Seward, Alaska
Tiny specks in the distance dotted the deep blue sky above the Resurrection River valley, sandwiched between the mountains. I would never have seen them without the sharp eyes of my companion. Even with binoculars, I could barely see the white heads and tails. I took photos and later counted 39 BALD EAGLES in one soaring kettle and 23 in another. At least 62 Eagles spiraled around and around, aided by the south wind.
It seems late for these Eagles to be migrating; most locals are nesting. It’s also unusual for them to be so far from the bay and hooligan (euchalon) action. I have no idea why. Fascinating!
Meanwhile, a blizzard of gulls, mostly GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULLS and BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKES feasted on hooligan and a smaller fish (salmon smolt? Herring?) in the Resurrection River.
I didn’t know Glaucous-winged Gulls could hover, but hover they did with considerable effort, to get a fix on the hooligan. Then, down they dove, splashing into the water and frequently emerged with a fish. Others rode the river like a shrieking conveyor belt, effortlessly scooping up fish, then flew back upstream for another float-and-eat-and-screech down.
The smaller Kittiwakes had trouble gobbling up the hooligan and seemed to haul their fish off to eat, which subjected them to piracy. The Arctic Terns were absent; the hooligan were much too large.
Nine or more Bald Eagles perched on nearby snags or just the sand, watching. Occasionally one would barrel through, scattering the crowd, chasing a Gull for dinner. I did not witness any success. An immature, perhaps 3 or 4 years old, dined peacefully on a flounder.
Forty or more Steller sea lions piled up at the river mouth, feasting on hooligan and, presumably, the first run of red salmon. They flowed as one, at flipper’s length or closer, swimming back and forth along the ever-moving tideline. Their bellows could be heard a mile away. Four Harbor Seals cautiously poked up their shiny heads for a look around then silently slipped back into the water.
Human snaggers flogged the water from above for reds, some more lucky than others. Fishers, all.
I watched a NORTHWESTERN CROW repeatedly fly up with a clam in its beak, drop it from a height, and follow it back down. Unfortunately for the Crow, the sand proved too soft to open the treat. The Crow told the world about this sorry state of affairs.
Later, four Crows harassed a molting immature Eagle, maybe the same 3 to 4-year old. They were very persistent, perhaps guarding a nesting territory, and drove the huge bird away.
On this day of wonders, the big surprise was 10 CACKLING GEESE flying above the beach. I thought this migration was over, but maybe not.
Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter
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