Saturday, May 31, 2014 Bar-tailed Godwit!

Seward, Alaska

Sunrise 4:46 am, sunset 11:05 pm for a total day length of 18 hours, 18 minutes. Tomorrow will be 3 minutes and 16 seconds longer.

Torrential rain hammered down yesterday afternoon and all night, a real soaker. Mt Marathon and other high peaks wore a new white cloak this morning and the Race Point sported a lacy white shawl. Brrrr! The south wind blasted in by afternoon, cold and strong at 10-17 mph gusting to 28 mph at times. The temperature apparently rose to 51º but felt much colder. Sprinkles alternated with brief bursts of sunshine and blue sky, but dark clouds chaperoned any summery aspirations. It seems like we already had summer, followed by fall's rain, and now termination dust. What's next? What a May!

I did the COASST survey at the head of the bay, no dead birds. Instead I found a lone BAR-TAILED GODWIT foraging along the beach. I first spotted it flying along the incoming tide's edge, harassed by ARCTIC TERNS who didn't bother to inquire who, exactly, it was.

One would think they might welcome yet another incredible long-distance flyer. Or maybe they were jealous of this species' record as the longest non-stop bird migration of 7,145 miles, from Alaska to New Zealand. Those terns fly as far, or farther, but take breaks on the ocean to eat and rest.

A banded Bar-Tailed Godwit did the journey all the way across the immense Pacific Ocean in nine days. Non-stop flying. Absolutely mind-boggling.

<http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2007/09/070913-longest-flight.html>

Birdnote by Nils Warnock: <http://birdnote.org/show/bar-tailed-godwit-migration-featuring-nils-warnock>

After getting a long-distance photo that revealed the bars on the tail, I lost it on the tide flats. A while later, I spotted it again, much closer, feeding. After such a long flight, it must have been extremely hungry! The long, slightly upturned bill was very slightly pinkish at the base, and the colors muted. I'm guessing it’s a female.

In the foreground, several SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS worked the sand with their characteristic stop-start behavior. Nearby, a SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER walked along in their company, probing for tiny invertebrates.

It was tricky to get good photos with the wind trying to help, but I am pleased to document all these amazing birds, each so special and extraordinary in their own way.

Check out this link to Moonbird, a 21-year old RED KNOT who has flown enough miles to travel to the moon and halfway back on his 20,000 round-trip migration from the Arctic breeding grounds to the tip of South America.

<http://www.grindtv.com/outdoor/nature/post/the-amazing-moonbird-still-going-strong-at-21/>

Happy Birding!

Carol Griswold

Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter

Thursday, May 29, 2014 Tern Comparison

Seward, Alaska

Rain, rain, rain! Marvelous, life-giving, green-painting rain! Monday evening's dark clouds did indeed bring the gift of rain, easing in with sprinkles and then, as if remembering how, let loose with serious, soaking rain. I did not think it could get any greener here around Seward, but it did.

The unFunny River wildfire burned 192,831 acres as of today, and is now 46% contained with 760 firefighters still working hard to keep it away from populated areas. Even more rain is needed to put it out, and the report stated the fire might continue into the summer. (!)

Today was a good time to check out my photos to compare the three different tern species that might be seen in Seward, and coastal Alaska. The ARCTIC TERN is the most common species, followed by the ALEUTIAN TERN, and rarely, the CASPIAN TERN.

I'm still waiting to find an Aleutian Tern in Seward, but we are lucky to have many Arctic Terns pass through in spring and fall migration, while many stay to nest here. The Caspian Tern has been seen several times over the years, but usually does not stay for long. It sure is exciting to see one!

If you see a small tern and hear a sweet chirping sound, you are looking at the Aleutian Tern. The Arctic Tern makes a tremendous, strident, loud, and raspy cry. As a fearless dominant tern, it will drive away any potential predators from Eagles to Ravens. The meek and mild Aleutian Tern will often nest near the Arctic Tern where their territories overlap, to take advantage of this aggressive defense. 

When the rain moves along, it will be easier to use optics to check out those buoyant and exuberant terns. If you see an Aleutian or Caspian Tern, please let me know.

I highly recommend the Aleutian Tern Festival in Yakutat, Alaska where you can watch, hear, and compare Aleutian and Arctic Terns in person, and enjoy many other fun events. It starts June 5-8; for more information, visit their website at <http://www.yakutatternfestival.org/>.

Happy Birding!

Carol Griswold

Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter

Monday, May 26, 2014 Exit Glacier songsters to bayside Bald Eagles

Seward, Alaska

Sunrise 4:55 am, sunset 10:55 pm for a total day length of 18 hours. Tomorrow will be 3 minutes and 49 seconds longer. Sunshine continued today with cooler temperatures up to the mid 50s, and a brisk 17 mph south wind with gusts to 23 mph. The month-long drought is forecast to end tomorrow with rain likely through to the weekend. Dark gray, promising clouds are on their way from the Gulf of Alaska this evening. We really need the rain!

