Anchorage Audubon Seward field trip rescheduled
Due to the continuing heavy rain, avalanches, and adverse highway conditions, the annual Anchorage Audubon Seward field trip has been rescheduled to next Saturday, February 27. Meet at the Harbormaster’s building at 10 am with binocs, scope, snacks, and appropriate gear for a fun day discovering Seward’s hardy birds.
Ring The Bay Bird Tour
Seward, Alaska Sporadic Bird Report
Sunday, February 14, 2010 Happy Valentine’s Day!
Sunrise 8:38 am, sunset 5:46 pm, length of day 9 hours, 8 minutes; tomorrow will be 5 minutes and 21 seconds longer.
Weather: Temps in the high 30s to lower 40s with rain beating down on ice; more of the wash and spin cycle forecast for the rest of the week until Saturday. Despite the gloomy weather, some Sitka willows are already budding out in anticipation of spring. Yesterday was a gift of blue skies and warm sun in the morning, becoming partly cloudy by afternoon. A perfect day to go birding!
Feeders around town are slow, slower, and stagnant. The local regulars, BLACK-CAPPED and CHESTNUT-BACKED CHICKADEES, RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES, and DARK-EYED JUNCOS, seem to favor a progressive dining style, dashing in for a few moments, then off to the next feeder. Most feeders have not had enough business to warrant refilling this year. BROWN CREEPERS have been sighted but are never common. Even the usually reliable SONG SPARROW is scarce.
A single GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW, WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW, and VARIED THRUSH popped up momentarily at a feeder in Clearview on February 3, but none have been seen since.
The only yard lucky enough to have the occasional GRAY CROWNED ROSY-FINCH has also attracted a very hungry and alert SHARP-SHINNED HAWK. Within seconds of the finch’s arrival, dinner is served for the hawk. While Duane appreciates the beauty and skill of the hawk, he is so discouraged, he is considering not feeding anymore. Too bad the hawk can’t enjoy a fat pigeon feast instead!
A nice flock of COMMON REDPOLLS was reported from Skilak Lake Road today, but none have been seen in Seward since the Christmas Bird Count. No PINE SISKINS, PINE GROSBEAKS, or CROSSBILLS either. BALD EAGLES, RAVENS, NW CROWS, MAGPIES, and STELLER’S JAYS seem to be holding steady.
A NORTHERN SHRIKE, not seen since the December CBC showed up at the airport on February 10th. A flock of nine ROBINS perched quietly in the bare cottonwoods on Saturday, silhouetted against the sky.
Thank goodness we have Resurrection Bay and many flowing streams and open ponds!
Yesterday, the gorgeous male HOODED MERGANSER with his COMMON GOLDENEYE Valentine swam alongside the road at Mile 3 ½. The tiny male GREEN-WINGED TEAL hung out with the multitudes of domesticated MALLARDS and hybrids at Clear CREEK. And over at NE Beach, the female KING EIDER swam by her lonesome near the end of the jetty. A BELTED KINGFISHER enjoyed the view from the powerline at the Nash Road intersection. A DIPPER in its gray raincoat dipped along the stream by the horse corral, where a moose lay camouflaged in the alders and willows.
A single LONG-TAILED DUCK was spotted at SMIC, and a lone female GREATER SCAUP swam just off shore from the Alaska Sealife Center.
At the mouth of the harbor, 4 river otters cavorted near the rocky jetty. Four COMMON LOONS paddled in close formation. A mob of GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULLS and a few MEW GULLS checked out the cannery bird feeder with small groups of SURF SCOTERS, BARROW’S and COMMON GOLDENEYES, COMMON and RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS, HORNED GREBES, RED-NECKED GREBES, and PELAGIC CORMORANTS. A large raft of Barrow’s Goldeneyes swam just south of Lowell Point where four MARBLED MURRELETS dove as soon as they were spotted. Other birds spotted included BUFFLEHEAD and wild MALLARDS. It was a bountiful day around the bay!
It’s not too late to participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count, Feb 12-15. For more information go to http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc.
Join the Anchorage Audubon Society next Saturday, Feb 20 for their annual Seward field trip. Meet at the harbormaster’s office at 10 am. Dress for the weather and bring your binocs, scope, and snacks for a fun day in the field. Please let me know if you have any birds at your feeder to share with the group. Keep your feeders full, especially the suet feeders which are greatly appreciated by our hungry feathered friends.
Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Sporadic Bird Report reporter
Seward, Alaska
Fluorescent Bulb disposal today, Feb 5th
First Friday Fluorescent Bulb Disposal 3 to 4 pm
small building to north of City Hall
Coal in the water, on land, and in the air
I encourage all interested residents to take a short drive along Port Avenue and loop around the cruise ship terminal. The snow is brown with coal dust, the area under the conveyor belt is black with coal bits and chunks. When the ship is being loaded, look in the water under the trestle and you will see and hear the coal chunks as they splash into the ocean. Just east and north of the Port Avenue bridge, look for the “settling pond” a tiny frozen patch of ice where the coal dust on the ground is supposed to settle out before it runs into the ocean. Take a look for yourself.
Short-eared Owl in Seward!
Seward, Alaska Sporadic Bird Report
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Sunrise 9:49 am, sunset 4:24 pm, length of day 6 hours, 35 minutes; tomorrow will be 3 minutes and 43 seconds longer. The red planet Mars peeks through the night clouds.
Weather: After a much welcomed January thaw where temperatures peaked at 45º, we’re back to gray clouds, temperatures in the low to mid 20s, and a cold north wind. More clouds and snow in the forecast.
This noon at the salt-marsh with an airport in it, a SHORT-EARED OWL suddenly bolted from the side of the dirt road and flew across the tide-flooded pond to perch on a piece of driftwood on the beach berm. A recent study tracking short-eared owls discovered one migrated as far as Mexico. Why is this owl still in Alaska? (See Anchorage Daily News, January 12, 2010, B1)
RAVENS love harassing the owl; it’s one good way to find it. Also noted nearby were 3 BUFFLEHEAD, 11 MALLARDS, and upwards of 100 gulls flying near the beach.
In the bay south of the harbor uplands, a single male BLACK SCOTER hung out with 7 SURF SCOTERS. One male surfer chased another; courtship behavior can’t be far away. A RED-NECKED GREBE dove and a MEW GULL picked at floating tidbits nearby. COMMON and BARROW’S GOLDENEYES cruised along the shoreline. At least 50-70 COMMON MERGANSERS rafted up farther out; a YELLOW-BILLED LOON and two COMMON LOONS were reported with this raft. About 80 NW CROWS flocked along the beach.
The HOODED MERGANSER male was seen at Mile 3.5 Stash n Store pond earlier today; hopefully this beautiful duck will stay the winter. Instead I saw the regulars: 3 mallards and 2 common goldeneye females, watched over by one adult and one juvenile BALD EAGLE. A HAIRY WOODPECKER banged away on a dead alder, while a family of 5 BLACK-BILLED MAGPIES strutted along, pecking at the dead leaves. A BELTED KINGFISHER rattled overhead.
Back in town at the Marine Science Center Rae Building, 15 RAVENS intently pecked through the totally exposed grass; there is no snow left, just icy patches. Always wary, they hop-leaped away when I stopped to watch.
The usual 10-15 DARK-EYED JUNCOS, a few CHESTNUT-BACKED and BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEES, RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES, and a DOWNY WOODPECKER are at my feeder when the fat, happy squirrel isn’t. Grrrr! Two BROWN CREEPERS reported at Stony Creek.
Two territorial DIPPERS patrolled Lowell Creek on Sunday, chasing each other up and down, unwilling to share. Other dippers have been seen at the Lagoon and Salmon Creek.
Keep your feeders full!
Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Sporadic Bird Report reporter
Seward, Alaska
Ptarmigan on last day of Seward CBC Count Week
Seward, Alaska Sporadic Bird Report
December 22, 2009
Sunrise 10:01 am, sunset 3:51 pm, length of day 5 hours, 49 minutes; tomorrow will be 0 minutes and 18 seconds longer.
Weather: Temps holding in the mid 30s, clouds every shade of blue-gray. Winds calm, sprinkles. Icy everything! Surprised to see the growing moon this evening.
Last day of the Seward Christmas Bird Count Week:
Highlight today was a PTARMIGAN, unfortunately too distant to identify to species, but likely our state bird, the Willow. I watched the stout white bird fly across the salt marsh-with-an-airport-in-it. For a member of the chicken family, it flew pretty well; a burst of wing beats followed by a second or two of sailing, then another burst. Also spotted a NORTHERN SHRIKE, perched on an elderberry branch, fluffing and preening after a little birdie bath. Also noticed earthworms on the move over the ice. Must have been flooded out.
