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        Discussion Area 討論區 >> Birding Reports & Tips 觀鳥報告及心得 >>  Alaska visit August 2006 8月亞拉斯加之行
        
(Message started by: Neil on Aug 31^st, 2006, 8:57pm)

Title: Alaska visit August 2006 8月亞拉斯加之行
Post by Neil on Aug 31^st, 2006, 8:57pm

I've just got back from two weeks in Alaska which was my first visit. We flew to Anchorage and rented a car and drove to Seward,Homer, Denali National Park,Fairbanks and flew to Coldfoot (above the Artic Circle). It rained every day and we had snow in Denali.  Many of the waders had already left but we were lucky to catch the Sandhill Crane migration through Fairbanks where there were already about 1000 birds in the local fields. Seeing the puffins in Prince William Sound and whales and icebergs was also a highlight.  Here are a few photos from the trip. Neil.

Alask,USA
25/08/06

Nikon D2x plus Nikon 300/f4 AFS lens and
Olympus 7070wz plus Swarovski STS80HD scope and Sw 30x eyepiece
http://URL
http://www.pbase.com/neilfif11/image/66052922.jpg
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http://www.pbase.com/neilfif11/image/66052715.jpg

Title: Re: Alaska visit August 2006
Post by KK Hui on Sep 1^st, 2006, 12:01pm

Some very nice shots there, Neil!
Sounds like the timing of the visit was not ideal. Where was the Bald Eagle in Homer then?! ;)

KK Hui FRPS
www.geocities.com/kkhui_001

Title: Re: Alaska visit August 2006 8月亞拉斯加之行
Post by Little Dolphin on Sep 2^nd, 2006, 11:53pm

Absolutely spectacular photos.

How far were you from the grizzly bears? I hope they didn't notice you!

Title: Re: Alaska visit August 2006 8月亞拉斯加之行
Post by Fred on Sep 5^th, 2006, 12:12am

The nature is full of wonders.

Thanks for sharing.

:)

Title: Re: Alaska visit August 2006 8月亞拉斯加之行
Post by Daniel CK Chan on Sep 7^th, 2006, 9:01am

Hi Neil,

Wonderful trip and shot!

You recall my trip to Alaska in 2002. The timing is a bit later than yours. Mine was 14 Sep - 2 Oct. The weather was poor too (raining & snowing) but I could see the northern light at Chena Hot Spring. It was amazing ;D ;D

I still remember the elegant Bald Eagle flying in the snowing air of Denali national park! The journey is memorable!!

Cheers
Daniel

http://www.danielckchan.com/travel/dc_usa2002/index.htm

Title: Re: Alaska visit August 2006 8月亞拉斯加之行
Post by Neil on Sep 7^th, 2006, 11:39am

Daniel,
I think it might be better to visit in the Spring when the snows are melting and the birds are arriving as the weather would be better. Denali National Park closes on September 15th as that is considered the end of their season. You were very brave to go later.
KK, I was surprised not to see more Bald Eagles but they were mostly feeding along the salmon streams away from the towns. To see them in Homer in numbers you need to be there in February/March according to locals.
The best place I've found for Bald Eages as well as many hawks , is Klamath Falls Wildlife Refuge in Southern Oregan which attracts the migrating birds in winter time. You can hundreds of thousands of ducks,gees,swans , as well as hundreds of raptors.Neil.