Thursday, May 16, 2013 Orange-crowned Warblers eating suet

Seward Alaska Sporadic Bird Report

It snowed today, much to everything's dismay. Snow mixed generously with rain, alternating between sn'rain and sn'leet. The greening grass turned white, though it didn't last through the day. Another "winter" storm is forecast with temperatures in the low 20s and strong winds.

This morning, one male and two female RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRDS sipped cold sugar water at my feeders in the snow/sleet while VARIED THRUSHES and ROBINS sang their incongruous "spring" songs.

Ava reported ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS feeding ravenously at her homemade suet feeders. They are lucky to find an alternate food source. The recently arrived VIOLET-GREEN and TREE SWALLOWS have disappeared; I fear many will not make it through a sustained cold rainy spell. It's a tough, slow spring.

Report of TRUMPETER SWANS nesting in the middle of the marsh at Mile 15 Seward Highway surrounded by HORNED GREBES, AMERICAN WIGEONS, GREEN-WINGED TEAL, and NORTHERN SHOVELERS. The swans will be a very exciting family to watch this summer. Yes, it must come!

Happy Birding!

Carol Griswold

Sporadic Bird Report Reporter

Thursday, May 16, 2013 Brief Bald Eagle Battle

Seward, Alaska Sporadic Bird Report

A few days ago, I noticed two BALD EAGLES stroking swiftly with deadly determination towards me. The adult seemed to be pursuing the subadult, quickly closing the gap. I immediately froze, camera at the ready. Whenever two eagles (or ravens) get that close, something interesting usually happens. Sure enough, the fierce adult caught up with the younger bird just overhead, menacing golden talons extended. The younger bird quickly flipped over, presenting its sharp talons in defense. The giants briefly locked weapons, falling earthward, then disengaged, and as quickly sped off. One peeled off and away as the other veered and circled back to attend to whatever business was waiting.

Wow! It happened in a flash and ended so fast! I was just relieved to be an inconsequential, stunned observer, of zero interest to either magnificent bird.

Coincidentally, not a minute later, two RAVENS flew past and repeated the flip-claws-touch-flip-flyby-ta da! But then, these excellent aerial acrobats do this all the time just for fun. Maybe they were inspired by the Eagles to show off.

Mid-May seems to be a very active time for both Eagles and Ravens as mating pairs and territories are established. Youngsters are driven away from the ol' homestead, as pair bonds are strengthened. Keep an eye out whenever you see two eagles flying too close together; sparks might fly!

Check out this link to a similar situation in Duluth Minnesota, "Two bald eagles in air battle crash-land at airport":

<http://www.grindtv.com/outdoor/nature/post/two-bald-eagles-in-air-battle-crash-land-at-airport>

Happy Birding!

Carol Griswold

Sporadic Bird Report Reporter

Sunday May 12, 2013 Horned Lark at Anchor River

Seward, Alaska Sporadic Bird Report

Just getting somewhat caught up after the Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival, May 9-12, and posting this on May 16th.

I spent several wonderful hours birding at Anchor Point beach and searching for the elusive EURASIAN HOBBY on Sunday afternoon. Walking down the beach, it was hard to avoid disturbing the tiny WESTERN and LEAST sandpipers resting with their beaks snuggled into their warm back feathers. We almost stepped on the first few, they were so well camouflaged against the beach rocks and wrack. A large flock of AMERICAN PIPITS, easily 3 dozen, canvassed the sandy areas ahead for fast food flies.

A dozen or so birders monitored the driftwood snag by the meandering river where the BIRD was previously seen. With Pavlovian faith, we hoped that it might return with the right alignment of time, tide and shorebirds.

I turned to check the COMMON LOONS diving in the ocean. Suddenly a flash of movement caught my eye. I spun around, following the speeding shape. Without flapping its wings, a MERLIN unerringly shot like a laser into a group of unsuspecting peeps hidden behind a sandy islet in the river. Flaring briefly to grab one, it bounced up and laboriously hauled its dinner towards the bluff, followed by a cawing NORTHWESTERN CROW, hoping for a bite.

It was all over in a trice. Several nearby birders missed it. Then the surviving peeps burst into flight and scattered, too late. I think the Merlin must have been hovering up high to even see those birds, and then took advantage of its height to power dive into their midst. Such a dramatic, exciting, life-and-death spectacle!

