Red-faced it is!

Seward, Alaska

Thanks to Rich and Dave for verifying the ID as RED-FACED CORMORANTS. 

Despite the National Geographic portrayal of a small red face in winter, Rich emailed that their facial skin fades to a dull yellow color similar to the dull yellow or horn color of the basal ¾ of the bill. Both he and Dave thought the thicker, pale bill was the key, with its slightly larger size and thicker neck nailing the ID as Red-faced.

Happy Birding and Happy Thanksgiving!

Carol Griswold

Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter

Wednesday, November 27, 2013 Cormorant ID Question

Seward, Alaska

PELAGIC CORMORANTS like to rest and preen on some old pilings at the back of the SMIC boat basin at the end of Nash Road. Today, I decided to take a closer look. I noticed at least three had a light-colored bill that was thicker than the thin, dark bill of the Pelagic. The birds were also a bit larger. Could they be RED-FACED CORMORANTS?

There was no red on the face, however, like a winter plumaged adult RED-FACED CORMORANT. Unlike a brownish juvenile, the birds had very glossy greenish and purple iridescence like adults. It takes two years to develop adult plumage; could this be a second year Red-faced Cormorant?

Which characteristics are more important: the light-colored thicker bill of the Red-faced vs the thin, dark bill of the Pelagic? Or the reddish face patch of the Red-faced vs dark, dull face of the Pelagic in both winter adult plumages?

Could size variations account for the differences in the birds I saw today? Were they all PELAGIC CORMORANTS?

I'd be interested to know, if anyone would like to comment.

Also spotted: 1 male LONG-TAILED DUCK, several SURF SCOTERS, 4 HORNED GREBES, 2 COMMON LOONS, and a smattering of HARLEQUIN DUCKS.

Yesterday at dusk around 4:45 pm at Lowell Point, a GREAT HORNED OWL hooted from the spruce near the lower parking lot.

Ava reported 5-6 AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS under her feeders a few days ago.

Happy Birding!

Carol Griswold

Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter

Tuesday, November 26, 2013 Swan Update

Seward, Alaska

Just got word from the ASCL Rehabilitation Team that the swan is indeed a TUNDRA SWAN. It was underweight but tube feeding well prior to transport to the Bird Treatment and Learning Center yesterday afternoon.

Happy Birding!

Carol Griswold

Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter 

Sunday, November 24, 2013 Swan Rescue

Seward, Alaska

Sunrise 9:18 am, sunset 4:08 pm for a total of 6 hours and 49 minutes. Tomorrow will be 3 minutes and 58 seconds shorter.

After an intense, frigid cold spell, the thermometer has teetered capriciously on the freezing point. Swollen dark gray clouds waffle between snow and rain, often delivering both. About four inches of dense, wet snow fell overnight, concealing yesterday's treacherous icy base. Skating would be ideal as travel by foot or vehicle is hazardous. At least it has been calm.

Today, about a half hour before "official" dawn, I heard several MARBLED MURRELETS calling loudly as they flew from their forest bed to the bay diner, along the shrouded shoulder of Mt Marathon and Bear Mountain. It certainly is a mystery why this petite seabird would choose to commute from the ocean full of fish to the isolated, dangerous forest. Especially when the nesting season is over. Nonetheless, it is always a thrill to hear them as they fly overhead at the edges of the night.

Around 10:30 am, I headed back to the tidelands to check on an adult SWAN that I discovered yesterday in a tiny stream channel flowing from a wetlands. When I first saw it, I was amazed. Then I wondered if it was stuck in the nearby ice, it was so still. After watching a bit longer, I became concerned as it was listless, bedraggled, and injured.

In addition to the usual iron stains from wetland sediments, dried blood stained the feathers on its forehead and right side, perhaps from an eagle attack. I did not see it feed, but it drank the cold water like a fine wine connoisseur, lifting its head to swallow, then slowly and carefully going back for another sip. It was alert, and aware of me, so I kept my distance.

I was relieved to find it alive after yet another tough night. I called the Alaska Sealife Center rescue staff who were standing by for an update. Tasha arrived first and after verifying the poor condition of the swan, authorized the rescue. Around noon, three folks came from the Rehabilitation Team and easily captured the weakened bird. The head was carefully tucked in next to its wing and the swan was carried under one arm back to a kennel waiting in the rescue truck. After stabilization, it is hoped that Tasha can deliver it to the Bird Treatment and Learning Center in Anchorage on Monday.

