Seward, Alaska
Sunrise 9:05 am, sunset 5:19 pm, for a total daylength of 8 hours and 14 minutes. Tomorrow will be 5 minutes and 5 seconds longer.
The past several weeks of single digit temperatures, strong winds, winter weather advisories, and a 6-8” snow dump finally relented. Temps reached a surprising 38ยบ today with 12 mph north wind. Snow/rain with temps in the low-mid 30s forecast for the week.
Ever-vigilant Tasha discovered a remarkable 44 BRANT feeding in the tide flats at the head of the bay this morning. Coincidentally, eBird Alert for February 2 reported BRANT in Sitka 4, Skagway 1, Gustavus 2, Homer 2, and Kodiak 2.
When I found them a short time later feeding at the tideline, a single TRUMPETER SWAN walked warily along the flats accompanied by hopeful MALLARDS. Jonah L spotted a NORTHERN PINTAIL drake nearby, a rare winter visitor. At 3 pm, 4 Trumpeter Swans were reported along with the Brant.
On Tuesday, Robin C reported that a BALD EAGLE killed a GREAT BLUE HERON at the Lagoon. I haven’t even seen a Great Blue Heron since the Christmas Bird Count!
On Wednesday, Robin C reported a female NORTHERN PINTAIL at the Lagoon in town.
As strong winter storms continue to roll across the Gulf of Alaska, keep an eye out for the potential delivery of other unusual visitors.
Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter
No comments:
Post a Comment