A male KINGFISHER watched over the sprinkling of MALLARDS, COMMON GOLDENEYES, and COMMON MERGANSERS diving at Stash and Store pond. We looked for him everywhere on Saturday; after the Count Day, they have been seen daily.
Lots of feeder action just before dusk: all three chickadee species feeding on sunflower seeds and suet, BOREAL, CHESTNUT-BACKED, and BLACK-CAPPED, with the RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES, and a STELLER JAY. About 18 DARK-EYED JUNCOS scoured the ground, and a BROWN CREEPER investigated the trunk of the spruce tree. Thirteen ROBINS decorated the nearby cottonwood tree, anticipating the long night ahead.
Also spotted today, two river otters on the ice at the south end of the lagoon.
Unless someone reports an owl before midnight, the 2009 Seward CBC is over. Full report to follow soon.
Keep those feeders full for a really happy holiday for our feathered friends.
Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Sporadic Bird Report reporter
Seward, Alaska
Seward CBC Count Week, Day 5: Green-winged Teal
December 21, 2009
Sunrise 10:01 am, sunset 3:50 pm, length of day 5 hours, 49 minutes; tomorrow will be 0 minutes and 8 seconds LONGER. Happy Winter Solstice!
Weather: 39º, blowing rain from the south on top of all that lovely snow. More of the same in the forecast.
Day Five of the Seward Count Week
Highlight today was a beautiful male GREEN-WINGED TEAL, our smallest dabbling duck, found hanging out with a bunch of tame mallards, other domestic ducks, and tame white-fronted geese at Clear Creek. Mallards are supposed to be dabblers too, but once again I observed some of the mallards actually diving underwater to reach a salmon carcass at the bottom. After a few dives, one of the mallards managed to bring it to the surface where he and two others pecked at it vigorously until it sank back down. Alas! No claws to hold it while dining.
Also spotted there, a BELTED KINGFISHER and a COMMON GOLDENEYE, but no Hooded Merganser today.
A DIPPER perched on the ice at the lagoon, then flung itself into the water and began paddling around like a duck with its tiny unwebbed feet. The remarkable songbird then dove repeatedly into the cold water, completely at home underwater or in the rain.
I had three species of chickadees at my sunflower seed feeder: BLACK-CAPPED, CHESTNUT-BACKED, AND BOREAL, plus the RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH, and DARK-EYED JUNCOS.
One more day for the Count Week; keep looking!
Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Sporadic Bird Report reporter
Seward, Alaska
Day 3, Seward CBC Count Week: Waxwings, Robins, and Pine Grosbeaks
December 18, 2009
Sunrise 9:59 am, sunset 3:49 pm, length of day 5 hours, 50 minutes; tomorrow will be 0 minutes and 25 seconds shorter.
Weather: Brrrrr! Clear and sunny (for a short time) with temps in the single digits and a brisk north wind taking the wind chill down to minus 6º; steam billowing down the bay. Finger new moon, (no vampires); Jupiter visible at dusk in the west.
down-the-hatch
Despite cold toes, fingers, and cheeks, it was another great day for Count Week. The SANDERLING was refound at Lowell Point beach, still just one, probably wondering what happened to everyone else.
Just after the sun plunged the town into shadow around 2 pm, a flock of birds flew overhead. I watched them land at the tops of some cottonwoods a few blocks away and drove over to check them out. It was a bonanza of birds, feasting on Mayday and Mt Ash berries at Second and Madison. I didn’t get an exact count, but would estimate at least 15 each of ROBINS, BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS, and PINE GROSBEAKS, with a few STELLER’S JAYS mixed in. So nice to hear the “chirring” of the waxwings again.
Robins
Duane reported 168 PIGEONS minus one. A RAVEN decided to supplement the scattered birdseed and enjoy a little fresh pigeon for a change. About 15-20 others gathered ‘round the feast. I’m surprised this doesn’t happen more often with this artificial concentration of pigeons.
Seward Christmas Bird Count starts tomorrow, where every bird counts. Listen for owls!
Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Sporadic Bird Report reporter
Seward, Alaska
Sanderling! Seward Christmas Bird Count Week Day 2
December 17, 2009
Sunrise 9:58 am, sunset 3:49 pm, length of day 5 hours, 51 minutes; tomorrow will be 0 minutes and 38 seconds shorter.
Weather: Overcast with a brisk north wind, temps in the low teens. Two to four inches of snow overnight, more snow in the forecast. Just a brief glimpse of the golden sun from 11 to noon then back to shades of gray and white. The bay is again smoking as it releases yet more heat to the frigid air.
