Seward, Alaska
A
chilly, dark, fall afternoon; sn’rain spit intermittently at sea level while
snow accumulated on the mountainsides. A good day to bird from the car. I
parked by the Mariners’ Memorial on the harbor uplands to look for seabirds.
Immediately, my attention switched from dot birds to a majestic flotilla of six
TRUMPETER SWANS, two adults and four cygnets, paddling directly below me along
the rocky breakwater, honking softly. They looked apprehensive and
uncomfortable in this unusual habitat, as well they should.
I
snapped a few photos from my car blind. The leader lowered his/her head to take
a sip of saltwater, and unsurprised, raised its long neck to swallow it down.
No one followed suit or stopped paddling. I watched them slowly disappear
around the corner into the entrance of the Seward Boat Harbor. Hmmm, sez I, I
wonder if I could sneak over to the fish cleaning station on the nearby float
and catch them steaming into the boat harbor? So I did! We had about the same
distance to cover, but I walked faster than they paddled.
Shortly
after hiding myself behind the cover of the fish cleaning station, sure enough,
here comes the leader with all four cygnets paddling in a line behind him/her
with the other adult guarding the rear. The lead adult nervously stretched its
magnificent, powerful wings, then resumed the impromptu tour.
Despite
the lousy weather, of all things, a boat decided to head out. The swans moved
to the other side as the delighted skipper took a few photos on his way out.
One does not often have to navigate around swans here! Another boat snorted to
life and the swans milled about, not very happy about this alien scene. A few BLACK-LEGGED
KITTIWAKES, MEW GULLS, and GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULLS circled hopefully over the
fish cleaning station, a harbor seal popped its shiny head up to look at the
new visitors; a sea otter nonchalantly cruised backwards, oblivious, crunching noisily
on a mussel.
Hey
kids! What doesn’t belong in this habitat? The swans took the hint and were
soon beating their giant wings and running along the water next to the US Coast
Guard Cutter Mustang, gaining momentum and lift-off. They soared over the tall
harbor lights, over the coal loading conveyor, and aimed for the familiar wetlands
at the head of the bay. THIS Sunday afternoon expedition was over, and the lesson
learned.
I
stayed a bit longer to enjoy the sight and sounds of the sea otter,
enthusiastically smacking on yet another mussel as a SONG SPARROW sang from the
breakwater, and NORTHWESTERN CROWS cawed nearby. I wonder what they thought of
those big, white, long-necked visitors from another world in their boat harbor?
Happy
Birding!
Carol
Griswold
Seward
Sporadic Bird Report Reporter
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