World of Ice

I'm noticing that other blogs are writing about the first signs of Spring. We are experiencing the second highest snowfall ever, with about two months of snowy weather to go. In the photo above, it's hard to tell where the painted snow and ice end, and the real snow begins. It's a large mural painted by the famous marine artist, Wyland. It covers the wall of our local JC Penny on Town Square in Anchorage. It is at least 50ft tall, and 200ft long. They are Bowhead Whales with a few Belugas.

This is the side door of a historic building and coffee house on Town Square. No one will be using this door anytime soon.

My reason for visiting Town Square, and nearby locations was to admire the snow and ice sculptures on display. This is an ice thunderbird that wears a snowy cap. It's been standing for weeks without melting.

Downhill from Town Square, near Ship Creek is the location for the state ice sculpture championships. My friend Gary Lyon, with whom I travelled to Ecuador, Thailand, and last winter, to Uganda, is on the winning team. This is the winning sculpture. It is a Polar Bear playing piano and singing on a sheet of ice.

This Walrus is peeking up from beneath the ice. Gary and his team win almost every year. They will be going to the national championships next Feb. in Wisconsin.

Here is a view of downtown Anchorage from Ship Creek. It has open water because of tidal activity nearby.

I added another bird to my year list, (I dont actually tally a year list), this Dipper was on Ship Creek.

Normally, I dont go in for creative photography, but I played a little by turning these reflected trees upside down. The boulder is a large chunk of ice reflected in Ship Creek.

From Ship Creek, it is a hop, skip, and a jump to the start of the Coastal Trail. Someone saw Willow Ptarmigan right here a few weeks ago. I was vigilant, but saw no Ptarmigan, nor their tracks in the snow.

There was very little bird activity. The usual chickadees, magpies, ravens, and a lone Downy Woodpecker.

Where Chester Creek flows out of Westchester lagoon, there is a small amount of open water. Mallards are about the only species of waterfowl that endures Anchorage winters. They congragate in the few places that don't freeze over. I'm not sure if they survive off aquatic insects, or handouts by local do-gooders.

I wonder if they sleep more in winter to conserve energy stores? This hen did'nt quite trust me, but never moved either.