On the way back to the parking lot, my friend Deborah and I checked out the dried grasses for a NORTHERN HORNED LARK that was reported earlier. I didn't find it and was headed away when she called me back. Sure enough, there it was! Although apparently widespread in Alaska, we rarely see them in Seward.

According to the bird book, this one is likely Eremophila alpestris subspecies arcticola, a large, very pale bird of northwest Canada and Alaska. The black and white face pattern was quite dramatic, topped by tiny black horns. It wasn't the Hobby, but nonetheless, a great bird to send us on our way back home to Seward.

Happy Birding!

Carol Griswold

Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter

Tuesday, May 14, 2013 Wandering Tattler, Cranes, Geese, and Hummers

Seward Alaska Sporadic Bird Report

Stinging cold rain with a brisk north wind and temps in the high 30s did not favor photography today. But a wary female and a noisy male RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD found my feeders. What tough little miracles! I sure hope they stick around!

Birding by car I finally heard a WANDERING TATTLER tootling in the intertidal zone just south of Scheffler's Creek by the Harbor Uplands. It was well camouflaged against the barnacle and mussle-studded rocks, sitting forlornly in the rain at low tide. Five peeps, likely WESTERNS, probed along the shoreline.

A pair of MALLARDS, several pairs of HARLEQUINS and BARROW'S GOLDENEYES, and a single HORNED GREBE in flashy breeding plumage dined in the shallow waters nearby. A pair of SURF SCOTERS cruised around in deeper water with MARBLED MURRELETS and PELAGIC CORMORANTS. Several BONAPARTE'S GULLS flew among the numerous BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKES, MEW GULLS, GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULLS, and those pesky HERRING x GLAUCOUS-WINGED hybrids at the seafood processor bird feeder. ARCTIC TERNS racheted overhead and plunged into the water. DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS rested on the old pilings. It was a busy scene, despite the rain.

Out at the sedge meadow at the head of the bay at noon, the NORTHERN HARRIER worked the soggy ground. A few SAVANNAH SPARROWS flitted in the grass. Two PECTORAL SANDPIPERS, and three DOWITCHERS poked around the muddy edges of the pond. Lots of NORTHERN SHOVELERS, GREEN-WINGED TEAL, MALLARDS, NORTHERN PINTAILS, a few GADWALL, and a dozen CACKLING GEESE fed and rested.

I wonder if that north wind blew some cranes and geese back to Seward? Over at Lowell Point beach around 5 pm, there were five stately SANDHILL CRANES feeding in the beach rye grass. As people arrived they eased over to the far end, and mostly remained undetected, perfectly blending into the brown and tan dried grasses like gray ghosts. This is the first time I have seen cranes here.

I also looked for the Mt Bluebird, without success.

By 6 pm the weather improved dramatically, with blue sky peeking through the drab gray clouds. What a delightful difference! Back at the tidelands at 8 pm, the ARCTIC TERNS patrolled their airspace, driving out resident RAVENS, and even harassed passing BALD EAGLES, assisted by equally brave MEW GULLS.

A nice-sized flock of at least 24 SANDHILL CRANES fed peacefully in the sunshine until a pair of determined adult BALD EAGLES roared overhead like fighter jets, chasing each other in the blue sky, oblivious to the pandemonium they caused below with ducks scattering everywhere. The cranes gathered together, but did not fly, and soon resumed feeding.

Just as the sun disappeared behind Mt Marathon, casting long shadows, a flock of 25 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE and a few CACKLING GEESE came winging up Resurrection Bay, honking joyously. They circled wide as if deciding on whether or not to stay, then descended to the darkening wetlands.

Coincidentally, I purchased my $5 State of Alaska duck stamp today at the Fish House in Seward to support conservation efforts. This year's design features two beautiful Greater White-fronted Geese. I also purchased the Federal Duck Stamp, a gorgeous Wood Duck, at the Post Office for $15.

At the recent Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival keynote speech by ABA president Jeffrey Gordon, I learned that birders should support this program, not just hunters. According to the website, http://www.fws.gov/duckstamps/Info/Stamps/stampinfo.htm, 98¢ of every dollar goes directly to purchase or lease wetland habitat for protection in the National Wildlife Refuge System.

I also encourage all birders to buy both the State and Federal duck stamps. It's a totally worthy cause, and about time we changed the perception that only hunters support this conservation effort.

Happy Birding!

Carol Griswold

Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter

Monday, May 13, 2013 Mountain Bluebird!