SANDERLING
Highlight of the second day of the Seward CBC was a SANDERLING, a species rarely seen here. The lonely but lovely gray and white shorebird with a short black bill and black legs mirrored the Seward color scheme. I found it pecking for tidbits at the tide-line between the snow and ocean at Lowell Point beach, looking cold. Walk slowly and quietly when approaching the beach; I stood still and it walked right in front of me, unafraid. It is best to not harass such a stressed bird; try to leave it still feeding.
Back at the Branson Pavilion, about 100 NW CROWS sat in the cottonwoods or feasted on sunflower seeds sprinkled on the snow. Twice they suddenly all flew up and away in a huge flock, cawing loudly. A hungry GOSHAWK chased them, without success, and as suddenly became the chased by the squadron of bold crows.
Also reported at dawn (10 am) near Stony Creek, a WINTER WREN and a BROWN CREEPER.
Let’s hope all these birds remain for Count Day on Saturday! It’s exciting to see who is here!
Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Sporadic Bird Report reporter
Seward, Alaska
Seward Christmas Bird Count: day one
December 16, 2009
Sunrise 9:57 am, sunset 3:49 pm, length of day 5 hours, 51 minutes; tomorrow will be 0 minutes and 48 seconds shorter as we approach the Winter Solstice on December 21st. Length of night:18 hours and 9 minutes.
Weather: Temps in the low 20s with a brisk north wind slapping white caps down the bay. The gray cloud lid slid aside to allow the fleeting sun to beam brightly on the sparkling snow. Snow showers in the forecast.
The Seward Audubon Christmas Bird Count Week starts today and continues to December 22nd. Note the species, not the numbers.
Today was a beautiful day for the first day of Count Week. PINE GROSBEAKS tossed their musical calls from the spruce tops in the gray predawn, happy to have survived another long winter night. DARK-EYED JUNCOS twittered in the spruce boughs, CHESTNUT-BACKED, and BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEES fluffed up their immaculate feathers and began their day foraging at the sunflower feeder, one seed at a time. RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES pecked away at the suet. STELLER’S JAYS rat-tatted across the sky, heading for the nearest peanut handout. BLACK-BILLED MAGPIES perched on snow-covered branches, watching, watching. BALD EAGLES hitched a ride on the rising breezes.
A pair of COMMON GOLDENEYES dove in the small open water of the lagoon. Noisy RAVENS perched in the ghost trees at the horse corral, looking for opportunities for food and entertainment. Their motto: if you can’t eat it, play with it!
The small open stream along Old Nash Road attracted a flock of busy black-capped chickadees, gleaning the branches for insects. As is often the case, other small birds flock with them. I was pleased to photograph a handsome AMERICAN TREE SPARROW foraging along the stream.
Off shore at SMIC at Mile 5 Nash Road, a dashing COMMON MERGANSER male paddled along with his drab female. Colorful HARLEQUIN DUCKS dove in small groups just offshore. A juvenile GLAUCOUS GULL bobbed on the waves near a pair of BARROW’S GOLDENEYES, one HORNED GREBE, and a PELAGIC CORMORANT. No other seaducks or loons this time. As I left Fourth of July beach, a GREAT BLUE HERON winged gracefully away over the spruce trees.
Last night I heard a NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL beeping far away on the slope of Mt Marathon. Hopefully, he will continue for the Count Day.
Yesterday afternoon I stood quietly on the beach rocks to check out the recent storm surge shore erosion and destruction by the new Branson Pavilion. Suddenly, a beautiful female MERLIN swooped in and landed not 10’ away on the edge of a flat rock. We regarded each other for a long moment before she silently whisked away down the beach. Luckily I did not have a camera as any movement would have instantly spooked her away. What an impressive falcon!
BELTED KINGFISHERS seem easier to find recently; there was one on top of a sailboat mast in the boat harbor and another by the docks.
A NORTHERN SHRIKE has been frequently spotted at the salt marsh-with-an-airport-in-it, either on top of the spruce trees, or flying across, or perched on a snag in the sedge meadows.
As many as 15 AMERICAN ROBINS and one VARIED THRUSH reported along Second Ave feeding on Mt Ash berries. The ravens are also feasting on the berries, large black birds delicately selecting one red berry after another. There won’t be much left for the other berry lovers!
A pair of BROWN CREEPERS was reported at Stony Creek and another pair in town on Madison. I hope these are seen on Count Day too!