Even more critically, rain is needed to help control the massive Funny River fire in central Kenai Peninsula. That wildfire has now burned over 176,000 acres (275 square miles) near Sterling, Soldotna, and Kasilof in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. It is the second largest fire in the 72-year history of the refuge; the Skilak Lake fire burned 310,000 acres in 1947. The impacts on the nesting birds of the boreal forest are yet to be considered and understood, but it is a tremendous loss.

Seward has been mostly spared from the impacts of the fire, with only a few days of hazy, yellowish skies and the faint smell of smoke. Saturday evening, however, as the wildfire blazed in intensity west of the Harding Icefield, the light turned a bright yellow hue. I felt like I was wearing my new amber sunglasses and checked, but I wasn't. The round disk of the sun was actually visible, looking surprisingly smaller than the moon, and at times glowed an eerie vampire red. It was an incredible phenomenon.

While the wildfire raged and hundreds of firefighters and homeowners toiled to save their homes, life continued normally in Seward. This morning, I joined visitors from all over the world to enjoy the beautiful green spring unfolding at Exit Glacier, part of Kenai Fjords National Park.

ORANGE-CROWNED, YELLOW-RUMPED, and WILSON'S WARBLERS trilled from the fragrant cottonwood trees. VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS swooped over the glacier and outwash plain, seeking recently emerged insects. A COMMON REDPOLL hunted for insects along the glacier trail. Many HERMIT THRUSHES, aka "woodland flutes," declared their territories from high perches, tossing their cascading notes across the landscape. A VARIED THRUSH blew his referee whistle in the distance while a ROBIN clucked; no "cheerio" for him today.

Exit Glacier is a great place for thrushes. I did not yet hear either the Swainson's or Gray-cheeked Thrushes, but it is still early for some species which makes it fun to visit every few days to check.

Later in the afternoon, I drove out to Lowell Point. A BALD EAGLE flew right overhead, quite low, hunting. As many times as I have seen this, I am always in awe of their power and size. While driving back, I spotted a RAVEN flying at top speed above the road, heckling a Bald Eagle that was carrying something dangling in its talons. The Raven shot on past when the Eagle abruptly landed in a spruce tree next to the road. A small traffic jam ensued as people spotted the spectacle and stopped. I pulled over as well to watch the eagle dine.

It appeared to be a gull carcass that had already been mostly consumed, definitely missing all the choice parts. Maybe the raven convinced the eagle to move along before he was finished, or maybe the eagle scavenged it and found it worthy of a closer look. Regardless, the eagle seemed famished and tore off bits of meat, gristle, and sinew with gusto and gobbled them down. I was amazed to watch him pick up a meatless femur, and much like a gull, work it around to align with his throat, and swallow it. It wasn't easy, but down it went. What a gizzard these birds have, to digest such a large bone!

It was also interesting to see the third eyelid, the nictitating membrane. The eagle closed it often, covering its fierce yellow eyes with this pale blue shutter, instantly transforming his face. The membrane originated from the front and slid backwards, instead of from the top or bottom. Pretty amazing.

The action slowed down after a patch of feathers was plucked and shucked to the wind, and a few more bones were nibbled. I don't think there was much left worth eating. I left him sitting there on top of the pile of feathers and bones, peering at the blue-green, white-capped bay, searching for a more substantial dinner.

From tiny warblers to mighty eagles, there's always something worth watching, hearing, and learning in the bird world.

Happy Birding!

Carol Griswold

Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter

Hi Ann!

Tuesday, May 20, 2014 More Pectoral Sandpipers and Greater White-fronted Geese

Seward, Alaska

Another dazzling day! The north wind must have exhausted itself; it was just a pleasant breeze today with temperatures in the 60s. Fortunately, the smoke from the central Peninsula fire near Soldotna did not sully Seward's clear blue sky. According to the news, ash fell like snow in Kasilof and smoke hit the south Kenai Peninsula by Homer and Seldovia  thick enough to be a health hazard.

I found 15- 20 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS today, perhaps blown in with the clouds last night. Most of these travelers enroute from their South American wintering grounds were feeding in the tall grasses in a wetland slough, probing their long bills deep into the mud up to their eyeballs. That explains their nickname, "grass snipe." A few preened and napped in the warm sun.

Two birds feeding together offered a nice comparison, the male slightly larger and brighter than the female. They still have many miles to go on their 9000-mile migration to reach their high arctic nesting grounds on the tundra. What an extraordinary feat for a 2.6 ounce bird!

