I only birded a few sites in west Anchorage today, including around Spenard and Hood Lakes, Point Woronzoff and the Turnagain neighborhood. Everywhere I went, there were Black-billed Magpies and Common Ravens. The ravens were mostly sitting on the ground eating something or calling to each other in trees and the magpies were clambering around various structures. Most people seem to like ravens, but some people don’t like magpies. I find them both fascinating. I only saw a few other species – Black-capped and Boreal Chickadees and Red-breasted Nuthatches until I got home and had at least four Steller’s Jays coming to my peanut jar.
This week I have two quick trips planned. The first is to Juneau early in the week, followed by a day back in Anchorage and then a few days in Barrow. Maybe new birds, maybe not, but if I stay in Anchorage, most likely not. Gotta try for something beyond magpies and ravens, I guess..
302 species so far
Lynn Barber's Birding Blog 