BorealBirder : Messages : 701-733 of 733

hotline: Fairbanks and Interior Alaska
date: December 7, 2009
number: (907) 451-9213
to report: (907) 451-9213
coverage: Fairbanks and vicinity
transcriber: Ken Russell

Bohemian Waxwings
Goldeneye sp.

Welcome to the Birding Hotline for Interior Alaska as of December 7,
2009.

BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS are beginning to be seen in large feeding
flocks of several hundred birds -especially in the fruit trees on campus.

A male GOLDENEYE not identified to species was seen on the Chena
River behind Pioneer Park on November 28.

Upcoming Events Include:
The Fairbanks Feeder Counts will take place on December 12, and
March 6. To participate, download instructions and a datasheet from the
Alaska Bird Observatory web site at www.alaskabird.org.

Holiday Open Houses will take place on Saturdays December 12th, and
19th from Noon - 4:00 pm. There will be holiday ornament making and
crafts using natural materials in the Farmhouse Visitor
Center. Program is drop-in any time during the hours stated.

A Winter Solstice Walk will be held on Saturday December 19th, from
1-3:00 pm. Come walk on the Refuge trails when the sun is lowest in the
sky and we experience the shortest days of the year. Join us after the walk
for cookies and hot drinks! Meet at the Farmhouse Visitor Center.

The Fairbanks Area Christmas Bird Count will be held on December 19.
Get more information at the Arctic Audubon Society web site at
www.arcticaudubon.org.

If you'd like to become a member of Arctic Audubon Society, information
is available at their web site: www.arcticaudubon.org .

Thanks for calling the Birding Hot Line.

-End Transcript

Visit Arctic Audubon Society's website: http://www.arcticaudubon.org/.
Site includes information on birding locations in Interior Alaska as well
as a calendar of Arctic Audubon programs.

Also visit Alaska Bird Observatory's website: http://www.alaskabird.org/

Directions to the sites mentioned in the report can found in A Birder's Guide
to Alaska by George C. West; American Birding Association

Ken Russell and Laurel Devaney
PO Box 71462
Fairbanks, Alaska 99707

#732

From: "alaskabirder" <akbirder@...>
Date: Tue Dec 1, 2009 6:32 pm
Subject: Bohemian Waxwings at UAF West Ridge

alaskabirder

Offline

Greetings Interior Birders,
    There was a dense flock of approximately 250 Bohemian Waxwings on the
University of Alaska Campus at West Ridge feeding on the Siberian Crab Apple
trees (Malus baccata)yesterday 30 November. I looked at as many of these birds
as I could to try an tease out a Cedar Waxwing or perhaps a Japanese Waxwing (in
my dreams!) to no avail. Each year at about this time flocks of Bohemian
Waxwings show up on West Ridge and feed on the fruit of these Crab Apples in the
parking lot to the South of the Elvey Building (Geophysical Institute) and the
Syun-Ichi Akasofu Building (IARC). They generally stay around in loose flocks
all winter until the fruit is gone. While feeding the birds are quite tame and
if you do not make any sudden movements you can get very close to them.
    Come on up to campus and have a look. Make sure to park in visitor parking
area or risk a summons (our campus security is very good about issuing these!)
These birds add to our Avian diversity here in the Interior during the winter
and they are quite stunning to look at particularly now that they allow such
close approach.

Cheers,
Ed Clark
Alaska Rare Bird Listserv
Fairbanks

#731

From: Ken_Russell@...
Date: Tue Nov 24, 2009 1:47 am
Subject: RBA Fairbanks Alaska November 23 2009

akheinkel

Offline

hotline: Fairbanks and Interior Alaska
date: November 23, 2009
number: (907) 451-9213
to report: (907) 451-9213
coverage: Fairbanks and vicinity
transcriber: Ken Russell

Birds Mentioned
Black-Billed Magpie
Slate-Colored Junco
Northern Shrike
Great Gray Owl
Bald Eagle
Bohemian Waxwings
Red-Breasted Nuthatch

Welcome to the Birding Hotline for Interior Alaska as of November 23,
2009.

Three BLACK-BILLED MAGPIES were seen together near the
Musher's Hall on Farmer's Loop Road on November 20.

A DARK-EYED JUNCO was seen on Summit Driver off of Farmer's
Loop Road on November 17.

A NORTHERN SHRIKE was seen trying to catch a BLACK-CAPPED
CHICKADEE on McGrath Road on November 15.

On the evening of November 13, a GREAT GRAY OWL was sitting in the
small birch trees in the front parking lot at Pioneer Park.

A BALD EAGLE was seen on the Chena River on November 12.

Another BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE flew across Dale Road on
November 10.

