Monday, June 15, 2015 Caspian Terns!

Seward, Alaska

Sunrise 4:32 am, sunset 11:24 pm, for a total day length of 18 hours and 52 minutes. Tomorrow will be 58 seconds longer.

The sunny, extraordinary, atypical, warm weather continues. Today’s high was an astounding 80º! The south breeze, indoor fans, and plenty of water helped to keep at least some sunburnt Alaskans from succumbing to heat stroke. Tomorrow is forecast to be even warmer: 81º. Whew! HOT! A chance of rain is possible, but not for another WEEK. This is incredible!

Also incredible were three CASPIAN TERNS spotted along the waterfront. Their long, slender wings looked like flippers flapping, the dark undersides of the wing tips flashing. Most notable was the huge red bill like a bird clown, leading the show.

This species is uncommon here but not unexpected. One tern took an interest in me and obligingly circled overhead as my camera clicked away, expressing its opinion in a loud, harsh voice. Hard to say thumbs up or down, as that is apparently the only voice it has. Regardless of the review, I was thrilled!

Completely opposite in habit, a stealthy, silent, GREAT BLUE HERON adult in the distance froze like a weathered branch, dismayed to be discovered. These amazing birds live here year-round, and yet are often invisible for many days or weeks. It is not known where they nest.

With weather like Hawaii’s, I expect to see Laysan Albatrosses any day.

Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold

Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter







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