a first of the year sighting of Pectoral Sandpiper and Spotted Sandpiper. A Wilson’s Snipe was also seen foraging along the shoreline. Songbirds include American Robin, Rusty Blackbird, Yellow-rumped Warbler and Bohemian Waxwings and Ruby-crowned Kinglets galore. The skeeters are getting bad here, so be warned!

Please contribute to these reports by calling or writing in your bird sightings to the Alaska Bird Observatory (451-7159 or www.alaskabird.org) or the Arctic Audubon Society Birding hotline (451-9213). Thanks to all who contributed their sightings for this report.

5 May 2010–Bird songs fill the air!

The woods are alive with bird song! Green-up is happening and the birds have responded. Now’s a great time to get out those bird CDs (or your ipod!) and start re-learning songs and calls before the big wave of birds hits! There’s a lot to see and hear and it’s not just birds—wood frogs are beginning to call and butterflies and other winged critters have begun to emerge! Waterfowl diversity seems to have reached its peak, with some shorebirds arriving as well as a bunch of different songbird species over the weekend.

Both Canada Geese and Greater White-fronted Geese can still be found at Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge. A few Trumpeter Swans are still being seen regularly, as are Sandhill Cranes and many duck species including: Mallard, Northern Pintail, American Wigeon, Canvasback, Bufflehead and Green-winged Teal. Northern Shovelers arrived into town this week, with several reported at Creamer’s Field. Gulls are growing in number—more and more Mew and Herring Gulls are being spotted about town. Exciting news on the gull front—Bonaparte’s Gulls arrived into the area over the weekend with sightings at Smith Lake and the Peat Ponds (located at the intersection of Sheep Creek and Murphy Dome Roads). The Peat Ponds also produced the first Red-necked Grebe; one was seen here over the weekend.

Shorebirds are starting to make their way into our area. The first Wilson’s Snipe (see photo) was reported from 3.8-mile Chena Hot Springs Road on April 28^th; and more have been heard winnowing in the area. Winnowing is the hollow, low whistled sound used by the male to defend his territory and attract a mate. It is not a vocal sound, it’s air flowing over the outstretched tail feathers with each wing beat. The outer tail feathers are greatly modified to produce the sound and are thin and curved. Other shorebirds reported in the area include Lesser Yellowlegs frequenting Kessel Pond on Creamer’s Refuge and a group of Dowitchers (probably Long-billed) flying past the refuge on April 27^th. Noteworthy raptor sightings include a pair of Merlins that has been seen regularly on Jones Road in the Goldstream Valley and an American Kestrel was heard near Ester. An employee at the Cold Climate Housing Research Center photographed a Great Gray Owl along the building’s driveway over the weekend.

White-crowned, Golden-crowned, Lincoln’s and Savannah Sparrows were heard singing for the first time this past week. American Tree and Fox Sparrows can also be heard. The beautiful flute-like songs of Swainson’s and Hermit Thrushes can be heard spiraling away in the forests, accompanying those of the Varied Thrush. A Western Wood-Pewee was heard on the trails of the west ridge of UAF’s campus on Monday, May 3^rd—it joins the list of species that have been arriving weeks ahead of schedule into town. More warbler species should be arriving into town, including Orange-crowned, Townsend’s and Wilson’s Warblers. Keep your ears open for their lovely songs.

Tanana Lakes: Much of the lake remains frozen, but there was quite a bit of bird action there this week including: many Canvasbacks, Barrow’s and Common Goldeneyes, Northern Pintails, American Wigeon, Bufflehead, two Trumpeter Swans and quite a few Bonaparte’s Gulls. Also one Lesser Yellowlegs and some Mew and Herring Gulls were seen.

Airport Ponds: The west pond of the airport is about 20% ice-covered, but the east side is ice-free and was hopping with birds. Notable sightings include:  the first sightings of Horned Grebe, Lesser Yellowlegs and a few Mew Gulls and many Bonaparte’s Gulls. American Robin, Dark-eyed Juncos and Tree Swallows include the songbirds seen here. Duck species seen include: American Wigeon, Canvasback, Lesser and Greater Scaup, Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Mallard and a first of year sighting of Ring-necked Duck. A Eurasian Wigeon was mixed in with ducks here; this is an uncommon species so go to the airport to check it out! The sloughs behind the airport vary from 20%-100% open, and the species seen here include: Ring-necked Duck, Canvasback, Scaup sp, Common Goldeneye, Mallard and Northern Pintail. The float plane pond is still frozen.

Smith Lake: The lake is open and the birds have responded. Here you can find: Horned and Red-necked Grebe, Bonaparte’s and Mew Gulls and Lesser Yellowlegs. Duck species include: Green-winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck, Mallard, Northern Pintail, Canvasback and Scaup species. Songbirds seen and heard here include Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Yellow-rumped Warblers and Rusty Blackbirds.

Down the ‘Rich: A trip to Delta over the weekend produced a few first of the year sightings including an Orange-crowned Warbler and a Belted Kingfisher. Other noteworthy sightings include over 1800 Sandhill Cranes and a Peregrine Falcon.

Tok area: An exciting migration occurred here on Sunday, May 2^nd when 35,000 Sandhill Cranes were counted in 90 minutes!

Please contribute to these reports by calling or writing in your bird sightings to the Alaska Bird Observatory (451-7159 or www.alaskabird.org) or the Arctic Audubon Society Birding hotline (451-9213). Thanks to all who contributed their sightings to this report and to Kyle Campbell for allowing the use of his photograph.

29 April 2010–Songbirds are on the move!

It’s already feeling like summer around here—the upcoming forecast predicts highs of 65F and overnight lows in the 40s. The constant sunny skies have practically eradicated the snow and ice and greenup is soon around the corner. It’s not even May and it feels like summer! Birds have definitely been on the move this week. So, now’s a great time to get out and do some birding!

The big bird news this week is the migration of songbirds; many birds are making the most of these weather conditions.  American Robins, Yellow-rumped Warblers, Dark-eyed Juncos and Ruby-crowned Kinglets can be heard singing away in their respective habitats. Their nests can’t be too far behind! This week was a first for sightings of Northern Flickers, Fox Sparrows, Rusty Blackbirds, and Hammond’s Flycatchers. A Townsend’s Solitaire was heard singing on a ridge south of Angel Rocks on 25 April. One of the most amazing reports was that of a male Yellow Warbler, both seen and heard singing on Lancaster Drive this past weekend—a full 3 weeks ahead of schedule. Black-capped Chickadees have begun investigating nest boxes this past week, so if you have one, be sure to monitor it for an upcoming nest! More sparrow and warbler species should arrive over the next few weeks.

Waterfowl are still arriving into the area, particularly at Creamer’s Field much to the delight of the 5^th graders that have been visiting during Birdwatch. Trumpeter Swans are still being seen on a regular basis, as are Greater White-fronted and Canada Geese with more arriving every day. The lone Snow Goose that was frequenting the front ponds last week seems to have left. Northern Shovelers and Green-winged Teal have joined the mix this week and the Sandhill Crane numbers are growing. Other sightings from the front viewing area at Creamer’s Field this week include an American Kestrel and the arrival of swallows—another harbinger of spring. The first swallow was spotted on Thursday, 22 April and by Saturday, 24 April a pair of swallows was seen circling the fields and alighting on fenceposts.  A Violet-green Swallow was using the fields behind the Alaska Bird Observatory’s (ABO) offices on 27 April. More will surely make their way here in time for International Migratory Bird Day; festivities will be held at the Creamer’s Field on Saturday, 1 May 2010.

Raptors are still making a showing here in Fairbanks as well as the surrounding areas. Merlins have been reported in the area, as have Sharp-shinned Hawks and Osprey. This past weekend both a Peregrine Falcon a Gyrfalcon were seen near the Cripple Creek area. The buteos (Red-tailed and Rough-legged Hawks) are still being reported from the Delta region.

The first report of shorebirds includes a sighting of 5 Lesser Yellowlegs to Creamer’s Field during the evening of 26 April. Many shorebirds have yet to make an appearance in the area; hopefully the dry conditions won’t deter them from the area. Expect to see a Wilson’s Snipe or a Solitary Sandpiper soon. You can more learn about some shorebirds and other waterbirds at ABO’s Birds of the Boreal Series. The third talk of the series takes place on Wednesday, 5 May and will feature Wetland birds. Go to www.alaskabird.org to learn more.

Airport Ponds: The East pond of the airport is about 20% open. Birds seen here include 2 Mallard pairs, a Northern Pintail, a pair of American Wigeon, an American Robin and four male Rusty Blackbirds moving along the shoreline. The sloughs behind the airport vary from 10-50% open; 2 Dark-eyed Juncos were singing here. The Float ponds are still completely frozen, but a Dark-eyed Junco and a Yellow-rumped Warbler were singing.

Smith Lake: The lake is less than 1% open, but the pond along Sheep Creek is 100% open and full of bird activity. Several Rusty Blackbirds and American Robins, as well as a pair of Mallards were seen here while Ruby-crowned Kinglets and Dark-eyed Juncos were heard singing.

Tok and environs: Tok is reporting many of the same species as being seen and heard here in Fairbanks: American Robin, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Yellow-rumped Warbler, American Tree Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, and Common Redpolls; the exceptions being the 65+ Lapland Longspurs seen near the Musher’s Hall and a Mountain Bluebird at MP 24 of the Taylor Highway! A lone Tree Swallow was seen perched on a telephone wire in Tok and groups of 70-150 Sandhill Cranes overhead. Species of note near Tanacross include: 500+ Trumpeter Swans seen migrating, as well as 100 Mallards and 3 American Wigeon. Ruffed Grouse are heard drumming there as well.

Please contribute to these reports by calling in your bird sightings to the Alaska Bird Observatory (451-7159 or www.alaskabird.org) or the Arctic Audubon Society Birding hotline (451-9213). Thanks to all who contributed their sightings for this report.

21 April 2010–Memorable spring for people and migrants!

What a spring!! The warm air in combination with greater than 16 hours of daylight make for great conditions for humans and birds alike. With temperatures near or over 60F, ponds, lakes and rivers will soon be open, snow and winter will be a distant memory. Migrants are definitely taking advantage of this weather—many species made their way into the area during the past week.

Canada Geese have arrived into the area in big numbers. As of Tuesday, April 20^th there were 650 Canada Geese at Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge—just in time for the 5^th grade Birdwatch, which started on Wednesday, April 22. Greater White-fronted Geese are also making a showing; the first arrived at Creamer’s on April 14^th and as of April 20^th, their numbers have grown to over 40! Other waterfowl have arrived into town this past week and are being seen at Creamer’s Field on a regular basis. These waterfowl include: a lone Snow Goose, Mallards, Northern Pintails, Canvasback, American Wigeon and Green-winged Teal. Trumpeter Swans are also using the front ponds; take advantage of seeing these majestic birds before they disperse to their breeding areas. The waterfowl will increase as more ponds and open water become available, so stay tuned.

Gulls have begun their migration into the area with the first sighting of a Mew Gull on April 8^th. On April 14^th, 3 Herring Gulls were spotted at Creamer’s Field and a large flock of ~40 Herring Gulls was seen here during the evening of April 16^th. Raptors, especially buteos (large, soaring raptors) are making a showing here in the Tanana Valley and elsewhere in Alaska. The Gunsight Mountain Hawkwatch, located along the GlenAllen Highway is having a stellar spring season. On Sunday, April 18^th, they had 62 Harlan’s (dark form of Red-tailed Hawk) in 15 minutes, 86 in one hour, and 108 in another hour. According to counter Paul Fritz, a total of 451 hawks were counted that day, including:

Peregrine Falcon -1
Golden Eagle-6
Bald Eagle-7
Northern Goshawk-4
Sharp-shinned Hawk-12

Northern Harrier -39
Light Rough-legged-38
Dark Rough-legged-23
Light Harlan’s Hawk-29
Dark Harlan’s Hawk-321

If you have a free weekend, go check out this Hawk Watch site! Regular counters will be at a pull-off between MP 118-122 every weekend from late March through early May (and some weekdays too).

Other raptors being seen or heard in the area include a Great Gray Owl near the airport on April 13^th and a Great Horned Owl was seen at UAF across from Wood Center on Friday, April 16^th. An Osprey was spotted on April 3rd over Salchaket Slough, and a Peregrine Falcon was seen on the Salcha River on Monday, April 19^th. A dark phase Red-tailed (or Harlan’s Hawk) was seen soaring over the pasture on the north side of the road at 3-mile CHSR on April 13^th. A Northern Goshawk was seen perched near the farmhouse on Creamer’s Refuge on Friday, April 16^th. Bald Eagles are being seen on a regular basis, mostly within the environs of the Chena River, a favorite haunt for hunting ducks.

For some, the true harbinger of spring is the sighting of the first Sandhill Crane of the season. The first pair arrived into town on Sunday, April 18^th to the 10-mile CHSR area; the following day, a lone crane was seen flying and heard calling over Creamer’s Refuge, to the delight of many. As of 20 April, five cranes were using the front ponds. These numbers will surely grow as the weeks go by.

On the songbird front, I’m happy to say that many new migrants have arrived into the Fairbanks area this week, including: Lapland Longspurs, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, American Robins, Varied Thrush, Dark-eyed Junco and American Tree Sparrows. And, not only have these new migrants just arrived, many are already singing! The ABO banding station at Creamer’s Field is up and ready to go—our nets open for the first time on Monday, 26 April. It should be an interesting spring season! Our resident birds have also busy. Northern Shrikes are becoming more visible and vocal and chickadees are checking out nest boxes. Common Redpolls are pairing up and are nest building and incubating their first clutches of eggs!

Airport/Float Plane Ponds: The airport ponds and sloughs are still frozen, with very small areas of surface melt. Two Black-billed Magpies were seen on the road past the dike toward the Tanana River on Tuesday, April 20.

Smith Lake: The lake is still frozen, with very little melt water.  The larger pond along Sheep Creek is 75% open.  On Tuesday, April 20^th there were two Harlan’s Hawks circling high above the Sheep Creek/Sheep Creek Extension intersection.

Down the ‘Rich: Delta and its environs are the place to be—birds are everywhere. If you’re keen to see raptors, geese, ducks or swans, this is the place to be! A trip, sponsored by Arctic Audubon Society, to Delta on Saturday, April 18 yielded diverse sightings. Northern Harriers and bunches of buteos–both Red-tailed and Rough-legged Hawks along Sawmill Creek and Barley Road. A small pond on a farm at the intersection of Sawmill Creek and Rapeseed Roads held many ducks over the weekend, including Mallards, Northern Pintails, Canvasback and Northern Shovelers. The hawks noticed them for sure! In addition, there’s one field where swans and geese tend to congregate in the late afternoon/ early evening. This field is located along Barley Way and west of Spruce Road. An astounding mix of swans (both Trumpeter and Tundra) as well as thousands of Canada Geese and a few Greater White-fronted Geese, along with Northern Harriers hunting in the barley, makes this a worthwhile stop.

Nearby Clearwater Lake held ~100 swans, too many Canada Geese to count, and seven Greater White-fronted and five Snow Geese (including one blue phase). Waterfowl included a Barrow’s Goldeneye, three Common Goldeneyes, two Mallards and several Northern Pintails. Ten Herring Gulls and an adult and an immature Bald Eagle were seen this weekend. Songbird species seen or heard in the area include: Black-billed Magpies, Varied Thrush and Lapland Longspurs.

A bit south of Delta, on Sunday, April 18^th in the woods near the Richardson Highway MP 237 (Donnelly Creek), a Ruby-crowned Kinglet was heard singing and a Black-billed Magpie was seen. North of Delta, a Mew Gull was flying over the Tanana River at MP 313, and a Rough-legged Hawk was at a bluff by the Tanana, MP 330. Two Bald Eagles were seen along the Richardson Highway between MP 311 and 305 were reported from the same day.

Tok: Fifty buteos were seen on Sunday, April 18^th between MP 1295 & 1289.5 on the Alaska Highway. Most were seen at MP 1289.5, the Midway Lake turnout. Of the 50 buteos seen, the following were identified: Harlan’s 14, Red-tails 12. Looking north from Midway Lake turnout, the hawks were flying beyond the distant ridge, traveling from East to West along the Ladue River drainage. We expect the hawks are probably following the Ladue into AK from Canada. Also noted was a female Northern Harrier, two Bald Eagles, 15 Bohemian Waxwings and a pair Lapland Longspurs, a male and a female. Between MP 1265-1249 six more Harlan’s Hawk, a Red-tailed Hawk, a Golden Eagle, a Bald Eagle, and a male Northern Harrier and twoGray Jays. Also being reported from the east end of the state, were many Dark-eyed Juncos, as well as singing Varied Thrush around Tok and two Fox Sparrows were seen at Moon Lake.

In the following week, be on the lookout for more migrant songbird species—Yellow-rumped Warblers and Hammond’s Flycatchers should be here soon! Also, waterfowl numbers will continue to rise—Scaup and Northern Shovelers will be here before you know it! Get outside and see those migrants!! Please contribute to these reports by calling or writing in your bird sightings to the Alaska Bird Observatory (451-7159 or www.alaskabird.org) or the Arctic Audubon Society Birding hotline (451-9213). Thanks to all who contributed their sightings for this report.

14 April 2010–Spring is here in the Interior of Alaska!

Spring has sprung in the interior—the days are getting longer, the temperatures are getting warmer and the Canada Geese have arrived at Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge. In fact, the geese arrived a bit earlier than normal this year. The first pair of birds was spotted on the Refuge on Monday 29 March, more than a week earlier than the average arrival date of 9 April. This pair arrived on the Refuge before the fields were plowed and the grain was spread. It’s not too surprising given that this is the third lowest total winter snowfall through the end of March (1930-present; Alaska Climate Research Center, University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute). By that week’s end, the geese numbers had grown and they were joined by five Trumpeter Swans in the front fields. The geese numbers continue to climb. As of 13 April, the count was up to 228, including a leucistic (very pale) Canada Goose seen and photographed on 12 April by Barbara Logan.

This year has been interesting for Snow Bunting sightings; these large sparrows are usually the first spring arrivals to the Tanana Valley. Leaving their wintering grounds in the Great Plains of the lower 48, the males usually arrive in the Interior in mid-March, with the females arriving a month later. Snow Buntings are sexually dimorphic—meaning the males have a different plumage from the females. Both sexes are white below and have black and white wings and tail. Males have a black back and white head, while females are streaky rufous and gray on the back and head. The contrast between the white central wings patch and black wing tips create a striking flash while in flight. During spring in Interior, they are often spotted near agricultural fields (e.g. the Large Animal Research Station, UAF Experimental Farm, along CHSR, and at Creamer’s Field) and other open areas. This year has been a bit different—a Snow Bunting was documented at a birdfeeder in the Cripple Creek area during the month of January and staying around for a few weeks. On 13 February, 10-12 buntings were calling from the tops of spruce trees at 10-mile CHSR. These sightings raise the question—did some Snow Buntings not leave Fairbanks for the winter or are these just super-early spring arrivals to the area? On 14 March, 16 male Snow Buntings were seen foraging in a field adjacent to the Tsesyu gas station in Cantwell. On the following day, 30 buntings were reported near Tok (MP 1280-1250 on the Alaska Highway). On 18 March, 15 Snow Buntings were seen at 6-mile of New Murphy Dome Road and from 6-8 April, a flock of 8-10 buntings was foraging in the fields behind the Alaska Bird Observatory’s offices. It’s possible that buntings are continuing on to their breeding grounds in the rocky scree at the tops of local mountains or farther north in rocky areas surrounded by tundra. Also ahead of schedule by over a week are Lapland Longspurs—several birds were seen near the Musher’s Hall in Tok and along the Tok-Cutoff as reported on 6 April. Their average arrival date into the Tanana Valley is 14 April.

Raptors are also starting to make their way to the Tanana Valley. Bald Eagles have been seen, mostly around the Chena River, since mid-February. Three Golden Eagles were spotted on 15 March near Tok. The first Red-tailed Hawks of the season were seen on 30 March flying over Gilmore Trail, while the first Rough-legged Hawk was spotted on 11 April, along the Steese Highway near the Fox General Store. The first Northern Harrier was reported scoping out the west fields of Creamer’s Refuge on 13 April. It seems that more accipiters are wintering here in the Interior as there have been many sightings of Northern Goshawk and even a January sighting of Sharp-shinned Hawk. Listening for and seeing many of our resident owl species, such as Northern Hawk, Great Horned, Great Gray and Boreal Owls kept many folks entertained while waiting for the migrants to arrive into town.

Black-billed Magpies, Common Ravens and Gray Jays are in the process of building their nests, so be on the lookout for any breeding behaviors. Red-breasted Nuthatches and Brown Creepers have been seen and heard around Fairbanks this past winter. Flocks of Bohemian Waxwings and Common Redpolls seem to be on the rise. Several early sightings of American Robins during February and March also beg the question of whether these birds over-wintered or are just very early arrivals! On 4 April, an American Robin was seen along Gold Hill Road. This bird was most-likely an early migrant. Resident woodpeckers are still around in full force—lots of drumming and calling is indicative of breeding. Soon, they’ll be more secretive and your birdfeeders will seem eerily quiet! Of course, I have to mention the sighting of the Red-breasted Sapsucker at 2807 Riverview Drive here in Fairbanks on 30-31 March. This was the third sighting for the Interior, so it had many birders quite excited. Let’s hope the bird was able to find its way back to southeast Alaska, the normal breeding range for this species.

Airport Ponds: The sloughs, ponds and float ponds are all frozen. Despite heavy winds, a Mallard pair landed in a ditch containing water near the Post Office road.

Smith Lake: The Lake is still frozen, but starting to look rotten in places and ice over some lily pads had melted out.  The pond along Sheep Creek had some surface melt water. Birds of note here include an adult Bald Eagle, a pair of Mallards and two flyover Canada Geese.

Down the ‘Rich: On 10 April, two light-phased Rough-legged Hawks (one flying, one perched) were seen near Delta. 1 Red-tailed Hawk (Delta Fields) and one Great Gray Owl was found on the road to Quartz Lake (just north of powerline cut). On 11 April, one Red-tailed Hawk and two groups of Trumpeter Swans (4 + 7) were seen flying over Quartz Lake. Twenty Canada Geese flying near the lake.

A trip to Delta Junction over this past weekend yielded three Rough-legged Hawks despite windy conditions. All of Barley Way was passable. Clearwater Lake had the most action. There were several hundred Canada Geese, 20 Trumpeter Swans, 6 Mallards, 4 Common Goldeneyes, 2 Barrow’s Goldeneyes, 2 Common Mergansers, 1 Herring Gull and a far-away goose was probably a dark Snow Goose. Not a single bird was on the river at Rika’s Roadhouse, but had an adult Bald Eagle just past Shaw Creek.

During the next week should see the arrival of more waterfowl including Greater White-fronted Geese and more swans as well as Mallards and Northern Pintails. For all the songbird aficionados, maybe we’ll get lucky and spot an early Dark-eyed Junco, Ruby-crowned Kinglet or American Tree Sparrow! Please contribute to these reports by calling in your bird sightings to the Alaska Bird Observatory (451-7159 or www.alaskabird.org) or the Arctic Audubon Society Birding hotline (451-9213). Thanks to numerous folks for their contributions to this report.

Birding reports are listed in reverse order, most recent first.

Birding Report–27 May 2009–Most of our migrants have arrived into town…almost!

Surprisingly, large numbers of Sandhill Cranes are still present at Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge-these birds could possibly be young from last year. According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Sandhill Cranes do not breed until two to seven years old and can live to be 20 years-old. Mated pairs stay together year round, and migrate south as a group with their offspring. In addition to Sandhill Cranes, other birds being seen at Creamer’s Field include: Canada Geese, American Wigeon, Mallard, Northern Pintail and Northern Shoveler. The seasonal pond, on the way to ABO’s banding station, still has several pairs of Horned Grebes, Bufflehead and American Green-winged Teal.  Two Harlequin Ducks were seen floating the Chena River this week between Doyon Estates and Riverview Drive. Large numbers of Ring-necked Ducks can also be found in the area, particularly in ponds along the Steese Highway in the Chatanika Valley and on Smith Lake.

Most, if not all, of our interior warbler species are being seen and heard in the area this week, including the arrival of Orange-crowned, Townsend’s, Blackpoll, Yellow and Wilson’s Warblers. Those loud, yet skulky Northern Waterthrushes are also singing up a storm attracting their mates and defending their territories.  One of the last migrants to arrive, the Olive-sided Flycatcher, was heard in the area this week with reports from the Birch Hill area on May 21^st. If you happen to hear a bird call that sounds a lot like “quick, three beers”, you’ll know an Olive-sided Flycatcher is close by.  Alder Flycatchers have yet to turn up-their arrival date on Creamer’s Refuge is about June 4^th-they are coming from as far south as Argentina after all! Listen for their call, which sounds a lot like “free-beer”. Swainson’s Thrushes are back in the area, filling the woods with their flute-like song goes that up in pitch. Keep your ears open for the downward-spiraling song of the Gray-cheeked Thrush. This species is another late migrant to our area.

