Cloudy, calm, and balmy today at 34º.
I tried to beat the high tide at Afognak Beach this morning but failed. Nonetheless, I felt rewarded by the sight of 38 BRANT (BLACK) feeding at the tideline by the point, gabbling softly. As the tide submerged their dining table, they split into smaller groups. Some paddled across in front of me, seeking other fare. After a time, they all flew off around the corner. So amazing to see Brant in these numbers, especially in February!
I checked out the Lagoon at the Benny Benson Park in town and found a lovely COMMON GOLDENEYE hen and one BUFFLEHEAD hen. A recently killed and lightly scavenged duck lay under an ice cornice in the shallows. Despite the recent tragedy, the remaining ducks carried on, probably grateful it wasn’t yet their turn in the food web.
Cruising along the Waterfront, a flurry of gulls caught my attention. I pulled up to find about a dozen Steller Sea Lions surging and splashing quite close to shore (thanks to the high tide). So cool to hear them breathe explosively as they surfaced and dove. The MEW, GLAUCOUS-WINGED, and at least two immature THAYER’S GULLS cried in excitement as they hovered over the sea lions, hoping for scraps.
To my surprise, about ten BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKES, including one in breeding plumage, joined the fray. It seemed early to have so many Kittiwakes in town. Completely disappearing when they plunged in, they frequently emerged with a small, slender fish which they gobbled down before it was stolen.
Chuck at the ASLC said the fish were herring. Another local said they were hatched from here, not migrating from afar, and that they were on time. I know the harbor is a popular nursery for herring. If these babies were on a Sunday outing, it sure turned into a bonanza for the birds and sea lions!
Of note, fishing boats are not delivering pollock to local seafood processors due to reduced quotas, so the birds (and sea lions) are especially hungry and appreciative of the herring.
More birds paddled or flew in: COMMON and RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS, HARLEQUINS, and BARROW’S GOLDENEYES. About 10 MARBLED MURRELETS called and dove farther offshore.
It was a birding bonanza!
A wild-eyed black Lab swam out to visit the boiling cauldron of sea lions. When he got right in their midst, he must have realized there was much, much more than met the eye from shore, and he slap-splashed back to safety. Dangerous passion!
A short time later along Lowell Point Road, I spotted three GREATER SCAUP, two males and a female, diving in a raft of about 40 BARROW’S GOLDENEYES. More Marbled Murrelets paddled off shore, as well a very small raft of 7 SURF SCOTERS. Their numbers are much, much lower than normal.
Meanwhile, Sulli at last found three SHORT-EARED OWLS simultaneously at the airport, hunting. Counting the one the Ravens killed, and the one at Tonsina, there may have been five in the area this winter. Outstanding!
He also relocated 30 Brant, 2 EURASIAN WIGEON, 3 AMERICAN WIGEON, 3 pair NORTHERN PINTAIL, and 17 GADWALL (!).
On his way from Anchorage, he verified the CASSIN’S FINCH female is still at Jonah’s feeder in Moose Pass.
Ava reported a single GRAY-CROWNED ROSY-FINCH at her feeders, a rare bird this winter for Seward. She said the Sharp-shinned Hawks have been stirring up her feeder birds. Lots of excitement today!
Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter
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