Seward, Alaska
Calm today with a low of 26 and a high of 32. Though the snow line is descending on the mountains, there is still no snow on the ground. Yet.
Tides this week were among the highest of the year (king tides) thanks to the influence of the stunning Beaver Moon, the closest, largest, and brightest supermoon of the year.
This morning, I refound two of the SHARP-TAILED SANDPIPERS feeding in shallows of the estuary pond with the two DUNLINS. The five CACKLING GEESE foraged on the edges until flushed by a BALD EAGLE.
Two NORTHERN SHOVELER hens filtered the water with their amazing large, orange, spatula-shaped bills. All these birds, (except the Eagle) seem late and might consider booking the next flight south, first class.
The highlight of the day on the ebbing tide was a single, handsome, nonbreeding male SNOW BUNTING, foraging along the high tideline. Normally found in flocks, I wondered if his buddies would soon join him.
A dozen PINE SISKINS flittered through the alders by the road, hanging upside down on the cones and feasting on the tiny seeds. Siskins and Redpolls have been scarce this past winter; it’s nice to see them again.
Over at the harbor uplands, an enthusiastic Steller’s Sea Lion ripped into a large silver salmon, flinging fish scraps for the equally frenzied Gulls. Quite the show!
Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter
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