A pair of RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES has been coming to a feeder
near University and Geist Roads since summer.

Upcoming Events Include:
The Fairbanks Feeder Counts will take place on December 12, and
March 6. To participate, download instructions and a datasheet from the
Alaska Bird Observatory web site at www.alaskabird.org.

The Thanksgiving Bird Count will be held for one hour on
Thanksgiving Day. Count forms are available at the Arctic Audubon
Society web site at www.arcticaudubon.org.

Thanksgiving for the Birds will be held on November 28 at the
Creamer's Field Farmhouse from noon - 4:00 PM. Learn about
winter birds and make feeders out of recycled materials.

A Star Party will be held on Saturday, November 28th at 7:00 pm
at the Farmhouse Visitor Center. This event is sponsored by the
Fairbanks Astronomical Unit. The big telescope will be out for genera
l star viewing and the farmhouse will be open for hot drinks.

The Annual Lighting of the Spruce Tree at Creamer's Refuge will
take place on Saturday, December 5th, from 6 - 8:00 pm. There will be
caroling followed by cookies and hot drinks in the Farmhouse.

The annual Green Holiday sale will be held at the Alaska Bird
Observatory visitor Center on December 5 from 10:00 - 5:30. Gifts
will be for sale from ABO, Arctic Audubon, The Northern Alaska
Environmental Center and other groups.

Holiday Open Houses will take place on Saturdays December 5th,
12th, and 19th from Noon - 4:00 pm. There will be holiday ornament
making and crafts using natural materials in the Farmhouse Visitor
Center. Program is drop-in any time during the hours stated.

A Winter Solstice Walk will be held on Saturday December 19th, from
1 - 3:00 pm. Come walk on the Refuge trails when the sun is lowest in
the sky and we experience the shortest days of the year. Join us after
the walk for cookies and hot drinks! Meet at the Farmhouse Visitor
Center.

The Fairbanks Area Christmas Bird Count will be held on December
19. Get more information at the Arctic Audubon Society web site
at www.arcticaudubon.org.

If you'd like to become a member of Arctic Audubon Society,
information is available at their web site: www.arcticaudubon.org .

Thanks for calling the Birding Hot Line.

-End Transcript

Visit Arctic Audubon Society's website: http://www.arcticaudubon.org/.
Site includes information on birding locations in Interior Alaska as well
as a calendar of Arctic Audubon programs.

Also visit Alaska Bird Observatory's website: http://www.alaskabird.org/

Directions to the sites mentioned in the report can found in A Birder's
Guide to Alaska by George C. West; American Birding Association

Ken Russell and Laurel Devaney
Fairbanks, Alaska

#730

From: "Nancy DeWitt" <arct1c_warbler@...>
Date: Sat Nov 14, 2009 8:53 am
Subject: Great Gray Owl

arct1c_warbler

Offline

As Jim and I climbed out of our car right in front of the Pioneer Park Civic
Center this evening, a great gray owl flew over us and landed in the spruce
trees near the square dance hall. A real treat!

Nancy DeWitt
Fairbanks

Reply | Forward | Messages in this Topic (4)

#729

From: "Nicholas" <upupa_epops200@...>
Date: Wed Nov 11, 2009 2:51 am
Subject: Merlin

upupa_epops200

Offline

Hey all,

Yesterday (11/9/2009) my dad saw a Merlin in our neighborhood (Hamilton Acres)
on Iditarod Ave. Bird on,


Nick

P.S. Enjoying the 40� weather and rare birds in Juneau!! :)

#727

From: "SOAKBear" <dlogan@...>
Date: Tue Nov 10, 2009 4:20 pm
Subject: Bird visiting our yard

soakbear

Offline

Yesterday we had a huge flock of Bohemian Waxwings pass through, stopping for a
short time in our neighbor's Choke Cherry trees and in our Birch trees. They
didn't stay long, though.

We have a regular visiting flock of Six Black-Capped Chickadees every day at our
suet and sunflower seed feeders. An occasional Boreal Chickadee comes as well.
Also a female Downey Woodpecker and a male Hairy Woodpecker have been eating
suet here every day.

We have not seen a single Redpoll in quite a while, since at least early summer.
Only a couple of pigeons are hanging around so far. Hopefully they won't
discover our feeders this year.

We are located near Denali Elementary School, near Tenth and Lathrop.

My daughter lives near University and Geist and has had a pair of Red-Breasted
Nuthatches and some Black-Capped and Boreal Chickadees coming to her feeder
since the summer.

