Seward, Alaska
The forecast erred in our favor! Sunny with haze and a brisk north wind!
Around 10:45 am I walked into dawn as the sun lumbered up above the nearby mountains at Fourth of July Beach. Small rafts of sea ducks dove along the beach just offshore on the rising tide, initially in the shade and then in the brilliant sunshine.
BARROW’S GOLDENEYES raised their bills high in courtship and males chased each other, some attacking from underwater. Similarly, HARLEQUIN DUCKS chased, courted, and preened. A single LONG-TAILED DUCK chose to hang out with the Harlequins. Such a delight to see this handsome duck up close as the raft eased warily closer to the beach where I stood semi-concealed.
A bit farther out, a raft of about 12 RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS snorkeled and dove. Nearby, three HORNED GREBES paddled about. I also spotted a few COMMON GOLDENEYES near the breakwater.
This was the largest variety of sea ducks that I have seen here in a long time, even considering the absence of Surf Scoters.
All of these sea ducks overwinter in Resurrection Bay, but most of them migrate to freshwater ponds and rivers to breed. Their disappearance will be yet another sign of Spring.
Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter
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