Seward, Alaska
Sunrise 9:49 am, sunset 4:25 pm for a total day length of 6 hours and 42 seconds. Tomorrow will be 3 minutes and 42 seconds longer.
Temperatures today ranged from a low of 27 to a high of 36 with cooler temperatures forecast for the week.
Not much opportunity to bird since last week, except in between squalls.
A huge storm struck south-central Alaska over the weekend with high winds, heavy rain, and flooding. The Seward Highway was treacherous with black ice and hydroplaning opportunities. Power went out on Sunday early morning and Seward went on diesel generator power that just came back on-line this evening. I do so appreciate electricity!
Between the unusual winter rain squalls last week, I caught glimpses of a red, “interior” FOX SPARROW sharing the territory of a rather drab-by-comparison SONG SPARROW. Eight RUSTY BLACKBIRDS creaked and squeaked in a nearby cottonwood, glad for the reprieve from the rain.
At the Lagoon, I had the pleasure of watching an adult BALD EAGLE taking a leisurely bath in the shallow and chilly fresh water. Time and again, it completely dunked its head, water pouring down its back, then submerged one wing and then the other. When it shook off, water droplets sprayed off in a blizzard high in the air.
Thoroughly soaked, the bedraggled National Bird finally walked back on shore and flapped its wings to shake off more water. Suddenly, an immature Eagle swooped in and displaced the adult who somehow managed, even soaking wet, to escape. The youngster then calmly took its turn in the bath as if this were the only place available.
This weekend, there was no need for a bath during the deluge. Free showers and car wash!
Stay dry, warm, and safe!
Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter
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