#726

From: Ken_Russell@...
Date: Tue Nov 10, 2009 1:40 am
Subject: RBA Fairbanks Alaska November 9 2009

akheinkel

Offline

hotline: Fairbanks and Interior Alaska
date: November 9, 2009
number: (907) 451-9213
to report: (907) 451-9213
coverage: Fairbanks and vicinity
transcriber: Ken Russell

Birds Mentioned
Black-Billed Magpie
Bohemian Waxwings
Snow Buntings

Welcome to the Birding Hotline for Interior Alaska as of November 9,
2009.

A BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE flew across Nordale Road about 2 miles south
from Chena Hotsprings Road on November 6.

A large flock of about 40-60 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS were seen on Peger
Road between Davis Rd and Mitchell Expressway on November 2.

Two SNOW BUNTINGS were seen on Wickersham Dome on October 25.

Upcoming Events Include:
Birding in Ecuador will be presented by Jim Dewitt and Ron Teel on
November 9 at 7:00 PM at the Noel Wien Library Auditorium.

The Fairbanks Feeder Counts will take place on November 13, December
12, and March 6. To participate, download instructions and a datasheet from
the Alaska Bird Observatory web site at www.alaskabird.org.

The Thanksgiving Bird Count will be held for one hour on Thanksgiving Day.
Count forms are available at the Arctic Audubon Society web site
at www.arcticaudubon.org.

Thanksgiving for the Birds will be held on November 28 at the Creamer’s
Field Farmhouse from noon – 4:00 PM. Learn about winter birds and make
feeders out of recycled materials.

The annual Green Holiday sale will be held at the Alaska Bird Observatory
visitor Center on December 5 from 10:00 – 5:30. Gifts will be for sale from
ABO, Arctic Audubon, The Northern Alaska Environmental Center
and other groups.

The Fairbanks Area Christmas Bird Count will be held on December
19. Get more information at the Arctic Audubon Society web site
at www.arcticaudubon.org.

If you’d like to become a member of Arctic Audubon Society, information
is available at their web site: www.arcticaudubon.org .

Thanks for calling the Birding Hot Line.

-End Transcript

Visit Arctic Audubon Society's website: http://www.arcticaudubon.org/. Site
includes information on birding locations in Interior Alaska as well As a
calendar of Arctic Audubon programs.

Also visit Alaska Bird Observatory's website: http://www.alaskabird.org/

Directions to the sites mentioned in the report can found in A Birder’s Guide
to Alaska by George C. West; American Birding Association

Ken Russell and Laurel Devaney
PO Box 71462
Fairbanks, Alaska 99707

#725

From: Ken_Russell@...
Date: Thu Oct 29, 2009 1:01 am
Subject: RBA Fairbanks Alaska October 26 2009

akheinkel

Offline

hotline: Fairbanks and Interior Alaska
date: October 26, 2009
number: (907) 451-9213
to report: (907) 451-9213
coverage: Fairbanks and vicinity
transcriber: Ken Russell

Birds Mentioned
Black-Billed Magpie
Bohemain Waxwings
White-Winged Crossbills
Barrow's Goldeneye
Fox Sparrow
Canada Goose
Mallards

Welcome to the Birding Hotline for Interior Alaska as of October 26,
2009.

The following birds were seen in Pioneer Park on October 24: 1
BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE, and small flocks of WHITE-WINGED
CROSSBILLS and BOHEMAIN WAXWINGS.

A single male BARROW'S GOLDENEYE was seen in the Chena River
at the University Avenue bridge on October 23. Also on October 23, a
FOX SPARROW was seen on the University ski trails.

On October 14, a single CANADA GOOSE and 4 MALLARDS were
in the fields behind the Alaska Bird Observatory.

Upcoming Events Include:
Thanksgiving For the Birds will be held at the Creamer's Refuge Farmhouse
on November 28 from noon - 4:00 PM. Stop by to make a bird feeder out of
recycled materials and learn about our winter birds.

If you wish to become a member of the Arctic Audubon Society, visit their
web site at: http://www.arcticaudubon.org/.

Thanks for calling the birding hotline.

-End Transcript

Visit Arctic Audubon Society's website: http://www.arcticaudubon.org/. Site
includes information on birding locations in Interior Alaska as well As a
calendar of Arctic Audubon programs.

Also visit Alaska Bird Observatory's website: http://www.alaskabird.org/

Directions to the sites mentioned in the report can found in 'A Birder's Guide
to Alaska' by George C. West; American Birding Association

Ken Russell and Laurel Devaney
Fairbanks, Alaska

#724

From: Barbara & Don Logan <dlogan@...>
Date: Thu Oct 22, 2009 1:25 pm
Subject: Rusty Blackbids

soakbear

Offline

I usually have a large flock in my yard every fall, too,
at least for the last ten years or so. Passing through
and sharing their beauty! I am downtown near Lathrop
and the Chena River.