Airport Ponds/Float Plane Ponds: Notable waterfowl sightings from the front airport ponds include: Common Goldeneye and Canvasback, Bonaparte’s Gulls and nesting Red-necked Grebes. Shorebirds include Lesser Yellowlegs, Long-billed Dowitchers, Semipalmated and Pectoral Sandpipers and two Hudsonian Godwits.

The float plane ponds were rather hopping this week, with sightings of Whimbrel, Upland Sandpiper, large flocks of American Golden-Plovers and Long-billed Dowitchers, and a few Hudsonian Godwits. Many peep species were seen this week, the most numerous being Semipalmated and Baird’s Sandpipers, with a few Pectoral Sandpipers. Two Black-bellied Plovers were seen using the shoreline, along with a lone Dunlin-its bright reddish back and black belly, and long, drooping bill distinguish it from nearly all other shorebirds.. A Spotted Sandpiper was seen here over the weekend, along with territorial Semipalmated Plovers. A raft of 14+ Long-tailed Ducks was mixed in with the usual dabbling and diving ducks on the pond Savannah Sparrows and swallows abound here.

Tanana Lakes: Highlights from a short trip to Tanana Lakes (South Cushman side only) on Sunday, May 24^th yielded  two Black-bellied Plovers, five Long-billed Dowitcher, and at least 60 Semipalmated Sandpipers yielding great close views. A Northern Flicker and singing Northern Waterthrushes were also here.

Smith Lake: Notable sightings from this past week include large numbers of Scaup and Ring-necked Ducks, Northern Shovelers, Bufflehead and Red-necked Grebes. Rusty Blackbirds, Bohemian Waxwings, Ruby-crowned Kinglets and Townsend’s Warblers are just a few of the notable songbirds being seen and heard here.

Up the Steese: A trip to Eagle Summit over the weekend yielded some tundra-breeding specialties, including: displaying Northern Wheatears, Horned Larks, American Pipits and Lapland Longspurs. An all-white (winter plumage) Rock Ptarmigan was spotted along the Pinnell Mountain Trail. Surfbirds nor Long-tailed Jaegers were not seen.

Up the Dalton: Three hours of birding on Monday, May 25^th around Coldfoot turned up 43 species. Some of the more interesting ones: a pair of Pacific Loons, a pair of Surf Scoters, Common Merganser, Merlin, Upland Sandpiper, two Red-necked Phalaropes, Northern Flicker, Tree, Violet-green & Cliff Swallows, Swainson’s and Gray-cheeked Thrushes, Orange-crowned, Blackpoll and Wilson’s Warblers, three Northern Waterthrushes, Lincoln’s Sparrow, two Rusty Blackbirds, eight White-winged Crossbills, and a singing Pine Grosbeak.

Down the ‘Rich: Migrant sightings from Eielson Air force Base this past week include Blue-winged Teal and Spotted Sandpiper on May 20^th and a Ruddy Duck on May 21^st. Also seen or heard were: Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Long-tailed Duck and White-winged Scoter and songbirds included Blackpoll Warbler and American Pipit.

An unusual sighting of a Great Blue Heron on Quartz Lake (located about 10 miles north of Delta) was first seen on May 19^th and continued on May 20^th. Photos of the bird were taken. The largest and most widespread heron in North America, the Great Blue Heron can be found along the ocean shore or the edge of a small inland pond-it’s common in the lower 48 and parts of Canada, but usually not seen here in the interior.

Please contribute to these reports by calling or writing in your bird sightings to the Alaska Bird Observatory (451-7159 or www.alaskabird.org) or the Arctic Audubon Society Birding hotline (451-9213). Thanks to all who contributed their sightings to this report (especially Judy and Frank Williams and Jeff Walters), the will be the last one for this year.

Birding report–20 May 2009– It’s officially summer in the interior—American Golden Plovers are back in town!!

This year’s bird migration is well underway-the waterfowl and swans were the first to arrive, and have been followed by a wave of shorebirds and songbirds. It’s possible to see many of these species all at once right here in the interior; better do it now as many species will be leaving shortly for their breeding grounds on the North Slope.

The numbers of Sandhill Cranes has remained steady over the past week at Creamer’s Field, with Canada Geese and a lone Greater White-fronted Goose seen on Saturday, May 16. American Wigeon, Mallard, Northern Pintail, and American Green-winged Teal are still regular visitors to the front ponds. Exciting sightings on the refuge this week include the first of the year American Golden-Plover (a lone bird was spotted on Saturday May 16) and a lone Whimbrel on Tuesday, May 19. American Golden-Plover numbers grew to 20+ on May 19-this species is not only spectacular-looking, it also makes one of the longest migratory journeys of any shorebird. It breeds on the high Arctic tundra of Alaska and Canada and winters in the grasslands of central and southern South America. An uncommon Killdeer was both seen and heard calling on Saturday, May 16. The bird arrived at about 9:30am, much to the delight of the ABO Adult Guided Birdathon Team, as well as a University of Alaska Fairbanks ornithology class and the Arctic Audubon shorebird walk group. A shorebird you can see without going to the beach, Killdeer are graceful plovers common to lawns, golf courses, athletic fields, and parking lots. They get their name from their call-a far-carrying, excited kill-deer, a common sound heard in the lower 48 and Canada but not here in the interior!

The seasonal pond on the way to ABO’s banding station has been a flurry of activity this past week. Notable sightings include: multiple Horned Grebes, the first Belted Kingfisher and singing Lincoln’s Sparrows. The lone Solitary Sandpiper, a few Lesser Yellowlegs and Rusty Blackbirds have all been active near the pond, and if you’re lucky, you might spot or hear the winnowing Wilson’s Snipe. Both Northern Harriers and Lapland Longspurs have been seen using the fields near the banding station recently. Hammond’s Flycatchers are quite numerous on the refuge this year-if you need to learn their call, now is a good time to take a good listen! A Western Wood-Pewee arrived on the refuge on May 18 and has been calling all week. A Great-Horned Owl has been a regular visitor near ABO’s banding station, even during mid-day hours. Kessel Pond, located on Creamer’s Refuge, has hosted numerous shorebird species including: Lesser Yellowlegs, Pectoral Sandpiper and Long-billed Dowitcher. A Peregrine Falcon was seen stooping on the duck species here on May 13.

Black-capped and Boreal Chickadees and woodpeckers are paired up and nesting. American Robins and Dark-eyed Juncos have begun building their nests. Golden-crowned Sparrows have been seen regularly in the area this spring. Both Bank and Cliff Swallows arrived this past week with a first of the year sighting reported for both species on May 12 at the Federal Building on 12^th Avenue. Violet-green and Tree Swallows have been investigating the nest boxes at Creamer’s Fields. A few warbler species are being heard, including: Yellow-rumped, Townsend’s (UAF west ridge trails on May 14), and Wilson’s Warblers. Northern Waterthrushes have just arrived into town, with the first singing male heard by ABO’s banding station on Tuesday, May 19.  The beautiful songs of both Hermit and Swainson’s Thrush are being heard in the area, and we’re still awaiting the arrival of Grey-cheeked Thrushes. On Saturday, May 16 a flock of 35-40 Lapland Longspurs was seen near the intersection of Chigmit Drive and Cripple Creek Road, moving back and forth between tall grasses and trees. This species breeds in Arctic tundra in wet meadows, grassy tussocks, and scrub and on migration and in winter it’s commonly found in plowed fields, stubble, and open grasslands, so to see them using trees is a treat and a bit uncommon!

Airport Ponds/Float Plane Ponds: The front airport ponds are now completely free of ice. Waterfowl sightings include: Mallard, Lesser Scaup, American Green-winged Teal, Canvasback, American Wigeon, Common Goldeneye and Northern Shoveler and Pintail. Mew and Bonaparte’s Gulls as well as Red-necked and Horned Grebes are also here. Large numbers of Long-billed Dowitchers were using the ponds over the weekend. A pair of Red-necked Phalaropes was using the western front pond over the weekend. A highlight of the slough area behind the airport was a flock of 100+ Lapland Longspurs, as well as three Trumpeter Swans, Bufflehead, both scaup species and flocks of foraging Long-billed Dowitchers. The float plane ponds are also free of ice this week. Notable shorebird sightings include: large numbers of American Golden-Plover and a few Semipalmated Plovers. Large flocks of Long-billed Dowitcher as well as the “peeps” Semipalmated, Lesser, Baird’s and Pectoral Sandpipers were seen this week. In addition, large rafts of both diving and dabbling ducks (including three Long-tailed Ducks) and scoters (Surf and White-winged) were seen on the float ponds. Songbird sightings here include: Tree and Violet-green Swallows, American Pipits, American Robin and Savannah Sparrow.

Peat Ponds: These ponds, located at the intersection of Sheep Creek and Murphy Dome Roads, have been quite active this past week. Even though there’s still a bit of ice left on some of the western ponds, it hasn’t deterred the waterfowl and shorebirds from frequenting them. Many species of waterfowl have been seen here including: Mallard, American Wigeon, Northern Shoveler and Pintail, American Green-winged Teal, Bufflehead, Ring-necked Duck, Lesser Scaup, Canvasback, Redhead and Horned Grebe. Shorebirds included: Long-billed Dowitchers, Lesser Yellowlegs, and peeps. A few Red-winged Blackbirds have taken up residence here and is one known place in the interior to see this species on a regular basis. Belted Kingfishers have been seen and heard here this past week.

Smith Lake: The ice is now completely gone from the lake. Notable sightings from this past week include a large raft of Ring-necked Ducks, Buffleheads, Red-necked and Horned Grebe, Surf Scoters, and Bonaparte’s Gulls. A pair of Pacific Loons was here on Saturday, May 16. Large flocks of Bohemian Waxwings have been active here and other songbirds seen and heard include: Hermit and Swainson’s Thrush, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Lincoln’s Sparrow and Rusty Blackbirds. A large concentration of 60 Northern Shoveler was seen here on Tuesday, May 19.

Tanana Lakes: Highlights of a trip to the lakes on Sunday, May 17 (all seen or heard from the S. Cushman side) include: two Glaucous-winged Gulls, a Northern Harrier, a pair of Surf Scoters, eight Long-billed Dowitchers, a calling Solitary Sandpiper, five Long-tailed Ducks, and two Arctic Terns hovering and fishing. There were moderate numbers of the typical waterfowl and yellowlegs, plus 2 Canada Geese. Songbirds included: 100 Lapland Longspurs and two singing Fox Sparrows. There were two adult Bald Eagles perched in a tree across the slough and about 50 yards from the nest, which didn’t seem active. A separate trip on Tuesday, May 19 saw 25 Canvasback and 10 Long-billed Dowitcher.

Down the ‘Rich: Notable sightings from Eielson Air force Base this past week include: Arctic Tern, Long-billed Dowitcher, and Red-necked Phalarope on May 13, Pectoral Sandpiper on May 14, and Tundra Swan on May 18.

A visit to the 12-Mile Richardson Highway ponds tallied the following species on Tuesday, May 19: two Trumpeter Swans, one Hudsonian Godwit, one Pectoral Sandpiper, 42 Long-billed Dowitchers, four American Golden-Plovers, six Gadwall and the usual puddle ducks and divers.

Highlights of a trip to Delta on Monday, May 18 include: Upland Sandpiper, American Golden-Plover, Say’s Phoebe, Orange-crowned Warbler and flocks of Lapland Longspurs along Sawmill Creek Road and Barley Way. Bolio Lake (near Ft. Greely) held a diversity of waterfowl species including all three scoter species: Surf, White-winged and Black Scoter.  Trumpeter Swans and a Peregrine Falcon were spotted along the Richardson Highway on the return trip to town.

Tok area: Our friends to the east were treated to a pair of CINNAMON TEAL (male and female) seen on roadside ponds at milepost 1330 on the Alaska Highway near Tok on Wednesday, May 13. A small brightly colored dabbling duck, the Cinnamon Teal is found in ponds throughout the American West. However, the northerly extent of this species’ breeding range is southern British Columbia, so this sighting in Tok is a very rare event!

Birding report–13 May 2009–Bird migration is in full swing!!

