I just returned from a five day field trip, with the Alaska Native Plant Society, to Nome, in the northwest part of Alaska. From a distance everything appears to be a barren wasteland. Close up it is an endless floral garden, at this time of the year, teaming with life, and colorful blossoms. I got a few good photos of birds, I had never seen before. I took these pictures on July 1, 2007 near the summit of Anvil Mountain above Nome, Alaska. I can't seem to locate it in any of my reference books.
This is the only shot of an adult I got.
Thanks in advance:
Gary
CLOSED: I. D. help needed.
After addition study, I have concluded they are Northern Wheatear. The first picture is a female. Description in "Birds of Alaska" by Robert H. Armstrong: "Habitat. Above timber line, rocky fields in the tundra and rocky mountain ridges. Nests in crevices under rocks or in rubble." His description is, perfict for the place I observed them.
Yep, Wheatear. Your first pic is actually a male, the females are pale sandy brown above, not grey, and with brown, not black, flight feathers. I get to see plenty of them over here ;-)
Resin
Very nice pics Gary! Congratulations on sighting & getting pics of a new bird for you!
Thanks, Resin and Pelletory. Actually, on this trip, I added several new species to my list of birds I have photographed. I also added dozens of new tundra flowers to my photo library. It is going to take a while to sort, identify, and label the hundreds of photos from the trip. I also saw herds of Musk Oxen, large wild ox, native to the arctic tundra of Alaska, Canada, and Greenland.
What a great trip Gary! Can't wait to see the rest of your pics!
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