Water Birds and Other Critters

Here's another view of the long-tailed duck we saw yesterday. Yes, I realize that this bird does not have a long tail. I believe this is a juvenal or female, hence the shorter tail.

Musk Ox and Eider Ducks

While I'm sure that were I to walk up to this animal and feel his fur, I would not describe his fur this way, but from my distance, the new fur coming on as the the old fur sluffs off, looks quite clean and comfy. In a well-kept state, musk ox are not bad looking.

Back on the Road Outside Nome, AK

It is not a great surprise that we would find arctic terns here in Nome. They are, after all, named for this place, more or less. These birds hunt by flying above the water and hovering when they see activity below the surface. This fellow in the midsts of such a hovering maneuver.

Along Kougarok Road near Nome

Nome is a small town (<4,000) and the edge of town is fairly abrupt. While there are scattered houses byond the "edge of town" they quickly become so scattered as to be nonexistent. In that gray area between the edge of town and the complete disappearance of humans, we found, on several occasions, musk ox. This time of year they look pretty rough as they shed the heavy winter coats for a fresh coat of hair for the summer. I just love that this guy above has his tongue out as he chews planty bits. Reminds me of a cat we once had.