Wednesday, February 27, 2013 Winter Rain Birds and Raindrops


Seward, Alaska Sporadic Bird and Raindrop Report

As the temperature rose to 37º today, the precip cycled through snow showers, sn'rain, and then just plain rain. A thick blanket of soft snow from the recent 14" snow dump still covers the ground except for under the sheltering spruce trees. Feeder activity was intense; the suet feeders were packed with as many COMMON REDPOLLS as could physically fit on all six sides of the wire frame, and others with as many PINE SISKINS as would fit outside of beak's range. The little finches covered the ground below and around seed feeders. 

VARIED THRUSHES scattered the crowds and SLATE-COLORED JUNCOS and WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS dashed in and out as they could. I did not see the Siberian Accentor or Brambling today, but the mixed birdseed they seem to prefer is long gone and none is yet available in town.

I found more Redpolls and Pine Siskins on a walk around Two Lakes Park this afternoon, feeding mostly on the exposed ground, and drinking and bathing in the numerous puddles. WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS chattered from the treetops. CHESTNUT-BACKED CHICKADEES and a RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH pecked for insects hiding in the lichens on the alder and cottonwood trees.

What really captured my attention were the delicate and ephemeral raindrops cradled in the sharp spruce needles and suspended from lichens and mosses. The perfect lenses magnified images of spruce branches and my self, reflected upside down. The mosses, lichens, and fungi seem to really perk up in rainy weather, providing a "splash" of colors in return. There's always something to marvel at in nature!

In other news, Peregrine Joe reported a PACIFIC WREN singing this morning at dawn (8:30ish am), adding its complex melody to the symphony of Varied Thrushes, finches, Steller's Jays, Juncos and other sparrows. I have only heard its sharp "chip" call, and look forward to hearing its long song.

Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter

















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