Seward, Alaska
After four days of sunshine, dark clouds returned and delivered a half inch of rain. The forecast calls for an inch tomorrow, then possible rain mixed with SNOW until next Saturday. The silver-lining storms may also bring spring migrants.
An unusually still, resident SONG SPARROW perched resolutely on a driftwood snag, droplets beaded up on its waterproofed feathers and beak. Similarly, a resting, disheveled BALD EAGLE looked forlorn but resigned as a light rain pattered down.
Suddenly, a small bird scurried ahead in the flattened beach ryegrass. Longspur? Pipit? When he reappeared, the bright yellow eyebrow revealed a First of Season (FOS) SAVANNAH SPARROW! The sand on his bill indicated foraging, no doubt hungry after his long migration from California, or southern US and Mexico. His future mate and neighbors will soon join him; can’t wait to hear their territorial songs and chips.
The Mile 1 Nash Road resident TRUMPETER SWAN pair returned in late March to claim this prime nesting habitat. Coincidentally, last year’s four no-longer-cherished cygnets are now fending for themselves. This leads me to suspect the adults are the same successful parents. Nest building should start soon now that the pond is mostly ice-free.
On another ebike ride on Exit Glacier Road on April 2, I heard my first BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE singing its sweet spring song in the park. A FOS bumblebee droned over to say “hello!” right to my face, and another buzzed around me at the NPS bridge. On the April 3 ride, I heard then saw a GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET flitting like a warbler among the bare alder branches by the bridge.
A pair of Eagles has again staked out the lone cottonwood nest along Exit Glacier Road. Despite the summer activity from the campground below, the Eagles have a strong attachment to this nest site near the river. They raised two eaglets last year; it will be interesting to watch them again this year.
Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter
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