Seward, Alaska
Sunrise 6:13 am, sunset 9:53 pm for a total day length of 15 hours and 39 minutes. Tomorrow will be 5 minutes and 15 seconds shorter.
Sunny with a ripping NNW wind at 20-30 mph with gusts to 35. Trees flailed as loose leaves swirled to the ground. Whitecaps roiled the bay, hammering the Silver Salmon Derby boats. Pleasant temperature ranged from a low of 48 to a high of 62. Fair tomorrow with a continuing strong NNW wind.
This morning at Mile 1 Nash Road there were two Swans too many. The dominant TRUMPETER SWAN pair though without cygnets, still claimed ownership of the coveted wetlands nursery.
One Swan, likely an offspring, nonchalantly preened and nibbled on horsetails, feigning complete indifference, baiting them. The other, more cautious, waited in the background.
These two adults were recently seen feeding at the Lagoon in town, a favorite diner for our resident Swans. Apparently, they decided on a change of venue and “went home” to hang out with the folks.
The “folks” would have none of it. The indignant pair, side by side, consulted for many minutes, discussing the intruder, bobbing their long white necks. First one, then the other, then together, and faster and faster, they vocalized in angry honks. They really worked themselves up into a lather.
Just as the furious Swan launched his intimidating charge, black feet slapping the water, powerful wings stroking towards the intruder, long neck and spear-like bill open and honking, my phone rang and I had to answer it.
Meanwhile, the charge routed the nearby target who wisely fled to the rear of the pond. Looping around, he blasted the more timid bystander into flight as well. Greatly satisfied, he returned to his appreciative mate and they celebrated with high fives and much honking.
I was so sorry I was unable to photograph the drama.
The surplus Swans, however, impudently remained in the rear of the establishment. As I left, the owners were paddling purposefully, side-by-side, heading their way. More drama in the works for this continuing saga!
Over at Fourth of July Beach, noisy BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKES plunged into the milky glacial water pouring into Resurrection Bay from Godwin Glacier. The strong freshwater lens held its tongue-like shape against the strong wind, waves, and currents.
Afognak Beach featured three GREATER YELLOWLEGS poking along the wrack line, perhaps a family group. Pink and Chum salmon surged past to spawn in the small but important Afognak Creek, off-limits to human fishers.
A BELTED KINGFISHER dove for its prey; BALD EAGLES soared above, RAVENS croaked, and a young BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE flashed its iridescent new feathers as it strode confidently along the beach.
What a lovely day!
Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter
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