If you were at Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge this past week, you may have noticed that the Canada Goose and duck numbers seemed to have declined. Many of these species have moved on to their breeding grounds and have begun nesting. However, Sandhill cranes can still be seen regularly at here.  Besides a few Canada Geese, waterfowl such as Northern Pintail, Mallard, American Wigeon and a few Green-winged Teal are still present in the front ponds. More shorebirds have shown up on the refuge this week, the majority still being Lesser Yellowlegs and Wilson’s Snipe. Kessel Pond, located on the refuge, continues its tradition of hosting phalaropes-on Tuesday, May 12^th two first of the season Red-necked Phalaropes were seen feeding on the pond in the afternoon. With phalaropes, the sex roles are reversed; breeding females are distinguishable by brighter plumage than males and by slightly larger body size. Red-necked Phalaropes are famous, as are the other 2 species of phalarope, for lifting aquatic prey within reach by rapidly spinning in tight circles in a manner reminiscent of a slightly demented toy. Songbirds are making a strong showing on the refuge this week. If you happen to walk the fields behind the barn, be on the lookout for a large flock (60-100+) of small birds, often wheeling about the fields or perched in the trees. These birds are Lapland Longspurs-a species that breeds on the arctic tundra-so it’s a treat to see them up close at Creamer’s.  Other highlights on the refuge this week include: flocks of Rusty Blackbirds, American Pipits, and Violet-green and Tree Swallows, singing White-crowned, Fox and Savannah Sparrows. In addition, the first Lincoln’s and American Tree Sparrows were caught in the mist-nets at ABO’s banding station. The seasonal pond on the way to the banding station held a pair of Ring-necked Ducks over the weekend, and the territorial Horned Grebe pair is still holding their ground against all other waterfowl.

It appears that most raptor species have made their way into the area. Folks have been reporting all falcon species-American Kestrel, Merlin and Peregrine Falcon with regularity. A Sharp-shinned Hawk was spotted near the ABO banding station last week, and Northern Harriers are being sighted daily at Creamer’s Field. A Northern Hawk Owl is still being seen on the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus.

This past week, folks in the area have been reporting both Swainson’s Thrush and Hermit Thrush singing up a storm lately. Listen for their flutey melodious songs as you take a walk through the woods and test yourself in their identification. Which species spirals up and which one stays on the same pitch? Often times you hear these birds rather than seeing them. We’re still awaiting the arrival of Gray-cheeked Thrushes-which should arrive during the last week of May. Other songbird sightings in the area include a flock of Horned Larks at 26 mile Chena Hot Springs Road and the Red-winged Blackbirds have made their way to the Peat Ponds, located at the intersection of Goldstream and Murphy Dome Roads. This is a great spot to see this uncommon interior blackbird species. Two Golden-crowned Sparrows were seen at a birdfeeder alongside White-crowned Sparrows in the Goldstream Valley on Monday, May 11^th. A walk this past weekend on Taiga Trail Loop at the Wedgewood Wildlife Sanctuary produced a variety of bird species, highlights included: Red-necked Grebe, Lesser Scaup, Boreal Owl, American Three-toed Woodpecker, Ruby-crowned Kinglet and Fox Sparrow. This is a great walk if you’re interested in seeing and hearing birds. A very early Yellow Warbler was heard singing on Sunday, May 10^th on Lancaster Drive-this first of the season bird was singing in the snow! Also, Common Redpoll young should be fledging this week, if they haven’t already.

Cushman Ponds/Tanana Lakes: The lakes are the place to be if you want to see Hudsonian Godwits. Other sightings from this past week include: Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, Canvasback, a pair of Ring-necked Ducks (on the South Lathrop side), six Greater White-fronted Geese, 50+ Tree Swallows and an adult Bald Eagle.

Lakeview Terrace: This is the place to go if you enjoy looking at gulls-Mew, Herring, Glaucous and Bonaparte’s Gulls have all been seen on the lake. In addition, American Wigeon, Common and Barrow’s Goldeneye, American Green-winged Teal, Northern Pintail and Mallards were here.

Airport Ponds/Float Plane Ponds and environs: The front ponds are nearly free of ice. A diversity of waterfowl has been seen here over the past week and includes: Horned and Red-necked Grebes, Mallard, Bufflehead, Common and Barrow’s Goldeneye, Common Merganser, Redhead, Canvasback, American Green-winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck, Lesser Scaup, American Wigeon, Northern Pintail and Northern Shovelers. A first of the season male Surf Scoter was on the front ponds at the airport on Thursday, May 7^th and a Common Loon was spotted here on Saturday, May 10^th. Mew and Bonaparte’s Gulls, as well as Arctic Terns are also here. Shorebirds include Lesser Yellowlegs and Wilson’s Snipe at the airport ponds and the float plane ponds had Semi-palmated Plovers and a first of the season Long-billed Dowitcher over the weekend. The float ponds are a good spot for shorebirds, especially the peeps. Baird’s, Western, Semipalmated, Least and Pectoral Sandpiper were all seen here on Monday, May 11^th. In addition, a Blue-winged Teal was spotted at the float plane ponds. Other birds seen in this area include: Northern Harriers, huge flocks of swallows, Gray Jay, Common Raven, American Robin, Dark-eyed Junco, and Lapland Longspurs.

Smith Lake: The ice is slowly receding from the lake, but it is about 2/3 open. Waterfowl sightings on Tuesday, May 12^th include:  Red-necked Grebe, Bufflehead, Northern Shoveler, American Wigeon, Northern Pintail, American Green-winged Teal, and Mallard. Mew and Bonaparte’s Gulls were also seen, as were Lesser Yellowlegs and Wilson’s Snipe. Singing songbirds include American Robin, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Yellow-rumped (Myrtle’s) Warbler and Dark-eyed Junco. A Common Redpoll was seen flying overhead.

Down the ‘Rich: The ice on the ponds at 12-mile Richardson Highway is slowly receding and the waterfowl are taking advantage. Sightings this past week include:  a flock of 50 Tundra Swans, Canada and Greater White-fronted Goose, Horned Grebe, Common Goldeneye, American Green-winged Teal, Canvasback, Northern Shoveler and Pintail, Bufflehead, American and Eurasian Wigeon and Mallard. Mew and Herring Gull as well as Lesser Yellowlegs and a few Rusty Blackbirds were seen along the ponds. New shorebird species being seen here include: Least Sandpiper, Semi-palmated Plover, and Hudsonian Godwit.

A trip to the Chena River Lakes Flood Control Project (thanks to a tip from Nicole Pearce and David Gibbs!) on Thursday, May 7^th produced a plethora of bird sightings. This is a premier place to look at waterfowl. Thousands of ducks were seen here (such as those sighted at the 12-mile Richardson Highway ponds), the only addition being Greater Scaup. A big group of Arctic Terns were mixed in with Bonaparte’s Gulls. Horned Grebes were performing mating displays. The highlight of the trip was a first of the season sighting of a lone Pacific Loon.

The ABO research crew studying bird movements on Eielson Air force Base have been kept busy with migrant sightings this past week. Shorebird sightings include: Lesser Yellowlegs, Wilson’s Snipe, Solitary Sandpiper, three Hudsonian Godwits and Least and Semipalmated Sandpiper.  Raptor highlights there include a Short-eared Owl, as well as Merlin and American Kestrel. Flocks of Lapland Longspurs and American Pipits have also been seen in the area. Other bird species seen include: Northern Flicker, Violet-green and Tree Swallow, Hermit Thrush, White-crowned Sparrow and Rusty Blackbird.

A trip on the Delta Clearwater this weekend produced a first of the season Wilson’s Warbler, a few weeks early for this species.

Birding report–6 May 2009–The songbirds are starting to arrive!

This weather is certainly bringing the migrants into the area. Right now, waterfowl diversity seems to have reached its peak, with some shorebirds arriving as well as a bunch of different songbird species over the weekend. The woods are starting to come alive with bird song. Now’s a great time to get out those bird CDs and start re-learning songs and calls before the big wave of birds hits! There’s a lot to see and hear and it’s not just birds-wood frogs are beginning to call and butterflies and other winged critters have begun to emerge!

Both Canada Geese (including a few Cackling Geese-smaller versions of Canada Geese) and Greater White-fronted Geese can still be found in big numbers at Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge. A pair of Snow Geese has been near the front ponds since April 28^th. A few Tundra and Trumpeter Swans are still being seen regularly, as are Sandhill Cranes and many duck species including: Mallard, Northern Pintail, American Wigeon, and Green-winged Teal. Kessel Pond had three Barrow’s Goldeneye and three Common Goldeneye were seen on the seasonal pond on the way to ABO’s banding station along with a pair of Buffleheads over the weekend. Northern Shovelers have arrived in town with sightings off of Morris Thompson Drive (near the University of Alaska Fairbanks traffic circle), on Eielson Air force Base (AFB) and at Creamer’s Field. Other ducks reported from the Tanana Valley include: Ring-necked Duck, Canvasback, Greater Scaup, Common Merganser and Common Goldeneye. Gulls are still roosting in big numbers at Creamer’s Field-on April 26^th, an estimated 600-700 gulls were seen near midnight-most of these birds were Herring Gulls, but a few Glaucous-hybrids were mixed in amongst them. The first Bonaparte’s Gulls of the year were reported May 1^st at the Peat Ponds, which are located at the intersection of Goldstream/Sheep Creek and Murphy Dome Roads. The grebes are back in town! A Horned Grebe was reported from the Chena River on Friday, May 1^st and three were seen at Creamer’s Field on Saturday, May 2^nd. A Red-necked Grebe was reported on Eielson AFB on May 4^th.

Shorebirds are starting to make their way into our area. A Wilson’s Snipe were heard winnowing at the ABO banding station and two Lesser Yellowlegs were seen at Creamer’s Field, both on Wednesday, April 29^th and a few days ahead of schedule. Lesser Yellowlegs have also been seen at the Peat Ponds and on Eielson AFB. The first Semipalmated Plover was reported on Eielson Air force Base on May 4^th. New raptor sightings in the area include an Osprey sighted on April 29^th flying over South Lathrop Street near Metro Field and two Osprey seen at Eielson AFB on May 1^st. A Merlin was seen and heard calling off of Grenac Road over the weekend and a Gyrfalcon as been seen regularly off of Cripple Creek Road. A Peregrine Falcon visited the front ponds at Creamer’s Field this past week, no doubt looking for a meal-they’re not nicknamed “Duck Hawk” for nothing!

This lovely warm weather of late has produced a wave of songbird migrants starting this past week and is still ongoing. Just in time for International Migratory Bird Day on May 2^nd, new arrivals in the area include: Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hammond’s Flycatcher, Yellow-rumped (or Myrtle) Warbler, White-crowned Sparrow and Dark-eyed Junco. Numerous Varied Thrushes and American Robins have also been reported. Surprisingly, two Swainson’s Thrushes have been singing in the boreal forest surrounding ABO’s banding station at Creamer’s Field since May 2^nd-a full two weeks early for this species! Violet-green and Tree Swallows have also made their way into town, with sightings from Ft. Wainwright, Eielson AFB, Fairbanks International Airport and Creamer’s Field. Blackbirds have also arrived-a Red-winged Blackbird set down and sang at ABO’s banding station on May 1^st and another was sighted at the Peat Ponds on May 3^rd. Rusty Blackbirds are arriving as well-one was seen on Eielson AFB May 4^th and another heard calling over ABO headquarters on May 5^th. American Pipits and Lapland Longspurs have also been reported this past week from Eielson AFB and the Granite Tors trail. Next week should bring more shorebird and songbird species such as Solitary Sandpiper, Savannah and Fox Sparrow and Orange-crowned Warbler.

Cushman Ponds/Tanana Lakes: The ice is slowly receding from most of ponds along Cushman Street, not so much on the Lathrop side. Duck sightings include: Common Goldeneye, Mallard, Bufflehead and Northern Pintail. It was hard to tell if the Bald Eagle pair is using the nest site close to the Tanana River. An adult Bald Eagle, along with Common Ravens and Herring Gulls were seen flying over the landfill.

Airport Ponds: The sloughs behind the airport are still mostly ice-covered but there was a pair of Lesser Scaup near the SW end of the runway. The west pond of the airport is mostly ice-covered, but the east side is almost ice-free and was hopping with birds. Notable sightings include:  about 20 Bonaparte’s and 3 Mew Gulls, 2 First of the Year Arctic Terns, 2 Lesser Yellowlegs, and an American Robin that was singing. Duck sightings include: a pair of Northern Shovelers, multiple American Wigeon and Northern Pintails, a pair of Common Goldeneye, 3 Canvasbacks, and 1 American Green-winged Teal.

Smith Lake: The Lake itself is still mostly frozen over, with the edges barely melted; however, the pond along Sheep Creek Road is almost open. Notable sightings this week include: Mallard pair, a Tree Swallow, an American Robin, a singing Ruby-crowned Kinglet and a first of the year Lincoln’s Sparrow!

Birding report-29 April, 2009  – Geese still dominate but songbirds are trickling in!

Who can complain with high temperatures in the 70′s and overnight lows above freezing? That, in combination with the sunny skies have practically eradicated the snow and ice and greenup is  around the corner. Spring has sprung in Fairbanks and the birds are on the move! So, now’s a great time to get out and do some birding!

