Seward, Alaska
Sunrise 8:14 am, sunset 6:10 pm, for a total day length of 9 hours and 55 minutes. Tomorrow will be 5 minutes and 27 seconds longer.
Today provided a delightful mild day of momentary reprieve from Winter’s bitter grip. Temps rose from a low of 30 to a high of 38; the north wind mellowed to 2-8 with gusts to 20 mph. Everything, birds and humans, was allowed to relax. It’s been a tough winter.
Freed from the merciless wind, I ventured across the bay to Spring Creek Beach. A jittery flock of about 30 SNOW BUNTINGS rose up and down, flying from one spot to the next in the battered grasses of the frozen wetlands without lingering. They even flashed overhead several times, more challenging to photograph than summer Swallows.
Next, I checked out Fourth of July Creek. A single SHORT-BILLED GULL pecked at a dead fish at the tide’s edge. As I approached, it fled, giving me a good look at a decaying carcass. Not a pretty sight.
After I walked on, a young BALD EAGLE swooped in, grabbed the "prize" and flew towards the breakwater to dine. Two more young Eagles materialized and vied for possession. Siblings? Last summer’s Eaglets from the nearby nest?
Screeching and flapping, it was a wonder they didn’t crash into the sheet piling or tumble entangled into the water. In a few seconds, the battle ceased but I could not tell who “won” as they dispersed.
Below, BARROW’S GOLDENEYES momentarily retreated but soon paddled back to pry off exposed mussels clinging to the breakwater. Paddle-up fast food.
Shortly afterwards, an adult Bald Eagle (mom?) flew low over the beach, hunting. In a flash, she grabbed a fish out of the water and settled down to eat it, unchallenged. A closer look revealed that it was a fish head, source unknown. The Eagles were not feasting on fat, live fish. Hungry times.
Back at Spring Creek Beach, I watched another small raft of Barrow’s Goldeneyes dive just a few feet off the beach. Likely, they too were finding mussels in easy reach at low tide. Different strategies, but both effective. The sun caught their golden eyes and illuminated the males’ purple iridescent heads as the water poured off their waterproof plumage. Beautiful sea ducks!
Two severe weather warnings predict Winter roaring back this week: a wind watch for north winds 30-50 mph and gusts to 65-75 mph starting Tuesday night, coupled with dangerously cold wind chills as low as 20 below as the temp drops to minus 9 by Wednesday night. Batten the hatches and bundle up!!!
Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter
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