Out on the tideflats, an adult BALD EAGLE stood quietly, closely attended by a juvenile eagle. When startled, the adult lifted off, hauling an item of extreme interest in its golden talons: a large flounder. The juvenile gave chase, both screeching loudly. That racket attracted another adult who quickly sailed in and attacked the unfortunate fish-bearer. After a brief skirmish, the invader was rebuffed, but I never saw that flounder again. I think it seized the opportunity to submerge into the shallow water and make like a sandy beach, leaving the fisher to sit forlornly on a dead branch, contemplating the vicissitudes of life.

Constant eagle activity stirred up a nice surprise: 14 GREATER-WHITE FRONTED GEESE. I thought these big birds were done migrating, but it's always nice to see "speckle-bellies."

I did not see the swarms of ARCTIC TERNS, but many birds were resting and not as visible as when playing in the high winds yesterday. I did observe discrete flocks of 10 to 25 birds, perhaps migrating together. Some may have already pushed on north, ever north, leaving "our" birds to rule the Seward skies.

Happy Birding!

Carol Griswold

Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter

Monday, May 19, 2014 Pectoral Sandpipers and a Humpback Whale

Seward, Alaska

Sunrise 5:09 am, sunset 10:40 pm for a total day length of 17 hours and 31 minutes. Tomorrow will be 4 minutes and 26 seconds longer.

Day after day of sunshine continues, interrupted only by occasional but serious evening fog. Despite the drought, town is green, green, green. The Red Elderberries burst overnight into white lilac-like blooms, as the willows, alders, and cottonwoods reached their peak and faded. The magenta male cones of the spruce trees opened wide, casting their wind-blown golden pollen on the waiting female cones, and generously coated everything else.

After days of relatively light winds, today's brisk 15-26 mph north wind reached gusts of 38 mph. The temperature dropped into the low 60s, but it felt much cooler. We were spoiled by the mid to high 70º temperatures over the weekend that sent people to the beach in rarely seen swimming suits to splash about and soak up some Vitamin D. What a spring!

Today I layered on the fleece and a heavy jacket to venture out into the wind at the head of the bay. The main shorebird migration seems to be over, but I found one WHIMBREL, about 7 SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHERS feeding and bathing, a few SEMI-PALMATED PLOVERS, 1 GREATER YELLOWLEGS, and a highlight: 2 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS mostly hidden in the green and brown sedges.

An immature and adult BALD EAGLE stirred up the various ducks: MALLARDS, PINTAILS, SHOVELERS, AMERICAN WIGEON, and GREEN-WINGED TEAL. Overhead, ARCTIC TERNS swarmed like bees, maybe over 100 noisy, beautiful, bundles of pizzazz.

A bit later, driving along the waterfront, I spied a spout! I quickly found a place to pull over and watched a HUMPBACK WHALE right in the inner bay, cruising along and diving among the white-capped rolling waves. Closer to shore, a colorful PELAGIC CORMORANT with fancy white flank patches and a touch of red on its glossy greenish head swam past. Ten DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS, ranging in age from adults with blowing eyebrow plumes to brownish second-year birds, perched on the pilings facing into the wind. Behind them, a proverbial blizzard of mostly BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKES plunged and lunged after fish scraps from the seafood processing plant's outfall pipe. I heard a WANDERING TATTLER'S soft call, but could not find it among the intertidal rocks.

Hang on to your hat!

Happy Birding!

Carol Griswold

Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter

PS I am way behind, but will try to catch up with my posts as I can!

Wednesday, May 7, 2014 Wandering Tattler

Seward, Alaska

The sun returned this afternoon, shining a bright light on all the newly emerged greenery, refreshed by the rain. I searched for the WANDERING TATTLER at Scheffler Creek, at first without success, up and down the rocky shoreline then back to the outlet. Then, there it was! Except for its yellow-orange legs, it easily melted into the surrounding gray-green rocks. Standing quietly above a little tide pool, it watched carefully for tiny fish then quickly plunged into the water to chase it down or nabbed it from the rock. It was fun to watch this avid fisher, more intent than any fisherman, fishing because its life did indeed depend on it.

Out in front, 4 GREATER SCAUP paddled and dove, possibly the same 3 males and one amorous female spotted yesterday. She sure had a lot of white around her bill and ears.

Over in a small Mt Ash tree, a KENAI SONG SPARROW sang his beautiful melody among the emerging green leaves, unperturbed by this paparazza clicking away.

At noon at the tide flats, I heard a clear descending "to-do." Eventually I discovered a SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER resting near a pair of GREEN-WINGED TEAL. A smattering of DUNLINS, about 12, fed along an intertidal stream; small flocks of peeps flew past.

At 5:30 pm, a flock of about 150 geese flew over town heading north.

That evening, Tasha and Jonah L. reported a MARBLED GODWIT (!) and one BLACK and one RUDDY TURNSTONE, very exciting finds!

And at 10:30 am, I heard the steady beeping of the little SAW-WHET OWL on Mt Marathon.

Happy Birding!

Carol Griswold

Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter