Overcast continues with light rain, mostly calm, low 40s
Twenty GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE flew overhead at 2:45 pm. After a clear deliberation of whether to continue or rest, they voted with their wings and kept going. Still plenty of time to get to the next rest stop, maybe the Kenai Flats.
While photographing one of three BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS, I happened to also include a SANDERLING that Robin C discovered on Sunday. Seward very infrequently hosts this species, especially one that arrived so early it is still in winter plumage. The DUSKY CANADA GOOSE continued, notable for its dark plumage and large size.
I heard an immature MEW GULL squawking and carrying on more than normal. A pair of adults, presumably its once devoted parents, were trying to drive it away with close flybys, false charges, and then actual bill to body contact. The youngster finally got the unbelievable message and relative peace resumed.
A couple PACIFIC GOLDEN-PLOVERS were reported; I'm still hoping to see one.
Over at Spring Creek Beach, about 24 HARLEQUIN DUCKS in breeding plumage rested on the little rock jetty, almost covering the rocks with their chestnut and brown coloration. About 40 SURF SCOTERS bunched up along the tide’s edge at Fourth of July Creek. It seems that these ducks may be gathering in anticipation of migrating to newly thawed streams and lakes to nest.
BALD EAGLES have reclaimed their nests, often one perched at the nest tree and the other nearby. No incubation yet.
Around 6:30 pm, I heard the first faint, magical bugling of SANDHILL CRANES! High overhead flew a mixed flock of 44 SANDHILL CRANES and Geese. I was somewhat surprised to see the Geese totally intermixed with the Cranes in the undulating line. A few minutes later, another high flock of 25 SANDHILL CRANES flew over. A friend saw flocks heading up the Resurrection River Valley, also possibly heading to the Kenai flats.
Around 7 pm, I happened to look up and saw a large bird silently soaring past, high up, barely stroking. My first thought was Bald Eagle, but a closer look revealed a single SANDHILL CRANE. Who knows if it was ahead or behind; it was just unusual to see it all alone. I hope it found its flock!
Another large flock of over 200 Geese passed overhead around 7:30 pm. Some friends reported being woken around 2 am by a noisy flock of Geese; not sure if they were having a party or flying overhead.
Here’s a link to a good article on Canadian Geese flying at night:
Pinch me, it’s really Spring! The Cranes and Geese are here!
Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter
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