Temps in the 50s, Partly Sunny, Wind WSW 20-25 mph

I met Vickie, Jen, and Nicole at the Anchorage Airport. They will be out here until Wednesday. Don Aldrige arrived on Wednesday along with Wilderness Adventures.

The plane left about an hour early, so we arrived around 1 PM!

After doing some quick unpacking and food storing, off I went birding.

Mostly the usual suspects, but when I got to Tattler Corner (at Clam Lagoon), I spotted a bird on the rocks.

It was a Gray-tailed Tattler! That’s why I named this spot Tattler Corner. I always scan these rocks every time I go by. I will check tomorrow, but I’ve had at least a half-dozen tattlers here, both species.

I knew Jen needed that for a lifer, so I highballed it back to town – calling all the way in case they were nearby. I finally reached them when I got to the top of the hill near the National Forest. I gave them the news and the headed up to follow me back to the bird. The Wilderness Adventures group (Scott Hauser and Aaron Bowman leaders) also heard my call and also headed up there.

We got there and the bird was still there, unperturbed by our presense.

Wilderness got there after we left, but also had fine looks at the bird.

Not a real rarity, but I don’t get it every fall. So a nice start to the trip.

I will start loading my eBird lists tomorrow. Too tired right now.