movement

 

Near one of the few current spots of open water in Anchorage, we spotted this short-term visitor last week.  This may have been my first ever Snow Goose sighting.  I honestly can't recall if one (or many) had ever crossed my path, so to speak, prior.  Mixed in with many geese and Mallards, this birdie couldn't care less that it was drawing attention.  It was focused solely on eating.

Not a great photo (low light, cloudy day, distance), but what a handsome drake.  He and his pretty partner were fishing and preening.  Since my Yellowstone days, Buffleheads have been one of my favorite waterfowl species. 

This beautiful lady flew in to join the Bufflehead pair, and I could have watched her for hours.  Again, not a great photo.  However, I like her visible crest and reflection in the water.  Common Mergansers are another favorite bird.  Calling them a favorite may seem like there are birds I don't like or enjoy.  Not really true.  Perhaps the only bird I recall not being entirely enamored with is the Skua.  Once you've had one dive bomb you in Antarctica, it's easy to not be a fan.  

Perhaps my admiration for some species is their connection to where I first began to truly notice and fall in love with birds - Yellowstone National Park.  Several species we see passing through in spring and fall are common in YNP.  Safe to say, there is a bit of nostalgia intertwined with my adoration.  If we had Western Meadowlarks, Yellow-headed Blackbirds, Ruddy Ducks, American White Pelicans, and Red-winged Blackbirds to boot, I'd be an even happier bird watcher in Alaska.