Saturday, January 2, 2021 Cardinal HOAX, Siberian Accentor REAL

Seward, Alaska

Much to my, and others’ deep disappointment and dismay, the reported NORTHERN CARDINAL photograph was actually taken in Toronto, Canada. It’s hard to get away with such deception for long with internet! I have no idea why the person showed eager and anxious birders, who devoted a whole day of their valuable time and energy, exactly where she took “her” photograph. 

 

Not a hoax is a real SIBERIAN ACCENTOR found this morning around 11 am at the Second and Madison hotspot: sparrow-sized, orangish body, black mask, hanging out with DARK-EYED JUNCOS. The rare bird was subsequently verified by many birders with photographs. Thanks, Deb and Dan!

 

Homer’s first Siberian Accentor showed up for their December 19, 2020 Christmas Bird Count and was reported yesterday as continuing. Seward, including at this hotspot, hosted one in January and February of 2013.

 

The 2020 Checklist of Alaska Birds notes it as “Casual” which is more rare than “Rare” and less rare than “Accidental.” According to Wikipedia, it breeds in northern Russia from the Ural Mountains east across Siberia, and overwinters in Korea and eastern China. The Siberian Accentor is the only member of its family, Prunellidae, Accentors, documented in Alaska. The family is endemic to Africa, Asia, and Europe. The recent series of tremendous fall and winter storms likely swept these tiny but tough survivors to Alaska.

 

Today, the Accentor was found in the company of DARK-EYED and OREGON JUNCOS, mostly feeding on the ground near the security of the nearby brush. The slightest disturbance, like a vehicle or someone walking on Second Ave sent them all into hiding. For a while, it also joined the Juncos in the sunshine at mid-level in the tall spruce trees behind the house and near the alley. They seemed to be nibbling on ice or maybe gleaned some cold insects/invertebrates.

 

It was amazing how many birds dropped down from the trees and shrubs when all was clear. Other birds included: an out-of-season LINCOLN’S SPARROW, WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW, GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW, CHESTNUT-BACKED and BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEES, RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES, DOWNY WOODPECKER, and a BOHEMIAN WAXWING.

 

The BRAMBLING, RUSTY BLACKBIRDS, and RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD continued at the alley feeder behind Marathon Drive.

 

Another banner day for real birding in Seward!

 

Happy Birding!

Carol Griswold                                         

Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter