Wednesday, June 3, 2015 Black Brant and Red Knots

Seward, Alaska

15 BLACK BRANT spotted recently in Resurrection Bay, landed at the tide’s edge this evening, accompanied by a pair of NORTHERN PINTAILS. This seems very late in the spring for Brant to still be migrating. It is also unusual to host them, especially such a large flock, in the Seward area at this time.

SOOTY SHEARWATERS and JAEGERS were also reported in the bay. Perhaps these birds are harbingers of more pelagic and unusual species pushed by the huge storm hovering out in the Gulf of Alaska.

The three RED KNOTS fed steadily, probing up to the entire length of their bills into the mud to find Macoma clams, which they tossed down whole. I was privileged to watch first the breeding plumage male, then a second Knot take a bath and then preen while the third continued to feed.

They have come a very long ways, and still have a long journey ahead. The deadline to start raising a family up north is rapidly approaching. I hope they make it!

Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold

Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter



















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