Seward, Alaska
Sunrise 9:28 am, sunset 4:54
pm for a total day length of 7 hours and 25 minutes. Tomorrow will be 4 minutes
and 41 seconds longer.
Winter descended with a
vengeance today as temperatures ranged from a high of 12 to a low of 9º. An angry
north wind blasted from 26-37 mph, punctuated by gusts to 58 mph. Loose snow
scurried across the landscape and down streets in whirling white streamers,
often obscuring visibility. Warming temperatures to the high 20s and snow are
forecast for tomorrow, with a peek at the sun for the Saturday Polar Bear Jump.
A male RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER
that appeared at a secluded residence on Tuesday, January 23rd
endured the cold and wind today, possibly reconsidering his decision to visit
Seward. The homeowner wondered if this is the same individual that appeared
last year; otherwise, it’s an incredible coincidence that another Red-breasted
Sapsucker just happened to find the same spruce trunk to huddle against, and
the same suet feeders to dine. The mystery is, of course, where did he come
from and where did he go?
The feeder is not easily
viewed, so please respect the homeowner’s privacy. It’s nice to know this
handsome bird is here.
Speaking of suet,
recommendations for the best kind of the many choices commercially available is
appreciated. Unfortunately, I rip off the wrapper and fail to record which
flavor is preferred or shunned by the PINE SISKINS, COMMON REDPOLLS, RED-BREASTED
NUTHATCHES, BLACK-CAPPED and CHESTNUT-BACKED CHICKADEES, DOWNY and HAIRY
WOODPECKERS, and of course the RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER.
As daylight increased, my 5
pm boarder became more visible; it’s a BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE roosting in the
deck nest box. It looks so tiny, perched on a bare branch shaking in the cold
wind, waiting for me to move along so it can slip into bed and sleep through
the long night. I’ll keep those feeders filled for you and your friends. See
you tomorrow!
Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Seward Sporadic Bird Report
Reporter
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