Alaska Trip ~ June 7, 2007

Early morning at the seawatch produced some 'photo ops', but nothing out of the ordinary. A ride south past the lake produced Common Ringed Plover. Another Gray-tailed Tattler was found in the grassy marsh at the northeast corner of the lake and a White Wagtail was spotted nearby. But, the hotspot of this day was the "Far Boneyard". After much searching, we were able to refind the Arctic Warbler that had been seen there earlier in the day. It was a good thing that we saw this one well because it was the only one we found on the trip.

Arctic Warbler in the "Far Boneyard". This photo, taken by Jason Horn, shows the white eyeline and the narrow white wingbar on the olive-colored upperparts.

Then, on the walk back out of the boneyard, Devich spotted a small sandpiper in a large puddle very close to where I was walking. I froze as both he and Jason yelled out "Temminck's Stint!" A radio call went out and, within several minutes, the rest of the birders were assembled, studying the bird and taking photos.

Temminck's Stint at the "Far Boneyard". Although this photo is a little blurry, it was the best one I had that shows this peep's yellow legs, the scaly-looking back, and the longish wings and tail, giving it an elongated appearance. It gave me the general impression of a miniature Baird's Sandpiper.

Later, Jason found a Lapland Longspur nest that we took some quick photos of before letting the female get back to her eggs.

Lapland Longspur in the grassy marsh at the northeast corner of Troutman Lake. Males are easily seen practically everywhere around Gambell while defending their territories.

I spent the latter part of the day back at the seabird colony, watching the activity and taking photos.

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