The Cream ('er) of Fairbanks

With my frustration at a 'sick' laptop, there have been a number of items omitted from the last day or two! Probably most importantly the flag of this mighty State of Alaska,which is without a doubt my favourite of the 50 now visited.

Secondly, and of huge importance, this is Warren Griese owner of the house where I have now spent 3 nights. Unfortunately, Warren has been on night shift guarding the Alaska Oil Pipeline during my stay so we have been unable to socialise. However, that has been rectified by Carol, David, Ruby and the other members of the Scott family who have not only entertained me, but thoroughly spoilt me throughout. I haven't even been allowed to buy the coffee, so feel that a great friendship has been forged which will be with me for many a day. Thank you all so much for the kindness!

Returning to yesterday's visit, this is the fine

exterior of the Museum building.

Between bouts of heavy rain it was back to the birding as conditions permitted, and these are the Dairy buildings left to the nation by the very aptly named Farmer Creamer!

Back when the price of milk started to fall drastically Mr Creamer decided to call it a day and left ALL of his property to the Nation.

Since then it has become a safe refuge for many bird species especially wildfowl,

and is something of a Mecca to US and Foreign 'birders' alike.

Another guardian, this time of the cabbage patch.

and a profile of the Sandhill Crane probably the insignia of the property.

About a mile away is the

and once again the pictures speak for themselves.

Snowy Owl

King Eider

Even though the weather lent itself to indoor pursuits, there simply wasn't time to do the museum justice today.

This was the oldest car in the collection, and I do believe the curator said 1883.

Every vehicle was an immaculate example of an original, while outside there were many exhibits of machines of days gone by.

A view across much of the property which, in many ways is similar to the Portland Bird Observatory, where the land is tended for the benefit of the birds.

Every so often there are these well constructed and in keeping viewing platforms.

and as if seeing a Wader in the middle of a bush, there was another surprise awaiting me.

Catching sight of a Warbler, I tried 'pishing' it only to find this

Solitary Sandpiper reacting to it.

I tried the technique a number of times to prove it was not just a fluke, and it worked. I'd never 'pished' a Wader before?

Myrtle Warbler

Black-capped Chickadee

Snowshoe Hare unfortunately not in white winter coat.

Mew Gull (apologies butI just love 'em).

Orange-crowned Warbler and

Canada (maybe 'Cackling) Geese