Monday, October 7, 2014 From the Ocean to the Ice and Out into Space


Seward, Alaska

Seward is an astonishing, spectacular place. While watching the STELLER'S EIDER dive and preen at Fourth of July beach, I also took notice of the golden cottonwood leaves framing Godwin Glacier. Jellies, symmetrical, graceful aliens from the ocean universe, pulsed gently just feet from the beach, their last gasp at the end of their brief life cycle. Others glistened along the shore, gelatin masterpieces.

A short drive up Resurrection River valley led to Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park. The crisp air smelled like fall, all of summer's memories captured in the faded cottonwood leaves rustling across the trail.

Fourteen snow-white mountain goats dotted the steep mountainside; two rested regally at the very top, with a royalty's view of their kingdom. Exit Glacier lay half in shadow, half in sun, a suiting description of the season.

Shortly after sunset, a stunning moon popped over the mountains framing Resurrection Bay. A GREAT BLUE HERON squawked overhead, circling; an adult BALD EAGLE veered away from its last minute, futile attempt at dinner.

And over at the Seward Founder's Monument, the weathervane train tipped to the north, north to the future; the lights of the Seward shipyard glowed along the shore.

From the ocean, to the beaches, the wetlands, coastal rainforest, to the mountains and ice, and out to space, may Seward cherish her beauty, birds, wild life and habitat while embracing the businesses that seek success. It is a challenging partnership.

Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter













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