Seward, Alaska
Sunny streak ends as clouds
and light rain moved in.
Every day brings more
migratory birds, some to stay, some to stage, all to celebrate.
At least a 100 or more
VIOLET-GREEN and TREE SWALLOWS flew overhead at the head of the bay like a
swarm of bees or wind-swirled leaves, layers and layers of fast-moving specks.
I almost got dizzy trying to look at individuals. The Violet-green Swallows
flashed a large white flank patch that nearly encircles the rump. When the
slightly larger Tree Swallows turned, they gleamed a steely blue instead of a green
back. The closer Tree Swallows zipping past also showed a corresponding darker
face. What a treat to see so many!
In the pond were the usual
AMERICAN WIGEON, NORTHERN PINTAILS, MALLARDS, GREEN-WINGED TEAL, NORTHERN
SHOVELERS, and a lone female CANVASBACK
and SCAUP. Peeps and a few SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHERS clustered along the edge.
PECTORAL SANDPIPERS scurried through the sedges and at the tideline, resembling
giant Least Sandpipers.
Seven GREATER WHITE-FRONTED
GEESE and 8 CACKLING GEESE grazed in the sedge meadows. The single SANDHILL
CRANE, that has been here at least since May 7, displayed as I passed. He must be lonely!
ARCTIC TERN courtship
continued; such a tender show of prowess, consideration, and grace. I am
ecstatic that they returned!
Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Seward Sporadic Bird Report
Reporter
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