Seward, Alaska
Sunrise in the NNE at 4:38 am, sunset in the NNW at 11:18 pm, for a total day length of 18 hours and 39 minutes. Tomorrow will be 2 minutes and 10 seconds longer.
Overnight low of 45 rose to a high of 69 mitigated by a brisk northerly wind at 12-16 mph with gusts to 24 mph.
I was surprised to find nine SURF SCOTERS diving in the milky glacial waters just offshore at Fourth of July Beach. I consider this species as a winter resident and wondered why they were here in June like other tourists. All were males, in various stages of maturity. The colorful heads on the mature males with bright orange, red, and white bills, “skunk stripe” on the nape, and black bodies contrasted with the pale plume gushing from Godwin Glacier into the bay.
They dove in synchrony near the edge of the darker bay waters for several minutes, often rearing up to stretch their wings and paddle in formation like toy boats riding the swells. Suddenly, a resident BALD EAGLE startled them into flight and they were airborne with no interest in being featured on the menu. A Steller Sea Lion popped up to investigate, giving me a good look before quietly submerging.
The wind enticed three Bald Eagles to swoop and soar along the forested mountainside and high above the beach. Back and forth they cruised, harnessing the wind’s power. A pesky RAVEN tailgated one Eagle mercilessly; I think the Ravens have a nest nearby to protect.
Two sailed in tight formation, the female’s wingspan noticeably larger than the male’s. To my amazement, the male flipped over and briefly flew upside down! VERY impressive! The third Eagle, a male, circled around with them in lazy loops, all crying loudly in fierce voices.
If there’s a nest with eggs, they sure weren’t incubating them. Maybe the warm sun babysat while mom and dad took a spin around the block, accompanied by their chaperones.
In the evening after the wind calmed down, I once again drove out to Exit Glacier to quietly walk the marshy stretch near the welcome sign.
Most of the time was spent birding by ear as the birds are so well-hidden in the leaves. What a joy to listen to the concert and identify the tireless members as they sang, listened, and sang anew: GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH, SWAINSON’S THRUSH, HERMIT THRUSH, VARIED THRUSH, ROBIN; YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, YELLOW WARBLER, ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER, NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH; FOX SPARROW, WILSON’S SNIPE, COMMON REDPOLLS, RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, DOWNY WOODPECKER (on the drums).
Fortunately, some birds chose their orchestral seats on bare limbs of dead trees. I actually saw and photographed a GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH, YELLOW WARBLER, and COMMON REDPOLL.
As I strolled down the almost-deserted road, I passed a thought-provoking pile of brown bear scat loaded with fur. Baby moose? While interested to see the evidence, I did not wish to meet the maker while so far from the car.
Nootka Lupines and River Beauty glowed in the evening sunlight near the musical creek. So tranquil and special!
As I slowly drove back over the bridge, I stopped smack in the lane (no traffic). A magnificent bull moose crossing the river upstream! It’s not hard to find yearlings, cows and even calves seeking protection in town from bears, but a powerful bull moose scoffs at the thought. Bears watch out!
He confidently waded up past his belly, seeming more aquatic than terrestrial, steadily crossing to the west side. His growing antlers protruded straight out from the sides of his head like furred brown broom sticks. Quite obviously, king of this area and another one I would rather not meet on foot!
Although it was after 10 pm, I took a small detour on the way home to check on the TRUMPETER SWANS at Mile 1, Nash Road. At first, all I could see were the two adults at the nest, partially hidden by the vegetation. Then they both slowly eased into the water and began paddling through a channel to an open area. What good timing!
I almost held my breath. Were there cygnets? Yes! How many? Five tiny white puffs trailed behind, leaving tiny wakes, working hard to keep up. The proud parents took their beautiful family to dinner across the calm reflection pond to feast on water horsetails. Congratulations!
Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter
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