Spring Migration Celebration

This year weather for the Spring Migration Celebration on May 2 was spectacular -- a sunny day with a high temperature of 74 F.  Last year it was 30 degrees with snow flurries (although to be honest, it was held a little earlier).  Fairbanks set an all-time record of 76 F for the month of April on the last day of the month.  The snow is finally melting, but there is a lot of mud -- I have to put on my breakup boots for trips to the outhouse.

This may be as clear as the Alaska Range gets from the top of Ballaine Road.  This is the high-point (literally and figuratively) on the trip from Goldstream Valley into town.

My doubts about spring in the Interior were swept away with the appearance of Trumpeter Swans on Goldstream Creek the other day.  They are truly magnificent.

Nearly every species you see in spring you see in pairs.  Not the little duck between the two swans, however.  I couldn't identify it in my bird book so if anyone knows what it is, please add a comment.

Activities included guided walks, bird viewing stations manned by the Arctic Audubon Society, tips on drawing and spotting birds, and lots of activities for kids.   

There are still a lot of Canada Geese, but for the most part, Creamer's Field is a stopping point for most birds on the migration route further north where breeding takes place.

The Migratory Waterfowl Refuge was once the largest and most successful dairy in interior Alaska.  When it was put up for sale the Fairbanks community raised funds to secure the land for the birds.  It contains 2000 acres and is managed by the Alaska Department of Fish & Game.  There are over 5 miles of nature trails open to the public year-round.

One of the lakes on the Refuge

A Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator)

They are on average the largest living waterfowl on earth and the largest native North American bird.

... with mate (they mate for life and can live to 20 years).  The largest number of breeding pairs are found in Alaska

Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons)

They are easily distinguished by their bright orange feet.

Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis)

I actually heard the arrival of the first Sandhills when Ann and I were walking her dogs one evening.  She asked if the sound made me nostalgic for Florida, to which I responded  "No, it makes me nostalgic for Sandhill Cranes!"

There is a separate celebration in Fairbanks for Sandhills -- the Tanana Valley Sandhill Crane Festival will take place this year August 21-23.  I have read that there can be as many as a thousand at Creamer's Field during the festival.

Male and female Mallard Ducks (Anas platyrhynchos)

Apparently they are considered the ancestor of nearly all domestic ducks (together with the Muscovy).

Snow Goose (Chen caerulescens)

According to information provided by the Refuge, Snow Geese are fairly rare visitors to Creamer's

The American Robin (Turdus migratorius) is the smallest bird I have observed at Creamer's.

Now HERE is something -- a Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)

Although they are indigenous to this area, this one has been trained by a falconer, has it's personally-fitted hood, and was on a tether at the Spring Migration Celebration. 

A photo from the nature walk led by Derek, an entomologist, and Ken, a lepidopterist.  We saw lots of small insects after Derek beat the ground cover and the trees, but we only saw two butterflies.  Note to RG -- does the butterfly collector remind you of anyone?

In this photo it is difficult to see the two ducks I discovered with binoculars.  The colors were incredibly beautiful, but I don't know if they are Grebes or Wigeons -- or something else.  Again, if anyone has any ideas I would appreciate a comment.

I have learned my first rule of Spring in the Interior: "Don't go anywhere without sunglasses, binoculars, and a camera".  I am thinking maybe it is time to invest in a better camera.