Tuesday 24 July 2018

Alaska... escaping the heat

I’ve just finished my first full day here in Alaska, and having arrived to lovely blue skies yesterday, it has been a day of cloudiness and drizzle today. Lovely stuff, given the last month or so of relatively oppressive London heat. Alaska had always felt a long, long way from home and I appreciate it is, but with some Icelandic Air flights (via Iceland), I was surprised how short the journey to Anchorage was – just a 6 hour 50 minute flight from Keflavik airport yesterday.
Anyway, Anchorage as a city itself is pretty average. Mind you, every American city is just that. But when you’ve got the calls of Mew Gulls continually and some nice juvenile Bonaparte’s Gulls too (a plumage I’d never seen) then it wasn’t all that bad. Westchester Lagoon was where I started, and the common grebe there was Red-necked, with several pairs and decently sized young. There were also half a dozen Short-billed Dowitchers too, and on the cutoff lake the other side of the highway a Belted Kingfisher and a showy Lesser Yellowlegs were present (as well as about ten juvenile Bonaparte’s Gulls and lots of Mew Gulls). Not a bad couple of hours post arrival.
juvenile Mew Gull Westchester Lagoon, Anchorage, Alaska 22nd July 2018

juvenile Bonaparte's Gulls Westchester Lagoon, Anchorage, Alaska 22nd July 2018
And it was onto this morning, where typically I woke up before my alarm at 5am. So after trying to get back to sleep, and failing, I headed back out. After briefly revisiting yesterday’s sites, I went south on the Seward Highway a few miles south of Anchorage. Potter’s Marsh was the spot, and it wasn’t too bad. Redpolls and Audubon’s Warbler seemed to be the most numerous passerines, while a group of waders from the boardwalk were made up of c.20 Short-billed Dowitchers and both species of yellowlegs. Nice stuff, with most of the dowitchers being juveniles. Green-winged Teal were present too, while the bird I’d been searching for – Rusty Blackbird – put in a brief appearance, with two birds flying low overhead before plummeting into the thickets. And that was that…
juvenile Short-billed Dowitcher Potter's Marsh, Anchorage, Alaska 23rd July 2018
I headed south along the Cook Inlet, in the direction of Seward which is where I’m staying this evening. Birding en-route was actually quite slow, with not much on the lakes bar the odd Arctic Tern though I did manage to see my first ‘Sooty’ Fox Sparrow of the trip midway between Portage and Seward. Arriving in Seward, first port of call was obviously going to be the harbour, where there were good numbers of Glaucous-winged Gulls – I was actually surprised about the purity of the vast majority of these here, with just a couple of American Herrings and ‘Cook Inlet’ (hybrid American Herring x Glaucous-winged) Gulls present.
The weather wasn’t ideal as I headed south towards Lovell’s Point and the end of the road. Nevertheless, there were still five Harlequins (all female-types) and a few Marbled Murrelets and Pigeon Guillemots offshore. The rest of the afternoon was spent about town, and particularly along Nash Road – where the feeders produced Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Pine Siskin and a Rufous Hummingbird that seemed bizarrely out of place in the cold. The beach at the end was good for some nice looks at Northwestern Crow, a tenuous species if ever there was one, as well as some really dark looking Song Sparrows and a load of Glaucous-winged Gulls and Kittiwakes. A family party of Trumpeter Swans showed well by the roadside too, as did a female Common Merganser and her chicks.
Fox Sparrow Seward highway, Alaska 23rd July 2018

Trumpeter swan Seward, Alaska 23rd July 2018
Back at my accommodation, Orange-crowned and Wilson’s Warblers buzzed about, as did a family group of Ruby-crowned Kinglets. All in all, a relaxed and pleasant day rounded off with some Alaskan Cod and chips.

