Seward, Alaska
Sunrise 4:53 am, sunset 10:57
pm for a total day length of 18 hours and 03 minutes. Tomorrow will be 3
minutes and 45 seconds longer.
Sunny
skies rocketed the thermometer to 67ยบ this afternoon, tempered by a strong
south wind. The forecast predicts sunshine until next Tuesday (!) with steadily
rising temperatures into the high 70s, a heat wave for Seward. Summer is already
upon us.
“I hear a crane!” Much to my
amazement, a single SANDHILL CRANE flew high overhead from the north. Its
occasional bugling cries sounded so sad. I wonder why it is not with its
buddies? Hopefully, it will get turned around and head back north soon.
More excitement over at the
Nash Road mile 1 wetlands: The TRUMPETER SWAN eggs hatched sometime over the
weekend. Their most excellent mother sat on her nest incubating the eggs
through April’s snows, heavy rain, and hail. At times, she looked exhausted,
lying prone, neck outstretched, wilted.. The expectant dad hovered nearby,
always guarding.
Her diligent efforts were so
worthwhile! Now, six extremely cute, snow-white cygnets paddle after their
stately parents, learning how to find food. All the swans seem to relish the
water horsetails and the insects clinging to the stalks. The babies mill about
when either parent goes tail-up and their long neck and head disappear
underwater. Good trick, dad! It will be fun to watch this new family grow.
As we were leaving, we
spotted a moose standing alongside the road ahead. We pulled forward and
parked. It crossed right behind the car and vanished quickly into the willows.
Magic and wonder abounds!
Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Seward Sporadic Bird Report
Reporter
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