Seward, Alaska
Despite the cold and bracing wind, spring crept into the Alaska Sealife Center bird habitat.
King Eiders, Smew, Harlequin Ducks, Pigeon Guillemots, Rhinoceros Auklets, and Common Murres are in beautiful breeding plumage. The Tufted Puffins are in various stages of growing their tufts but the Horned Puffins seem a bit behind as are the Long-tailed Ducks.
Today, a male TUFTED PUFFIN proudly paraded around with a bill-full of dried grasses. Tasha noted that males are banded on the right foot. This one transferred from SeaWorld Orlando, Florida to help mix up the genetics, hence his name, “Orlando.” He’s 18 years old and paired with a much younger babe named Sequoia. I hope Sequoia was impressed with his initiative!
It’s sure fun to observe these subtle and stunning plumage changes and behaviors up close, likely mirroring the wild seabirds, without getting seasick!
Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter
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