In the unusual sightings department, there was a report of a bald eagle diving into a cottonwood full of NW crows near the post office, killing one and then leaving. Guess it just had enough! No follow up on the reaction of the other crows, but I have observed quite a commotion over a dead crow with all the others standing around and exclaiming about it; no cannibalism or any pecking observed.
Update on the injured Bald Eagle at Mile 3 ½ Stash and Store Pond on December 5th. Staff at the ASLC were able to capture the emaciated 8.5# male and deliver him to the Bird Treatment and Learning Center in Anchorage. It looks like a huge part of his upper bill was shot off, leaving the struggling bird unable to capture food or eat normally. Follow his story at http://birdtlc.blogspot.com/2009/12/update-on-be-09-31-bald-eagle.html. Contributions are welcomed to help rehabilitate this otherwise strong and determined eagle.
If you plan to participate in the Seward CBC on Saturday, either as a Field Observer, or a Feeder Watcher, please email me at c_griz@yahoo.com and I’ll send the packet for your use. If you have an active feeder but will not be counting, let me know if you would be willing to have a few Field Observers stop by for the Count.
And just for the birds, be sure to keep those feeders clean and full!
Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Sporadic Bird Report reporter
Seward, Alaska
PTSA Fundraiser a Success!
All over town, I see beautiful PTSA wreaths and cheerful garlands brightening doors, decks, and entryways.
“Thank you!” to all the loyal supporters who purchased these lovely wreaths and garlands and generously contributed additional donations to make the 15th annual “Arts for Kids, Wreaths for You” Fundraiser a success!
I especially want to thank City Express for not only their excellent service, but also for their continuing generous contribution to the fund-raiser.
Happy Holidays!
Carol Griswold
Seward PTSA Wreath and Garlands Arts Fundraiser Chair
Seward Christmas Bird Count Dec 19th
Seward, Alaska Sporadic Bird Report
December 13, 2009
Mark your calendar for the 110th Audubon Christmas Bird Count for Seward next Saturday, December 19th from 9 to 4 pm.
Birders who would like to be Field Observers will meet at 9 am at the Seaview Plaza Conference Room at Mile 0 on Third Avenue by the north parking lot to coordinate and verify routes. Dress for the weather and be prepared to be outside most of the day. Hand warmers can really help if it’s a cold day. A good pair of binoculars, bird book, and pencil and paper for notes are recommended; a spotting scope can help nail down distant birds, and a camera could cinch a rare bird report (if you should be so lucky!) Also bring lunch, snacks, and beverages to maximize your time in the field on this short, short day where every minute counts.
Please note that Field Observers need to bring $5 for the participation fee that helps pay for the nationwide tabulation costs and the American Birds CBC results publication. Feeder Watchers and Field Observers under 18 are not required to pay the fee but donations are always appreciated.
Feeder Watchers can observe their well-stocked feeders from the comfort of their homes throughout the day. Suet and black-oil sunflower seeds will really bring ‘em in. Add a heated water dish, Mt Ash berries, and thistle seeds and watch the show! Please let me know you are participating and tell me your address so that Field Observers do not double-count your birds.
If you have an excellent feeder spot and can’t count it on Saturday, let me know that too, so I can alert the Field Observers on that route to check it out.
Both Field Observers and Feeder Watchers are welcome to meet at Rez Art Gallery at 320 Third Ave afterwards to hand in their tally sheets and compile the draft count. If you have to leave before 4 pm, please make sure to leave your list at the counter or with another birder for the tally.
Count Week, in which only different species are counted, not numbers, is scheduled for December 16-22. Keep track of your birds and email your findings to me as soon after December 22 as possible so I can tabulate them.
We’re looking for the usual suspects, and uncommon birds like the Boreal Chickadee, Winter Wren, Gray Jay, Townsend’s Solitaire, American Pipit, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, and sparrows like the Tree, Golden-crowned, and White-throated sparrow. Merlins, Sharp-shinned Hawks, Goshawks and Peregrine Falcons are always good scores as are owls and loons of any species. Keep your eyes peeled; whooo knows what is out there!
Even birds with deformed bills, such as chickadees and NW crows are important to note. For more information on this important project go to: http://alaska.usgs.gov/science/biology/landbirds/beak_deformity/index.html
Please email me at c_griz@yahoo.com and let me know if you plan to participate either as a Field Observer or Feeder Watcher so that I can send you the CBC packet ahead of time.
Thanks for your help in this important Citizen Science Project.
For more information on the Audubon CBC go to http://www.audubon.org/Bird/cbc/
Happy birding!
