Seward,
Alaska
This
afternoon, I finally found the drake HOODED MERGANSER first reported by Tasha
on October 21. If it’s the same handsome bird, she figured this is his 8th
year!
A
MALLARD drake joined him at Stash and Store Pond where they both dove for
salmon eggs. I have seen Mallards diving before, a surprising sight each time.
They really like salmon eggs, but not all Mallards have figured out how to
dive.
This
Mallard stayed underwater for 5 seconds before bobbing back to the surface. Very
impressive for a dabbler! The Hooded Merganser stayed down slightly longer, 7
seconds. At times, it seemed the Hoody just seemed puzzled by this odd diving
companion.
A
HERRING GULL paddled over and by stretching its neck, managed to gobble up
salmon eggs as well. I finally got a
photo of the gull with an egg in its bill. It was tough because the gull was so
fast!
Area
streams are alive with the splashing and finning of returning Silver Salmon,
home to spawn. Their eggs and carcasses provide a much appreciated protein
boost for birds and other wildlife, and nitrogen for the land. What a
tremendous, beautiful gift, salmon!
Happy
Birding!
Carol
Griswold
Seward
Sporadic Bird Report Reporter
PS No sign of the Olive-backed Pipit today
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