15 comments:

  1. Hello Everybody,
    My name is Ahmad Asnul Brunei, I contacted Mr Osman Loan Firm for a business loan amount of $250,000, Then i was told about the step of approving my requested loan amount, after taking the risk again because i was so much desperate of setting up a business to my greatest surprise, the loan amount was credited to my bank account within 24 banking hours without any stress of getting my loan. I was surprise because i was first fall a victim of scam! If you are interested of securing any loan amount & you are located in any country, I'll advise you can contact Mr Osman Loan Firm via email osmanloanserves@gmail.com

    LOAN APPLICATION INFORMATION FORM
    First name......
    Middle name.....
    2) Gender:.........
    3) Loan Amount Needed:.........
    4) Loan Duration:.........
    5) Country:.........
    6) Home Address:.........
    7) Mobile Number:.........
    8) Email address..........
    9) Monthly Income:.....................
    10) Occupation:...........................
    11)Which site did you here about us.....................
    Thanks and Best Regards.
    Derek Email osmanloanserves@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. Request/Get-Quick , reliable and Certified loan Amounting $600000 - $50000000 USD ,


    Diana Guzman Loan Firm a subsidiary firm which affiliates with Barclays bank PLC originates in the United kingdom and other territories worldwide Offer a loan interest rate 3%  , Our loan help people manage their Cash flow , meet their needs and stabilize their way of life ... if you need a cash loan to tide you over for a short while , we're here for you. Our loan process is simple and easy to understand


    We are transparent

    We are flexible

    We are committed

    We are here to help you 


    Our loan services 

    «»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»

    Personal loan 

    Car loan 

    Mortgage loan 

    Debt consolidation loan 

    Medical loan 

    Education loan 

    Home improvement loan


    Hurry now ,


    Contact Us via whatsapp hot lines now :


    +1 877-458-0834 


    OR


    +2348133483735


    Email us at : dianaguzmanloanfirm@aol.com


    Best Regards ,


    Diana Guzman 



    ReplyDelete
  3. Loans up to $ 500,000 and credit lines up to $ 100,000
    Simple application, decisions in minutes
    Found as fast as one active day if you are approved
    Underwriting based on business cash flow, business and personal credit Contact us
    Email: atlasloan83@gmail.com
    whatsapp / hangout + 14433459339

    ReplyDelete
  4. MACAW PARROt
    Macaw Parrots For Sale Text or call +1(512) 598-8125
    Hello, and welcome to our website for the best hand raised macaw parrots for sale.
    We pride ourselves in the best taming practices of macaws among aviaries.
    All of our macaws are bred in a disease-free Biosecure breeding sanctuary.
    They are well socialized, having been raised in our home as members of our
    own family in order for them to become ready to be a member of yours.
    They are quite comfortable around all ages, including the elderly and young children.
    When you purchase a bird from Us, we are committed to offering lifetime support and guidance to you and your family.

    Hand Raised Parrots for Sale, Macaw Parrots for Sale
    Macaws are playful and active and they have excited personalities to go along with their sizes.
    But this also makes them very challenging pets. They do have the ability to say words and mimic
    our speech but it is not as clear as some other pet bird species.
    Because they are so intelligent, macaws can be trained. You can start when your pet bird is young,
    and work on hand-feeding, teaching your bird to talk or sing, and training your macaw not to nip, bite, or scream.
    Text or call +1(512) 643-7439


    MACAW PARROTS
    Macaw Parrots For Sale

    blue macaw for sale

    blue and gold macaw breeder

    Scarlet Macaw

    defferent types of macaw available for sale

    blue headed macaw for sale

    parrots for sale

    macaw for sale near me

    red bellied macaw

    Text or call +1(512) 598-8125

    ReplyDelete
  5. We provide personal loans for debt consolidation, bad credit loans, unsecured loans, loans for bad credit and instant secured loans with cheap rates Do you have a firm or company that need loan to start up a business or need, personal loan, Debt consolidation?We offer the following loans to individuals-
    *Commercial Loans.
    *Personal Loans.
    *Business Loans.
    *Investments Loans.
    *Development Loans.
    *Acquisition Loans .
    *Construction loans.
    *Business Loans And many More:
    and many more at 3% interest rate. For more
    Email:abdullahonlinefinance@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. It is also important to note that there are many more Flight Compensation Companies than those listed above. Also, many of these Flight Compensation Companies are independent third parties that are contracted by airlines. Check out this site to know more about flight compensation companies in eu.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Real testimony and Good news !!!

