Recently received photos - August 2008

Summer trips, the Arctic, the Maritimes! We have various summer departures to northern destinations, and in this Recent Photos slideshow we'll focus on two in particular: our Alaska and Newf ...

nobody@smugmug.com (fieldguides) — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 07:33:11 -0700

fieldguides
Summer trips, the Arctic, the Maritimes! We have various summer departures to northern destinations, and in this Recent Photos slideshow we'll focus on two in particular: our Alaska and Newf ...

On the same theme of birding backdrops, part of one of our groups scanning across a broad valley in Denali National Park, also by participant Pat Newman.Link to: ALASKA[photo © participant ...

nobody@smugmug.com (fieldguides) — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 07:36:56 -0700

fieldguides
On the same theme of birding backdrops, part of one of our groups scanning across a broad valley in Denali National Park, also by participant Pat Newman.Link to: ALASKA[photo © participant ...

Alaska is a prime destination for numerous birds of limited or regional distribution, prizes for any birder. Above, a beautiful drake Steller's Eider along the Gaswell Road in Barrow.Link t ...

nobody@smugmug.com (fieldguides) — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 13:05:25 -0700

fieldguides
Alaska is a prime destination for numerous birds of limited or regional distribution, prizes for any birder. Above, a beautiful drake Steller's Eider along the Gaswell Road in Barrow.Link t ...

Our groups had lots of Snowy Owls this year at Barrow. Some years they can be rather scarce, but one group found 6 nest sites on one day, and at the end of Freshwater Lake at least 11 birds ...

nobody@smugmug.com (fieldguides) — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 11:38:59 -0700

fieldguides
Our groups had lots of Snowy Owls this year at Barrow. Some years they can be rather scarce, but one group found 6 nest sites on one day, and at the end of Freshwater Lake at least 11 birds ...

Most Snowy Owl sightings are of perched birds, but participant Pat Newman caught this magnificent individual taking off at Barrow.Link to: ALASKA[photo © participant Pat Newman]

nobody@smugmug.com (fieldguides) — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 07:35:48 -0700

fieldguides
Most Snowy Owl sightings are of perched birds, but participant Pat Newman caught this magnificent individual taking off at Barrow.Link to: ALASKA[photo © participant Pat Newman]

Seabirds are a huge draw for Alaska tours and the Pribilofs in particular. The peculiar bill structure of the Parakeet Auklet, a common breeder on the cliffs of St. Paul, is thought perhaps ...

nobody@smugmug.com (fieldguides) — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 11:35:49 -0700

fieldguides
Seabirds are a huge draw for Alaska tours and the Pribilofs in particular. The peculiar bill structure of the Parakeet Auklet, a common breeder on the cliffs of St. Paul, is thought perhaps ...

An adult Red-legged Kittiwake at St. Paul Island in the Pribilofs. This photo was taken at Polovina Point on the first afternoon of our second tour. In the Aleut language Polovina means "mid ...

nobody@smugmug.com (fieldguides) — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 12:55:16 -0700

fieldguides
An adult Red-legged Kittiwake at St. Paul Island in the Pribilofs. This photo was taken at Polovina Point on the first afternoon of our second tour. In the Aleut language Polovina means "mid ...

Tufted Puffin is another glorious alcid species seen regularly at nest sites on St Paul in the Pribilof Islands.Link to: ALASKA[photo © participant Pat Newman]

nobody@smugmug.com (fieldguides) — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 07:36:18 -0700

fieldguides
Tufted Puffin is another glorious alcid species seen regularly at nest sites on St Paul in the Pribilof Islands.Link to: ALASKA[photo © participant Pat Newman]

Rock Sandpiper, often kicked up along the roadsides as we drive around on St. Paul, virtually disappears against a natural background.Link to: ALASKA[photo © participant Pat Newman]

nobody@smugmug.com (fieldguides) — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 07:35:19 -0700

fieldguides
Rock Sandpiper, often kicked up along the roadsides as we drive around on St. Paul, virtually disappears against a natural background.Link to: ALASKA[photo © participant Pat Newman]

Seldom ever easy, Bristle-thighed Curlew provided some of the usual small challenges again this year near Nome (some climbing and hiking involved, of course!), but it's such a nice reward fo ...

nobody@smugmug.com (fieldguides) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 11:49:47 -0700

fieldguides
Seldom ever easy, Bristle-thighed Curlew provided some of the usual small challenges again this year near Nome (some climbing and hiking involved, of course!), but it's such a nice reward fo ...