Carol Griswold
Sporadic Bird Report reporter
Seward, Alaska
Seward Sporadic Bird Report: A stroll about town
Seward, Alaska Sporadic Bird Report
November 20, 2009 Cloudy, 14º, relatively calm!
The pummeling north wind finally took a rest today. I seized the opportunity to enjoy a little walk about town with my binoculars. Sheltered in the spruce in my yard, DARK-EYED JUNCOS flitted in the understory, flashing their white outer tail feathers. The usual RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES, and BLACK-CAPPED and CHESTNUT-BACKED CHICKADEES nibbled on black sunflower seeds and suet.
GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS twittered unseen in the dark spruce boughs at Two Lakes Park. Feasting on Mt Ash berries in front of AVTEC on Second Avenue were my first PINE GROSBEAKS of the season, a small flock of five. Three heavy RAVENS warily plucked red berries off the sagging branches of the neighboring tree.
A sprightly DIPPER stood in shallow but frigid water at the muddy south edge of the lagoon, dipping in plain sight while a COMMON MERGANSER female dove in the ever-shrinking open water rimmed by ice. Perched high on a power line over the Fish Ditch, a natty KINGFISHER surveyed the stream below.
Only blocks from the coastal rainforest spruce, the Pacific Ocean meekly lapped the shoreline, dainty tendrils of sea smoke wafting up where only yesterday whitecaps boiled and steam frothed. A harbor seal poked its head up and down like a periscope; two sea otters snacked from their tummy tables.
Easily a hundred NORTHWESTERN CROWS flew excitedly overhead in circles, mixed in with a dozen or so PIGEONS. I looked for a raptor as the cause for all this disruption, but failed to find a source. They soon settled back in the bare cottonwoods, or resumed picking through the tide wrack and dead beach grasses, not bothering to fly off on my approach. I presume the danger had passed, for now.
Two adult BALD EAGLES perched on the mooring dolphins by the boat harbor, watching, watching. Five SURF SCOTERS dove in unison; HARLEQUINS hugged the shore. Three COMMON MURRES, unusually close to shore, bobbed in the tiny waves near a single RED-NECKED GREBE and a PELAGIC CORMORANT. A small raft of BARROW’S GOLDEN EYES took flight, their wings whistling musically. COMMON MERGANSERS and COMMON GOLDENEYES dove in small groups here and there. Three tiny HORNED GREBES paddled just ahead of me all the way to the Alaska Sealife Center where I left them and their ocean home for town.
A lonely GRAY-CROWNED ROSY-FINCH stood still and forlorn on the snow near LeVan’s feeder. I wonder where his companions are?
As the sun dipped behind the mountains and dusk settled in early on this cloudy afternoon, I heard the chickadees and nuthatches calling from my yard. From forest, to lagoon, to beach and ocean, town feeders, and back, it was a delightful afternoon stroll.
A bit out of town on Balmat Street south of Salmon Creek Road west of Nash Road, Ava reports quite an impressive list of birds:
“For the past week I’ve had a small flock of BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS feeding on my Mt Ash and Mayday berries. At first there were about a dozen, but there has been a MERLIN hot on their heels and my little flock is down to only five now. I also saw a TREE SPARROW a couple of days ago and of all things, one single COMMON REDPOLL. There have been lots of JUNCOS around for the past week or so and there seems to be more and more showing up every day. Of course I have my usual crowd of suet eaters….the BLACK-CAPPED and CHESTNUT-BACKED CHICKADEES, RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES, as well as a bumper crop of DOWNY and HAIRY WOODPECKERS, so many in fact, that they have been knocking each other off the feeders….quite amusing to watch, actually. I’ve been getting occasional visits from RED CROSSBILLS, ROBINS and VARIED THRUSHES, but sadly nary a sight of any PINE GROSBEAKS as yet. Birders are welcome here any time, any day.”
Still listening for owls but hearing none (yet), wishing you could get out too and enjoy our remarkable winter birds here in moody but beautiful Seward.
Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Sporadic Bird Report reporter
Seward, Alaska
Sporadic Bird Report: Brrrrrirds!
Seward, Alaska Sporadic Bird Report
November 17, 2009
Sunrise 9:02 am, sunset 4:22 pm, length of day 7 hours, 19 minutes; tomorrow will be 4 minutes and 31 seconds shorter.
