Wednesday, January 9, 2013 First Gray-crowned Rosy-finch


Seward Sporadic Bird Report

I heard an incomplete but cheery "zoo-zippity zee zee zzzzz" yesterday and immediately searched the bushes for the happy singer. Sure enough, a perky WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW perched low on the raspberry stalks, sang as he looked around, apparently pleased with himself and the world.

Perhaps it was because the sun really came out for the first time this year, nice and bright, and even a little bit warm. It was a beautiful sight at sunset just before 4 pm when the eastern mountains glowed a delicate pink all the way down their rugged spine to the Gulf of Alaska.

Duane reported the first GRAY-CROWNED ROSY-FINCH of the season and New Year this morning at 10 am, just before the lovely pink dawn. This the second latest showing, as they usually arrive in November or December. January 31, 2009 is his record late date. Fierce winds earlier this winter blew all the snow off the mountains, exposing frozen insects and seeds in the rocks and turf to eat. The recent crusty snow cover may drive the finches down to feed. We are all hoping to see many more.

Jim reported 25 ROBINS at Second and Adams by the Episcopal Church.

The past several evenings, I've heard the repetitive, mono-pitch of either a far away and ignored beeping smoke detector, or a SAW-WHET OWL high on the slopes of Mt Marathon. I'd much rather it be the owl.

Lots of bird action of all the usual suspects. It's hungry time and the Mt Ash and spruce trees have lots of feathered customers.

Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter














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