Uh, yes, Nome can be a bit foggy at times...and it outdid itself for one of our groups this year. Here are a few folks "birding" Anvil Mountain near Nome in this photo by participant Pat Ne ...

nobody@smugmug.com (fieldguides) — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 07:32:17 -0700

fieldguides
Uh, yes, Nome can be a bit foggy at times...and it outdid itself for one of our groups this year. Here are a few folks "birding" Anvil Mountain near Nome in this photo by participant Pat Ne ...

A Rufous-tailed Robin for our second tour was an incredible vagrant, as it breeds only as far north as Northern China and Mongolia -- it was a lifer for everyone in our group, who hadn't yet ...

nobody@smugmug.com (fieldguides) — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 11:36:54 -0700

fieldguides
A Rufous-tailed Robin for our second tour was an incredible vagrant, as it breeds only as far north as Northern China and Mongolia -- it was a lifer for everyone in our group, who hadn't yet ...

More common and widespread species, such as this lovely Red-necked Phalarope in full dress, are also part of the joy of birding Alaska.Link to: ALASKA[photo © George Armistead]

nobody@smugmug.com (fieldguides) — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 11:34:33 -0700

fieldguides
More common and widespread species, such as this lovely Red-necked Phalarope in full dress, are also part of the joy of birding Alaska.Link to: ALASKA[photo © George Armistead]

And, of course, one of the highlights of a visit to Barrow is the beautiful Red Phalarope.Link to: ALASKA[photo © Chris Benesh]

nobody@smugmug.com (fieldguides) — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 11:57:21 -0700

fieldguides
And, of course, one of the highlights of a visit to Barrow is the beautiful Red Phalarope.Link to: ALASKA[photo © Chris Benesh]

We should not omit some of the simply awe-inspiring vistas to be had. Denali is sometimes shrouded in clouds, but guide Chris Benesh revealed this magnificent view for one of our groups.Lin ...

nobody@smugmug.com (fieldguides) — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 11:53:07 -0700

fieldguides
We should not omit some of the simply awe-inspiring vistas to be had. Denali is sometimes shrouded in clouds, but guide Chris Benesh revealed this magnificent view for one of our groups.Lin ...

Participant Pat Newman peeked out the plane window en route back from the Pribilofs to spot these mountains west of Cook Inlet near Anchorage...just another day in the sky over Alaska -- wow ...

nobody@smugmug.com (fieldguides) — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 07:33:46 -0700

fieldguides
Participant Pat Newman peeked out the plane window en route back from the Pribilofs to spot these mountains west of Cook Inlet near Anchorage...just another day in the sky over Alaska -- wow ...

Of course, some things on a smaller scale are magnificent as well..June wildflowers bring swatches of color to the tundra.Link to: ALASKA[photo © participant Pat Newman]

nobody@smugmug.com (fieldguides) — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 07:34:24 -0700

fieldguides
Of course, some things on a smaller scale are magnificent as well..June wildflowers bring swatches of color to the tundra.Link to: ALASKA[photo © participant Pat Newman]

One of our groups pauses for a pose on their way north from Anchorage to Denali National Park.Link to: ALASKA[photo © Chris Benesh]

nobody@smugmug.com (fieldguides) — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 11:55:41 -0700

fieldguides
One of our groups pauses for a pose on their way north from Anchorage to Denali National Park.Link to: ALASKA[photo © Chris Benesh]

And guides Chris Benesh and Jesse Fagan take in the sights at Aialik Glacier near Seward (watch for Kittlitz's Murrelet!).Link to: ALASKA

nobody@smugmug.com (fieldguides) — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 11:56:09 -0700

fieldguides
And guides Chris Benesh and Jesse Fagan take in the sights at Aialik Glacier near Seward (watch for Kittlitz's Murrelet!).Link to: ALASKA

This lovely Horned Grebe was a wonderful surprise at Potter Marsh near Anchorage -- not exactly what many of us see along the coasts farther south in winter!Link to: ALASKA[photo © Chris Be ...

nobody@smugmug.com (fieldguides) — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 11:56:45 -0700

fieldguides
This lovely Horned Grebe was a wonderful surprise at Potter Marsh near Anchorage -- not exactly what many of us see along the coasts farther south in winter!Link to: ALASKA[photo © Chris Be ...

