Wednesday, March 25, 2020 More signs of Spring!

Seward, Alaska

A few more signs of Spring today including a brisk south wind that blew in just before noon, a few more NORTHERN PINTAILS and GREEN-WINGED TEAL, and a RAVEN quietly sitting in her sturdy cliffside nest.

Over in the Seward Boat Harbor, a willing female COMMON GOLDENEYE floated flat out and partially submerged. Her oblivious beloved paddled slowly away with her fading hopes of starting a family. Nearby, a pair of BUFFLEHEAD, North America’s smallest diving duck, dove for underwater invertebrates, both focused on food for now.

I checked the Mariner’s Memorial next where NW Crows, Gulls, and a few feral Pigeons can usually be found pecking at treats left for them. This time, three pigeons scratched away on the ice to find frozen tidbits. 

Suddenly a much larger male PIGEON flew in, landed, and began vocalizing. He sported an enormous crop and an iridescent purple and green head and cape.  He immediately attacked an unsuspecting male, grabbing feathers around the face and ruff with his bill. A fierce battle ensued with much flailing of wings, and pecking. Fortunately, no eyes were poked, or blood drawn. The vanquished male finally broke free and flew off intact.

If the nearby female Pigeons were impressed, they didn’t show it. 

Everything in good time. Spring is in the air but not necessarily romance. Yet.

Happy Birding!

Carol Griswold

Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter

Tuesday, March 24, 2020 Signs of Spring: Lapland Longspurs!

Seward, Alaska

Somehow, Seward soared to a high of 54º yesterday and 52º today. Suddenly, huge leads developed in frozen ponds and wetlands, attracting TRUMPETER SWANS and ducks to the newly revealed food sources.

I discovered the resident Trumpeter Swan family with three cygnets all cozy together again at the back of the Nash Road wetlands today. Their previous separation remains inexplicable. Another family with one cygnet occupied another small open area nearby, also feeding on the soggy vegetation.

At Fourth of July Beach, two First of Season LAPLAND LONGSPURS flitted ahead of me in the beach rye grass, a sure sign of spring. I spotted a PIGEON GUILLEMOT in breeding plumage with the usual PELAGIC CORMORANT, HARLEQUINS, and BARROW’S GOLDENEYES.

100s of dead and dry Euphasids, a type of krill, lined up at the high tide line. This is a spring phenomenon as well. I also found a dead Herring with beautiful blue dots along its back.

Overhead, three HERRING GULLS called plaintively. These may be new migrants as the species is fairly scarce in the winter.

Though there may be a lot of snow and ice left, the appearance of huge puddles, meltwater, widening leads, pussy willows bursting from their buds, blooming crocuses, and a trickle of new migrants speaks loudly of Spring.

Happy Birding!

Carol Griswold

Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter

Sunday, March 22, 2020 Barrow's Goldeneyes and Surf Scoters

Seward, Alaska

A few more photos of our beautiful sea ducks: 

BARROW’S GOLDENEYES and SURF SCOTERS.

Happy Birding!

Carol Griswold

Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter

Friday, March 20, 2020 Swan-day!

Seward, Alaska

What a day for TRUMPETER SWANS! 

Ten Trumpeter Swans clustered well within the recommended 6’ personal space, feeding in a recent opening in the ice at the rear of the Nash Road wetlands. The stoic pair apparently gave up defending this frozen nesting site, at least for now.

However, the three resident cygnets that just yesterday fed in the company of their doting parents at the Lagoon, were suddenly all alone, abandoned. I wonder how the parents ditched them? Must have been quite a scene!

The two adults that were spotted on Monday were again cruising along the shore by Scheffler Creek. As many businesses, schools, and government offices are closed, a lot of folks were out walking their dogs along the beach, making the Swans a bit nervous. 

Every day seems like a Saturday now for many. I'm grateful we can still enjoy the great Outdoors. May everyone stay healthy!

Happy Birding!

Carol Griswold

Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter

Friday March 20, 2020 Barrow’s Goldeneye underwater

Seward, Alaska

The tide completely covered the lower intertidal zone, barnacles, mussels, and algae along the Seward Boat Harbor breakwater. 

A determined BARROW’S GOLDENEYE drake did not let this deter him from a meal. He dove repeatedly, sinking slightly before the barrel-roll dive, then propelled himself with his large, orange webbed feet held out perpendicular to his body.

I felt privileged to watch him from above as he roved around, poking and prodding the sessile animals clinging to the rocks. After about 40 seconds he effortlessly rose to the surface and emerged glistening but not wet in his warm, waterproof suit. Then down again, and up. 

As his bill remained closed after every dive, I assume he swallowed his prey underwater (or didn’t get anything).

He seemed to be the only one willing to dive for his dinner. Perhaps the others were content to wait a bit for the tide to recede and make the meal more accessible.

Meanwhile, it sure was fascinating to watch!

Happy Birding!

Carol Griswold

Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter