Seward, Alaska
Sunrise 4:36 am, sunset 11:21 pm for a total daylength of 18 hours and 45 minutes. Tomorrow will be 1 minute and 43 seconds longer.
Despite the persistent forecasts for constant rain, benevolent June so far has refused to allow any precipitation beyond a mysterious foggy morning and passing clouds. So, we’ll just have to wait and see if the forecast for week-long showers starting Friday pans out. Temps ranged from the high 40s overnight to the 60s by day, even up to 66.
I took a little stroll at Exit Glacier today, only making it as far as the 1926 bench on the paved trail. I heard fewer birds than last week as families are now busy with incubation and feeding new babies. I did enjoy watching a handsome male YELLOW WARBLER sing from his willow perch. Hidden in the full leafy canopy, I heard ORANGE-CROWNED, YELLOW-RUMPED, and WILSON’S WARBLERS.
Not far from the bench across the trail, a GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH sang his downward spiraling melody. Farther away, the blast of the VARIED THRUSH, and a lovely liquid HERMIT THRUSH. In the far distance, I heard a faint upwards spiraling SWAINSON’S THRUSH.
Near the picnic tables behind the Nature Center, a ROBIN snatched invertebrates from the dirt, including a fat caterpillar. Beak crammed full, she flew off to her waiting babies.
Nearby, a SLATE-COLORED JUNCO, and the raspberry blow of COMMON REDPOLLS flying overhead.
While near the 1917 bench, a beautiful Canadian Tiger Swallowtail fluttered past then landed on nearby dandelions to feed. I did not expect to see a swallowtail butterfly at Exit Glacier! Soon, an Arctic White (I think) butterfly arrived and aggressively chased the much larger swallowtail around and around in circles. How they can maneuver! However the dispute was resolved, the swallowtail soon returned and resumed feeding. What a treat!
Later, I learned that the Canadian Tiger Swallowtail overwinter in the chrysalis and emerge in May and June. This one must have emerged early as the forewings were already fading.
Nonetheless, the spectacular butterfly inspired and made my day, especially when I felt the light puff of air as it flew past. A butterfly kiss!
Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter
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