Tern Lake and Seward
On my way home from Anchorage
yesterday, I stopped at Tern Lake. Though the sun had already sailed behind the
mountains, casting the serene lake into shadows, the TRUMPETER SWAN family was easy to
see. As I watched from my car blind, the single cygnet led its parents to an
apparently choice dining spot conveniently located right next to the road.
They reached down deep with
their long necks, tails up, large webbed feet flailing the air, gobbling down
long strands of aquatic plants. After what seemed to be a long time, down went the tail and up came the head, often with strands of salad dangling.
A few MALLARDS swam between
them, snatching bits of left-overs. Behind them, a small raft of SCAUP napped
with their heads tucked in. COMMON MERGANSERS dove nearby, probably chasing small fish.
Traffic was light, but
several vehicles stopped. People popped out and walked right up to the
feeding swans with whatever camera or phone they had to snap photos. I was
amazed at the tolerance of the swans; the cygnet especially seemed totally unconcerned.
I hope this naivety does not bring harm to these magnificent swans.
Today, I spotted the Nash
Road Trumpeter Swan family feeding at the Lagoon, at the north end by the
boardwalk. The parking lot of full of heavy machinery and noise from the
underground power line project and the paving project. The Swans did not seem
to mind a bit.
I slowly and quietly
approached, partially screened by the surrounding trees to watch and take
photos. The three cygnets looked so big and healthy! This family too, did a lot
of tipping, but it seemed that usually one Swan kept its head above water, watching. Over
the course of the afternoon, the Swans paddled down to the south end to feed, giving all who noticed them a big thrill.
Seward is very fortunate
indeed to be graced by these five resident swans. It will be interesting to see
if they too, stay all winter.
Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Seward Sporadic Bird Report
Reporter
