Seward, Alaska
Birding in a downpour may be discouraging, but ah! when the rain pauses, the resulting bird action makes it worthwhile.
Suddenly, a flock of 22 DOWITCHERS circled around the estuary pond, dots then actual birds with long bills. A peep joined them, keeping in formation. Then, a WILSON’S SNIPE uttered an “eek!” and flew off below them.
A female BELTED KINGFISHER dashed in, hovering, hovering, hovering, then plummeted into the pond with a mighty splash, emerging triumphantly with a fish.
Next, a secretive GREAT BLUE HERON materialized, flying ponderously across the pond, then landed and again became invisible.
As the rain drops resumed, a MERLIN stroked across the pond and passed behind me, perhaps looking for those Dowitchers.
At the car, a plaintive ROBIN complained from the shelter of spruce trees; we all agreed.
Yesterday, a GREATER YELLOWLEGS announced that, yes, he was still here, thank you very much, as were several SAVANNAH SPARROWS.
A magnificent PEREGRINE FALCON stroked powerfully through the sky, wings beating rapidly. He veered and landed in a faraway dead tree, accompanied by two daring RAVENS, who loitered below him as all waited for the next move.
I dried off my optics, well-satisfied with the minor inconveniences of being temporarily soaked.
Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter
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