Seward, Alaska
During a forecasted break in the rain, I ventured out to the tidelands. The rain was not unexpected (wrong again!), but the 26 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE were a very sweet surprise. Their musical voices expressed dismay at my sudden appearance, but as I eased away, they settled back down to the essential business of eating. Among all the speckled bellies and white bill bases marking the adults were several plain juveniles.
At least 10 SAVANNAH SPARROWS popped up and down along the beach and in the beach rye grass. Two of the three 1-year old TRUMPETER SWANS rested in the pond among several dozen ducks including NORTHERN SHOVELERS, AMERICAN WIGEONS, MALLARDS, NORTHERN PINTAILS, and GREEN-WINGED TEAL.
Back in town, a multitude of ROBINS flew between fruit trees, feasting on the berries of the unfortunately plentiful Mayday trees, Mt Ash, and Red Elderberries. It was hard to judge the number of Robins as they kept moving and it was raining. Rough guess of more than 50. Several burst into song, just like spring. “Cheer-up! Cheerio!” Good advice!
A small raptor, either a MERLIN or SHARP-SHINNED HAWK, chased a rattling pair of BELTED KINGFISHERS directly overhead and around the neighborhood. I appreciate the raptor’s need to eat, but hope the more abundant Pigeon Special is also on the menu.
Carol Griswold
Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter
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