Wednesday, May 22, 2013 Wandering Tattler Fishing


Seward, Alaska Sporadic Bird Report

This afternoon, I enjoyed watching a WANDERING TATTLER fishing off the rocks in popular Scheffler Creek just south of the Harbor Uplands. The human fishers usually show up later, so now was a good time for this small gray fisher with yellow hip waders to try its luck. 

Almost invisible, the Tattler stood motionless, not even bobbing its tail, watching the current carefully. Suddenly, it plunged into the water, went under, and came up triumphantly with a small surprised fish. After a bit of repositioning, lunch slid down the hatch. Then back to the special rock and fishing. 

Just like human fishers, this activity is not called "catching". The next plunge, the Tattler came up with a beakful of water, water rolling off its back like a Dipper. I left it intently watching for tiny secrets swimming in the burbling clear water, swirling its way to the bay.

Other notes:
Nash Road mile 1 wetlands: two TRUMPETER SWANS
Fourth of July Beach: one BLACK OYSTERCATCHER, two WHIMBRELS, and a pair of COMMON LOONS in breeding plumage
Spring Creek Beach: one WANDERING TATTLER and a PECTORAL SANDPIPER

Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter











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