Seward, Alaska
Dark clouds bearing rain, snow, or mixed. Air temp 30º, water temp 42º.
I checked on the seabirds in the ASLC aviary today and found many plumage changes since my last visit on December 12. The KING EIDERS, SPECTACLED EIDERS, RHINOCEROUS AUKLETS, SMEW, HARLEQUIN DUCKS, and LONG-TAILED DUCK drake are in full breeding plumage, looking very spiffy indeed.
The tufts are growing longer on several of the TUFTED PUFFINS. The HORNED PUFFINS still wear winter plumage. Some of the COMMON MURRES sport the two-tone tuxedo while others are still in winter/immature plumage.
Two Murres allopreened, a tender courtship bonding where one solicitously preened the head and neck of the other. After a while, they switched. They both radiated little hearts.
The PIGEON GUILLEMOTS are still in mostly salt-and-pepper winter plumage, though one was molting into darker head feathers.
All these departing and sprouting feathers must itch; many of the seabirds preened and bathed, splashing water thither and yon in case visitors wanted a shower too.
It’s just amazing to see all these beautiful seabirds so close, especially on an undecided, dark winter day.
Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter
No comments:
Post a Comment