Waterfowl are still the main migrants here in town, particularly at Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge, much to the delight of the 5th graders that have been visiting. Trumpeter and Tundra Swans are seen on a regular basis, as are Greater White-fronted and Canada Geese with more arriving every day on open fields, seeking food. As of Tuesday, April 28th, there were close to 500 Canada Geese, almost 40 Greater White-fronted Geese, and 2 Snow Geese at Creamer’s Field. Herring Gulls are still being seen on a regular basis. The first American Wigeon arrived on the Refuge on April 23rd, and Northern Pintails are nearing the hundred- mark. Other waterfowl being seen in the Fairbanks area include: Mallards, Barrow’s and Common Goldeneye and Common Mergansers. Sandhill Cranes arrived at Creamer’s Field on Earth Day, April 22nd, with more showing up each day.

Raptors are still making a showing here in Fairbanks as well as the surrounding areas. Rough-legged Hawks (both dark and light morphs) are being seen on a regular basis  in town (University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) fields and Creamer’s Fields) as well as along the Richardson Highway at Eielson Air Force Base and in the fields surrounding the town of Delta. A true hawk of the north, the name “Rough-legged” Hawk refers to the feathered legs. The Rough-legged Hawk, the Ferruginous Hawk, and the Golden Eagle are the only American hawks to have legs feathered all the way to the toes. Another way to identify these birds is their habit of sitting at the top of trees, and often hovering over the ground looking for small mammals and birds. Check out Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s website “All About Birds” for more information (http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/search.aspx) about Rough-legged Hawks and all other North American birds. A dark Red-tailed Hawk has been seen regularly at the roundabout on the UAF campus. American Kestrels are back in town-one was sighted on April 22nd sitting atop a utility pole on the UAF campus and another reported on Craft Road, ½ mile north of Chena Pump Road. A Peregrine Falcon was seen sitting on top of the Rabinowitz Courthouse in downtown Fairbanks on April 24th and another was seen at Creamer’s Field on April 27th. A Northern Harrier was reported at Creamer’s Field on April 26th and 27th. Folks are still reporting Northern Hawk Owls in the area, especially along the Parks Highway between Nenana and Healy. A Great Gray Owl was seen on Snowcreek Road on April 23rd and another was seen near the Alaska Bird Observatory’s banding station at Creamer’s Field on Monday, April 27th.

I’m happy to report that songbirds on are their way into town, with April 23rd being a day of firsts: a Mountain Bluebird was seen near the Water Wagon and Parks Highway, an American Robin was seen and heard singing on Beberg Court, and a Ruby-crowned Kinglet was heard singing near Farmer’s Loop and McGrath Roads. Dark-eyed Juncos are also starting to sing, with reports from UAF campus and the Goldstream Valley as well as near the Chena Flood Control project this past week. A Yellow-rumped Warbler was heard singing on Chigmit Drive on April 28th.  Black-capped Chickadees are starting to investigate nest boxes this past week, so if you have one, be sure to monitor it for an upcoming nest!

Smith Lake: On Tuesday, April 28^th, Smith Lake had a little water at some of the edges, enough for a pair of Mallards.  There was a beaver near them on shore.  Three redpolls flew overhead.  A second pair of Mallards was on the little pond along the Sheep Creek path. On the way to the airport there was an American Kestrel that flew over the Mitchell Expressway near the Chena River.

Airport Ponds: As of Tuesday, April 28^th, the airport ponds have a little water at the edges.  The sloughs are more open, especially by culverts.  However, there was nothing on the water.  A Black-billed Magpie was on a telephone pole at the intersection of Airport Industrial Rd and Aerofuel Place, and a Common Raven flew over Aerofuel Place.  A redpoll flew over the front east pond.

Down the ‘Rich: A trip to Delta this weekend produced many of the normal suspects. Two Sharp-tailed and a Ruffed Grouse were seen on Sawmill Creek Road. Numerous Rough-legged and Red-tailed (Harlan’s) Hawks were seen along the roads sitting atop utility poles or hedgerows. Clearwater Lake and environs had Trumpeter Swans, Common Goldeneye and a Bald Eagle. Canada Geese were out in full force on the mostly-open lake. Herring Gulls were here as well as along the Tanana River at the bridge. The only passerines to be found on this trip were a flock of Bohemian Waxwings, White-winged Crossbills and Common Redpolls.

The ABO crew at Eielson Air Force Base reported a pair of Horned Grebes and a Mew Gull on April 28th-both first of the year for the area.

Please contribute to these reports by calling in your bird sightings to the Alaska Bird Observatory (451-7159 or www.alaskabird.org) or the Arctic Audubon Society Birding hotline (451-9213). Thanks to Judy Williams for her birding report.

April 21, 2009 – Geese, raptors and cranes, oh my!

Over the past few weeks, temperatures have soared into the 40′s and highs in the 50′s are predicted by week’s end. These warm, spring-like temperatures in combination with greater than 16 hours of daylight make for great conditions for humans and birds alike. Now we just need all this snow to melt and the ponds and rivers to open up.

Canada Geese have arrived into the area in big numbers. As of Tuesday, April 21 there were almost 300 Canada Geese at Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge-just in time for the 5th grade BirdWatch, which started on Wednesday, April 22. The first Greater White-fronted Goose arrived at Creamer’s on Friday, April 17-right on schedule-and their numbers have grown to over 30! Gulls have begun their migration into the area with the first sighting on April 15th off the University Street Bridge over the Chena River. A large flock of ~100 gulls (probably Herring) were spotted at Creamer’s on Thursday, April 16th and another flock of ~30 Herring Gulls were seen flying along the Chena River the following night, probably on their way to roost. The first Trumpeter Swan arrived at Creamer’s front ponds on Monday, April 20. Other waterfowl being seen in the Fairbanks area include: Mallards, Common Goldeneye, Common Mergansers, and Northern Pintails. The waterfowl will increase as more ponds and open water become available, so stay tuned.

Buteos (large, soaring raptors) are making a showing here in the Tanana Valley. A dark morph Rough-legged Hawk was seen hunting the fields behind ABO’s headquarters on 21 April and during Goose Watch on Wednesday April 22nd, two Rough-legged Hawks (both a dark and light morph) were hunting the fields at Creamer’s. A dark phased Red-tailed (Harlan’s Hawk) is being seen regularly in the vicinity of Sheep Creek and Goldhill Roads, possibly the same bird from last year. A first of the year American Kestrel was spotted on Wednesday, April 22 sitting atop a utlity pole in the University of Alaska Fairbanks fields. A Northern Harrier was spotted on Danby Road, close to Creamer’s Refuge and Noyes Slough on Tuesday, April 21. Other raptors being seen regularly include Northern Hawk Owl and Great Gray Owl; the latter being seen near Goldmine Trail Road and the Steese Highway on Thursday, April 16. ABO is still receiving dead Boreal Owls. If you happen to find one, please bring it by ABO headquarters so it can be shipped to the National Wildlife Health Center in Madison, Wisconsin to see if a cause of death can be determined.

And now, for several exciting sightings-the first shorebird was sighted this week: a Wilson’s Snipe was heard calling on Friday, April 17th at 10-mile CHSR-almost two weeks early for this species. And as the title of my report stated, the first Sandhill Cranes arrived into the area on Tuesday, April 21-a group of cranes flew over the Goldstream Valley by Jones Road. A true harbinger of spring, these birds arrived just in time for Earth Day (April 22). The first Sandhill Crane touched down at Creamer’s Field on Wednesday, April 22nd, just as the first buses arrived with loads of students for Goose Watch. Can’t you just hear the cranes congregating at Creamer’s Field now!

On the songbird front, I’m sad to say that I haven’t heard about any new migrants into the Fairbanks area but this will change quickly with the warmer temperatures and continuing breakup. However our resident species are busy. Northern Shrikes are becoming more visible and vocal and chickadees are checking out nest boxes. Common Redpolls flocks seem to be dissipating (much to the relief of birdseed buyers!) and pairing up.

Airport/Float Plane Ponds: No bird activity to report here. The ice is starting to thin on the ponds and more so on the sloughs.

Smith Lake: The lake is still completely frozen over; however, two cross-country skiers were spotted on the lake on Tuesday, April 21. Bird activity included a Harlan’s Hawk, a Common Raven and a Common Redpoll.

Down the ‘Rich: The ABO research crew working on Eielson Air Force Base reported seeing Canada and Greater White-fronted Geese, Common Goldeneye, Scaup species, and both Harlan’s and Rough-legged Hawk last week. They also had a flock of three Snow Buntings on Friday, April 17.

A trip, sponsored by Arctic Audubon Society, to Delta on Saturday, April 18 yielded diverse sightings. The buteos are still in force here with approximately 15 Rough-legged Hawks and a few Harlan’s Hawks seen along Sawmill Creek Road. Clearwater Lake on the same day had loads of Canada Geese as well as Trumpeter Swans, Common Mergansers and Common Goldeneye. A lone Mountain Bluebird was also spotted along Sawmill Creek Road. The other passerine species spotted was Black-billed Magpie.

Down the Parks: A trip to Anchorage over the weekend produced four different Hawk-Owls between Nenana and Healy. One was at mile 300.5 of the Parks Highway just south of Nenana, a pair was next to the road at mile 293, and one was at mile 257 (just north of Healy).

Along the Taylor Highway: A male Mountain Bluebird was reported at Milepost 27.5 over the weekend. A Townsend’s Solitaire was also spotted near this bluebird. A pair of Lapland Longspurs (the first of the year) was also reported along the Taylor that same day, proving songbird migrants are indeed on their way! Also being reported from the east end of the state, were six swans flying west from Milepost 122 of the Tok Cut-off on Friday, April 17.

In the following week, be on the lookout for several migrant songbird species-their bound to arrive soon! Also, waterfowl numbers will continue to rise-Scaup and American Wigeon will be here before you know it! Please contribute to these reports by calling or writing in your bird sightings to the Alaska Bird Observatory (451-7159 or www.alaskabird.org) or the Arctic Audubon Society Birding hotline (451-9213). Thanks to Judy Williams for her report.

April 14, 2009–Spring is on its way!!

The weather of late has been lovely and it’s definitely starting to feel like spring. The birds have responded-the first Canada Geese arrived at Creamer’s Field on Thursday, April 9. The initial pair grew to 10 by the end of the day and the numbers seem to increase daily. The count will continue to grow as the snow melts and the water starts to open up. Our usual harbingers of spring (for me at least), the lovely, black and white Snow Buntings, usually found in flocks feeding on seeds in fields and wheeling about when a person or predator approaches, seemed to be in lower numbers this year. Deeper snow may be the culprit. The first Snow Buntings in the Fairbanks area were reported on March 26. More sightings started to trickle in from the Ester Area and Creamer’s Field. It seems like the biggest flocks have been seen along the Richardson Highway and near Delta Junction. However, once the snow melts, keep an eye out for Snow Bunting flocks in some of their ‘usual’ spots, including the fields at the University of Fairbanks, and near the airport, as well as at Creamer’s Field.

Raptors are also starting to make their way to the Tanana Valley. A sighting of a Bald Eagle along Cache Creek Road started on March 23, as well as a few reports of a Bald Eagle/Common Raven interaction downtown at the beginning of this month and another sighting of one at Creamer’s Field over the weekend. The first Red-tailed (very dark Harlan’s) Hawk was seen in its usual spot near Sheep Creek Road this week. A light-phase Gyrfalcon was seen flying over UAF trails on April 7. Be on the lookout for more of the falcon species to arrive shortly. A Northern Harrier was seen along the Parks Highway just outside of Healy, actively hunting the fields last month-a very early sighting for this species. A male Northern Harrier was seen just north of Nenana this past Saturday-still a bit early but maybe he knows something we don’t. Sightings of our resident raptors species, such as Northern Goshawk, and many Northern Hawk, Great-horned, Great Gray and Boreal Owls kept many folks entertained while waiting for the migrants to arrive into town.

Black-billed Magpies, Common Ravens and Gray Jays are in the process of building their nests, so be on the lookout for any breeding behaviors. Red-breasted Nuthatches have been seen and heard around Fairbanks as have flocks of Bohemian Waxwings, including one flock that included one lone American Robin in February. Big flocks of Common Redpolls and the resident woodpeckers are still around in full force-take advantage of seeing these guys now, for when breeding season starts (or may have begun already!) they’ll be more secretive and your birdfeeders will seem eerily quiet! Several Northern Shrikes have been seen recently, beginning March 5 and continuing until now; if you’ve got a birdfeeder, maybe you’ve seen a Northern Shrike up close and personal. They’re not called “Butcher Birds” for nothing!

