Returned last week from Barrow where I joined Matthew Studebaker for a week in Alaska's Northern most region of the Tundra located within the Arctic Circle along the Arctic Ocean.

Several of us had gotten in the water low Chest high for this Pacific Loon turning its egg encounter, She was resting calmly and we never disturbed her in any way. She was totally at ease with our presence.

This was around 1:45 Am in some sweet morning Arctic light.

Tags:   pacific loon loon pacific barrow alaska barrow alaska tundra arctic arctic light daniel behm behm egg

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I have photographed these birds many times before, But in breeding plumage on the Tundra, It's extra special.

This was captured while laying prone on the tundra, The naturalized mounds in the area create perches where the birds climb up on and sing. The soft carpet of the Tundra makes for comfortable shooting conditions.

These and most birds were already nesting by time we left Barrow. Things happen fast in the Arctic as the window these birds have for raising young is very short.

Tags:   semi palmated sandpiper sandpiper peep shorebird bird nature arctic tundra alaska barrow barrow alaska daniel behm behm Matthew Studebaker Studebaker

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King Eider Pair on one of the fresh water ponds near Barrow Alaska.
We had 2 cooperative pairs of King Eiders on the trip, each allowing full frame views. I liked this more distant shot including the pair together.

Ill be posting others shortly as I edit through images from the trip

Tags:   pair ducks king alaska barrow tundra arctic arctic light matthew studebaler studebaker daniel behm behm eider waterfowl

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We seen several of these birds mostly off in a distance with regularity, Many on nests which I had also photographed.

However this pair allowed for a respectively closer approach.

I had also seen and photographed these while in Nome a few years back with Matthew Studebaker, But in Barrow they were more prevalent as they breed here.

Tags:   greater white fronted goose goose white fronted barrow alaska tundra arctic matthew studebaker daniel behm behm

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Red Necked Phalarope in late evening light on one of Barrow Alaska's fresh water ponds.

These birds in there breeding plumage are spectacular.

Tags:   red necked phalarope phalarope red necked shorebird tundra barrow barrow alaska alaska matthew studebaker daniel behm behm arctic arctic light reflection

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