#723

From: CN <chrisn@...>
Date: Wed Oct 21, 2009 4:25 pm
Subject: Re: Re:Help Identify These Birds

cnye009

Offline

I live up near the crest of the ridge between UAF and Goldstream, and see a flock of these birds about once a year, in the fall. They are always moving through the yard, down low in trees, but definitely moving through. I had always assumed they were coming from some place else and migrating. I was told yesterday (thanks, Ed) that they actually nest locally, but apparently down in the boggy places I avoid during bug season.

At 05:04 AM 10/21/2009, you wrote:

Thanks all, I appreciate it. I missed the drawing of the nonbreeding adult with the distinctive eye stripe in my Sibley's.

Regards,

Terry

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#722

From: ttedor@...
Date: Wed Oct 21, 2009 1:04 pm
Subject: Re:Help Identify These Birds

ttedor

Offline

Thanks all, I appreciate it. I missed the drawing of the nonbreeding adult with the distinctive eye stripe in my Sibley's.

Regards,

Terry

Reply | Forward | Messages in this Topic (2)

#721

From: Barbara & Don Logan <dlogan@...>
Date: Tue Oct 20, 2009 5:19 pm
Subject: Re:Help Identify These BirdsHi All, Can anyone help me identify these

soakbear

Offline

They are Rusty Blackbirds

Thanks for sharing your photos!
Barbara

#720

From: "Sandy B." <pfwbone@...>
Date: Tue Oct 20, 2009 5:14 pm
Subject: Re: Help Identify These BirdsHi All, Can anyone help me identify these birds? http

pfwbone

Offline

Hi.. I think they are Rusty Winged Blackbirds too...

Every now and then a few come and visit my bird feeders..

Great Photos!

--- On Tue, 10/20/09, ttedor <ttedor@...> wrote:

From: ttedor <ttedor@...>
Subject: [BorealBirder] Help Identify These BirdsHi All, Can anyone help me identify these birds? http
To: BorealBirder@yahoogroups.com
Date: Tuesday, October 20, 2009, 8:40 AM

Hi All,

Can anyone help me identify these birds?

http://farm3. static.flickr. com/2671/ 4028706511_ 8036144c4e_ o.jpg

http://farm3. static.flickr. com/2438/ 4029461728_ f25db34187_ o.jpg

http://farm3. static.flickr. com/2556/ 4028707155_ 22609096b0_ o.jpg

We've had a flock of them pass through the area almost every year,
around this time of year, every year for the past few years. This year,
they've stayed around, perhaps because the weather has been so mild.
This is the first year they've actually been at the feeders. In past
years, they usually forage through the woods for a few days and leave.

My apologies for the Flickr links, but I had trouble posting the photos
to the group. Any help would be appreciated.

Terry

#719

From: Steve W <swinak@...>
Date: Tue Oct 20, 2009 2:50 pm
Subject: Re: Help Identify These BirdsHi All, Can anyone help me identify these birds? http

ak_zukes

Offline

Looks like Rusty Blackbirds

On Tue, Oct 20, 2009 at 5:40 AM, ttedor <ttedor@...> wrote:

�

Hi All,

Can anyone help me identify these birds?

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2671/4028706511_8036144c4e_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2438/4029461728_f25db34187_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2556/4028707155_22609096b0_o.jpg

We've had a flock of them pass through the area almost every year,
around this time of year, every year for the past few years. This year,
they've stayed around, perhaps because the weather has been so mild.
This is the first year they've actually been at the feeders. In past
years, they usually forage through the woods for a few days and leave.

My apologies for the Flickr links, but I had trouble posting the photos
to the group. Any help would be appreciated.

Terry

#717

From: Ken_Russell@...
Date: Wed Oct 14, 2009 4:23 pm
Subject: RBA Fairbanks Alaska October 13 2009

akheinkel

Offline

hotline: Fairbanks and Interior Alaska
date: October 13, 2009
number: (907) 451-9213
to report: (907) 451-9213
coverage: Fairbanks and vicinity
transcriber: Ken Russell

Birds Mentioned
Townsend's Solitaire
Pine Grosbeak
Common Redpoll
Northern Hawk Owl
Tundra Swan
Black-Billed Magpie
Great Gray Owl

Welcome to the Birding Hotline for Interior Alaska as of October 13, 2009.

A pair of TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRES were seen on ester Dome near the
transmission towers on October 12 along with scattered PINE GROSBEAKS
and COMMON REDPOLLS. PINE GROSBEAKS are also starting to visit
feeders in town.

Also on October 12, a NORTHERN HAWK OWL was sitting on the power
line at 3 miles Chena Hotsprings Road.

Over 900 TUNDRA SWANS were staging on Quartz Lake on October 11.
Also on the 9th, a BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE was seen on Trailer Street.

A GREAT GRAY OWL flew across Love Road at 3.8 miles Chena
Hotsprings Road on October 7. Another GREAT GRAY OWL is being
seen on Red Fox Lane off of Ballaine Road.

Upcoming Events Include:
The annual Creepy Critters Program will be held at Creamer's Refuge on
October 24 from noon - 4:00 PM. There will be a variety of crafts and
activities. Call 452-5162 for more information.

If you wish to become a member of the Arctic Audubon Society, visit
their web site at: http://www.arcticaudubon.org/.

Thanks for calling the birding hotline.

-End Transcript

Visit Arctic Audubon Society's website: http://www.arcticaudubon.org/. Site
includes information on birding locations in Interior Alaska as well As a
calendar of Arctic Audubon programs.

Also visit Alaska Bird Observatory's website: http://www.alaskabird.org/

Directions to the sites mentioned in the report can found in 'A Birder's Guide
to Alaska' by George C. West; American Birding Association

Ken Russell and Laurel Devaney
PO Box 71462
Fairbanks, Alaska 99707

#716

From: "Bone" <pfwbone@...>
Date: Tue Oct 13, 2009 9:48 pm
Subject: October Geese!

pfwbone

Offline

Sunday afternoon I was out on Murphy Dome hill when to my surprise the echos of
many Geese..Flying below in the valley..I commented to my friends that I should
post this on the Boreal Bird page..didn't get around to it..  so.. Surprised
even more when at my home last night around midnight..again..the sounds of Geese
Honking from the Creamer's Field area...  Did anyone else hear or see them?? I
drove to Creamer's at noon today, no sightings. I was also thinking it is kind
of late in the Season for Geese?!??  I don't really know though.
Cool about the Grey Owls folks are seeing. Back in August a family was moving
through my area off Farmer's Loop. I tried to get some photos of the fluffy
babies..they were as big as their parents really.. my photos were fluffier than
their baby feathers!
Right now at least 2 Great Horned Owls are hanging around, whooing and hunting
the area. I have started the winter bird feeder..lots of Chickadees and Grey
Jays. oh..and red-backed voles!
Happy October Everyone.. If anyone has comments on these Geese It would be of
interest to me.  Thanks!  Sandy.. PFW

#715

From: "Lila" <ltauzer@...>
Date: Thu Oct 8, 2009 4:47 pm
Subject: Re: Great Gray Owl

ltauzer

Offline

Hello all.
I wasn't settled enough to post this earlier (having just moved here), but I
thought that I'd add something: in the last month I have been fortunate to see
and hear a Great Grey Owl several times just off of Red Fox Lane/ top of
Ballaine.  (S)he seems to be sticking around there-lucky for me!!!

Cheers, Lila

--- In BorealBirder@yahoogroups.com, Ken_Russell@... wrote:
>
> A Great Great Owl was seen yesterday evening at the intersection of Love
> Rd and Polar Dr.  It flew off to the east down Westmoreland .
>
> Ken Russell
>

Reply | Forward | Messages in this Topic (4)

#714

From: Ken_Russell@...
Date: Wed Oct 7, 2009 4:40 pm
Subject: Great Gray Owl

akheinkel

Offline

A Great Great Owl was seen yesterday evening at the intersection of Love Rd and Polar Dr. It flew off to the east down Westmoreland .

Ken Russell

Reply | Forward | Messages in this Topic (4)

#713

From: Ken_Russell@...
Date: Wed Oct 7, 2009 12:43 am
Subject: RBA Fairbanks Alaska October 5 2009

akheinkel

Offline

hotline: Fairbanks and Interior Alaska
date: October 5, 2009
number: (907) 451-9213
to report: (907) 451-9213
coverage: Fairbanks and vicinity
transcriber: Ken Russell

Birds Mentioned
Red-Breasted Nuthatch
Bald Eagle
Rough-Legged Hawk
Northern Goshawk
Northern Harrier
Ring-Necked duck
Goldeneye Sp.
Surf Scoter
Osprey
Northern Goshawk
Slate-Colored Junco
Fox Sparrow
American Tree Sparrow

Welcome to the Birding Hotline for Interior Alaska as of October 5, 2009.

A pair of RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES are currently on the property
of the Seven Gables Inn, most recently seen on October 4.

