Seward, Alaska
Today I enjoyed watching 14 LESSER YELLOWLEGS feeding in the silty mud at the edge of a small intertidal creek. Singly or in small groups, they slowly waded along on their long, bright yellow legs, necks outstretched, swiping their bills rapidly from side-to-side. As the bills sliced through the water like tiny swords slashing, they gobbled up tiny, muddy, morsels. Big half-bubbles popped up to float decoratively alongside. I have never observed this fascinating method of feeding, and it sure looked effective.
A much larger adult Greater Yellowlegs rushed me from the wetlands, agitated at my presence. Perhaps there were even younger birds hidden nearby, still in need of protection.
A few fledging SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS hunted competently in the tide flats near a dozen parents and other adults. In the creek, eight young GREEN-WINGED TEAL ducklings quickly paddled off as their brave momma ran interference at great potential risk. Two SPOTTED SANDPIPERS called loudly along the shore, bobbing their tails.
The ARCTIC TERNS have largely departed. I only saw one fishing in front of the Scheffler Creek near the boat harbor. Their season has flashed by!
Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter
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