The ASLC verified that this is a TUNDRA SWAN. Note that the eye appears nearly separate from the bill, and the border on the bill is U-shaped or almost straight like a Tundra swan. David Sibley has an excellent discussion with links to photos at 

< http://www.sibleyguides.com/2006/02/distinguishing-trumpeter-and-tundra-swans/> I will update this report when I hear back from the staff.

Of note at the tidelands were about 100 SNOW BUNTINGS, busily picking through the debris left by the tide. This is the first big influx I have seen this fall. A single Pribilof ROCK SANDPIPER probed the muddy shore; I wonder where the rest of the flock might be? A female BELTED KINGFISHER rattled overhead. BALD EAGLES cruised across, perhaps checking for the swan; they will surely find something else to eat.

Late yesterday afternoon, first one, then another, then a third GREAT BLUE HERON flew in from the tidelands heading to the wetlands through the sn'rain. It's a wet, cold time for all the birds, and a long, wet, cold night too. I'm so grateful that the Alaska Sealife Center and the Bird Treatment Center are willing and able to help a beautiful swan in need.

Happy Birding!

Carol Griswold

Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter

Tuesday, November 19, 2013 Chestnut-backed Chickadee Delight

Seward, Alaska

Sunrise 9:07 am, sunset 4:18 pm, for a total of 7 hours and 10 minutes. Tomorrow will be 4 minutes and 22 seconds shorter.

Brrrrrr! Bright and sunny, for that short period as the sun dashes across the southern sky between the mountains in the east to those waiting in the west. The thermometer took a nosedive down to the teens the past several days and the north wind revved its engines to howling with gusts over 25 mph.

A perfect time to replace the back deck!

It was fun to bird while I worked. A flock of PINE GROSBEAKS sang melodiously, about 18 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS chirred, several ROBINS clucked, and VARIED THRUSHES sighed as they flew back and forth between the Mt Ash trees, feasting on the ripe red berries. A BALD EAGLE soared overhead, so high it was just a speck in the wind. RAVENS croaked, STELLER'S JAYS scolded. A SONG SPARROW chimed in. MAGPIES patrolled, on the alert for anything of interest.

At one point this afternoon, while we were pondering the mysteries of constructing the staircase, I chanced to see an inquisitive little CHESTNUT-BACKED CHICKADEE nearby, inspecting the project. I pointed it out to my co-worker while he took a little break.

I talked to the little sweetie, and by golly, it dropped down and flew right past my head, landing even closer. I whipped off my thick glove and held out my bare hand. It hopped right on board, perched nonchalantly on my thumb, hopped up my coat sleeve, and then flew back to my hand. So light! So cute! Simply magical! I sure wish I had some birdseed to share. My co-worker was very impressed!

May birds brighten your day no matter what you are doing or where you are!

Happy Birding!

Carol Griswold

Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter

Sunday, November 17, 2013 Scenic Wonders

Seward, Alaska

It has been difficult the past several days to be outside and keep one's jaw from dropping in amazement at the absolutely stunning scenery all around. Starting with spectacular sunrises, shimmering snowy mountains cradling slumbering cirque glaciers, rosy lingering sunsets, and that gorgeous round moon rising over all… it doesn't end as the night reveals the winter constellations, bright Jupiter, and if you're lucky, the Aurora Borealis.

What a place, Seward!

Happy Birding while you're gazing!

Carol Griswold

Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter

Thursday, November 14, 2013 Magical Twilight

Seward, Alaska

It wasn't that late, but the sun does not linger in November. I shot out to Lowell Point beach at 4 pm just in time to watch the clouds in the western sky transition from white to an ever-deepening pink, and the bay blush in concert.

As twilight stole in, a GREAT BLUE HERON winged majestically from the Point across the bay, heading towards Tonsina or even farther south, perhaps to a favorite roost in a spruce for the night. MEW and GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULLS scrabbled and squawked over the last bait ball of the day. A COMMON LOON surfaced quietly and floated calmly, suspended in the rosy interface between the sea and the sky. 

As the night sky deepened to indigo, I watched the almost full moon rise unheralded between the snowy mountain peaks across the bay. The GREAT BLUE HERON returned, cronking loudly, complaining about that no good spruce roost. It flew through the bright shaft of moonlight and landed almost invisibly at the far edge of the beach, now at low tide. The loon slipped beneath the dancing moonbeams and I slipped away home, leaving them to savor the night's peace and sparkling stars.

Happy Birding!

Carol Griswold

Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter

Saturday November 9, 2013 Great Gray Owl!

Seward, Alaska

Seward birder Deb Kurtz found a perfect place for an owl, but she didn't expect to find a GREAT GRAY OWL!