Weather: Cold and clear this past week with a terrific north wind howling out of the arctic. Resurrection Bay is smoking as it releases heat to the frigid air. By early afternoon, a dark gray blanket drew up from the Gulf of Alaska and snuffed out the sun. Cold temperatures expected to remain in the teens with the possibility of snow and the hope of lighter winds. Only a trace of snow, now mostly rutted ice, remains on the ground.
Now is a great time to keep those sunflower and suet feeders full, and the heated water dishes flowing if you are so lucky to have one. The birds are hungry AND thirsty, fighting the cold and wind 24/7.
Today I sought refuge from the wind at Lowell Point. A SONG-SPARROW flitted across the road while a sea otter bobbed on its back in the surf, totally unconcerned, surrounded by sea smoke. NORTHWESTERN CROWS flocked along the shoreline or bee-lined above the waves through the wavering curls of steam to the next fuel stop. Three RED-NECKED GREBES, 3 RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS, a few PELAGIC CORMORANTS, and small groups of both BARROW’S and COMMON GOLDENEYES, and COMMON MERGANSERS fished just off shore amid a raft of GLAUCOUS-WINGED and MEW GULLS. As I was leaving, a GREAT BLUE HERON laboriously flew from one spruce to its neighbor. It always special, no matter how odd, to find this ungainly, giant wading bird up high in a spruce tree. Two pairs of MALLARDS dabbled in the sewage pond. Yummmm!
Back home, a BROWN CREEPER worked its way up and around my spruce tree, gleaning tiny frozen insects hidden in the bark furrows. A dapper male DOWNY WOODPECKER enjoyed the suet feeder while BLACK-CAPPED and CHESTNUT-BACKED CHICKADEES, and the noisy RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES selected sunflower seeds from the feeder. STELLER’S JAYS popped in and out, finding treats on the ground.
Camelot reports a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW for the past few days, feeding on the ground with a FOX SPARROW, and a bunch of DARK-EYED JUNCOS.
November 16: A NORTHERN GOSHAWK dives at a flock of pigeons and misses, on 4th Ave. I wish it luck! NE Beach, another somewhat sheltered waterway, featured a MARBLED MURRELET, PELAGIC CORMORANT, and 3 river otters. A few more pelagic cormorants rested on the docks. COMMON MERGANSERS, BARROW’S and COMMON GOLDENEYES dove frequently in the harbor; I wonder if there are herring or salmon smolt for them now? Crafty RAVENS pillaged the dumpsters. There were several rabbits around that area too; hopefully they will attract some winged predators to thin the population.
Nov 15: GREAT BLUE HERON reported at airport looking very cold.
The first 3 ROSY-CROWNED FINCHES showed up at LeVan’s on November 14th. For the past 9 years, they have always arrived in November. Last year they didn’t show up until January 31st, 2009, whereas October 30, 2006 was the earliest arrival. The resident SONG SPARROW pops up to greet them, and then tries to run them off.
Also on November 14th, Robin C reported the male HOODED MERGANSER at the Stash and Store Pond, Mile 3.5 Seward Highway. I saw a BROWN CREEPER at Second Lake, and heard a few PINE SISKINS above the wind, possibly residents. RED-NECKED GREBE along the Greenbelt.
Nov 13: Robin also reported an adult GOSHAWK working over the pigeons by the waterfalls, a DIPPER at the Lagoon, and a male KINGFISHER at Old Nash Road.
Nov 10: VARIED THRUSH in Mt Ash tree, looking beautiful, but cold.
Jerry O reported an exciting day last week: first a DIPPER flew down to the creek behind his house, about 20’ away from him. Then a WINTER WREN!!! landed about 2’ from the dipper, and when he turned around, there was a BROWN CREEPER! A very special trio! Keep an eye for all three at the 2009 Christmas Bird Count!
Speaking of the CBC, the Seward CBC will be December 19th. Field observers will
meet at the Seaview Plaza conference center at Mile 0/ Third Ave at 9 am to confirm and receive routes. Afterwards, meet at Resurrect Art Coffee House Gallery at 4 pm to share stories and tally results. Bird feeder watchers are welcome too! More information later.
Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Sporadic Bird Report reporter
Seward, Alaska
Seward Christmas Bird Count December 19
Mark your calendar for December 19th for the annual Seward Audubon Christmas Bird Count! Also note Count Week starts December 16 and ends December 22 in which only the species are noted, not their numbers.
The Seward Count Circle centers at the intersection of Nash Road and the Seward Highway. The 15-mile diameter circle encompasses Mile 12 to the north, Exit Glacier to the west, Bear Lake area to the east, and Tonsina Point to the south.
