Saturday, April 25, 2015

Creamer's Field: Day 149


Nothing says spring more than the return of migratory birds. Creamer's Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge is a 2000 acre matrix of fields, wetlands, and woods that make up important refueling and breeding habitat for numerous bird species. Located within the city of Fairbanks, Creamer's Field provides a unique opportunity for the public to view a rich diversity of wildlife right in their back yards, with an extensive network of walking trails and boardwalks. The refuge even allows dogs! Creamer's Field was originally the largest and most successful dairy in interior Alaska, founded by pioneer families during the Goldrush era. The large open fields and discarded grain began attracting waterfowl over the years, and when the land went up for sale in 1966, the community of Fairbanks raised enough money to preserve the farmland as an important stopover for migrating birds. It is now managed by the state of Alaska.

See if you can identify the following species in this photo:

Trumpeter Swan (that one's easy)
Canada Goose
Cackling Goose....I think.
Northern Pintail
Mallard
American Wigeon

Also in the pond that day but not pictured were Sandhill Cranes, White-fronted Geese, Glaucous-winged Gulls, and I believe a female teal.

Canon EOS 60D, Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM + 1.4x, ISO-200 f/6.3 @ 1/1000 sec.

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