A Day at the Beach

For the last few weeks I have wanted to take a day to go birding along the coastal trail in Anchorage. The weather has been so cold and windy, that I have been postponing it until today. There was partial sunshine, and no wind, so I went for it.

The Anchorage Coastal Trail is a real treasure, at least in the summer months. There is no beach to speak of, just mudflats that are treacherous to walk on. The waves are 6 inches high on a good day. The trail is laid out above the mudflats, and provide a safe overlook. It also connects with some greenbelts, and a lake, Westchester Lagoon.

It was high tide over the mudflats, so I was able to photograph this Bonaparte's Gull from fairly close.

The second bird to pose for a photo was this Surfbird. This is the only Surfbird I have seen along the Coastal Trail.

This is a pair of sleeping Short-billed Dowitchers.

Lesser Yellowlegs

Hudsonian Godwit in prime breeding plummage.

I turned inland at Westchester Lagoon and photographed this friendly, male Gadwall.

2 pairs of Shovelers.

What happened to their mates?

Last of all, a Tree Swallow nesting on the side of a building. I saw many other interesting birds today. Life is good.