** Reply to note from Mark Egger <megger at earthlink.net> on Wed, 3 Jun 1998
01:37:13 -0700

> Esteemed tweeters,
>
> I'm planning a (primarily) botanical trip to SE Alaska & SW Yukon in mid
> July, but I'm curious if anyone has info on some specific birding goals I
> have in the following areas:
>
> 1. Sitka & near environs
> 2. Yakutat
> 3. Haines cut-off road, Kluane Lake area, and the areas north of Skagway.
>
> Are there any spots that I "shouldn't miss" in these areas? In particular,
> I'm interested to know if/where Smith's Longspurs can still be found near
> Chilkat Pass; where one might look profitably for Rock Ptarmiga;, and if
> there are any seabird/alcid spots easily accessible from land near Sitka
> and/or Yakutat. Any of the north-of-Washinton seabirds would be of interest
> to me. Finally, are there any reliable areas for Northern Wheatears that
> far south?

Mark - When in foreign lands, always seek out the local experts. For the Haines
area, that would be Todd Heakes. Look for him at Haines Junction. I think you
are too far south for N. Wheatear but check around anyway. By the way, there is
currently a large forest fire raging in that part of the world adjacent to
Kluame Park. May make botanizing a sootier experience than one would prefer.

- Jack



==========================
Jack Bowling
Prince George, BC
jbowling at direct.ca