Winter's Last Gasp (I Hope)

The old adage that 'March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb' is often true here in Southeast Alaska.  And today the lion has most certainly dropped-in for a visit.  I woke-up this morning to a foot of snow in the driveway and just got finished shoveling here and at mom's.  It's supposed to turn to rain by tonight and should be rainy for the rest of the week so perhaps the stage will be set for the timely arrival of our lamb friend.  I am ready for spring!

Yesterday was quite nice in the morning and then the weather deteriorated as the day progressed.  Alison, Carol and I went for a walk on the Fish Creek wetlands.  It was spitting snow a bit; but the wind wasn't yet blowing very hard and we had a very pleasant time.  A surprising number of ducks - mostly Mallards - but also a fair number of Common Goldeneye, Barrow's Goldeneye, Surf Scoters, and even a few American Wigeon.  I assume they were all locals although it won't be long before our migrating feathered pals make an appearance...

We also spotted a Northern Shrike - a bird I have not previously seen - or at least not previously recognized.  No particularly great pics...but still a nice outing.

A Northern Shrike

Surf Scoters - Note the female at right dining on a clam

Alison and Carol - Retirees having fun!

On the backyard bird front, Dark-eyed Juncos have now joined the Chestnut-backed Chickadees, Common Redpolls, and Pine Siskins.  I have to replenish the feeders most days.

In other news, on Sunday I attended a fund raiser for Senator Mark Begich and then the annual Juneau Democrats Jefferson/Jackson Dinner.  It was pleasant enough.  

I particularly enjoyed chit-chatting with Katie Hurley, one of the few surviving participants in the Alaska Constitutional Convention.  Katie served as Chief Clerk at the convention and in the 1980's served in the State House of Representatives representing Wasilla and vicinity.  She just turned 91.  Katie was originally a Juneau gal - graduated from Juneau High School in 1939.  She was married to Juneau photographer, Joe Alexander.  She played the piano at my parents' wedding.  She's a sweetheart.

On a less pleasant note, I shuddered all weekend as the American Israel Public Affairs Committee annual panderfest produced ever more strident calls for war with Iran.  And Senator McCain took to the floor of the Senate to demand that we start bombing Syria too.  The party that clamors for reducing the federal budget deficit doesn't seem to think that spending on military adventures counts.  Just put it on the national bar tab...