Down the ‘Rich: A trip to Delta Junction over this past Easter weekend yielded some first of the year birds along Sawmill Creek Road including: 3 Rough-legged Hawk and 2 distant ‘dark’ buteos-possibly more Rough-legs or Harlan’s Hawk-the dark morph of the Red-tailed Hawk. Other sightings of the area included 4 Sharp-tailed Grouse perched in trees, a Northern Hawk Owl, and a Great Gray Owl, which was in a hedgerow about three-quarters of a mile beyond where state road maintenance ends. A stop at Clearwater Lake yielded about 160 Canada/Cackling Geese and three distant ducks, which may have been goldeneyes. There were also 3-4 singing White-winged Crossbills at Clearwater Lake.

Next week should see the arrival of more waterfowl including Greater White-fronted Goose and swans as well as Mallard and Northern Pintail. And, for all the songbird aficionados, maybe we’ll get lucky and spot an early Dark-eyed Junco, Ruby-crowned Kinglet or American Tree Sparrow! Please contribute to these reports by calling in your bird sightings to the Alaska Bird Observatory (451-7159 or www.alaskabird.org) or the Arctic Audubon Society Birding hotline (451-9213). Thanks to Judy and Frank Williams and Jeff Williams for their contributions.

Birding reports are listed in reverse order, most recent first.

27 May, 2008 – The woods are alive with warbler and thrush song

Well folks, it appears that most of the waterbirds, shorebirds and songbirds have made their arrival into Fairbanks and the surrounding areas. It’s hard to believe, but even though most of these birds have just arrived, many are already nesting or are on their way to their breeding grounds on the North Slope.

Large numbers of Sandhill Cranes are still present at Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge, with one particularly red-tinted one frequenting the front ponds. Canada Geese, American Wigeon, Mallard, Northern Pintail and Northern Shoveler continue to be regular visitors to the front ponds. Least and Pectoral Sandpipers, as well as Long-billed Dowitchers can also been seen foraging along the pond shorelines and in the fields.
Kessel Pond, located on Creamer’s Refuge, was the superstar birding area this past week when it hosted two female Wilson’s Phalaropes, initially found on Wednesday, May 21. Wilson’s Phalaropes are the largest and most terrestrial of the three phalarope species—the other two species being Red and Red-necked Phalaropes. According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Wilson’s Phalaropes are uncommon in the interior of Alaska—they breed in shallow wetlands of interior western North America but for most of the year are salt-lake specialists. After the breeding season, virtually all adults undertake a molt migration and stage, often in huge flocks, at hypersaline/alkaline lakes of western North America, before migrating to similar wintering habitats mainly in the altiplano of Bolivia and Argentina. All phalarope species are well known for their reversed sex-role mating system. Larger and more brightly-plumaged females compete for mates sometimes have multiple male partners, whereas males provide all parental care. An interesting note—Wilson’s Phalaropes were last seen in Fairbanks back in 2002 at this same pond. In addition to the Wilson’s Phalaropes, both Lesser and Greater Yellowlegs have been seen here over the past week, in addition to other ‘peeps’ and a variety of duck species.
Many species of warblers are being seen and heard in the area this week, including: Yellow-rumped (Myrtle’s), Orange-crowned, Townsend’s, Blackpoll, Yellow and Wilson’s Warblers. Those loud, yet skulky Northern Waterthrushes are also singing up a storm attracting their mates and defending their territories. Gray-cheeked Thrushes arrived in town this week, adding their song to the beautiful thrush repertoire already being heard around the area. Olive-sided Flycatchers are also being heard in the area this week from near Goldstream Creek along Ballaine Road and behind ABO’s headquarters. If you happen to hear a bird call that sounds a lot like “quick, three beers”, you’ll know an Olive-sided Flycatcher is close by. Western Wood Pewees were also heard calling in their usual spot along Lancaster Drive off of Farmer’s Loop this past weekend. Notable sightings from atop Murphy Dome this past week include: Upland Sandpiper, Whimbrel, Northern Wheatear, American Pipits and Lapland Longspurs. Over the weekend, a Peregrine Falcon was seen and heard calling from a promontory just below the high point of the Loop Trail of the Angel Rocks trail. Harlequin Ducks were seen floating the Chena River this week. Large numbers of Ring-necked Ducks can also be found in the area, particularly in ponds along the Steese Highway, in the Chatinika Valley.

Airport Ponds/Float Plane Ponds: Waterfowl sightings from the front airport ponds include: Mallard, Lesser Scaup, American Wigeon, Northern Shoveler and Northern Pintail. Mew and Bonaparte’s Gulls and nesting Red-necked Grebes are also here. Shorebirds include Lesser Yellowlegs, Long-billed Dowitchers and Semipalmated Sandpiper. A Yellow Warbler was heard singing. In the areas to the east and south of the airport, both Lesser and Greater Scaup, Common Goldeneye, and Bufflehead were seen. Savannah Sparrow, Redpoll and Orange-crowned Warblers were both seen and heard over the weekend here.

The float plane ponds were rather quiet this week, with a few shorebirds using the shoreline. The most common shorebird seen this week was territorial Semipalmated Plovers, along with flocks of Semipalmated and Pectoral Sandpipers. Savannah Sparrows are singing constantly. Large rafts of Scaup are still being seen on the ponds, in addition to American Wigeon and Mallards. Notable sightings include: one male Redhead, 7 Red-necked Phalaropes, and 2 Surf Scoters and 2 White-winged Scoters mixed in with dabbling and diving ducks.

Tanana Lakes: Many bird species have been sighted here over the past week. Mew and Herring Gulls as well as Common Ravens can be seen using the lakes and the landfill area. The Bald Eagle pair is still in the area, commonly seen soaring above the Tanana River. Northern Harriers and Black-billed Magpies are regularly seen at the entrance to the lakes. Mallard, Lesser Scaup, Northern Pintail and Shoveler, Green-winged Teal, American Wigeon, Long-tailed Ducks abd Surf Scoters were seen using the ponds on both the Cushman and Lathrop sides. Red-necked and Horned Grebes and Arctic Terns were also present over the weekend. Shorebirds are still making a strong showing here. Notable sightings include: 2 Black-bellied Plovers, the first-reported Hudsonian Godwit of the year, and copulating Semipalmated Sandpipers. The lone White-rumped Sandpiper was re-found at the lakes on the Lathrop Street side of the lakes. The bird was hanging out in the mud flats underneath the big gravel pile with a flock of Semipalmated Sandpipers and Pectoral Sandpipers. There were also 2 Killdeer out in the mud with them. There was also another Killdeer on the Cushman Street side of the lakes. Bank Swallows, as well as Gambel’s White-crowned Sparrows and multiple warbler species can be seen and heard here regularly.

Peat Ponds: The usual suspects of songbirds and waterfowl have been seen here this past week. Notable sightings include: Spotted Sandpipers, Long-billed Dowitchers and an increasing number of both male and female Red-winged Blackbirds—one spot in the interior to regularly see this species.

Smith Lake: Notable sightings from this past week include a raft of Ring-necked Ducks, Buffleheads, Lesser Scaup, and Bonaparte’s Gulls. Bohemian Waxwings, Rusty Blackbirds, Yellow-rumped (Myrtle) Warblers and an uncommon Golden-crowned Sparrow were seen here last week. Other songbirds heard in the area include: Orange-crowned Warbler, Ruby-crowned Kinglet and Lincoln’s Sparrows.

Down the ‘Rich: Eielson Air force Base this past week reports a Common Loon and Arctic Terns on May 22. There was one male Black Scoter on Chena Lake near the east boat launch on Monday, May 26. According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the Black Scoter is among the most vocal of waterfowl. Groups of Black Scoters often can be located by the constant mellow, plaintive whistling sound of the males. A Boreal Owl is continuing to use a nest box in North Pole.

Notable sightings from the Denali Highway over the weekend include: many species of both dabbling and diving ducks—including both Common and Red-breasted Mergansers, Harlequin, and Long-tailed Ducks, and Barrow’s and Common Goldeneye. Common Loon and Trumpeter Swans were also reported. Denali Highway specialties, such as Whimbrel, Long-tailed Jaegers, Lapland Longspurs and Arctic Terns were also seen. A visit to the 9 Mile Richardson Highway ponds tallied the following species on Sunday, May 18: Tundra Swan, Greater White-fronted Goose, Mallards, Northern Pintails, American Wigeon, 3 Gadwall (2 male, 1 female), Green-winged Teal, 3 Blue-winged Teal (2 male, 1 female), Ring-necked Ducks, Common Goldeneye, Canvasback, Bufflehead, Scaup species, and the first Long-tailed Ducks of the season. Mew and Bonaparte’s Gulls, as well as Semipalmated Plover, Semipalmated and Pectoral Sandpipers, Lesser Yellowlegs and Arctic Terns were seen. Raptors here included Bald Eagle, Northern Harrier and an Osprey. Tree Swallows were seen flitting about. Over the weekend, 3 Black-bellied Plovers were spotted here. Lakeview Terrace saw Harlequin Ducks, one Eurasian Wigeon, a Western Sandpiper and a Glaucous-winged Gull on 20 May. Long-tailed Ducks were seen here on Saturday, May 24.

Down the Parks: The Nenana City Public School/High School Wildlife Biology Class reports new sightings from last week, including: Arctic Terns, White Crowned Sparrow, Yellow Warbler, Pine Grosbeaks, Rock Pigeon, Northern Pintails, Northern Shovelers, Green-Winged Teals, Greater Scaups, American Wigeon, Red Necked Grebes, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel and Spotted Sandpipers. Previously sighted species include: Common Ravens, Ruffed Grouse, Downy Woodpecker, Mew Gulls, Trumpeter Swans, Mallards, Violet-green Swallows, Bank Swallows, Buffleheads, American Robins, Dark-eyed Juncos and Northern Flicker.
A sad finding was had at ABO’s banding station at Creamer’s Refuge on Monday—vandals took two solar panels that the observatory uses to power lights for the banding station over the weekend. In addition to taking the solar panels, the vandals bent over a large metal pole housing the panels and also took solar panels from a brand-new weather station. The police have been notified and the serial numbers of all parts stolen were reported. If you have any information regarding this incident, please call ABO! Your identity will remain anonymous.

20 May, 2008 – The shorebirds are starting to trickle in…

This year’s bird migration seems to be somewhat askew—usually the waterfowl and swans are the first to arrive, followed by a wave of shorebirds and songbirds. This year, it’s possible to see many of these species all at once here in the interior; many species will be leaving shortly for their breeding grounds on the North Slope.

The numbers of Sandhill Cranes has increased over the past week at Creamer’s Field, with Canada Geese and a lone Greater White-fronted Goose seen on Saturday, May 17. American Wigeon, Mallard, Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal and Lesser Scaup are still regular visitors to the front ponds. An uncommon Eurasian Wigeon drake was spotted here on Wednesday, May 14 and another was seen on the Chena River as well. Common and widespread in the Old World, the Eurasian Wigeon is a sporadic visitor to North America. They are regular in very small numbers along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts, and single individuals have turned up in nearly all states and provinces. Male Eurasian Wigeon differ from American Wigeon by having a dark red head rather than a gray head with a green patch. Both species of Wigeon possess the white crown patch on the forehead, often called a baldpate.

The seasonal pond on the way to ABO’s banding station has been a flurry of activity this past week. Notable sightings include: a pair of Blue-winged Teal, Horned Grebe, Northern Shoveler and Bufflehead. The Solitary Sandpiper, Lesser Yellowlegs and Rusty Blackbirds have all been active near the pond, and if you’re lucky, you might spot the beaver and short-tailed weasels that have been using the area lately. American Golden Plovers, Northern Harriers and Lapland Longspurs have also been seen using the fields near the banding station recently, taking advantage of the recently burned fields. An immature Northern Goshawk has also been regularly on the refuge this past week. Another notable sighting was a Short-eared Owl near the Crane Pond hunting a vole, that was chased off by a Northern Goshawk—probably the same one that’s been seen at the refuge. Kessel Pond, located on Creamer’s Refuge, has had many species of ducks and a few Red-necked Phalarope. Both Lesser and Greater Yellowlegs have been seen here over the past week—told apart by differences in body size and call.

The Great-horned Owl nest behind ABO’s headquarters at the Wedgewood Complex is still active; one owlet was seen near the nest on May 17 while the parents were close by. Flocks of redpolls are still being seen in the area, while Black-capped and Boreal Chickadees and woodpeckers are paired up and nesting. Golden-crowned Sparrows have been seen regularly in the area this spring. Both Bank and Cliff Swallows arrived this past weekend, and different species of warblers are being heard, including: Yellow-rumped, Orange-crowned, Townsend’s, Blackpoll, Yellow and Wilson’s. Northern Waterthrushes are also singing up a storm, usually near water bodies. The beautiful songs of both Hermit and Swainson’s Thrush are being heard in the area, and we’re still awaiting the arrival of Grey-cheeked Thrushes. Another notable sighting this past week was a flock of seven Long-tailed Jaegers seen flying over Murphy Dome on May 19.