The following birds were seen on September 24 between Fairbanks and
Delta Junction: Five BALD EAGLES including 2 adults and 3 immatures,
2 ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS, 1 Immature NORTHERN GOSHAWK,
1 Immature NORTHERN HARRIER, 54 RING-NECKED DUCKS on a
gravel pit near Shaw Creek, and 100 GOLDENEYE SP., and 2 SURF
SCOTERS on Quartz Lake.

An OSPREY was being mobbed by a NORTHERN GOSHAWK over
Wander Lake on September 23.

Thousands of late migrants, primarily SLATE-COLORED JUNCOS,
but also a few FOX SPARROWS, and AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS
have been pushed down out of the hills into Fairbanks with the recent snows.

Upcoming Events Include:
Life and Birds in the Bush with Julie and Mikki Collins will take place
on Monday October 12th from 7-8:30 pm at ABO's Center for Education
& Research

The annual Creepy Critters Program will be held at Creamer's Refuge
on October 24 from noon - 4:00 PM. There will be a variety of crafts and
activities. Call 452-5162 for more information.

If you wish to become a member of the Arctic Audubon Society please
call Mary Zalar at 479-4547.

Thanks for calling the birding hotline.

-End Transcript

Visit Arctic Audubon Society's website: http://www.arcticaudubon.org/. Site
includes information on birding locations in Interior Alaska as well As a
calendar of Arctic Audubon programs.

Also visit Alaska Bird Observatory's website: http://www.alaskabird.org/

Directions to the sites mentioned in the report can found in A Birder's
Guide to Alaska by George C. West; American Birding Association

Ken Russell and Laurel Devaney
PO Box 71462
Fairbanks, Alaska 99707

#712

From: "annette_buenau" <buenau@...>
Date: Thu Sep 24, 2009 6:15 pm
Subject: Red-breasted Nuthatch, Varied Thrush and pushy Woodpecker

annette_buenau

Offline

Yesterday(Sept 23rd) we had a Red-breasted Nuthatch at our sunflower seed
feeder.  I've never seen one in our yard before.  We live north of town off
McGrath Road.  It would fly down, take a seed, fly up to a dead branch of a
nearby birch tree, crack the seed, then fly off further from the house (I guess
to stash the seed somewhere) and then it would be back again.  We have lots of
chickadees coming in for sunflower seeds, but as soon as my husband heard the
nuthatch, he knew it wasn't one of them.
We also have had a Varied Thrush in the area. It was in the yard yesterday and
down the road in a neighbors yard this morning.  I've had them in our
chokecherry trees in the fall before.
Yesterday morning a Hairy Woodpecker landed on our platform feeder by our dining
room window.  I usually hang a suet feeder out there in the winter, but hadn't
gotten it hung out yet this year. The woodpecker landed on the feeder, called
out a couple of times while looking around as if looking for the feeder.  I got
busy and got the feeder out since I just bought some suet the day before.  He
was back a few hours later and had a big helping of suet.  We've had Downy
Woodpeckers in the trees out front, but they haven't found the feeder yet.

Annette Buenau

#711

From: Steve Holmer <sholmer@...>
Date: Thu Sep 24, 2009 5:33 pm
Subject: Bird Conservation Alliance Meeting Nov. 12 at the New U.S. Capitol Visitors Center

steve_holmer

Offline

To: All Bird Lovers and Bird Conservation Activists

From: Steve Holmer, Director, Bird Conservation Alliance

Date: September 24, 2009

Bird Conservation Alliance Meeting

November 12^th, 2009

9:30 am to 5:00 pm

At the U.S. Capitol Visitors Center

The Bird Conservation Alliance Meeting will be November 12 and located at the new Capitol Visitors Center, in the U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. The Bird Conservation Alliance is a network of 195 organizations working together to conserve wild birds.

The theme of this meeting is “Reversing the Decline of Neotropical Migratory Bird Species and Protecting Their Habitats.”

To register visit: http://www.abcbirds.org/membership/BCA_1109_reg.html

The meeting will feature several keynotes; Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson have been invited to speak as have congressional champions Sen. Ben Cardin, and Representatives Ron Kind and Frank Kratovil. We are working on arranging a private tour of the Capitol following the meeting for BCA members.

Panels include “Strategies to Address the Decline of Neotropical Migrant Species”, “Reducing Threats to Migratory Birds”, “Legislative and Administration Opportunities to Conserve Migratory Birds”, and “Joint Ventures and other Partnerships Benefiting Migratory Birds.” Each panel will be followed by questions and discussion.

