Hi, I spent a few days in Alaska recently, did not have much opportunity to take photos, but did add on a couple for those who are interested.The Red Necked Grebes were in constant motion, thus the lack of decent focus, they were very busy feeding. The best part of the trip was watching a battle between the Pacific Loon pair, and a lone Common Loon, who had invaded their territory.The male Pacific was attacked every time the Common Loon came up from the water (he was trying to get as far away as possible), who seemed twice his size, letting out a yelp, like a kicked pup many times.The vocalizations of this battle were fascinating, as well and the "swimming" above water, pedaling rapidly with the feet, and using the wings as in a breast stroke. A few times the female Pacific Loon would join in, and after about 30 minutes, the Common Loon disappeared. This activity occured in the Nancy Lake SRA, in a small boggy pond. The Red Necked Grebes were photographed on Long Lake, in a small inconspicuous outlet of that lake. I went to Hatchers Pass to discover not only dogs running loose in the areas I had hoped for Ptarmigan, but the mail trail where the Ptarmigan's are most likely to be found, was closed for repair. Oh Well! Maybe next time.What was amusing to me, was the last two birds of that day were Savannah Sparrow, and Golden Crowned. I did get shots of the Savannah, but not of the Golden Crowned. There was a beautiful male Redpoll, in the same area, but he did not stick around long enough for me to get a shot.Have a great week!http://www.flickr.com/photos/saw-whets_new/

Vicki Biltz Bonney Lake Wa. vickibiltz at msn.com http://sawwhetsnew.blogspot.com/