Seward Alaska Sporadic Bird Report

Thanks to a call from Robin C, and help from Jim H, I was able to photograph the female MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD Robin spotted this afternoon at the beach near the old railroad car at Lowell Point.

The mostly gray bird, with a flash of blue on her wings, perched on top of lookouts including driftwood, posts, and short spruce tips, looking for insects (flies?) on the ground. After a thorough search, she quickly flew down and disappeared behind the dead beach rye grass for a moment while she ate. She soon reappeared to return to the same perch or another one close by, working her way along the beach.

I last photographed a Mountain Bluebird in Seward on December 25, 2004 through January 6, 2005. It's great to host one again!

If you come, please be alert for heavy dump truck traffic on Lowell Point Road and at the Point. CAUTION: there are several places along Lowell Point Road where rather alarmingly large rocks are scattered on the roadway; be alert to more rocks falling from the unstable steep slopes.

When you reach the Point, turn left at the Silver Salmon Derby Campground sign (just before the sewage lagoon) and drive slowly until you see the historic gold and blue railroad car. Park well off the road. Beach Drive is under construction just around the corner, parallel to the beach, and is closed except for all those dump trucks and heavy machinery. Good luck and safe travels!

Happy Birding!

Carol Griswold

Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter

Sunday, May 5, 2013 Long-billed Dowitchers, Semipalmated Plovers

Seward Alaska Sporadic Bird Report

Sunrise 5:42 am, sunset 10:07 pm, length of day 16 hours, 24 minutes. Tomorrow will be 5 minutes and 6 seconds longer.

More migratory birds arrived this weekend despite yesterday's chilly north wind and hard, cold rain. Today remained mostly cloudy but the mid-40 temps and the calm made birding at the head of the bay very enjoyable.

The large flock of about 40 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE was still here. I noticed a few GWF geese with a plain gray belly. The National Geographic Field Guide notes that immature birds acquire the white band above the orangish bill during their first winter, and get their black belly speckling by the second fall. These birds are on their first migration back north. If they are not yet adults, I wonder why they undertake such a long journey? Maybe they are imprinting the route and the mission with their families and will help defend the nesting grounds. Geese make excellent watch guards!

The number of CACKLING GEESE, identified by their small bills and short necks increased to about a dozen, intermixed amicably with the other geese.

A carefree, loose dog made them all stop momentarily and some flew, but most stayed put, watching. The oblivious owners managed to get the dog back, and ravenous and wary, the geese resumed eating sedges and other submergent vegetation.

"Tew, tew, tew! Riddley-riddley-riddley!" Two GREATER YELLOWLEGS flew across the wetlands to land, then jerked their long necks backwards in a move that would make a chiropractor wince. The still water made a mirror reflection as one bird strode across the shallow water on its long yellow legs. The black spots and bars on the white body are impressive, but when the bird stretched its wings wide, I saw a masterpiece! Perfectly placed large white brush strokes decorated the edges of the darker feathers, and smaller white triangles edged the brown primaries and secondaries. The show was over in a second, but I was pleased to capture the art with my camera.

A dark shorebird with a long bill disappeared around a sedge tussock. I waited and two reappeared. First-of-Season DOWITCHERS! The warm reddish brown belly had no white, and the shoulder feathers were boldly outlined in white, identifying them as LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS. They walked around on their dark legs, poking, probing, and gobbling edibles with their long tweezer bills. Something spooked them and four flew across the water, a long white patch on their back flashing open and shut like a ripped suit.

Several male PACIFIC GOLDEN PLOVERS poked around the slightly drier areas, occasionally chasing one another away. Like all plovers, they exhibited their characteristic stop-start behavior, moving rapidly, then pausing to listen and look (and pose.)  The gold, black, and white flecking on the back is another stunning abstract pattern made by Nature's finest brush. A white border from the forehead to the tail separates it from the anchoring black belly. What a showy bird! 

In the distance, too far to get a decent image, I found a male BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER. This large plover is a study in black and white, with a handsome white crown fit for a king balanced by a jet black face down to its belly, then white again. The back is sprinkled in black and white patterns.

I wish these beautiful plovers would stay, but they are headed to the high arctic and western Alaska to breed with many miles to go.

Suddenly, I heard high peep and stopped like a plover to search. There, not far ahead of me on the tideflats were the First-of-Season SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS.  How nice to see them back! This pair might be residents as some do stay to nest.

