Seward, Alaska
Another exciting day, birding
berry heaven in Seward. Three WESTERN TANAGERS have now been identified. Using
Sibley's Guide to Birds, one is likely a pale adult female, another is likely a
bright adult female. The third, and one that eluded yours truly, is a bright
yellow nonbreeding male. All three were seen at various times throughout the
day by multiple observers. It is possible that there could be more, spread around
town.
Of historic interest, Lee
Post photographed a WESTERN TANAGER in Homer on June 8th and 10th
in 1987, verified by George West, and published in American Birds, Volume 41,
Number 3. At the time, it was noted as new to South-central Alaska, and the 4th
record anywhere west of SE Alaska.
I noticed the TANAGERS spent
a lot of time manipulating the red Mt Ash berries, separating the pulp from the
seeds, and, I believe, eating the seeds and discarding the pulp. The Robins and
Varied Thrushes just gobble the whole berry right down. The Tanagers were also
observed eating Serviceberries, but as the birds were barely visible in the
thicket, I could not tell if they ate just the seeds or the pulp.
The whole town is probably a
hot spot; there are so many Mt Ash trees! Look for birds flying from one tree
to another to get to the scene of the action. One hot spot is at the corner of
A and Fifth Ave. Glass through the Mt Ash, birch tree, serviceberry hedge, and
adjacent Mt Ash trees to the north. Binoculars yield a lot more action than
just casual looking.
Another hot spot is the large
Sitka Willow and tall Mt Ash at the corner of Monroe and Sixth. This is where
the CEDAR WAXWING has been spotted consistently. Today, it sat contentedly in the middle of the willow,
preening. When it looked down at me, it looked like it was wearing designer
sunglasses. Very cool looking dude!
ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS and RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS flitted through,
gleaning insects and spiders off the leaves and twigs. Also check all along
Fifth Avenue between these two spots.
Just west on Monroe, along
the alley between Fifth and Fourth, check for CHESTNUT-BACKED CHICKADEES,
LINCOLN'S SPARROW, FOX SPARROW, and SONG SPARROW. Cruise along the alleys from
A to Jefferson Street, between 6th and 4th.
Two MERLINS birded with hungry passion, and chased each other at high speed when not swooping
around the block or perched at the top of a spruce spire. Most bird activity
immediately ceased when the Merlin visited.
If you are tired of waiting
for life to resume, and want to see another area, check out the Mt Ash trees
along Second Avenue by AVTEC, between Monroe and C Street and on the north side
of the building and in the parking lot behind. It's not far away, but can be
inundated with ROBINS, VARIED THRUSHES, and other birds in the trees and on the
ground. GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROWS
were found here on a rooftop. WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS may be on the ground. It
is astounding how many birds there are!
Another great find today was
the HUMMINGBIRD that Ken and Connie found, silhouetted against the sky. We were
unable to refind it, but noticed several lilacs still in bloom, and many
nasturtiums and other flowers in flowerbeds and hanging baskets. Keep an eye
out for a possible Anna's this late in the season.
During the feast, a ROBIN
burst out in sweet song, either unable to contain his joy, or attempting to
claim the whole paradise for himself and his kin. I don't blame him!
Good luck and Happy Birding!
Carol
Griswold
Seward Sporadic Bird Report
Reporter
bright female
pale female
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