Seward, Alaska
All winter, up to 24 TRUMPETER SWANS, like graceful ice sculptures, could be found in more or less protected areas of upper Resurrection Bay. Eel grass is an important food source, and whatever else they might dredge up with calories. It’s a hungry time, but somehow they are surviving.
This afternoon, I was astounded to find three adult Trumpeter Swans feeding at mid-tide by Scheffler Creek on what looked like eel grass. They paddled through the barnacle-studded beach rocks and past BARROW’S GOLDENEYES, SURF SCOTERS, and MALLARDS.
A few lucky passersby whipped out their phones to take photos of these unusually close, magnificent Swans. The Swans paddled up to the shore and regally walked ashore to preen, stretched majestically, then eased back into the gentle waves.
Eventually, after much head bobbing and soft honking conversation, they rose up, pattered powerfully across the water and flew off to the other side of the bay.
What a pleasure!
Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter
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