Airport Ponds/Float Plane Ponds: The front airport ponds are now completely free of ice. Wood frogs have been heard calling here over the weekend. Waterfowl sightings include: Mallard, Lesser Scaup, Green-winged Teal, Canvasback, Green-winged Teal, American Wigeon, Common Goldeneye and Northern Shoveler and Pintail. Mew Gulls and Red-necked Grebes are also here. Large numbers of Long-billed Dowitchers were using the ponds over the weekend. Songbirds include: Violet-green and Tree Swallows, American Robin, Savannah and Gambel’s White-crowned Sparrows, and Yellow-rumped (Myrtle) Warblers. The ponds behind the airport are almost free of ice. A flock of 20+ Snow Geese was seen flying south from here on Wednesday, May 14. Over the weekend, large rafts of Canvasback, and both Red-necked and Horned Grebes were seen in the large gravel pit pond. Both Surf and White-winged Scoters were mixed in with them. Songbirds seen and heard singing in this area include: Orange-crowned, Wilson’s and Yellow-rumped (Myrtle) Warblers, Northern Waterthrush, as well as Fox, Savannah, American Tree and White-crowned Sparrow and Dark-eyed Junco. The float plane ponds are also free of ice this week. Notable shorebird sightings include: Whimbrel and Spotted Sandpiper, as well as Semipalmated and American Golden Plover. Semipalmated, Lesser and Pectoral Sandpipers were also seen this week, in addition to large rafts of both diving and dabbling ducks.

Peat Ponds: These ponds, located at the intersection of Sheep Creek and Murphy Dome Roads, have been quite active this past week. Even though there’s still a bit of ice left on some of the ponds, it hasn’t deterred the waterfowl and shorebirds from frequenting them. A Tundra Swan was here among the many species of waterfowl including: Mallard, American Wigeon, Northern Shoveler and Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Bufflehead, Ring-necked Duck, Lesser Scaup, Horned Grebe, and an uncommon Gadwall. Shorebirds included: Long-billed Dowitchers, Lesser Yellowlegs, and peeps. A lone male Red-winged Blackbird and several Rusty Blackbirds have been sighted here. Displaying Belted Kingfishers have been seen and heard this past week. A Peregrine Falcon was seen on Friday, May 16.

Smith Lake: The ice is now completely gone from the lake. Notable sightings from this past week include a large raft of Ring-necked Ducks, Buffleheads, Red-necked and Horned Grebe, Surf Scoters, and Bonaparte’s Gulls. A Pacific Loon was here on Monday, May 19. Large flocks of Bohemian Waxwings have been active here and other songbirds seen and heard include: Hermit and Swainson’s Thrush, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Lincoln’s Sparrow and Rusty Blackbirds. In addition, wood frogs were heard over the weekend.

Down the ‘Rich: Notable sightings from Eielson Air force Base this past week include Whimbrel on May 15 and a Ruddy Turnstone on May 14. On May 18, notable sightings from Quartz Lake included: 5 Long-tailed Ducks, 50 Surf Scoters, 15 Canvasbacks and 2 Common Loons. Sightings from Paxson and the Denali Highway include: a Wandering Tattler on Tangle River, as well as Whimbrel, Long-tailed Jaeger, American Golden Plover, Red-necked Phalarope, Lapland Longspurs and nesting Golden Eagles. A visit to the 9 Mile Richardson Highway ponds tallied the following species on Sunday, May 18: Tundra Swan, Greater White-fronted Goose, Mallards, Northern Pintails, American Wigeon, 3 Gadwall (2 male, 1 female), Green-winged Teal, 3 Blue-winged Teal (2 male, 1 female), Ring-necked Ducks, Common Goldeneye, Canvasback, Bufflehead, Scaup species, and the first Long-tailed Ducks of the season. Mew and Bonaparte’s Gulls, as well as Semipalmated Plover, Semipalmated and Pectoral Sandpipers, Lesser Yellowlegs and Arctic Terns were seen. Raptors here included Bald Eagle, Northern Harrier and an Osprey. Tree Swallows were seen flitting about.

13 May, 2008 – Songs, songs everywhere!

Hang on folks—this will be a long birding report as there are lots of new things to report this week. I’m sure most have noticed loads of birds flitting about and songbirds singing everywhere. A full week of warm temperatures and sunny skies can create some exciting floral and faunal events! Probably the most exciting news for birders and non-birders alike has been the start of greenup this past week; that, in conjunction with the arrival of the season’s first mosquitoes and leafminers means there’s plenty of food for arriving migrant songbirds. Other exciting natural history events include the croaking of wood frogs and the emergence of butterflies including Compton’s Tortoiseshell and Mourning Cloak.

Sandhill cranes can still be seen at Creamer’s Field, as well as Canada Geese, Northern Pintail, Mallard, American Wigeon and a few Green-winged Teal. Wilson’s Snipe are continuing to winnow around the seasonal pond, and the Lesser Yellowlegs and Solitary Sandpipers have been busy calling and mating. A large flock of 20+ Long-billed Dowitchers was spotted in the fields on May 10, and a lone Semi-palmated Plover was spotted at the front ponds on May 9. Pectoral Sandpipers were reported on 11 May and the unmistakable American Golden Plovers arrived here on May 13. Most shorebirds are only at Creamer’s Field for a short time, so be sure to go out and see them before they head to the North Slope to breed. An interesting fact about Pectoral Sandpipers (according to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology), breeding males have an inflatable throat sac, which expands and contracts rhythmically during display flights. The accompanying vocalization consists of a series of hollow hoots, and is one of the most unusual sounds heard in summer on the arctic tundra.

The Great-horned Owl nest behind ABO’s headquarters at the Wedgewood Complex is still active; one owlet was seen near the nest on 13 May while the parents were close by. Flocks of Lapland Longspurs, American Pipits and Horned Larks have been seen wheeling about the fields at Creamer’s. The seasonal pond near ABO’s banding station saw a beaver being chased by a Horned Grebe on May 8, other waterfowl include: Green-winged Teal, American Wigeon, Northern Shoveler, Lesser Scaup and Ring-necked Ducks. Short-tailed Weasels were also seen around the banding station and barn area. The first Common Redpoll fledgling was caught in the mist nets of ABO’s banding station on May 12.

This lovely warm weather of late is bringing new songbird species to the area everyday. An uncommon Golden-crowned Kinglet was heard singing on Yankovich Road and a Swainson’s Thrush was heard singing near ABO’s headquarters on May 7. Hermit Thrushes also made an appearance at ABO’s banding station on May 10. The first Northern Waterthrush was heard in the seasonal wetland on May 11 and caught the following day. Townsend’s and Yellow Warblers are also being heard in the area this week. Fox, Savannah and Gambel’s White-crowned Sparrows are also singing up a storm, as are Slate-colored Juncos, American Robins and Varied Thrushes and chickadees and redpolls. A Say’s Phoebe was seen at Creamer’s Field on May 11. Northern Flickers are also making their way into the area, with their loud calls being heard long distances. This week also brought Arctic Terns to the area—these birds travel from their Arctic breeding grounds to their wintering grounds off of Antarctica, covering approximately 25,000 miles and are the farthest yearly journey of any bird. The terns were right on schedule, with their average arrival date to the Fairbanks area being May 10 (according to Drs. Brina Kessel and Dan Gibson of the University of Alaska Museum of the North).

Cushman Ponds/Tanana Lakes: A lone Snow Goose has been seen here over much of the past week. Mew and Herring Gulls, as well as Common Raven and Black-billed Magpies are seen here regularly. Waterfowl being seen here include: Tundra Swans, Canada Geese, Horned Grebes, Bufflehead, American Wigeon, Canvasbacks, Green-winged Teal, Northern Pintail and Mallard. The Bald Eagle is still sitting on the nest near the Tanana River. Yellow-rumped (Myrtle) Warblers, American Robins, Slate-colored Juncos and Gambel’s White-crowned and Fox Sparrow are being seen and heard here as well. The most exciting news from this birding spot was the report of a male Tufted Duck on May 9 by Nick Hajdukovich (see story about it in today’s paper).

Airport Ponds: The front ponds are 30-50% open, while the sloughs behind the airport are almost completely free of ice. Wood frogs have been heard calling here. Waterfowl include: Mallard, Lesser Scaup, Redheads, Green-winged Teal, Canvasbacks, Ring-necked Ducks, Lesser Scaup, Green-winged Teal, Mallard, American Wigeon, Northern Pintail and Northern Shovelers. Mew and Bonaparte’s Gulls, Red-necked Grebes are also here. Shorebirds include Lesser Yellowlegs, Pectoral and Baird’s Sandpiper and Semi-palmated Plover. Songbirds include Violet-green Swallows, American Robin, Savannah and Gambel’s White-crowned Sparrows, Yellow-rumped (Myrtle) Warblers and Lapland Longspurs.

Smith Lake: The ice is slowly receding from the lake, but the edges are open. Sightings over the weekend include: a pair of Horned Grebes, American Wigeon, Northern Shoveler, Mallard, Lesser Yellowlegs and Bonaparte’s Gulls. Songbirds include American Robin, Gambel’s White-crowned Sparrow and Boreal Chickadee.

Down the Parks: A trip to Denali Park over the weekend including Rusty Blackbird, Merlin (near Nenana), Northern Harrier, Sandhill Cranes, Rough-legged Hawk (near Anderson), Mew Gulls, Willow Ptarmigan, Black-billed Magpies, American Tree and Fox Sparrow and Golden Eagle and six Dall Sheep near Moody Bridge. The Nenana City Public School/High School Wildlife Biology Class has been birding for several weeks now. Teacher Chuck Hugny along with RJ Nelson has been keeping a running list for several weeks now. Included in the sightings are Black Capped and Boreal Chickadees, Common Redpolls, Common Ravens, Ruffed Grouse, Black-billed Magpies, Gray Jay, Downy Woodpecker, Canada Geese, Mew Gulls, Trumpeter Swans, Sandhill Cranes, Mallards, Bufflehead, Violet-green and Bank Swallows, American Robins, Slate-colored Juncos, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Northern Harrier, Bald Eagle, Great-horned and Great Gray Owls.

Down the ‘Rich: A Sharp-tailed Grouse was seen near the Tanana River levees near Milepost 9 of the highway and an American Kestrel was reported on May 8 near North Pole. Recent sightings from Eielson Air force base this week include: Long-billed Dowitchers, Least Sandpiper, Pectoral Sandpipers, Semi-palmated Plover, Red-necked Grebe, a Eurasian Wigeon, Redheads, Ring-necked Ducks and two Snow Geese. Raptor sightings include an American Kestrel, an Osprey and a Northern Harrier and Bald Eagle. Large flocks of Lapland Longspurs and American Pipits as well as Violet-green and Tree Swallows, Yellow-rumped (Myrtle) Warblers and Fox, Savannah, White-crowned and American Tree Sparrows. A recent paddle trip over the weekend on the Clearwater River to Clearwater Lake reports Trumpeter Swans and Sandhill Cranes, Common Mergansers and Red-necked Grebes, as well as Varied Thrush, Fox Sparrow, Ruby-crowned Kinglet and Yellow-rumped (Myrtle) Warblers.

6 May, 2008 – Spring has sprung and a ‘wave of migrants’ has arrived in town!

A winter storm on Wednesday, April 30 may have dumped two inches of snow over much of the interior, but it didn’t deter our smallest songbird migrant, the Ruby-crowned Kinglet, from singing and setting up territories in the area. The loud and bubbly song coming from this little songbird is a sure sign that spring has finally arrived. The Ruby-crowned Kinglet is olive in color and has buffy wingbars and a distinct white eyering. The male has a red crown that is usually concealed unless agitated. Kinglets are always in motion, usually high in the canopy, and are constantly flicking their wings. While the Ruby-crowned Kinglet is a very tiny bird, it lays a very large clutch of eggs, usually 8-10 eggs. Although the eggs themselves weigh only 0.65g, an entire clutch can weigh as much as the female herself—about 7.5g or the weight of three pennies! Ruby-crowned Kinglets breed in the boreal forest of Alaska and Canada and winter as far south as southern Mexico.

Geese numbers seem to be on the decline as of late, but both Canada Geese and Greater White-fronted Geese can still be found at Creamer’s Field. The big news at Creamer’s Field has been the arrival of Sandhill Cranes—not in very big numbers like in the fall, but they are starting to touch down and use the fields and ponds. It’s so nice to hear their bugling from miles away. An interesting observation—two Sandhill Cranes were seen hunting frogs at mile 10 Chena Hot Springs Road.

