A day birding in Seward, Alaska

Two Bald Eagles silhouette against a snow capped mountain.

View from a lower angle reveals the Eagles are perched atop boats in the harbor. Beautiful sunny days can be few and far between.

The Red-breasted Mergansers diving in Resurrection Bay teased me, staying too far off shore. Seward is only 125 highway mile south of Anchorage, on the opposite side of the Chugach Mountain range. There are a number of bird found in Seward not found in Anchorage.

I had never seen a Chestnut-backed Chickadee. Recently I learned they were on Seward’s side of the mountains. I mentioned on another thread I would be going to Seward looking for them. Ceeadsalaskazone3, a new member on the form, has Chestnut-backed Chickadees coming to her feeders. She invited me to see my first at her home. This is my first picture, of my first, Chestnut. They sure move fast!!!!

I finally snapped a picture with Chestnut still at the feeder, only to discover, the camera focused on the wall behind the feeder. I finished for the day and put the camera away. While saying good by and thanking, Carol and her sister, for there generous hospitality, a Chestnut-backed Chickadee sat and posed. It landed on the feeder next to the front door not four feet in front of me. He wasn’t willing to wait for me to get the camera.

This male Downy Woodpecker was much more cooperative. He was willing to sit and pose on one of Carol’s feeders.

A really big fat Harry Woodpecker, played peek-a-boo. He would hide behind the post -- then pop up, to peek at us.

You lookun at me!!! Hay you! You lookun at me!!!

There is so much beauty in the world. It’s all around you. Slow down and smell the roses.
I did today. Sharing the experience with new friends was an add bonus.
A great day of birding with you and your sister, Ceeadsalaskazone3. We both thank you so much.

Very nice Gary!!

Thats wonderful that you were able to see the Chickadee and spend a nice time with a fellow member.

Such a beautiful area. Thank you for sharing the pics with us! :-)

Gary,

Happy for you! Great shots from AK! Thanks for sharing that part of the U.S. with all of us in the 'lower 48'!

Great photos - I enjoy seeing what you have up there. We have a pair of bald eagles all summer at a lake north of Houston, and several others join them during the winter months and during migragtion. I love the sight of them, since when I was a child they were almost extinct. I only saw my first one in Maine 5 years ago! Love your woodpecker shots.

the Hairy WP is so cute!

Hi Gary, great shots and words of wisdom. I must admit I am sometimes selfish in that I enjoy going out early in the morning by myself. Just me and nature. You live in an area that is abundant with natural beauty. Thanks for sharing it with us. That being said, all of us are surrounded by natural beauty. If not at a macro level then at a micro level. At my age, I now marvel at all of the natural beauty that passed me by when I was younger. It is true, take the time to smell the roses ..... and perhaps also photograph them along the way.

I can't get enough of the majestic Bald Eagle. To think that for the first 50 years of my life, I never saw one .... except at the zoo. Now, I see them all of the time. What a recovery story.

Have a great holiday season ............

What a wonderful day you had! Thanks so much for this trip to Alaska..your photos and message are very much appreciated!