Arrived in Nome about noon on June 10. There are only really three roads out of Nome. We went out on Kougarok Road, where Ken Archer had scoped out some nests and the location of some rare birds in the days leading up to our trip. On the way out we stopped near some willows at roadside and got a couple of song birds.
Orange Crowned Warbler
And Lincoln Sparrow
And a bit further out a pair of Harlequin Ducks clearly feeling the spring.
About 40 miles out or so, we stopped at the nest of a Long Tailed Jaeger. By setting up about 100 feet away from the nest, the bird was curious, but not too disturbed by our presence.
While we were there, a Lapland Longspur showed up. This was also a first for me.
A bit further on, we saw our first American Golden Plover from the road.
As we were driving out further onto the high tundra, the scenery was stunning.
Ken had seen some other rarities about a mile off the road in a rock outcropping. We hiked up to it and got some great birds.
Rock Ptargiman
The Hoary Redpoll
And a real prize in the Northern Wheateater
All of these pictures were taken about 11 pm! We continued out to the Kuzitrin River Bridge at mile 67.5, but didn't see much else. Near the bridge I got a few flight shots of Osprey and a Red-breasted Merganser.
And on the way back, about 3 in the morning the road was thick with Willow Ptargiman
Unbelievable first few hours on the Seward Peninsula.
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