Birds Migrate Back to Alaska

The waters and coastal areas of Anchorage are essential to the life cycles of migratory birds

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By Kate McPherson
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Story Created: May 21, 2012 at 7:19 PM AKDT

Story Updated: May 22, 2012 at 7:49 AM AKDT

ANCHORAGE -Love is in the air at Potter Marsh.

After flying thousands of miles, some from the southern hemisphere, more than 150 different species of are making sure all feathers are in place to attract a mate.

“They are mating now, so it's fun to watch them really; they come in and chase each other," said 84-year-old Cy Johnson, a resident of Anchorage since 1940.

"She pecks him, and he goes away and the next time, if he suits her well, she'll take the bug from him, but she won't let him have anything, she’ll fly away; it's so much fun to watch them.”

The waters and coastal areas of Anchorage are essential to the life cycles of migratory birds.

“The snow geese, we had quite a few Canada [geese] and different water fowl that will feed here and then move out to their nesting places," said Bev Cason, of the Bird Treatment and Learning Center.

It's the great migration and the chance to spot a rare species that draw people out.

“You don't really have to try hard to see 40 or 50 different species of birds in a single day,” said birder Shane Poston.

“You have to come out and be patient; they're not going to just show up and put on a show for you,” said Poston.

And anyone can do it.

"You need binoculars or a spotting scope and a good bird guide, and birders tell you should take a notebook and take notes. because that's an important part of birding,” said Cason.
 

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BobD said on Monday, May 21 at 8:44 PM

Love hearing the Robins sing.

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