Seward, Alaska
Another phenomenal day of birding, despite the intermittent cold rain showers!
A female or immature NORTHERN HARRIER caught the updraft off a small grove of spruce trees by the beach, seemingly at ease and enjoying itself. The rascally young RAVEN beach bums soon took notice and circled around, ready to harass it. The Harrier flew straight towards me and soon filled my lens! Then it veered off and executed some fancy maneuvers to avoid a collision with a Raven and disappeared.
I glanced at the nearby wrack and there strode the three BLACK TURNSTONES, flipping rocks and chittering. Although aware of me, they continued to walk along with me and feed. I gave them a wide berth and slowly passed them to leave them in peace.
The RAVENS returned to have a little conversation with me; so curious and entertaining. On the way to the beach, I passed a Raven sitting on the railroad track while another proudly carried a piece of gravel up the embankment to show off to the other. Such a prize! They are always up to something!
A young SEMIPALMATED PLOVER foraged amongst a small flock of WESTERN SANDPIPERS, calling, “chew-it!” though no others answered. I saw no Pipits today, and fewer Savannah Sparrows. A very dark, territorial SONG SPARROW did its best to chase everyone away.
A pair of TRUMPETER SWANS paddled and fed in the intertidal stream; are they gleaning salmon eggs? One stretched its powerful, white wings, always a stunning sight.
Then, a fleet dark PEREGRINE FALCON stroked across the beach rye grass and out onto the flats. The heavy streaking indicated a juvenile. It flew in a great arc along the tideline, scattering Gulls, and then gained altitude as it flew west and disappeared. Wow! Haven’t had the pleasure of seeing a Peregrine in a long time!
I was joined by Jonah with his scope, and Robin. We deliberated over a distant but through-the-scope ICELAND GULL adult and juvenile. Worth checking further and photographing in better light.
Three DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS flew in formation like Cranes, high over the estuary. This always surprises me as I don’t expect them to be flying over land.
The 7 DOWITCHERS remained in the pond with PECTORAL SANDPIPERS, feeding among the GREEN-WINGED TEAL and other ducks. When they flushed, they vocalized with a sharp, “weet!” call of a LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER. I did not hear any mellow, “tu, tu, tu” of SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHERS. With the poor light and distance, it’s possible they were all Long-billed, or perhaps both species were present.
The show continued back at the parking area. Looking down the road, we saw dozens of ROBINS and other birds flying back and forth; worth investigating. Though a bit damp, we continued to bird in amazement.
GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROWS seemed to be the most common species with Jonah’s estimate of 41; here, there, and everywhere. Next were about 35 ROBINS, feasting on the few remaining elderberries. I photographed a young one that still had a few baby spots. Late nester! I missed the two Hermit Thrushes.
A treat was a FOX SPARROW (3), scratch-jumping in the dirt, and a LINCOLN SPARROW. A few DARK-EYED JUNCOS flashed their white outer tail feathers and chipped. I did not see Jonah’s White-crowned Sparrow, but it was so great to see so many Sparrows!
ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS (6) gleaned insects from the cottonwood and alder leaves, free-falling from one branch to the next. I just missed the two Yellow Warblers, a Ruby-crowned Kinglet, and the Golden-crowned Kinglets (4) called by Jonah. I did see and hear the cheery BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEES (3), and heard the loud DOWNY WOODPECKER.
As the cold rain returned, we too headed back to the cars. Oddly, we saw virtually no birds while driving past the same stretch of road. Perhaps it was time for an intermission of the amazing Mixed-Flock Migration Show.
Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter
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