I happened to look up and saw five BALD EAGLES circling in a late afternoon thermal. Then I saw a few more higher up, and then a few more specks even higher. The more I looked, the more materialized like magic! There were FOURTEEN eagles spiraling upwards with a few MEW GULLS and RAVENS mixed in to harass them. I imagine as they looked down, they saw a smorgasbord of gulls, ducks, geese, and even the TRUMPETER SWAN, fattening up. But maybe they weren't hungry and were just enjoying the incredible view and the freedom of soaring on those giant broad wings.

Happy birding!

Carol Griswold

Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter

Friday, May 3, 2013 Common Loon, Whimbrels, Scaup

Seward Alaska Sporadic Bird Report

Sunrise 5:48 am, sunset 10:02 pm. Length of day 16 hours, 14 minutes; tomorrow will be 5 minutes and 9 seconds longer.

May delivered our first spring rains, to gently wear down the remaining snow and ice, and awaken dormant vegetation. More willows are in bloom; other tree and shrub buds are swelling. On sheltered south exposures, dandelions are already blooming. I saw my first bumblebee on May 1^st and my first mosquito today.

Daytime temps edged up to the mid 40s, dropping to low to mid 30s at night, mostly above freezing. Spring got off to a very slow start, and doesn't seem to want to change pace anytime soon.

Birding in the rain takes some adjustment as optics just don't like to get wet. I birded from the car at Scheffler Creek, almost always a productive place for birds when the beach is deserted. To my delight, a stunning COMMON LOON in full breeding plumage surfaced not 10 feet from shore. Wow! What a gorgeous checkered pattern! And those deep red eyes! It was so wonderful to see as both Commons and Yellow-billed Loons have been unusually scarce this winter.

The loon dove and paddled serenely along the beach with characteristic calm and quiet dignity. I saw a silvery flash of fish, perhaps a salmon smolt, in its bill once, and suspect it ate other fish underwater. In contrast, ARCTIC TERNS that also found this location productive, and hovered above, rasping loudly, before diving dramatically with a crash and a splash into the water.

I spotted 3 pairs of MARBLED MURRELETS in my binocs at once, and more pairs scattered up and down. They seemed to be everywhere and were easy to find and hear. A mob of gulls fed at the seafood processor bird feeder, a fat frenzied white line.

Five GREATER SCAUP hens paddled in towards shore; I thought they might keep on coming they were so close. They chose to dabble the goodies stirred up by the incoming surf and occasionally dove in the shallow water.

Over at the B Street pilings, the DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS preened and hung out their large wings to dry. MEW GULLS stood on the temporarily unoccupied posts. When not fishing, every post may be commandeered by a cormorant with others paddling beneath, waiting for their opportunity to nab a dry spot. This is a great place to observe the DC Cormorants.

An immature MEW GULL decided to swap perches and flew from a post to an intertidal rock, occupied by a hen MALLARD. She protested but only moved over enough to make room for the youngster. Perhaps staying out of the water while it was raining was worth the trouble of sharing the rock. HARLEQUINS napped on nearby rocks.

Next, I checked the upper meadow by the airport. I almost drove past the perfectly camouflaged, sleeping WHIMBRELS. They weren't there yesterday! I slowly backed up and parked. There were at least 18 weary Whimbrels resting in the brown grass, most on one leg with that long beak tucked under a wing. One or two preened, getting those flying feathers back in shape for the remainder of the migration. Several started watching me watching them. Not wishing to disturb them any more, I soon moved away.

Out in the wetlands, GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE pulled at the sedges, feeding hungrily. Their common name "speckle-belly" is much easier to see than that tiny bit of white over their pink bills. Two GREATER YELLOWLEGS rested, conserving their energy in the rain. Several BALD EAGLES perched on the driftwood, looking soggy and decidedly not regal in the rain. I did not linger here and so do not have a count or summary of all the ducks.

Though I did not find the Savannah Sparrow, Lapland Longspur, American and Pacific Golden Plovers, or Dunlin reported yesterday by Tasha and Chuck, OR the 18 Marbled Godwit (!!!!) she and Sadie found today (darn!), it was a satisfying peek at some splendid birds on a rainy spring day. It's great that there's always more to look for!!

Yesterday Robin C reported a PEREGRINE! eating a NORTHERN PINTAIL!! here, and a COMMON LOON at Fourth of July Beach.

Happy Birding!

Carol Griswold

Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter