Seward, Alaska
Another mild, calm, overcast day with unseasonably warm temperatures continuing in the 40s.
I drove slowly along Lowell Point Road, stopping at pullouts to enjoy the seabirds. A frenzy of Gulls, mostly GLAUCOUS-WINGED and MEW GULLS, with a sprinkling of BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKES, flocked and squawked at the seafood processing plant.
The only vessel on the bay besides the outward-bound USCG Cutter Mustang, was the Alaska Sealife Center seabird survey crew doing their monthly count.
They reported the Gulls, lots of BARROW’S GOLDENEYES and a good number of MARBLED MURRELETS, an unusual PIGEON GUILLEMOT (not usually here in November), several COMMON LOONS, a possible YELLOW-BILLED LOON (not confirmed), and seven GREAT BLUE HERONS perched on the blue coal dipper just outside the harbor. Other expected species included MALLARDS, COMMON GOLDENEYES, HARLEQUIN DUCKS, SURF SCOTERS, COMMON MERGANSERS, HORNED GREBES, and PELAGIC CORMORANTS.
A raft of handsome Barrow’s Goldeneyes paddled serenely just offshore until the leaders dove, followed by successive ranks until no birds were visible. After a short time, they popped up nearby and resumed hunting.
I enjoyed watching and listening to a pair of Marbled Murrelets in winter plumage call to each other as they paddled side by side before diving in synchrony. They swam a surprising distance before reappearing.
Two COMMON LOONS fished successfully just off Lowell Point Beach. So great to see Loons!
To my amazement, there were many dozens of tiny sea stars and a few baby green sea urchins and clams scattered along the wrack on the west end of the beach like stars fallen from the sky. I have never seen this. A scientist at the ASLC speculated that the warmer water temperature may be responsible. It would be interesting to learn if this phenomenon is occurring in Kachemak Bay, Kodiak, or other coastal communities.
I was fascinated by the miniatures and arranged them for photographs. Even in death, they added beauty and mystery to a continually changing, dynamic environment.
Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter 
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