Today was the Christmas Bird Count for Sitka. Unfortunately there were strong winds and heavy rain for most of the day. Despite this I managed to walk over 10 miles and tallied over 30 species of birds. I’ve had a bit of computer trouble this evening, or I would offer a better summary of my results. I didn’t really find anything unexpected, but it was nice to find the things I figured were around but would be easy to miss, such as the two coots.
I may write up a more thorough account later, but right now I think it’s probably time to get some rest and let my body recover (it’s been quite sometime since I walked so much in one day).
When Swan Lake first froze, these American Coots moved to the Channel and have stayed there since.
When Swan Lake first froze, these American Coots moved to the Channel and have stayed there since.
There was at least one Ring-necked Duck in with the scaups at the cove by North Pacific Seafoods today.
I'm not sure which species of Scaup these are.
I'm pretty sure this is a Lesser Scaup.
Common Loon between the fingers at Eliason Harbor.
After heavy overcast, rain, and wind all day, there was a small break in the clouds to provide an accent of color at the end of the day.
After heavy overcast, rain, and wind all day, there was a small break in the clouds to provide an accent of color at the end of the day.