And the sun came out for this handsome dark morph Parasitic Jaeger at Barrow...Link to: ALASKA[photo © Chris Benesh]

nobody@smugmug.com (fieldguides) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:43:26 -0700

fieldguides
And the sun came out for this handsome dark morph Parasitic Jaeger at Barrow...Link to: ALASKA[photo © Chris Benesh]

Let's move far eastward across the continent from Alaska all the way to the Canadian Maritimes for our 2008 Newfoundland & Nova Scotia tour with Chris Benesh. Above, the city of St. John's, ...

nobody@smugmug.com (fieldguides) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 08:04:42 -0700

fieldguides
Let's move far eastward across the continent from Alaska all the way to the Canadian Maritimes for our 2008 Newfoundland & Nova Scotia tour with Chris Benesh. Above, the city of St. John's, ...

Like Alaska, the Canadian Maritimes are an important destination for birders seeking seabirds, and our Newfoundland & Nova Scotia tour begins with a big dose of such specialties on a visit t ...

nobody@smugmug.com (fieldguides) — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 12:03:59 -0700

fieldguides
Like Alaska, the Canadian Maritimes are an important destination for birders seeking seabirds, and our Newfoundland & Nova Scotia tour begins with a big dose of such specialties on a visit t ...

The stars at Witless Bay are always the Atlantic Puffins, beautifully photographed here amidst the tussocks by participant Kay Niyo.Link to: NEWFOUNDLAND & NOVA SCOTIA[photo © participant K ...

nobody@smugmug.com (fieldguides) — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 07:17:29 -0700

fieldguides
The stars at Witless Bay are always the Atlantic Puffins, beautifully photographed here amidst the tussocks by participant Kay Niyo.Link to: NEWFOUNDLAND & NOVA SCOTIA[photo © participant K ...

Common Murres and Thick-billed Murres also dot the ledges at the Witless Bay colony, and this image by participant Kay Niyo provides a great comparison of the two -- the browner Common on th ...

nobody@smugmug.com (fieldguides) — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 07:17:42 -0700

fieldguides
Common Murres and Thick-billed Murres also dot the ledges at the Witless Bay colony, and this image by participant Kay Niyo provides a great comparison of the two -- the browner Common on th ...

Here's a much more elegant view of Black-legged Kittiwakes at the Witless Bay colony, Newfoundland, also by participant Kay Niyo.Link to: NEWFOUNDLAND & NOVA SCOTIA[photo © participant Kay ...

nobody@smugmug.com (fieldguides) — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 07:17:35 -0700

fieldguides
Here's a much more elegant view of Black-legged Kittiwakes at the Witless Bay colony, Newfoundland, also by participant Kay Niyo.Link to: NEWFOUNDLAND & NOVA SCOTIA[photo © participant Kay ...

This iceberg was aground in Witless Bay during our group's visit. Having traveled south from Greenland in the currents, it was now on its last legs. The following morning, it had toppled o ...

nobody@smugmug.com (fieldguides) — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 12:34:05 -0700

fieldguides
This iceberg was aground in Witless Bay during our group's visit. Having traveled south from Greenland in the currents, it was now on its last legs. The following morning, it had toppled o ...

Caribou are more evidence that Newfoundland is truly far to the north. This piebald individual is shedding its winter coat. Caribou are a regular sight along the southern tip of the Avalon ...

nobody@smugmug.com (fieldguides) — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 12:36:23 -0700

fieldguides
Caribou are more evidence that Newfoundland is truly far to the north. This piebald individual is shedding its winter coat. Caribou are a regular sight along the southern tip of the Avalon ...

Tors Cove, an attractive vista just south of St. John's, Newfoundland. From this spot, our group counted dozens of Humpback spouts, estimating some 50 whales present!Link to: NEWFOUNDLAND & ...

nobody@smugmug.com (fieldguides) — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:41:58 -0700

fieldguides
Tors Cove, an attractive vista just south of St. John's, Newfoundland. From this spot, our group counted dozens of Humpback spouts, estimating some 50 whales present!Link to: NEWFOUNDLAND & ...