The seasonal pond on the way to ABO’s banding station saw its first Horned Grebe on May 5—it was chasing all other waterfowl in the pond including a pair of Lesser Scaup and American Widgeon. Northern Shovelers made their arrival to the pond this week as well. The first Green-winged Teal of the season was spotted at Eielson Air force Base on May 2. An uncommon waterfowl visitor to the interior, a Gadwall, was seen at the front ponds of the Fairbanks airport on May 4. Bonaparte’s Gulls were seen at Lakeview Terrace on this same date. Shorebirds are starting to make their way into the area. Wilson’s Snipe were heard winnowing and calling along Chena Hot Springs Road on April 21 and April 23 (sorry, I forgot to mention that in prior birding reports!). A Lesser Yellowlegs was heard on Chena Hot Springs Road on May 4 and May 5 brought a flyover Solitary Sandpiper to the UAF Potato Fields and the first Lesser Yellowlegs to Creamer’s Field.

This lovely warm weather of late has produced a wave of songbird migrants starting over the past weekend and is still ongoing. Numerous Varied Thrushes and American Robins were reported beginning 1 May. The first sightings of Horned Lark were also on the date at Eielson Air force Base. Another sighting from Eielson includes the first reports of Yellow-rumped (or Myrtle) Warbler on May 2. A Hammond’s Flycatcher was heard calling on May 3 on Red Fox Road here in town. A Golden-crowned Sparrow was seen at a birdfeeder off Sheep Creek Road on May 4. Monday, May 5 marked the arrival of many new songbird migrants to Creamer’s Field including: White-crowned, Fox and Savannah Sparrow, three Tree Swallows and a flock of five Rusty Blackbirds. Other notable sightings from this day include a Sharp-shinned Hawk and a flyover Golden Eagle seen from the Creamer’s Field farmhouse and barn area. A Peregrine Falcon was reported from Salcha on May 5. A Northern Flicker was seen near the Peat Ponds at the intersection of Sheep Creek and Murphy Dome Roads.

Cushman Ponds/Tanana Lakes: The ice is slowly receding from most of ponds along Cushman Street, not so much on the Lathrop side. Notable sightings include: Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Slate-colored Junco, Mallard, Common Goldeneye and the Bald Eagle pair is still nesting.

Airport Ponds: The edges of the front ponds have open water, while the sloughs behind the airport are about 20% open. An American Kestrel was seen here over the weekend and waterfowl sightings include: Mallard, Common Goldeneye, American Widgeon, and Bufflehead.

Smith Lake: The lake itself is still mostly frozen over, with the edges barely melted; however, the pond along Sheep Creek Road is almost open. Notable sightings in the area include: Slate-colored Junco, Merlin, Northern Pintail and Mew and Bonaparte’s Gulls.

Down the ‘Rich: Recent sightings from Quartz Lake include: Northern Hawk Owl, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, American Tree Sparrow, American Robin and Slate-colored Juncos.

29 April, 2008 – Waterfowl are still dominating ‘the migrant scene’ in Fairbanks!

The winter-like conditions are still continuing here in Fairbanks and are causing many folks to shake their heads in wonder. The balmy temperatures last week gave way to fresh snow and overcast skies over the weekend and seemed to have stalled bird migration by a few days at least.

Waterfowl are still dominating the scene here in town, particularly at Creamer’s Field, and much to the delight of the 5th graders that have been visiting. Trumpeter Swans are still being seen on a regular basis, as are Greater White-fronted and Canada Geese with more arriving every day on open fields, seeking food. The lone Snow Goose and a few Cackling Geese (the smaller bodied forms of Canada Geese) are still present at Creamer’s Field. Herring Gulls have been roosting in great numbers at here as well—800-1000 gulls were reported during the night of April 28th. In addition to the Herring Gulls, a few Mew, Glaucous, and Glaucous-winged Gulls were in the mix. If you happen to be at Creamer’s Field at dawn, it’s quite spectacular to just close your eyes and listen to the gulls—it’s as if you’re at the ocean or a seaside pier. Other waterfowl being seen in the Fairbanks area include: Mallards, Barrow’s and Common Goldeneye, Common Mergansers, American Widgeon, Northern Pintails, Northern Shovelers, Bufflehead, Scaup species and Canvasbacks.

If you happened to be a Creamer’s Field over the weekend, you may have spotted two different-looking geese. They had almost completely white heads with pink bills, large grayish-brown bodies mottled with white and bright orange feet. At first, there was thought that these birds might be variants of the blue phase of Snow Goose; however, after looking at photos taken of these birds, many think these were hybrid birds—probably a cross between Snow and Greater White-fronted Goose. According to the Birds of North America (a resource of Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the American Ornithologists’ Union), Snow Geese have been known to hybridize with Ross’s, Canada and Greater White-fronted Geese. We’re lucky to have had them here in Fairbanks as they had many birders talking!

Other migrants into the area include a few Sandhill Cranes seen on Thursday April 24th near the Chena River near the airport and the University. No other crane sightings have been reported as of Tuesday, April 29th. An Osprey was reported on April 28th near the SE corner of the airport. Songbird migrants into the area include Slate-colored Junco, American Tree Sparrow and a few American Robins.

Cushman Ponds/Tanana Lakes: While there is not a lot of open water, there were some birds spotted in the area over the weekend. These include: flocks of gulls (probably Herring) flying over the ponds and also above the landfill, the Bald Eagle pair near their nest along the Tanana River, lots of redpolls and Canada Geese. In addition to the resident species of Black-capped Chickadee and Downy Woodpecker, a Slate-colored Junco was heard singing and one lone American Tree Sparrow was seen.

Airport Ponds: Again, not a lot of open water here, but the open water in the ditches yielded a Mallard pair.

Smith Lake: The lake is still completely frozen over…no birds were seen here over the weekend here.

Down the ‘Rich: Trips to Delta this weekend produced many of the normal suspects as well as a few migrants. A Sharp-tailed and Spruce Grouse were seen in the area, as was a Northern Harrier, Northern Hawk Owl and a few Rough-legged and Red-tailed (Harlan’s) Hawks. Clearwater Lake and environs had Tundra and Trumpeter Swans, Common Goldeneye, Bufflehead, Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail, Mallard and Common Merganser. Both Greater White-fronted and Canada Geese were present, as were Slate-colored Juncos and an American Tree Sparrow. A Great Gray Owl was spotted at MP 285 of the Richardson Highway on Saturday, April 26.

22 April, 2008 – Waterfowl have arrived into Fairbanks!!

Well, what a difference a week can make! Last week we had 10 inches of new snow and it felt like winter was hanging on as long as possible, and this week temperatures soared into the high 50’s (F) with lows overnight just below freezing. These warm, spring-like temperatures in combination with greater than 16 hours of daylight make for great migration conditions (as well as a fast spring break-up). And the birds have responded…

The big story has been the arrival of waterfowl, with mostly Canada Geese into the area. As of Tuesday, April 22 there were 600+ Canada Geese, as well as 3 Greater White-fronted and a lone Snow Goose at Creamer’s Field. Trumpeter Swans are starting to migrate into the area, as are gulls. The first Herring Gulls were spotted flying along the Chena River near Pioneer Park on April 15, with large flocks seen roosting along the Chena, the gravel pits along Lathrop and 23rd, and also at Creamer’s Field. A Glaucous Gull, a not-so common visitor to the interior, was seen among a flock of 100 Herring Gulls here on April 20. Other waterfowl being seen in the Fairbanks area include: Mallards, Common Goldeneye, Common Mergansers, American Widgeon, Northern Pintails and Canvasbacks.

An American Kestrel was seen along Chena Hot Springs Road on 20 April. The dark phased Red-tailed (Harlan’s Hawk) is still being seen along Sheep Creek and Goldhill Roads. Northern Goshawks are still being seen in the area as well. On the songbird front, the first Northern Flicker of the year was seen along the Gilmore Trail on April 14, while the first Slate-colored Junco was possibly heard on 20 April on the west side of Sheep Creek Road near Sheep Creek Extension. Common Redpolls and large flocks of Snow Buntings are still active in the area—the first day of banding at ABO’s migration station at Creamer’s Field had a productive day of 66 birds—the majority of which were redpolls. These guys are nesting right now—so be on the lookout for breeding behaviors. No other songbird migrants were seen or heard at Creamer’s Field as of Tuesday, April 22 but this will change quickly with the warmer temperatures and the snow melting to expose open water and fields.

Down the ‘Rich: The Tanana River is slowly freeing itself of ice and the birds are taking advantage—12 Common Mergansers and a Bufflehead, as well as a few Bald Eagles were seen over the weekend. Raptors are still making a fine showing in the Delta area. A trip to the area on Sunday, April 20 yielded a Great-Horned and Northern Hawk Owl, a Northern Harrier, and a Bald Eagle. The buteos are still in force here with 19 Red-tailed (Harlan’s) Hawks, 12 Rough-legged Hawks and 33 buteos too far away to get a known species identity. Clearwater Lake on the same day had loads of Canada Geese as well as 12 Greater White-fronted Geese, 20 Trumpeter Swans, 6 Common Mergansers, 6 Common Goldeneye, 2 Northern Pintail and one lone Mew Gull among 50 Herring Gulls. Resident passerine species were also seen in the area, including: Gray Jays, 2 Black-billed Magpies, Boreal Chickadees, and Common Redpolls.

Down the Parks: The town of Cantwell had a flock of 20 Snow Buntings, while Denali National Park and Preserve yielded 5 Snow Buntings and a Gray Jay on Sunday 13 April. The big news from this area was a Gray-crowned Rosy Finch that visited a birdfeeder in Healy on April 16.

Birding report-14 April, 2008

The calendar says that spring officially started on 20 March 2008, but you would hardly know it judging by the weather of late. The latest snowfall on 14 April has definitely slowed spring migration down a bit. However, don’t give up hope, as some migrants have arrived here in town. The first harbingers of spring (for me at least) are the lovely, black and white Snow Buntings, usually found in flocks feeding on seeds in fields and wheeling about when a person or predator approaches. The first flock of Snow Buntings was reported on 22 March at 10-mile Chena Hot Springs road, with more sightings at the University of Fairbanks, the Botanical Gardens, near the airport, at Creamer’s Field and along the Elliot Highway throughout March and through today.

Raptors are also making a showing. The first Sharp-shinned Hawk of the season was reported on 25 March about one mile from Curry’s Corner. Sightings of Bald Eagle here in town started on 25 March, with a nest being reported at the confluence of the Chena and Tanana Rivers near the airport. A Golden Eagle was seen from Cripple Creek road on 27 March. The Buteos have arrived as well-the first Rough-legged Hawk of the season was seen at the Chena Flood Control Project area south of North Pole on 28 March, while the first Red-tailed (very dark Harlan’s) Hawk was seen sitting atop a light post on Sheep Creek Road on 11 April. This same bird was seen again on 12 April in the vicinity carrying nesting material. The nest site was found on 14 April. A Peregrine Falcon was seen carrying a Rock Pigeon in downtown Fairbanks on 4 April. Be on the lookout for more falcon species to arrive shortly. Sightings of our resident raptors species, such as Northern Goshawk, and the Northern Hawk, Great-horned and Boreal Owl are ramping up. There was even a sighting of a lone Snowy Owl on 10 March near Cleary Summit.

Waterfowl are slowly trickling into the area, and who can blame them when there’s hardly any open water? A Goldeneye species was seen on 30 March, along with ~300 Mallards on the Chena. A swan, probably a Trumpeter, was reported from Minto Lake on 8 April. On 14 April, 3 Trumpeter Swans flew over Creamer’s Field during the spring snow storm. Two Trumpeters were also reported at Tetlin Lake, along the Alaska Highway. The first Canada Geese of the season were seen at Creamer’s Field on Sunday 13 April-4 were seen in the afternoon. The count was up to 5 by 14 April and will continue to grow as the snow melts and the water opens up.

Northern Shrikes are starting to appear in greater numbers as spring approaches-this species can nest early, so be on the lookout for any breeding behaviors. An over-wintering Townsend’s Solitaire was reported at a bird feeder on Lancaster Drive and a possible over-wintering American Robin was reported from the Wedgewood Resort on 27 March. These are pretty incredible sightings considering those few stretches of -40F days we had in February, especially for fruit-eating thrushes. Red-breasted Nuthatches have been seen and heard around Fairbanks as have flocks of Bohemian Waxwings. Common Redpolls and the resident woodpeckers are still around in full force-take advantage of seeing these guys now, for when breeding season starts (or could have begun by now!) they’ll be more secretive.

Birding reports are listed in reverse order, most recent first.