Field Note

Between old forest and wetlands

4new

11species
photographed

42frames

Soon after arriving, we spent time exploring Girdwood and the surrounding wetlands. It quickly became clear how old parts of the forest were and how many small songbirds typical of Alaska they supported. Ruby-crowned Kinglets were particularly noticeable. We finally saw a Varied Thrush, and a Wilson's Warbler gave us several good photographs. After a rainy day in between, we went out again on the third day. Several Black-billed Magpies appeared, along with two more new species: a Sharp-shinned Hawk and a Lincoln's Sparrow.

Juvenile Varied Thrush in the old forest, one of four new species over the three days.

Wilson's Warbler feeding among dried flower heads.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet, one of several moving through the forest.

Lincoln's Sparrow in the wet vegetation on the third day.

Sharp-shinned Hawk and Black-billed Magpie sharing a dead tree.

Girdwood beneath the steep Chugach Mountains.

Still water and mountain ridges along Turnagain Arm.

Old forest and wetland below glaciated peaks.

New and photographed

Lincoln's Sparrow Ruby-crowned Kinglet Sharp-shinned Hawk Varied Thrush

Seen that day

Ruby-crowned Kinglet 10Black-billed Magpie 7Black-capped Chickadee 7American Robin 4Wilson's Warbler 4Fox Sparrow 3Sharp-shinned Hawk 2Varied Thrush 2Belted Kingfisher 1Lincoln's Sparrow 1Steller's Jay 1