For more information, please contact Steve Holmer, sholmer@..., 202/234-7181 and to register visit: http://www.abcbirds.org/membership/BCA_1109_reg.html

Steve Holmer

Director of the Bird Conservation Alliance &

Senior Policy Advisor

American Bird Conservancy

202/234-7181 ext. 216

sholmer@...

www.birdconservationalliance.org

www.abcbirds.org

The Bird Conservation Alliance (BCA) is a network of organizations working together to conserve wild birds. BCA is facilitated by American Bird Conservancy which conserves native wild birds and their habitats throughout the Americas.

#710

From: Ken_Russell@...
Date: Tue Sep 22, 2009 1:06 am
Subject: RBA Fairbanks Alaska September 21 2009

akheinkel

Offline

hotline: Fairbanks and Interior Alaska
date: September 21, 2009
number: (907) 451-9213
to report: (907) 451-9213
coverage: Fairbanks and vicinity
transcriber: Ken Russell

Birds Mentioned
Bald Eagle
Merlin
Lesser Sandhill Crane
Black-Backed Woodpecker
Black-billed Magpie

Welcome to the Birding Hotline for Interior Alaska as of September
21 2009.

Two adult BALD EAGLES were seen along the Parks Highway on
September 20. One was on the south side of the Denali National Park
boundary, and the other was along the Tanana River just north of
Nenana.

A MERLIN was seen pursuing a flock of about a dozen RUSTY
BLACKBIRDS at about 1 mile Chena Hotsprings Road on the 14th.

On Saturday, September 12, about 5 groups of up to 750 LESSER
SANDHILL CRANES were seen flying SE past Mt. Fairplay at mile
post 27 on the Taylor Highway.

A BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKER was seen in some black spruces
on a property on Olivia Lane on September 10.

A Black-billed Magpie was seen at the airport near the south end of the
Runway.

Upcoming Events Include:
Owls of Alaska will be held at ABO's Center for Education & Research
on Saturday, September 26 from 12-2 PM. There will be crafts, stories,
& activities for adults and kids of all ages. Meet a live Great Gray Owl
from Wild Wings, Etc. at approximately 12:30 PM. Call 451-7159 for
more information

The annual Creepy Critters Program will be held at Creamer's Refuge
on October 24 from noon - 4:00 PM. There will be a variety of crafts and
activities. Call 452-5162 for more information.

If you wish to become a member of the Arctic Audubon Society please
call Mary Zalar at 479-4547.

Thanks for calling the birding hotline.

-End Transcript

Visit Arctic Audubon Society's website: http://www.arcticaudubon.org/.
Site includes information on birding locations in Interior Alaska as well
as a calendar of Arctic Audubon programs.

Also visit Alaska Bird Observatory's website: http://www.alaskabird.org/

Directions to the sites mentioned in the report can found in 'A Birder's
Guide to Alaska' by George C. West; American Birding Association;

Ken Russell and Laurel Devaney
PO Box 71462
Fairbanks, Alaska 99707

#709

From: "rosyfinch2u" <survina@...>
Date: Mon Sep 14, 2009 5:18 pm
Subject: Cranes

rosyfinch2u

Offline

On Saturday,about 1:30 in the aft., we again saw many cranes flying SE past Mt.
Fairplay.  There were about 5 groups,750 birds, circling up in the thermals as
they moved along.  It was the same place we saw them last week -- MP 27 on the
Taylor Highway (we got the MP wrong last week).  We're thinking that they're
using Mt. Fairplay as a landmark on their migration.
Sally & Tony Urvina, Tok

#708

From: "arct1c_warbler" <arct1c_warbler@...>
Date: Mon Sep 14, 2009 2:25 am
Subject: Re: siskins anyone?

arct1c_warbler

Offline

I've heard Pine Siskins in the neighborhood due south of Wedgewood Resort for
about two months now, but I haven't noticed huge flocks. Someone reported a
flock of ~25 on ABO's website on 7 September. Maybe we're in for a busy siskin
season at our feeders?

Nancy DeWitt

>
> I haven't heard anybody mention them, so I thought I'd ask. We're
> inundated with Pine Siskins. Anybody else?
>
> Cheers,
> Andrea
> --
> Andrea Swingley
> At the bottom of Goldstream Valley, off Miller Hill Road
> Fairbanks, Alaska
> aswingley@...
>

#707

From: Emily Weiser <emily.l.weiser@...>
Date: Sun Sep 13, 2009 1:41 am
Subject: Re: siskins anyone?

emily_weiser

Offline

Thursday and Friday morning I heard several siskins in a tree on my road (Iniakuk off of Farmer's Loop)--same spot both times.� Otherwise I haven't noticed large numbers in the neighborhood or elsewhere.

�

Emily

#706

From: Andrea Swingley <aswingley@...>
Date: Sat Sep 12, 2009 8:53 pm
Subject: siskins anyone?

aswingley

Offline

Greetings BorealBirders!

