Thursday, February 28, 2013

Alaskan Redpoll


I love these little Redpolls, I think they are so cute.  
Their closest relatives are the crossbills.  
These little finches stay in Alaska for the winter.  
The males have this wonderful red washed breast.
These birds are usually associated with birch trees, so they are primarily
seed eaters.  

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Pussy Willows = Spring in Alaska


It's a very good sign to see Pussy Willows in Alaska.
To me they are a sure sign of spring. 
We still have several more months of snow and ice,
but as the daylight hours increase it's just a matter of time before the sun
wins out over the cold.

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Alaskan Raven



Ravens all look the same from afar, but if you can view them 
up close their differences become very apparent.
This raven was busy tossing around a piece of
paper that he found in the street.  He stopped working with it for a few
seconds to get a good look at me.  I think I was getting a little too close for his 
comfort.  I backed off and he went back to dissecting his
paper food wrapper.  

Monday, February 25, 2013

Ice Heart



I always get so excited when I find a natural heart shape
in nature.  I spotted this tiny little heart on a cement sidewalk, it was only
about a quarter of an inch big....cute!

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Weekend Hike, Alaskan Style!!!


Weekend hikes just don't get any better than this!!!
Most of the lakes are still completely frozen over, 
but this larger lake opened up about two weeks ago at it's widest point.
No competing with traffic here!!!!

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Wild Mallard


This male Mallard was all snuggled up as the snow 
fell around him.  I love his little downy feathers sticking out
from his neckline.  I bet he will be happy when 
the warm temperatures return and his pond is free of ice.

Alaskan Magpie


Magpies are really intelligent birds.  They are one of the
few animal species known to be able to recognize itself in
a mirror test!!  

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

When Peeling Paint Draws Your Attention!!!


When I was in Seward I spotted this beautiful peeling paint on the side
of an old boat.  Maybe it caught my attention because of
all the snow....I guess I just needed some 
color in my life.
I think it's very pretty, lol!!

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Pine Grosbeak


A beautiful female Pine Grosbeak.  She was very busy
snacking on a suet seed ball.
It's great to see them in our area in the winter. 

Monday, February 18, 2013

Seward, Alaska....


Seward, Alaska on a calm day.  I love walking the beach in the wintertime when
I have the beach all to myself!!!

Sunday, February 17, 2013

Immature Alaskan Bald Eagle


I spotted this immature Bald Eagle sitting in a cottonwood tree 
watching the snow fly by....
Young birds attain adult plumage after they are about 5 years old.


Saturday, February 16, 2013

Alaskan Redpoll


I had a very cute little Redpoll come visit my feeder today.
I haven't seen them all winter, but now they seem to be
back in my area.  They don't migrate out of the state for the
winter season, so they must have found better feeding
grounds elsewhere....I'm thinking the new suet ball enticed them back.

Friday, February 15, 2013

Dall Sheep Yearlings


Here is another photo from last weekends mountain hike.
I love these little yearlings, they were so sweet!!!
Enjoy!

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Happy Valentine's Day!


Wishing everyone a Happy Valentine's Day!!!
Enjoy it with those you love!!

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Alaskan Moose Art


What moose eat when their regular food sources are scarce.
Alder bark is high in nutritional value and its also a 
great source of non-frozen water.
This particular moose browsed alder looks like 
it's trunk is on
fire!! 

Dog Mushing Alaskan Style


This photo was taken on the Skilake Lake Loop Road on the 
Kenai Peninsula.  This trainer really has it made, no sled or gas required!!!!!
Just hitch up your truck and let the dogs go out for their daily run.
On those really cold days, this looks ideal!!! 

Sunday, February 10, 2013

Alaskan Dall Sheep Family


I spotted this little group of Dall Sheep, from a lower 
elevation and decided to climb up to see them.
This is the photo of them as I crested the hill and we both had our first 
glimpse of each other.  I bet they were wondering why a lone
lady with a camera was visiting.

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Alaskan Pine Grosbeak


This is a reddish-colored male Pine Grosbeak.   It is about 
8 to 10 inches tall.  This bird is usually found in spruce 
forests in northern
Alaska. 

These birds have a wonderful spring song!!!!

Friday, February 8, 2013

Beautiful Moss Oasis...


I love these little green pillows of green during our
Alaskan winters!!

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Icy Puddles


This is a close up of my gravel pathway covered with a thin coat of ice.
Tiny little frozen puddles of water.
Very pretty...

Alaska Lichens and Moss


Unbelievable snow free walks in a 
forest of moss and lichen..
I love these beautiful little wonders of nature...

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Can You FInd the Hidden Heart?


I spotted another hidden heart on one of my walks last
week, can you find it?

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Salmon Fish Bones



I love the beauty of simple things in nature....
I spotted these fish bones this last weekend melting out from 
underneath the
snow....

I love their symmetry and texture...

Sunday, February 3, 2013

Alaskan Hare


I had to take this photo through some thick alder bushes, but 
you will notice that this bunny is starting to grow in
his summer coat.  Little brown spots on his head
make me hopeful that spring is truly on it's way. 
Maybe the groundhog prediction for
an early spring is true!

Saturday, February 2, 2013

Alaskan Stellar Jay



I don't think that "Elvis" has any peanut allergies!!!
I never tire of taking his photo, he has such a wonderful personality
and is such a character!!!
I am blessed by his daily visits!!

A Second of Sunshine


Just a very quick moment of sunshine today!!!!!
That quick moment really helped recharge 
my battery!!!!

Remember to stop and take
time to enjoy those little things  in life!!!!!