Lynn Barber

As is often the case in summer, highlights at these two lakes were loons. There was a Common Loon floating along and preening.

I saw a Red-throated Loon fly in on the north side of the lakes while I was on the south side. It was at one of its two “favorite” sites, along Floatplane Drive, when I got around to the north side. As last year, it was very tame. After I watched for a short period, it lowered its head and began to make its lonesome calls.

Raptors seen were a Bald Eagle and an Osprey (the latter photographed nearly over my head through the car windshield).

There were also at least two Red-necked Phalaropes bobbing in the bumpy waters on Lake Hood.

The yellowlegs there seemed to be only Lesser, as far as I could tell.

A single Spotted Sandpiper called from near one of the planes.

I also saw distant ducks (Greater Scaup and Barrow’s Goldeneyes) and photographed Northern Shovelers that were somewhat closer.

Tomorrow I have a few other things to do than bird, so I’ll need to refrain from birding all the time.