I haven't heard anybody mention them, so I thought I'd ask. We're
inundated with Pine Siskins. Anybody else?

Cheers,
Andrea
--
Andrea Swingley
At the bottom of Goldstream Valley, off Miller Hill Road
Fairbanks, Alaska
aswingley@...

#705

From: "sethbeaudreault" <sethbeaudreault@...>
Date: Thu Sep 10, 2009 6:14 pm
Subject: black-backed woodpecker

sethbeaudreault

Offline

I was very psyched to see my first black-backed woodpecker yesterday picking on
some spruces in my yard on Olivia Lane.

Seth

#704

From: Ken_Russell@...
Date: Wed Sep 9, 2009 4:38 pm
Subject: RBA Fairbanks Alaska September 8 2009

akheinkel

Offline

hotline: Fairbanks and Interior Alaska
date: September 8, 2009
number: (907) 451-9213
to report: (907) 451-9213
coverage: Fairbanks and vicinity
transcriber: Ken Russell

Birds Mentioned
Osprey
Belted Kingfisher
Starling
American Kestrel
Harlan's Hawk
Northern Harrier
Lesser Sandhill Crane
Northern Hawk Owl
Great-Horned Owl
Three-Toed Woodpecker
American Pipit
Black-Backed Woodpecker

Welcome to the Birding Hotline for Interior Alaska as of September 8,
2009.

An unfortunate sighting, 4 STARLINGS were seen in Pioneer Park
on September 7. An OSPREY and a BELTED KINGFISHER were
hunting the section of Chena River in the same area. Also on September
7, an adult male NORTHERN HARRIER was hunting the barley
fields at Creamer's Refuge.

The following birds were seen on September 6: An AMERICAN
KETSREL was perched on top of a charred spruce at Mile Post 12
on the Taylor Hwy. Five HARLAN'S HAWKS and 2 NORTHERN
HARRIERS were seen from Mile Post 9 to 25,. Just south of Mt.
Fairplay, ~ MP32, there were about 7 groups of LESSER SANDHILL
CRANES flying SE, for a total number of about 600 individuals.

A NORTHERN HAWK OWL and a GREAT-HORNED OWL were
seen on the boardwalk trail at Creamer's Refuge on September 1.

A THREE-TOED WOODPECKER was seen along the northwest
corner of Wander Lake at the Wedgewood Wildlife Sanctuary on
August 29. Small flocks of AMERICAN PIPITS were also seen
flying over the lake for at least a week now. Also on August 29, a
BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKER was seen in the burn area
on Brock Road.

If you wish to become a member of the Arctic Audubon Society
please call Mary Zalar at 479-4547.

Thanks for calling the birding hotline.

-End Transcript

Visit Arctic Audubon Society's website: http://www.arcticaudubon.org/.
Site includes information on birding locations in Interior Alaska as well
As a calendar of Arctic Audubon programs.

Also visit Alaska Bird Observatory's website: http://www.alaskabird.org/

Directions to the sites mentioned in the report can found in 'A Birder's
Guide to Alaska' by George C. West; American Birding Association

Ken Russell and Laurel Devaney
PO Box 71462
Fairbanks, Alaska 99707

#702

From: "rosyfinch2u" <survina@...>
Date: Mon Sep 7, 2009 4:20 am
Subject: Am. Kestrel/Taylor Hwy

rosyfinch2u

Offline

At 11 am this morning we saw a male American Kestrel perched on top of a charred
spruce at MP 12 on the Taylor Hwy.  The Kestrel was eating it's prey.  From MP 9
to MP 25, we also saw 5 Harlan's Hawks, 2 No. Harriers and 3 other Hawks and one
falcon too far away to ID.  Just south of Mt. Fairplay, ~ MP32, there were about
7 groups of cranes flying SE, total number about 600, flying then circling
upward in the thermals.

#701

From: "arct1c_warbler" <arct1c_warbler@...>
Date: Mon Aug 31, 2009 4:48 am
Subject: TT Woodpecker, Pipits

arct1c_warbler

Offline

I saw a three-toed woodpecker along the northwest corner of Wander Lake at the
Wedgewood Wildlife Sanctuary yesterday. Small flocks of American pipits have
been flying over the lake for at least a week now. A black-billed magpie was
hollering out there on Friday.

The trail around Wander Lake is now open, and bird checklists are available at
the trailhead between Laurel and McKinley buildings at Wedgewood Resort (you can
park where it says Auto Museum Parking). Dogs are not allowed in the sanctuary.

Nancy DeWitt
Fairbanks