Seward, Alaska
Sunrise 4:30 am, sunset 11:17 pm for a total daylength of 18 hours and 38 minutes. Tomorrow will be 2 minutes and 14 seconds longer.
Chilly south wind at 15-20 mph sucked most of the heat out of the afternoon’s high of 57ยบ. Showers in the forecast for the next few days; despite all the greenery, we really need a good soaker.
On Friday, June 5, at least six MALLARD ducklings zipped among the horsetails at the Mile 1 Nash Road wetlands. They are so light, they actually seemed to hydroplane. Momma did not seem particularly concerned when they wandered off. While they were otherwise occupied, she was busy with an amazing feat. Several times, she did was dabblers are not supposed to do: dive! Down she went with a splash and stayed under for many long seconds. I never saw what she found.
Fortunately, the wind slept this morning when I spied on the resident TRUMPETER SWAN pair at the Mile 1 Nash Road nest. Momma stood above her nest and stretched her magnificent wings, a good sign. I waited and watched. Then I saw tiny cygnet heads barely above the grasses. How many this year? Coincidentally, I saw last year’s threesome in passing at the Lagoon on my way here.
Momma pumped her neck up and down, motioning for the cheeping babies to follow. How they knew what that meant is a mystery, but follow they did. I feared the cautious parents would lead their precious cygnets back into the horsetails, but no! The proud parents led them into view. One, two, three! No, here’s one more! Four darling, short-necked, mini-swans, paddling along like pros.
The doting parents demonstrated how to find insects and succulent greens. Soon the babies pecked and plucked, feeding themselves under watchful eyes. The parents led their brood slowly around the nest island and out of sight. End of presentation!
Meanwhile, the baby RAVENS have fledged from their cliff nest. Or maybe they just flutter-fell below onto some projecting bushes and rocks. I spied one flutter-hopping under the nest. He pecked at the rocks experimentally, wondering if anything was edible. Finding it wasn't, he called out for food service, distinctly saying “MOM!’, and other blats, croaks, complaints, and generalities. His sibling responded similarly, hidden behind some cliffside alders. I could only distinguish two vocalizing but possibly there are more.
I waited for one or the other harried parent to arrive, but gave up after quite a while. I’ll bet they envy the Mallard's and Swans' cute precocial babies. What a breeze to just guide them around the buffet as they industriously get to work. Whatever the method, all seem to work as intended. It will be fun to watch the ducklings, cygnets and Raven fledglings grow.
Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter
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