Seward, Alaska
While checking the returning sockeye and king salmon in the Lagoon this morning, I heard a BELTED KINGFISHER rattling like his life depended on it. It did, in the shape of a MERLIN hot on its tail! The Kingfisher managed to pull away and the Merlin veered off into the spruce where a gang of MAGPIES mercilessly announced its presence.
Then
I spotted a flock of birds smaller than the usual Pigeons, but larger than
Crossbills or Pine Siskins, flying rapidly over the Lagoon in a tight flock heading
north. Fortunately, they landed in one of the ghost trees in the former horse
pasture. When they began chirring, I just about flipped! BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS! I
counted 17, including 3 juveniles.
These beautiful birds usually show up later
in the fall and winter until all the Mt Ash berries are devoured. Right now,
those berries are just starting to ripen, but maybe they don't mind green ones.
It's fall migration time; be
alert for delightful surprises!
Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter
