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
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