Seward, Alaska
Another gorgeous, sunny day! As expected the north wind woke up and rattled around; the thermometer hovered in the mid 20s.
I cherry-picked today, hopping around different areas to nail down species for Count Week while enjoying repeats.
On the morning walk before dawn, an unexpected delight: a DIPPER fishing in the little anadromous stream burbling along Second Ave from First Lake. We detoured around so as not to disturb his breakfast.
Not so delightful, about 260 ROCK PIGEONS packed on the powerlines waiting for the nearby homeowner to fling out a big scoop of bird seed in a big arc on the lawn for them.
A few blocks away, the handsome red (interior) FOX SPARROW scrummaged in the dry leaves near a feeder; two GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROWS flew overhead. Three VARIED THRUSHES gathered near a Mt Ash tree, cautiously waiting to dine. About 15 PINE SISKINS pecked industriously at the withered berries in another Mt Ash; I wondered if they eat the fruit or are finding invertebrates? Nearby PINE GROSBEAKS juiced them.
Later, at Ava’s Place, a single BOHEMIAN WAXWING bobbed in the wind on its Mayday branch. A rugged RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET clung like Velcro to the side of a peanut butter log, pecking precious calories bit by tiny bit. Both a HAIRY and a DOWNY WOODPECKER gouged big chunks out of the suet feeders, sending sprays to the DARK-EYED JUNCOS and one WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL scavenging below. RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES and BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEES whizzed back and forth with their breakfast treats, chatting away.
Yesterday, I did not find any Bald Eagles. Today, I saw several flying and enjoyed watching two adults perched high on spy poles. The brisk north wind ruffled their feathers and played havoc with their regal hairdos. Both exhibited extreme patience, standing and watching to the left, to the right, to the front, to the back, below, and repeat. Watching and waiting.
A large flock of COMMON MERGANSERS lounged in the lee of the Uplands breakwater. I found a few RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS in their midst. Small rafts of BARROW’S GOLDENEYES fished in scattered groups all along the shoreline. NORTHWESTERN CROWS flew up with mussels and let them cascade to the rocks below to open. MEW GULLS and GLACOUS-WINGED GULLS soared and circled in the wind over the boat harbor.
Over at Fourth of July Beach, I found a few HARLEQUIN DUCKS, one HORNED GREBE, a few more BARROW’S GOLDENEYES, and Gulls.
On the way back from the beach, I pulled over at the north viewpoint on Nash Road, now overgrown and mostly obscured by trees. Using my binoculars, I peered between the branches to the bay far below. Yes! I counted at least 10 TRUMPETER SWANS feeding on the eel grass. The count was tricky as the wind blew the tree branches around and I had no clear view. There could have been a few more. I also checked the wetlands at Mile 1 and there, far in the back was the resident Trumpeter Swan family, still feeding in the open area between the newly formed ice.
I expect the ice to grow and seal up much of the now open water, at least on the shallower wetlands, ponds, and lakes. This will push the Swans and ducks to the open water at Bear Lake, the inlets, and to the bay. The colder weather may also push songbirds to feeders.
We shall see!
Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter
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