Seward, Alaska
Today, I finally heard my first-of-season ALDER FLYCATCHER and found him perched in a dead Elderberry branch. Flitting from branch to branch, he occasionally dashed out for a little fly-catching, as per his name. Typically, I find they arrive much later than the other migrants from the tropics. So nice to welcome him back!
Along the high tideline, a dozen handsome SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS probed in the thick wrack and mud. Joining them were a few SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS and LEAST SANDPIPERS. The Semipalmated Sandpipers were smaller than the Plovers but a bit larger than the leastest sandpipers, with a more pale face, tubular, shorter black bill, and black legs.
Another treat, a SPOTTED SANDPIPER, strolling along the wrack line, noting my presence but approaching anyway as it fed, gently bobbing its rear end.
The approaching rainstorm hastened my departure from these beautiful and hardy shorebirds, stuck with whatever the tides, winds, and weather delivers.
Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter
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