June 19, 2009
Smith’s Longspur (c)Ron Teel
This image was just sent to ABO from two of our very active members, Ron and Mary Teel. While birding along the Denali Highway they encontered this lovely, male, Smith’s Longspur. This species is a target for many birders visiting Alaska. Though common in parts of the Brooks Range they are rare in the interior. A small population used to be consistently found along the eastern end of the Denali Highway, where this bird was photographed, but for years sightings have been scarce. Hopefully this bird is a sign that Smith’s Longpsurs are returning to the Denali Highway. If you go to look for this species on the Denali Highway, please don’t disturb them!
June 15, 2009
I spent the weekend in the Alaska Range along the Denali Highway and made a few images while I was there, including this one of a male Wilson’s Warbler. The Wilson’s is one of the smallest warblers, weighing in at only around 8 grams. The males bear this jaunty black cap while the females are straight yellow with a more olive crown. They are found in wet tundra areas across the state and are quite common in Fairbanks during migration.
About the Image: I made this shot on a drizzly morning at about 7:30. I used a 500mm f4 lens with a 1.4x teleconverter on a digital SLR, all mounted on a tripod. What makes this image successful is the clean background and the interesting setting in the flowering willow.
-David Shaw/ABO Research Biologist
June 11, 2009
The Lapland Longspur is probably the most common breeding bird on Alaska’s North Slope, but can be found in other areas further south. During early May they migrate through the Fairbanks area on their way to the tundra. They are also, in my opinion, one of the loveliest of Alaska’s birds with their black chest patches and chestnut napes. They are conspicuous in the right habitats during the summer. Male Laplands make long, elaborate flight displays where the males rise off the ground 30 or 40 feet and then flutter and sing as they drop back down. Around Fairbanks, this species can be found breeding on Twelvemile and Eagle Summits on the Steese Highway.
About the Image: I made this shot during a photo trip to the Canning River Delta of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. I used a 500mm lens on a digital SLR and mounted the system on a tripod. This species is fairly easy to approach and the key to this image as was waiting for the right light. This was made late at night when the sun was low the horizon.
-David Shaw/ABO Research Biologist
