Seward, Alaska
Temps dropped into the mid-20s overnight, once again creating ice on puddles and ponds. The sun peeked over the eastern mountains around 11 am, gradually dispersing the late dawn shade at Fourth of July Beach.
Initially very quiet, some seabirds materialized with the sunshine. First a solo female WHITE-WINGED SCOTER, next 11 SURF SCOTERS in a characteristic line, then an unusual-looking COMMON LOON.
The Loon seemed to still be in transition from its dramatic breeding plumage to drab winter plumage. The all-black bill was now a half-pale, silvery bill with some remnant black. The head and neck seemed more salt-and-peppery, yet the white spangles on the dark back remained bright as stars. The majestic bird preened and stretched, getting all those worn old feathers out and the itchy new ones in.
The few other Common Loons that I have recently seen have already completed their transition. This one was later, and so interesting. After gracing me with that wonderful display, it dove and disappeared.
As I departed, towering cumulus clouds piled up behind Fox Island in the Gulf of Alaska, signs of an impending storm. Batten the hatches!
Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter
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