Seward, Alaska
Another stormy, squally day with snow showers, temps in the mid-30s, and south wind 4-10 with gusts to 27 mph. Winter just won’t give up, having missed most of February.
In between squalls, I enjoyed watching a GREAT BLUE HERON stealthily stalk small fish, almost invisible. A bright male NORTHERN GOSHAWK cruised over sodden fields looking for voles. Small flocks of recently arrived NORTHERN PINTAILS circled overhead.
After driving through another squall of pelting rain, I found a pair of stunning PELAGIC CORMORANTS preening on a piling. They have replaced their boring black non-breeding plumage for a glossy greenish-purple ensemble with dashes of white on the neck and flank patch. Two jaunty crests adorned their heads front and back. Red outlined their eyes and the base of their slender dark bills. Dressed for success!
At Afognak Beach, I watched an outraged and courageous SHORT-BILLED GULL chase an adult BALD EAGLE across the beach. As the rain and wind resumed, the undeterred Eagle swept around a spruce tree and reappeared clutching a small, lichen-covered branch in her talons. Off she flew with her prize to add to the large nest, just down the beach.
These birds are all on schedule in the rain, snow, sleet, and squalls. I went home to dry out and get warm. Lucky me!
Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter
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