Seward, Alaska
Sunrise 7:17 am, sunset 8:46
pm for a total daylight of 13 hours and 28 minutes. Tomorrow will be 5 minutes
and 29 seconds longer.
March went out with a
flourish of brilliant sunshine, blue sky, and a high of 58ยบ. April, however,
came in swinging with rain/sleet squalls, spangles of sun, temperamental wind
swings, and temps in the mid-30s to lower 40s.
Concealed in those dark
clouds, propelled by the strong south winds, were a few fresh spring migrants.
Four GREATER SCAUP, 3 drakes and a hen, and two pairs of GREEN-WINGED TEAL
joined the flock of two dozen NORTHERN PINTAILS. Spring merged on the pond with the overwintering
MALLARDS, BUFFLEHEAD, COMMON GOLDENEYES, and COMMON MERGANSERS.
I heard a short
“Crrrrrickkkk!” and turned in time to see about 10 passerines lift up and dive
down into the flattened, straw-colored beach rye grass. By watching carefully,
I finally spotted a handsome LAPLAND LONGSPUR male scurrying under the
haphazard dead stalks punctuated by brave, green, vertical shoots. Despite the
bright chestnut collar and striking black, white, chestnut, and yellow
coloration, it was impossible to spot the others until they flew up and away.
These may be the same birds I heard on March 29th.
As another squall hit with
stinging rain, I drove over to mile 1 Nash Road. The resident parent TRUMPETER
SWANS were quietly feeding. Yesterday, I saw the female sitting on the nest for
a short time, but apparently she is not quite ready to incubate. Their four
cygnets have not been seen since March 21st.
Also on April 1st,
six GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULLS hunted earthworms migrating across the street. How
did they know? What smart, opportunistic birds! A CANADA GOOSE, unknown subspecies, was reported in
the Seward Boat Harbor and along the waterfront.
Since March 26, I have heard
VARIED THRUSHES singing in town. As none
were reported this winter, these are likely spring arrivals. A very bright male
ROBIN popped up as well, so handsome! At least two WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS
continue to sing in the neighborhood, occasionally giving chase.
On March 29th,
Tasha reported a THAYER’S GULL, LONG-TAILED DUCK drake, and two EURASIAN
WIGEONS. The squally weather made it difficult to refind any of them, but it’s
nice to know they were here.
As the sky once again darkens
with thick clouds, I’m looking and listening for more spring deliveries.
Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Seward Sporadic Bird Report
Reporter
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