The scenic Louisbourg Lighthouse on Cape Breton Island. This area is often shrouded in fog, but our folks enjoyed a glorious afternoon here.Link to: NEWFOUNDLAND & NOVA SCOTIA[photo © Chris ...

nobody@smugmug.com (fieldguides) — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 12:37:57 -0700

fieldguides
The scenic Louisbourg Lighthouse on Cape Breton Island. This area is often shrouded in fog, but our folks enjoyed a glorious afternoon here.Link to: NEWFOUNDLAND & NOVA SCOTIA[photo © Chris ...

Among landbird specialties on the tour, the Acadian form of Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow provided wonderful views near Port Morian, Cape Breton Island.Link to: NEWFOUNDLAND & NOVA SCOTIA[ph ...

nobody@smugmug.com (fieldguides) — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 12:38:49 -0700

fieldguides
Among landbird specialties on the tour, the Acadian form of Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow provided wonderful views near Port Morian, Cape Breton Island.Link to: NEWFOUNDLAND & NOVA SCOTIA[ph ...

This Mourning Warbler stared us down on the trail to Benjie's Lake on Cape Breton Island.Link to: NEWFOUNDLAND & NOVA SCOTIA[photo © Chris Benesh]

nobody@smugmug.com (fieldguides) — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 12:40:43 -0700

fieldguides
This Mourning Warbler stared us down on the trail to Benjie's Lake on Cape Breton Island.Link to: NEWFOUNDLAND & NOVA SCOTIA[photo © Chris Benesh]

Boreal Chickadee is a common breeder on parts of the tour route. This one is looking like it should be molting soon!Link to: NEWFOUNDLAND & NOVA SCOTIA[photo © Chris Benesh]

nobody@smugmug.com (fieldguides) — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 12:41:37 -0700

fieldguides
Boreal Chickadee is a common breeder on parts of the tour route. This one is looking like it should be molting soon!Link to: NEWFOUNDLAND & NOVA SCOTIA[photo © Chris Benesh]

Another of the stunning warblers to be found in Nova Scotia is this Magnolia Warbler.Link to: NEWFOUNDLAND & NOVA SCOTIA[photo © Chris Benesh]

nobody@smugmug.com (fieldguides) — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:42:46 -0700

fieldguides
Another of the stunning warblers to be found in Nova Scotia is this Magnolia Warbler.Link to: NEWFOUNDLAND & NOVA SCOTIA[photo © Chris Benesh]

This attractive Moose was one of several our group spotted in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. This one is in Cape Breton Highlands National Park.Link to: NEWFOUNDLAND & NOVA SCOTIA[photo © C ...

nobody@smugmug.com (fieldguides) — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:42:54 -0700

fieldguides
This attractive Moose was one of several our group spotted in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. This one is in Cape Breton Highlands National Park.Link to: NEWFOUNDLAND & NOVA SCOTIA[photo © C ...

Piping Plover is a rare breeder along the Nova Scotia coast.Link to: NEWFOUNDLAND & NOVA SCOTIA[photo © participant Kay Niyo]

nobody@smugmug.com (fieldguides) — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 07:17:51 -0700

fieldguides
Piping Plover is a rare breeder along the Nova Scotia coast.Link to: NEWFOUNDLAND & NOVA SCOTIA[photo © participant Kay Niyo]

There are some lovely spots for birding stops along the route. Here, St. Mary's Falls on the Liscomb River, Nova Scotia, in this image from participant Kay Niyo.Link to: NEWFOUNDLAND & NOVA ...

nobody@smugmug.com (fieldguides) — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 07:18:00 -0700

fieldguides
There are some lovely spots for birding stops along the route. Here, St. Mary's Falls on the Liscomb River, Nova Scotia, in this image from participant Kay Niyo.Link to: NEWFOUNDLAND & NOVA ...

nobody@smugmug.com (fieldguides) — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 07:18:07 -0700

fieldguides
Sometimes there's a lot going on, so which way to look?Link to: NEWFOUNDLAND & NOVA SCOTIA[photo © participant Kay Niyo]

And sometimes getting everyone focused on the same thing is a bit of a challenge -- guide Chris Benesh might have been thinking this was sort of like herding cats! Our thanks to our guides a ...

nobody@smugmug.com (fieldguides) — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 07:18:20 -0700

fieldguides
And sometimes getting everyone focused on the same thing is a bit of a challenge -- guide Chris Benesh might have been thinking this was sort of like herding cats! Our thanks to our guides a ...