Seward, Alaska
Sunrise 7:49 am, sunset 7:52 pm for a total day length of 12 hours and 2 minutes, (much closer to equal day and night than the official Fall Equinox!) Tomorrow will be 5 minutes and 25 seconds shorter.
Yesterday’s high reached a surprisingly warm 56º; today’s high was 52º with an overnight low of 45. Northerly breeze and overcast with sprinkles. More of the same in the forecast for the next week, but windier by Sunday.
Termination dust tops the tallest peaks like a crown above the lovely cloak of scarlet, red, yellow, and gold fall colors spilling down the mountainsides to town. Mt Ash berries glow red, waiting for the feathered fruit lovers.
Today at the green and gold saltwater estuary, a GREAT BLUE HERON stalked the pond for small flounders. Last Wednesday about 8 pm, a Great Blue Heron was reported at mile 7, croaking near the creek, likely roosting nearby for the night. They sure get around, these stealthy and mysterious birds.
MEW GULLS worked the small intertidal freshwater streams, stirring up a frenzy when one caught a small fish. A few GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULLS and a single HERRING GULL or hybrid postured over fish scraps.
I almost overlooked a small sandpiper, all by itself, probing in the silt next to a stream. At first, it seemed so light, I thought it was a Sanderling, but a closer look showed a hind toe which the Sanderling lacks. So, I think it’s a WESTERN SANDPIPER in mostly winter plumage, with its black legs, slightly drooping bill and reddish back feathers.
Birds always provide a stimulating experience and often a challenge.
Carol Griswold
Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter
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