Seward, Alaska
Sunrise 9:18 am, sunset 4:12 pm for a total day length of 6 hours and 53 minutes. Tomorrow will be 4 minutes and 2 seconds shorter.
As forecast, a series of storms rolled through (and continue), delivering rain (light, moderate, and heavy), sn’rain, sleet, glory holes and sunbeams, warm sunshine (surprise!) and a bout of fun, harmless hail. Sometimes all in one day. The temp rose to the mid 30s, and mercifully, the wind snoozed for several days.
On Wednesday, November 18, I ventured out between the squalls and chanced upon three RAVENS perched quietly in the leafless cottonwoods above my parked car. Uncharacteristically, they did not fly off in a huff when I dared to look their way, and not even when I finally got out my camera.
Two perched on adjacent branches, close enough for a few tender beak- to-beak kisses. Then the male gently preened his lady on the back of her neck and head while she remained perfectly still. I felt quite the lucky voyeur, allowed to watch their intimate pair bonding.
Other highlight of the day, 40 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS flew in a tight ball high over town, their yellow-flamed tail feather tips flashing and winking against the glowering clouds.
Thursday, November 19 highlights: At the tidelands, a far flock of 21 ROCK SANDPIPERS and DUNLINS intently fed at the tide’s edge. Over 50 SNOW BUNTINGS rocketed across the sky, unsettled and flighty, calling, “tew, tew!” By the harbor, two GREAT BLUE HERONS stoically decorated the coal dipper, evidence of the lack of wind.
Saturday, November 21: I snapped to attention at 9:53 am on my walk when I heard the piercing location cries of MARBLED MURRELETS commuting from their secret forest roosts to the ocean to feed. I could not see them through the low clouds shrouding the flank of Mt Marathon, compounded by the dim light. Now that I no longer have school bus duty, I usually am not out just before sunrise to hear this magical event. This flock must have overslept!
Around noon, I carefully skirted around a magnificent flock of 15 TRUMPETER SWANS, including the resident Swan family with their two growing cygnets. They stood at the outgoing tideline at Afognak Beach, apparently finding enough to eat to sustain them through the short days and long nights. The ocean provides, even for Swans.
When the clouds occasionally parted, the monochrome landscape transformed into a wonderland of surreal blue sky, snow-cloaked mountains, and serene reflections. THAT, and the joy of birds, is fuel to sustain a soul though the short winter days and long nights!
Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter
No comments:
Post a Comment