Yesterday we didn't do any driving, we relaxed in Soldotna, walked around town, and birded some at Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. We went on what was supposed to be a guided hike with he NWR naturalist, but since it was only Margaret and I and since the naturalist's husband is an ornithologist, it turned into a bird walk down an off-trail path to see breeding Aleutian Terns.... LIFE BIRDS for both Margaret and me!! While we were looking at the terns and completely drenched in deet, thousands of mosquitoes were buzzing around our heads, bouncing off our arms, landing on our jackets, and biting my legs through my pants! Totally worth it :) Aleutian Terns are pretty distinct and pretty awesome!!
 |
| Braving the mosquitoes for a life bird at Kenai NWR!! |
Today we drove from Soldotna over to Seward and then headed north towards Denali. We made it as far as Trapper Creek, AK. On the way though Seward, we stopped to bird along a road that was right on the edge of the water. We saw another harbor seal along with six Marbled Murrlets, a Black Oystercatcher, and lots of Harlequin Ducks, including at least 3 males in breeding plumage!!
 |
| Marbled Murrlet in Seward, AK |
Tonight we are at mile 114.6 on the Parks Highway and Mt. McKinnley was supposed to be visible from mile 115.6 so I walked down the road once we set up camp but all I saw was trees and no mountain view of any kind. It was nice to get out and walk anyway and even though the sky was totally blue to the north, I made it back just before the hail started from the storm coming in from the south!
 |
| Pretty scenery along the roadside |
No comments:
Post a Comment