This afternoon, she and her husband decided to check out Troop Lake Trail, 12 miles north of Seward. About 10 minutes from the trailhead, there is a nice boardwalk curving across a meadow. As she was thinking "owl", she was startled to find a GREAT GRAY OWL sitting in a tree. The owl was actively hunting there, and though aware of them, allowed them to watch.

I went back with her just before dark around 5:00 pm, but the meadow was silent and still. A headlamp for edge-of-the-day owling is recommended. This area is known for bears, so if you come, bring bear spray.

Troop Lake Trail is located at Mile 12.1 on the east side of the Seward Highway just north of the Mile 12 Divide. Look for the highway marker and turnout that leads to a small parking lot. The trail begins on the Iditarod Historic Trail. It had some muddy areas with large columnar ice crystals pushing up that could be slippery, but generally the trail seemed easy to walk.

Congratulations, Deb!

Happy Birding!

Carol Griswold

Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter

PS Please check the weather and road reports. Slick, icy roads and cold rain have made traveling treacherous in many stretches of highway. Be careful!

Email Contact Change

Dear Readers,

My old Yahoo account was inexplicably frozen and so I created a new Yahoo account. Please email me at happybirding2013 at yahoo dot com.

Happy Birding!

Carol 

Friday, November 8, 2013 Peregrine Falcon!

Seward, Alaska

Distracted! That is my only and therefore, best, excuse. Cruising slowly along the Greenbelt beach looking for loons or other suspects of interest, I saw an enormous black cloud of NW CROWS, between 250 and 300 or more, flying up against the blue sky and white shoulder of Mt Benson in the distance. I had no idea there were so many crows here.

But, I also saw a raptor-type bird flying almost directly overhead. I leaned out the car window and clicked off a few images of the raptor, then grabbed some images of the crow spectacle before they all settled back to earth.

I didn't realize what I had until I got home hours later to check my photos.

A PEREGRINE FALCON!!! You can bet I'll be looking for this treasure tomorrow!

In other news:

I refound the TRUMPETER SWAN at the Mile 1 Nash Road wetlands, pulling up vegetation from the still liquid pond.

The SWAINSON'S THRUSH eluded me, but it was delightful to watch the friendly PINE GROSBEAKS, including several red males, gobble down the Mt Ash berries. I heard, but did not locate the BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS.

As for the YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKERS, there has been no sign of them since October 27, before the flood. I wish them a swift journey to the land of free-flowing sap.

Happy Birding!

Carol Griswold

Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter

Wednesday, November 6, 2013 Swainson's Thrush refound, Trumpeter Swan, Great Horned Owl

Seward Alaska

Sunrise 8:34 am, sunset 4:47 pm for a total of 8 hours and 12 minutes. Tomorrow will be 5 minutes and 2 seconds shorter.

A cheerful sunny day with a brisk north wind, temps in the mid 30s to low 40s. Very shallow puddles sublimated last night, slightly deeper ones iced over, but the lakes and ponds remained mostly unfrozen. Rain and sun forecast to take turns over the next few days, with a downward trend in temps.

The abundant, brilliant red Mt Ash berries glowed against the rare blue sky. Even better, I refound the SWAINSON'S THRUSH plucking one orb after another in the sunshine. Maybe it will stay this winter with the nearby smattering of VARIED THRUSHES and ROBINS. Unfortunately, those inhospitable larger thrushes gave their little cousin the bum's rush and forced it to fly to different trees. Finally it flew to the brush pile on the bank and preened in peace. Yard Bird!

I crossed the resurrected Lowell Point bridge which amazingly withstood the powerful floodwaters last week. The heavy equipment operators have been working diligently to haul off the mountains of gravel piled on both sides of the "creek". Regrettably, it is being used to fill the former Roundhouse Pond on AKRR property. It's always sad to lose valuable wetlands.

A large flock of mostly MEW GULLS mixed with some GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULLS and very few BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKES worked the surface water in front of the seafood processing plant. A Mew Gull "walked on water" like a storm petrel, stirring up the seawater soup with its pale webbed feet, then picked tiny morsels to eat. I could not see what the gulls were finding.

Suddenly, the whole flock took off, and a second too late, an adult BALD EAGLE swooped low, scattering everyone like a gust of wind. The small raft of BARROW'S GOLDENEYES immediately dove, and surfaced after the threat had flow away. Soon the gulls flew back, and continued feeding as if nothing had happened.

