Seward, Alaska
Sunrise 7:11 am, sunset 8:51
pm for a total daylight of 13 hours and 40 minutes. Tomorrow will be 5 minutes
and 28 seconds longer.
Winter dashed in yesterday
and pulled a really unwelcome and late April Fool’s prank by dumping 8 to 12”
of wet snow on the surprised bare ground and topped it off with a grand finale
of sleet whipped up by the strong NNW wind.
Fortunately, the clouds moved
along and today the sun shone brightly. Snow once again slid off of roofs,
snowplows cleared the streets, dump trucks hauled it away, and PINE SISKINS and
COMMON REDPOLLS flocked to feeders with gusto. The forecast predicts another
shot of snow and rain tomorrow, a partly sunny Saturday, followed by normal April
showers all next week.
Despite the storm, or maybe
aided by it, 17 first-of-season NORTHERN PINTAILS showed up today. The effort
of flying here from California and other parts south showed as they napped in
the sun. The wetland ponds are mostly frozen but hopefully will thaw soon. How
wonderful to see these elegant ducks with their long necks and handsome
markings! Nearby two pairs of GADWALL rested, likely migrants as well.
As I walked through the snow
and bedraggled grasses and sedges, 8-10 LAPLAND LONGSPURS flew overhead,
chittering. They circled and landed nearby, disappearing immediately in the
drab vegetation. Only by luck, was I able to nab some photos as they wove their
way through, plucking fallen seeds and perhaps emerging insects.
A RAVEN flew overhead and landed
farther away. How fun to watch this comical fellow, rattling off a stream of
animated conversation as he hopped around and played with a small, unremarkable
stick. He was riveted, as if it were the only stick for miles around, and
praised it to the skies, his horns raised in happiness. Although he certainly
could have carried it off to something productive like a nest rebuild, he
abandoned it when he flew off, still remarking on its marvelous attributes.
I happened to take a photo of
an adult BALD EAGLE, perched on a stump, drying its wings in the sun. I didn’t
get close for fear of making it fly. When I looked at the photo later, I saw to
my dismay that the beak was severely damaged. The lower bill was squared off at
the tip. The upper bill seemed to be precariously held in place with a large
section missing near the base. It was a shocking sight. I don’t know how this
bird has managed to eat, drink, or preen.
I reported it to Wildlife
Response at the Alaska Sealife Center. The responder thought it might be an old
injury and wondered as I did, how long it’s been like that and how it happened.
She forwarded it to the rest of the team so others will be aware of it if they
get any calls.
Whenever I see an injured
bird like this, I am saddened but inspired by its stoicism and unwavering drive to live,
despite the suffering and terrible odds. Its resilience is not due to courage
or character or a support group; life is the only choice. What an impressive
spirit!
Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Seward Sporadic Bird Report
Reporter
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