On a Lifelong Journey to Learn my Place
These three gulls were all photographed in February of this year, the first one was at Starrigavan, the other two at Swan Lake. Unfortunately I neglected to get a whole body shot of this gull, so it may not be possible to identify it. My best guess is Thayer’s Gull, but I’m not sure I … Read more
I took this picture last February at Swan Lake. Currently, my best guess is that this is a hybrid gull, possibly Glaucous-winged x American Herring Gull, or a somewhat odd (to my eyes) Thayer’s Gull. I eliminate pure Glaucous-winged Gull because of the very dark on the primaries. I eliminate pure Herring Gull due to … Read more
This afternoon I was able to observe the mystery warbler again several times, and was also able to get some better photos. In addition, I discovered there was a second warbler, this one far more yellow than the first. Though the warblers did not remain together in an exceptionally close association, they did seem to … Read more
Update: I was able to get additional photos this afternoon. I have added them, plus additional comments, in a second post. Yesterday my son told me he saw an Orange-crowned Warbler (well, I think it was some other color crown, but he still has a little trouble keeping all the names he is learning straight) … Read more
I have had a few responses to the Loon Identification post I made a couple of days ago. One of them pointed out that there is a discussion of Loons in the Peterson Field Guide to Advanced Birding by Kenn Kaufman. I have had the book for some time, but did not think to look … Read more
It’s the time of year that loons are most easily observed around Sitka, and I was recently reminded that I have pictures of several different loons taken over the last three years that I have had a hard time figuring out. I’ve got my best guesses for most/all of them, but for each there is … Read more