    My name is mohammad, I just received my loan and it has been transferred to my bank account, a few days ago I applied to Dangote Loan Company through Lady Jane (Ladyjanealice@gmail.com), I asked Lady jane about the Dangote Loan Company's requirements and Jane told me that if I had all the terms my loan would be transferred to me without delay

    And believe me now as my Rp11bn loan with 2% interest rate for my Coal Mining business has just been approved and transferred to my account this is a dream to come, I promise Lady jane that I will tell the world if this is true? and I'm going to tell the world right now because it's true

    You don't have to pay registration fees, license fees, comply with the Dangote Loan Company and you will get your loan

    for more details contact me via email: mahammadismali234@gmail.com and contact the Dangote Loan Company for your loan now via email Dangotegrouploandepartment@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. INSTANT AFFORDABLE PERSONAL/BUSINESS/HOME/INVESTMENT LOAN OFFER WITHOUT COST/STRESS CONTACT US TODAY VIA Call/Text +1(415)630-7138 Whatsapp +19292227023 Email drbenjaminfinance@gmail.com

    We are financial consultants providing reliable loans to individuals and funding for business, home and projects start up. Are you tired of seeking loans or are you in any financial mess. Do you have a low credit score, and you will find it difficult to get loans from banks and other financial institutions? then worry no more for we are the solution to your financial misfortune. we offer all types of loan ranging from $5,000.00 to $533,000,000.00USD with a low interest rate of 2% and loan duration of 1 to 35 years to pay back the loan secure and unsecured. Are you losing sleep at nights worrying how to get a Legit Loan Lender? Contact us via Call/Text +1(415)630-7138 Email drbenjaminfinance@gmail.com

    Do you have a bad credit? Do you need money to pay bills? Do you need loan to buy, refinance or renovate your home? Is it necessary to start a new business? Do you have an unfinished project due to poor funding? Do you need money to invest in any specialty that will benefit you? DR.BENJAMIN FINANCIER LOANS aims is to provide excellent professional financial services which include the followings

    * Personal loan * Business loan
    * Home loan * Farm Loan
    * Education loan * Debt consolidation loan
    * Truck Loan * Car Loan
    * Refinery Loan
    * Equipment Loan
    * Hotels Loan
    * Refinancing Loan

    Yours Faithfully
    Dr Benjamin Scarlett Owen
    Whatsapp +19292227023
    Call/Text +1(415)630-7138
    NOTE: GET YOUR INSTANT LOAN APPROVAL 100% GUARANTEED TODAY NO MATTER YOUR CREDIT SCORE. drbenjaminfinance@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete

  9. https://www.chihuahuapuppiesforsale1.com/
    https://www.chihuahuapuppiesforsale1.com/chihuahua-puppies-for-sale-near-me/
    https://www.chihuahuapuppiesforsale1.com/chihuahua-puppies-for-sale-500/
    https://www.chihuahuapuppiesforsale1.com/teacup-chihuahua-puppy-for-sale-2/
    https://www.chihuahuapuppiesforsale1.com/teacup-chihuahuas-for-sale/
    https://www.chihuahuapuppiesforsale1.com/teacup-chihuahua-puppies-for-sale-2/
    https://www.chihuahuapuppiesforsale1.com/chihuahua-for-sale/
    https://www.chihuahuapuppiesforsale1.com/cheap-chihuahua-puppies-for-sale/
    https://www.chihuahuapuppiesforsale1.com/chihuahua-puppies-near-me/
    https://www.chihuahuapuppiesforsale1.com/chihuahua-for-sale-near-me-2/

    ReplyDelete
  10. https://www.redemptionbullies.com/
    https://www.redemptionbullies.com/great-dane-puppies-for-sale-near-me/
    https://www.redemptionbullies.com/great-dane-for-sale-near-me/
    https://www.redemptionbullies.com/blue-great-dane-puppies-for-sale/
    https://www.redemptionbullies.com/great-dane-puppies-for-sale-in-florida/
    https://www.redemptionbullies.com/great-dane-puppies-for-sale-in-pa/
    https://www.redemptionbullies.com/great-dane-puppies-for-sale-in-ohio/
    https://www.redemptionbullies.com/great-dane-puppies-for-sale-texas/
    https://www.redemptionbullies.com/great-dane-puppies-for-sale-in-nc/
    https://www.redemptionbullies.com/great-dane-puppies-for-sale-in-ga/
    https://www.redemptionbullies.com/great-dane-puppies-for-sale-in-michigan/
    https://www.redemptionbullies.com/great-dane-puppies-for-sale-indiana/

    ReplyDelete