Seward, Alaska
Another moody, blue-gray, sprinkly day full of excitement!
More SANDHILL CRANES graced the skies, flying high overhead and past the snowy mountains. Only one Crane remained on the ground. ALEUTIAN CACKLING GEESE patrolled the sedges and slowly waded through the drained pond without wetting their bellies. GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE mixed with Cacklers continued to feed in the sedges and grasses.
I found my FOS PACIFIC GOLDEN-PLOVERS today, a pair, gleaning marine invertebrates from the mud. A WHIMBREL stalked along the shoreline, long bill probing deeper.
A gorgeous male EURASIAN WIGEON stood out among AMERICAN WIGEONS and GREEN-WINGED TEAL. I suspect his lady napped nearby, but her ID was difficult, especially when her head was tucked under wing.
A not-so-stealthy GREAT BLUE HERON flew ponderously in front of me and landed, huge wings outstretched, another long-legged, long-necked bird.
Robin C pointed out a SHORT-EARED OWL hunting in the upper field. RAVENS soon discovered it and one chased it higher and higher until they were both sky specks before giving up. The Owl continued flying east to more tranquil hunting grounds.
Later, at Two Lakes Park around 5 pm, I heard my FOS RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET and found him flitting and gleaning in a nearby cottonwood. The timing was serendipitous as that was the only time he sang while I was in earshot.
A few minutes later, I watched three River Otters playing in First Lake. One even ventured on land before noticing me and splashed back in the water.
Another fun day!
Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter
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