Seward, Alaska
Sunrise 8:49 am, sunset 4:37 pm for a total day length of 7 hours and 50 seconds. Tomorrow will be 4 minutes and 50 seconds shorter.
In the midst of this week’s tumultuous weather cycle, two exciting visitors landed in Seward. Yesterday, a female KING EIDER was spotted from Spring Creek on the east side of Resurrection Bay, loosely associated with a small flock of SURF SCOTERS. She remained a scope bird, very far away. On December 30, 2019, a female King Eider was spotted much closer, also with Surf Scoters along the Seward Waterfront. I hope she decides to stay!
A COMMON LOON dove nearby and a PIGEON GUILLEMOT in winter plumage preened in the boat basin.
Today, during a most welcome break in the rain and wind, news flashed about a crazy WOOD DUCK drake at Bear Lake! I have never seen this gorgeous species anywhere near Seward. According to Sulli, it appears to be a first record for the Kenai Peninsula with records from Kodiak in 1986, 1994, and 2013, and Cordova in 1988 and 2003.
I wished I had a blue flashing emergency light, but nonetheless got there in time to admire him paddling in the company of a CANVASBACK and MALLARDS. He was especially breath-taking in the scope. What a bird!
Juneau has hosted a pair of Wood Ducks for several years, but most of this species should be south of the Canada border.
Who knows when the ice will refreeze on Bear Lake and where the divers and dabblers will go? With above freezing daytime temps for the next few days (and rain/snow, wind), the birds may stay. As most residents along Bear Lake value their privacy, bring a scope and check any open water from the public access at Old Sawmill Circle and along the Iditarod Trail paralleling Bear Lake at the Bleth Street access to the north.
A HERMIT THRUSH flew through the yard at Second and Madison this morning; nice to know it’s still here. Tasha and Sadie hiked out to Tonsina Beach and found 14 SNOW BUNTINGS and 1 AMERICAN PIPIT. Then four GREAT BLUE HERONS perched on the blue coal dipper by the boat harbor.
Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter
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