On the way home, I checked out the slightly sheltered lee of the harbor uplands. At least 10 MARBLED MURRELETS, 4 PACIFIC LOONS, 1 COMMON LOON, a raft of COMMON MERGANSERS, 4 SURF SCOTERS, and a smattering of BARROW'S GOLDENEYES skittered after invisible schools of feeder fish. Meanwhile, a blitz of gulls mobbed the seafood processor fish "waste" bird feeder.

I heard the distinctive rattle of a BELTED KINGFISHER and turned in time to see him hovering over Scheffler Creek, but not in time to get a photo. After a quick dive, he flew up and away, heading north. It's wonderful to see Kingfishers this fall; I hardly saw any until recently.

Unwilling to go inside, the sun lured me to the east side of the bay. To my amazement, there was a TRUMPETER SWAN feeding in the Mile 1 Nash Road wetlands. The light was behind the swan, making photography tricky, but I enjoyed the wonderful sight. 15 swans were reported from Lower Summit Lake this afternoon as well.

Next, I checked the boat basin at the end of Nash Road, Mile 5. A juvenile RED-NECKED GREBE, still sporting its striped head and reddish neck, bobbed up and down in the waves. A few HORNED GREBES popped up and down. A PACIFIC LOON dove smoothly nearby, unlike the showy jump-over-the-barrel dives of the PELAGIC CORMORANTS. A pair of HARLEQUIN DUCKS preened in the lee of the breakwater, enjoying the warm sun.

A raft of beautiful BARROW'S GOLDENEYES paddled back and forth, eyeing me suspiciously. A resplendent male with a royal purple head seemed to be the leader, and when he chose to move away or come closer, the rest followed. One bird, I believe to be a male in eclipse plumage, displayed with his head straight up.

The shadows soon moved in and I moved off. A few hours later around 6 pm, I heard a GREAT HORNED OWL hooting softly from darkened Little Bear Mountain.

Happy Birding!

Carol Griswold

Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter

A few interesting websites:

<http://www.sibleyguides.com/2006/02/distinguishing-trumpeter-and-tundra-swans/>

Distinguishing Trumpeter Swans and Tundra Swans by David Sibley

<http://www.sibleyguides.com/2011/07/trumpeter-swans-with-yellow-loral-spots/>

Trumpeter Swans with yellow lore spots by David Sibley

<http://www.birdwatchingdaily.com/featured-stories/mysteries-of-the-kingfishers-belt/>

The Mysteries of the Kingfisher's Belt by Deborah Richie

<http://www.allaboutbirds.org/Page.aspx?pid=1184>

Keeping Birds Safe Around Windows

Saturday November 2, 2013 Swainson's Thrush!

Seward, Alaska

Sunrise 9:24 am, sunset 5:57 pm for a total of 8 hours and 32 minutes. Tomorrow will be 5 minutes and 9 seconds shorter. Daylight savings ends tonight; don't forget to set the sun back an hour!

The dramatic flooding ended, Lowell Creek bridge and the adjacent infrastructure was saved, and the area's swollen streams are gradually subsiding. Yea! Snow again dusts the mountaintops as the temps edge down. Winter is sneaking into town like the camel's nose in the tent. Soon the whole shebang will be here!

Four birders from Talkeetna scoured town today, enjoying the novelty of our seabirds, a delightful PACIFIC WREN, a BELTED KINGFISHER, the season's first BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS, and others. No luck, however, on the YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKERS or the elusive WARBLING VIREO.

Towards dusk, I received a call from Chris Mannix that they had a SWAINSON'S THRUSH in the scope on some Mt Ashes next door. How convenient! I should bird more in my neighborhood!

I walked over to the tell-tale sign of birders: a car parked in the middle of the alley, all the doors wide open including the rear hatch door, and the four gathered around the spotting scope, binocs to the treetop. There, sitting quietly on a Mt Ash branch, was the latest SWAINSON'S THRUSH I have ever had the pleasure of seeing. By now, this 7" ethereal songster wearing buffy spectacles should be well on its way to overwinter in the tropics from Mexico to Costa Rica.

A BROWN CREEPER "seeeeped" as it spiraled around a cottonwood. PINE GROSBEAKS and DARK-EYED JUNCOS plucked berries nearby. A ROBIN did the same in the bountiful trees across the alley. The little bird mostly sat, but eventually it grabbed a few berries, and then flew off to the seclusion of a nearby spruce. By now, the sun had set and it was getting dim.

Thanks to Chris and the rest of the group for spotting this late thrush and for letting me know. I'll be looking for this normally secretive thrush tomorrow.

Happy Birding!

Carol Griswold

Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter