ML496169531

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

Initially seen flying at a distance up the Kenai River near Warren Ames Bridge (5 river miles upstream from the mouth). The bird looped back around and landed on the lower Kenai River just upstream from the viewing platform. The light was from the south so photos are marginal quality but do show - large, long up-turned yellowish bill, very prominent brow ridge, very large body, light coloration in neck and face, and (when light was favorable) prominent tiger-striping on back. We believe this individual was likely young of the year. Though regular in Kachemak Bay and lower Cook Inlet this is likely the first documented record for the Kenai River Flats - it was definitely our first record in 17 years of birding this location. This is the 205th species documented on the Flats since 1980.

Technical information

Model

Canon PowerShot SX70 HS

Lens

3.8-247mm

ISO

100

Focal length

247 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire

f-stop

f/6.5

Shutter speed

1/400 sec

Dimensions

1310 pixels x 1414 pixels

Original file size

261.48 KB