Monday, March 7, 2016 Great Blue Heron family

Seward, Alaska

Great Blue Herons, those long-legged, long-necked, long-billed, wading birds, live in Seward year-round. This hardy heron is the only member of its family to live so far north, and Seward is near the northern extent of its range. One Christmas Bird Count we found 11 herons! 

But that doesn't mean it's easy to find one of these secretive birds.

However, on this cloudy, gray afternoon, two adults and three youngsters stood in plain view on the historic pilings along the waterfront near B Street. Most of the time that I watched, they were hunkered down against the light rain, resting. 

One frisky young heron, done napping, put on quite a show, preening, stretching and flapping its wings, almost taking off, but somehow managing to remain mostly grounded.

It was quite a treat for all the lucky people passing by to see this remarkable Alaskan heron family!

Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter

PS I heard my first of year SAW-WHET OWL calling on March 4 from high up on Mt Marathon, but haven’t heard one since.









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