Seward, Alaska
Sunrise 9:58 am, sunset 3:51 pm, for a total day length of 5 hours and 52 minutes. Tomorrow will be 56 seconds shorter. The temperatures rose from 17º at 6 am to 34º by late evening, turning the afternoon snowfall into rain.
But wonder of wonders! The blue-gray, overcast day was reflection-calm this morning and the high tide waited until mid-afternoon. I found the KILLDEER at the tide flats, poking through the exposed mud as if the recent storms and short, short days of an Alaska winter were of no consequence.
Next stop, the grocery store where incredibly, a CASSIN’S FINCH was reported gleaning gravel bits near the store entrance. I searched without success, but saw it on my way out with my hands full of grocery bags. Of course, it disappeared under the propane tank enclosures after I was ready with my camera. What an unusual and busy spot for a rare finch to choose for a bit of grit (supplemented by some bird seed.)
The hot spot at Second and Madison was hopping, literally. An almost tailless red interior FOX SPARROW popped out of the shrubs, then one of two creaking RUSTY BLACKBIRDS, an eye-popping bright VARIED THRUSH, a flock of DARK-EYED JUNCOS, and RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES.
I just missed a Brambling. Almost at the same time, another Brambling was reported in Forest Acres, possibly the same one seen at Ava’s recently, but maybe it’s a third one.
Just before dusk, two BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS silently fluttered up and down from power line wires across Jefferson St, perching then hawking exactly like flycatchers. The temperature was above freezing so maybe there were insects flying. They were both very intent, not a berry in sight. Such interesting behavior!
The Seward Audubon Christmas Bird Count is scheduled for Saturday, December 23. Count Week starts on Wednesday, December 20. With luck, these and other fabulous birds will be counted.
Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter
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