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
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