Overcast with strong, gusty winds. Temperatures into the 50s.
Today was Christmas Bird Count.
I had four routes, with three of them connected. Two of those were on the smaller side. Overall At just over 8 miles of easy walking, I would say the effort was maybe below average for me, but I would need to check my history.
My routes covered the neighborhoods on the upland side of Sawmill Creek Road from the Memorial Park to (but not including) Lake Street.
I started at Sitka Memorial Park, then worked my way back along Sawmill Creek Road and Degroff Street to Baranof Street. From there I walked up the Baranof Street Cross Trail connector to Pherson Street.
Then I made my way back down checking all the streets along the way back to Sawmill Creek.
I didn’t find anything unusual. The most surprising thing for me was lack of Song Sparrows. I didn’t see a single one.
On the other hand, I saw many juncos. Usually in groups of 10-20, I counted 130+ on the walk.
The highlight might have been a nice look at a Brown Creeper on Pherson Street.
I ended up back at home. Since my last route was across the bridge, I took my car.
Food at the Backdoor hit the spot.
I parked near the Kasei Maru memorial. This route included the bridge and everything around Sealing Cove, Alice Island, Charcoal Island, and old Airport Road.
I did finally see some Song Sparrows. Otherwise, nothing unexpected here, either.
The wind was blowing constantly with some good gusts. I wouldn’t call it pleasant, but with the warm temperatures, it wasn’t bad.
I noticed two things I’m interested in revisiting. The trees on Geodetic Way are very lush in epiphytes. I might need to ask for permission, but I think it could be interesting to investigate further what’s growing.
A large whale skull on Alice Island loop has mosses growing on it. It’s my understanding that there are species of moss which specialize on bone. I wonder if these are widespread species that just happened to start growing here, or of if they’re more bone specialists.
My iNaturalist Observations for Today
