Back to Dutch Harbor
Looking inland from Summer Bay Lake, Unalaska Island, 23 April 2009.
I’m back in Dutch Harbor for the second time this year; I flew in yesterday, 23 April, to board the NOAA Ship Oscar Dyson. I’ll be traveling along as a seabird observer on their moorings cruise in the Bering Sea. I had yesterday afternoon to bird Dutch Harbor and this time I had the great pleasure of spending several hours birding with resident expert Suzie Golodoff. Suzie has lived and birded on the island for 33 years and is wealth of information on birds, plants, and all things Dutch. The afternoon was fantastic!
Since I was last here the great numbers of wintering sea ducks have thinned out. Most species were still represented, but in much smaller numbers. We only saw 1 Emperor Goose instead of the hundreds that were here in February. Suzie says this is a transition time on the island–the wintering birds have left or are leaving and migrants haven’t yet really started to appear. We did find a few migrants that brought some excitement to the day.
Northern Pintail Anas acuta, Unalaska, 23 April 2009.
This Northern Pintail was feeding in a marsh near Unalaska Lake. Suzie was delighted when we found it; it was the first of the year and is a species that she doesn’t see every year. I really enjoy seeing “common” birds in places where they’re uncommon. It always makes me take a second look. There is certainly a lot to look at on a drake Northern Pintail! Three Wilson’s Snipe at the head of Summer Bay Lake were also a first for the spring on the island. Two flushed from the marsh as we approached and showed their solidly dark under-wings. A third bird was calling from across the marsh.
Tufted Ducks Aythya fuligula on a pond near Unalaska Lake, Unalaska, 23 April 2009.
Tufted Ducks are regular in winter on the island and this year up to 5 could be seen around town throughout the winter. The bird on the right is a first year male transitioning from a female-type plumage into his adult male garb. A male Lesser Scaup on Unalaska Lake was an unexpected find. Unfortunately it was too distant for good photos. The Canvasback that I reported in late February was still on the island as of 22 April, but we missed it. Two other rarities that Suzie found on the island this week were Golden-crowned Sparrow, Pine Siskin (2).
Three Pelagic Cormorants Phalacrocorax pelagicus and 2 Red-faced Cormorants P. urile (left and right-most birds), Dutch Harbor, 23 April 2009.
It’s nice to see Red-faced Cormorants at any time of year, but with their freshly brightened faces and white flanks they are a real treat. In this photo it is also possible to discern the yellowish bill of the Red-faced which is thicker than the all dark bill of the Pelagic Cormorant. The larger body size and head of the Red-faced is sort of evident from this photo, but is much more obvious on a flying bird.
Belted Kingfisher Megaceryle alcyon, Unalaska, 23 April 2009.
Suzie says there are probably 10-12 kingfishers that spend the year in the area.
Any thoughts on what species of fish this kingfisher is ambitiously trying to consume? A salmon smolt or Dolly Varden? Pink, Silver and Red Salmon and Dolly Varden all use this stream.
All-in-all it was a great afternoon of birding. Thanks Suzie!
