We had planned to stay in Anchorage for a few days because it was in between two areas of Alaska that we wanted to explore.
And because we needed to do some city stuff before we headed out again.
We did not expect to see wildlife and birds (especially birds new to us) here in the middle of Alaska's largest city.
But we were happily surprised to learn about The Westchester Lagoon, an urban park and trail an easy drive from our RV Park.
The new-to-us bird was the Red-Necked Grebe. We spotted him almost as soon as we started our walk on the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail in the Lagoon Park.
This was a beautiful park and trail. I like it a lot when a City has places like this.
Even if Anchorage is surrounded by a zillion acres of coast and mountains and real wild areas, just like in any City anywhere, people who live and work there can't always make time to get away. But anyone could go this Park for a walk.
There were helpful signs along the trail like the one below. (You can click to enlarge it.)
Linking to WILD BIRD WEDNESDAY. Thank you to Stuart for hosting.
A very nice find. I think I'm caught up on all your posts. Well done and what are you going to do with all those photos??? LOL
Posted by: Joe Todd | August 02, 2014 at 03:49 AM
What a great find! Glad you were able to get these pictures. Oh, how much fun just to even get to Anchorage. Would love it!
Posted by: Marie | July 22, 2014 at 09:28 AM
I've never seen one of these guys in person, so thanks for sharing. Way back in the day, I came very close to taking a job in Anchorage. Overall, I'm glad I didn't, but it would have been a great adventure.
Posted by: Pat | July 19, 2014 at 07:55 PM
Great captures of the grebe.
Posted by: Carver | July 18, 2014 at 07:31 PM
We too saw our first Red-necked Grebe in Anchorage, in a lake in the greenway that passes almost the entire width of the urban area. Wish we had more time there on our recent visit-- it only allowed for a lunch stop.
Posted by: Kenneth Cole Schneider | July 17, 2014 at 12:16 PM
Love grebes! I posted one today too, and I saw that Stewart did as well. :) I'm in good company. These are beautiful images, especially with that green tinted water. I can't wait to visit Alaska some day.
Posted by: Gail | July 16, 2014 at 02:15 PM
Good to know! Thanks for sharing. I have never seen a Red-necked Grebe so that would be a real treat to observe. I think it's important that cities have these parks not only for people but for the wildlife as well.
Posted by: Chris Rohrer | July 16, 2014 at 10:41 AM
A wonderful oasis within the city.
Posted by: lindyloumacinitaly | July 16, 2014 at 08:50 AM
Nice to see inner city parks and bonus to see this Grebe.
Posted by: Gaelyn | July 16, 2014 at 06:26 AM
Oh, happy for you to be able to spot Grebe at urban park in 'Anchorage'♡♡♡ So lukcy people have place to park and enjoy nature(^_^)ｖ The sign explaning about the red neck Grebe is SO lovely,surprised that they even dive to catch food♪
Take Care and Enjoy Safe Trip, Sallie♡♡♡
Sending you Lots of Love and Hugs from Japan, xoxo Miyako*
Posted by: orchid | July 16, 2014 at 05:17 AM
Beautiful shots of the grebe. Lovely bird.
Posted by: Janice | July 15, 2014 at 09:46 PM
What a neat grebe!
Posted by: Karen, Pixel Posts | July 15, 2014 at 08:39 PM
I love grebes....
Posted by: Ramblingwoods | July 15, 2014 at 07:28 PM
That is one beautiful bird. I am happy he is having a good life where the water is!
Posted by: SandyCarlson | July 15, 2014 at 06:03 PM
Congrats on your lifer and new grebe sighting.. Wonderful shots. Enjoy the rest of your week!
Posted by: Eileen | July 15, 2014 at 02:13 PM
Great shots of the Grebe. I managed to see one myself here in the UK a few weeks ago. Lovely birds.
Posted by: Adam Jones | July 15, 2014 at 02:11 PM
a great bird to see!
Posted by: TexWisGirl | July 15, 2014 at 01:56 PM
I'm always drawn to greenbelts in urban areas. I've never seen a grebe. Glad you're still making discoveries and having adventures!
Posted by: Barb | July 15, 2014 at 01:11 PM
Any and every green city space is welcome. How right you are, Sallie, for their are folks busy working and living that just don't get to see all that is beyond, so, thank goodness for places like this.
Another bird I haven't seen until now. Much thanks.
Posted by: Penny | July 15, 2014 at 12:33 PM
Wonderful bird to see...that's the awesome thing about being a birder...you can see on almost anywhere anytime! Great photos!!
Posted by: Sondra | July 15, 2014 at 11:27 AM
I enjoy Grebes very much, lovely birds!
Posted by: Mary Howell cromer | July 15, 2014 at 09:55 AM
Hi Dianne Yet another lovely Grebe to look at. Great shots.
Posted by: Margaret | July 15, 2014 at 09:52 AM
You certainly added many birds to your life list on this trip. Good for you. Yes, urban places need green spaces..lots of green spaces. Unfortunately, green spaces are at the bottom of the pecking order when it comes to public funds. So important for the mental health of all. Especially kids.
Posted by: Dianne | July 15, 2014 at 09:42 AM