Seward, Alaska
The new hotspot along the waterfront at the base of
Madison Street was even hotter today. I’m glad I stopped to check as I
immediately spotted two large, very white gulls floating quietly among the
other gulls. GLAUCOUS GULLS! They mostly just watched the feeding frenzy as
other birds dove on herring swimming close to shore.
A few more breeding plumage BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKES mixed in
with the MEW and GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULLS. The other gulls mercilessly and noisily
chased any successful gull that did not immediately devour its prize. It sure
seemed like a lot of wasted energy!
It was fun to watch, and wonder if any of these other gulls might
be unusual as well. There are so many different age groups, molts, and subtle
differences to consider!
Another new arrival (for me) was two RED-NECKED GREBES that
cautiously paddled around the outskirts of the action.
At the head of the bay, I found a single AMERICAN WIGEON in
the distance, walking along the tidelands, loosely associated with MALLARDS,
also foraging.
Thanks to Steve Heinl who verified my Glaucous Gull identification,
and added that they are both second cycle birds. Although one has a pronounced
roundish head, it still has a short primary projection. An Iceland Gull would
look slim and long-winged, and furthermore, the palest Iceland Gulls that are
white are also the smallest in the group.
I’ll keep looking and studying gulls;
it’s a daily and lifetime challenge.
Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter
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