Seward, Alaska
Sunrise 4:38 am, sunset 11:17 pm for a total day length of 18 hours and 39 minutes. Tomorrow will be 2 minutes and 10 seconds longer. It' hard to go to bed when it is so light!
Seward experienced summer for three amazing days last week when the temperature finally rose into the 50s and even mid-60s. My journal notes: “Perfect day!” Brand-new leaves erupted in a lovely spring-green color; alder and cottonwood flowers burst forth; dandelions opened their mini-sun flowers.
Parking is getting difficult at Afognak Beach due to the popular red salmon snag fishery. I managed to “snag” a spot on June 2, probably my last visit for a while.
The thick algal wrack continued to provide a buffet for birds including the usual HERMIT THRUSHES, FOX and SONG SPARROWS, AMERICAN CROWS, AMERICAN ROBINS, and YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS. No Pipits observed.
A bright YELLOW WARBLER caught my eye, also enjoying breakfast chez The Wrack. It was fun to be able to actually see him, instead of the usual flitting behind leaves and branches.
I also heard a BELTED KINGFISHER.
A black bear was reported rummaging though an irresponsible homeowner’s garbage can down the block on June 3. I reluctantly removed my sunflower seed feeder and suet, known bear attractants.
The bewildered resident RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES and CHESTNUT-BACKED CHICKADEES landed on the hummingbird feeder that replaced them. It was tough to quit cold turkey, but they adapted within a few days.
The early-blooming willows continue to attract insects for warblers. As bumblebees bounced from flower to flower, a WILSON’S WARBLER darted about as well, hopefully on smaller, more expendable insects.
Apparently, Seward can’t handle too much heat, so the mysterious fog rolled in on June 5, shrouding the mountains to the sea. The gigantic quantum-class cruise ship and double-berthed smaller cruise ship docked at the port almost disappeared.
ARCTIC TERNS jetted though the mist and occasional blue-sky windows. Some enjoyed a complete soaking bath in a warmed intertidal stream. Nesting and incubation continued for most; no sign of meal delivery yet.
On June 6, an immature BALD EAGLE chased three CACKLING GEESE, stroking powerfully and maneuvering to follow the slightly faster and loudly honking geese. Finally, they outflew him and all the birds landed to rest. Peace returned for now, though the geese continued to exclaim about the excitement.
Seven alert and silent GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE watched the drama but wisely did not move. It seems unusual for these geese to linger in Seward long after their brethren migrated north. No signs of nesting.
On June 7, I watched a dozen or more GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULLS picking off conveniently exposed mussels at low tide from the sheet pile breakwater at Fourth of July Beach.
On June 8, at least 15 Eagles lined up along the Resurrection River, probably combat fishing for red salmon, just like the humans. Maybe the unsuccessful goose hunter joined them for an easier meal. Despite the availability of salmon, an adult eagle expended a lot of time and energy pursuing a Glaucous-winged Gull without success.
I am really enjoying listening to the beautiful birdsongs from my bagged baby monitor when inside. A tireless ROBIN serenates the neighborhood for hours with his cheerful song. FOX SPARROWS, PINE SISKINS, WILSON’S, TOWNSEND’S, and ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS, the Nuthatches, Chickadees, and the chitter of competing RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRDS bring joy inside and out.
Happy Spring Birding!
Carol Griswold
Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter
