Seward, Alaska
While watching an immense white cloud of gulls rise and fall like a snow storm at the far-off water’s edge, a dark bird shot overhead, flying swiftly due north towards the mountains. I whipped out my camera and started firing off images. Nothing but mystery tail-shots until finally, it turned sideways: a LONG-TAILED JAEGER!
What a surprise! I wonder if it is nesting in the alpine tundra feeding on small mammals and insects then commuting to the bay to steal fish? What a stunning bird with those long streamers! Watch out, Gertrude McFuzz!
Soon afterwards, I first heard, then saw two WHIMBRELS flying up and away towards the mountains to the east. They circled high, framed by snowy mountains in the background, then flew back to the wetlands. Five were seen on Sunday, way out at low tide. It seems late for them to still be here; I am not aware of any previous nesting Whimbrels in the Seward area.
A WILSON’S SNIPE rocketed out of the grasses, the first glimpse of one relatively close. All the others have been winnowing specks in the sky. This species is known to nest here.
Later in the afternoon, visiting birders Toby and Laura Burke estimated that there were at least 20,000 gulls out on the tide flats, a truly incredible number.
Never know what you’re going to find in this surprising place!
Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter
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