Seward, Alaska
Kinglets, Warblers, and Swallows, so quick and erratic, make challenging subjects to photograph. Ramp it up with birds in flight, underwater, in dim light, behind reflecting glass, at the Alaska Sealife Center.
As the once-frozen fish or squid drift slowly down, the seabirds fly or paddle after them. Then, prey in beak, they spiral effortlessly to the surface like little jets with silvery air bubbles streaming behind.
I joined the first day I saw this incredible sight back in 1998 when the Center first opened. I’m still fascinated, and persist in trying to capture BIFU on camera.
Descending abruptly from above, the large-bodied COMMON MURRES slice the water with their long, narrow wings like powerful oars, their bodies often silvery with air bubbles. They frequent the deepest parts of the 21.5’ deep tank, mere child’s play for a species that can dive 600’ or deeper.
Slender PIGEON GUILLEMOTS and HORNED PUFFINS with even smaller wingspans, stroke quickly, easily spinning and changing directions. They seem to prefer the mid to upper levels, though they too will investigate possible food on the bottom.
Sea ducks, like the COMMON EIDER and LONG-TAILED DUCK, undulate underwater, using their heads, necks, body, and large webbed feet to propel themselves underwater. Paddling seems much more laborious than flying. These ducks seemed to poke and pry at the rocks more often, investigating other possible food sources. Then, up they go, back to the surface.
I didn’t see the RHINOCEROUS AUKLETS, TUFTED PUFFINS, SMEW or HARLEQUIN DUCKS underwater this time, which gives me yet another excuse to go back. Even if the vast majority of the photos (thankfully digital) end up in the trash, it’s fun to try!
Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter
No comments:
Post a Comment