Both field observers and feeder watchers are needed. Field observers should be prepared and able to stay outside most of the day, from about 10 am to 4 pm. Dress for the weather, wear appropriate footwear, and bring snacks, lunch, and water. Bring binoculars, a bird identification book, and a scope, if possible. You may also want to bring a camera to document any rare or unusual sightings, or to submit photos to American Birds for publication. Carpooling with your group is strongly encouraged. Some areas may require snowshoes, snowmachine, or hiking far from the road.
Anyone having an active bird feeder in the count area can participate by periodically counting the single highest number of a species at a feeder at any one time. It is important to notify the compiler that you are a feeder watcher ahead of time so the field observers don’t double count at your feeder! Afterwards, report your results to the compiler.
There is a required $5 fee per field observer to help defray the cost of production and publication of the results in American Birds. No fees are charged for persons under 18 years of age, or for feeder watchers.
Field participants will meet at 9 am at the Seaview Plaza conference room at Mile 0, Seward Highway aka Third Avenue to receive and confirm Count Circle assignments. At 4 pm, we’ll meet at Resurrection Art Coffee House at 320 Third Ave to warm up, share stories, and tally the count.
For more information, to confirm your participation, and to receive the Seward CBC packet, contact Carol Griswold at c_griz@yahoo.com. Also visit the Audubon Christmas Bird Count website at: http://www.audubon.org/bird/cbc
Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
CBC Compiler
PTSA Wreath and Garland deadline Monday, Nov 9th
Today, Monday, November 9th, is the deadline for ordering a beautiful wreath or garland from the Seward PTSA. Please mail your order ASAP!
To order a beautiful 24” live mixed Wreath for $25.00 or a wonderfully fragrant 25 foot live all-cedar Garland for $30.00, mail a check with all the following order information to Seward PTSA Arts, P.O. Box 409, Seward, AK 99664.
Include your phone number, email, and residence (physical) address. Personal delivery to your home or business in the Seward area from Forest Acres to town is an additional $5.00 donation.
Thank you for your support of our schools!
Seward PTSA Wreath and Garland fundraiser begins
The popular Holiday Wreath and Garland Fund Raiser for the Arts and Music in the Schools Program is back for the 15th year. This program is sponsored by the Seward Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) Arts Committee. Funds raised by the sales are reserved to fund art and music programs for the schools.
To purchase a beautiful 24” live mixed Wreath for $25.00 or a wonderfully fragrant 25 foot live all-cedar Garland for $30.00, mail a check with all the order information to the Seward PTSA Arts, P.O. Box 409, Seward, AK 99664.
Be sure to include your phone number, email, and residence (physical) address. Personal delivery to your home or business in the Seward area from Forest Acres to town is an additional $5.00 donation.
The deadline for orders is Monday, November 9, with expected delivery the first week in December in time for the Holiday Train.
Thanks to all past and future supporters of the arts for our kids!
Sincerely,
Carol Griswold
PTSA Wreath Coordinator
Cranes!
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Seward, Alaska Sporadic Bird Report
Sunrise 7:19 am, sunset 8:26 pm, length of day 13 hours, 7 minutes; tomorrow will be 5 minutes and 24 seconds shorter.
Weather: With temperatures holding steady in the mid 50s, and calm or mild northern breezes, fall is not in the air but in the mosaic of greens, golds, yellows, oranges, reds, and maroons of leaves from the mountainsides to town. Bright red berries punctuate the Red Elders, Mt Ash, Devil’s Club, and Bunchberries. Mushrooms of every hue glisten in the woods as raindrops tap softly on their uplifted caps. Showers and mild temperatures are forecast for the rest of the week.
The morning began with the feeble, dispirited whistle of a VARIED THRUSH. He soon stopped as a SHARP-SHINNED HAWK cruised overhead, checking out the neighborhood in case any moping birds really wanted something to be depressed about.
While photographing the delightful array of mushrooms along a forested park trail around 2:30 pm, I suddenly heard the familiar bugling of SANDHILL CRANES. I rushed out of the concealing canopy and there, etched high against the soft gray sky, were hundreds of cranes, circling and calling, stitching delicate embroidered, dancing patterns. One large flock had already passed to the south, the other large flock headed north overhead, loudly debating whether to stay and rest or push ever onward on their long and perilous journey south. Keep your ears and eyes to the skies as more cranes grace Seward with their majesty and music over the next week or two.
A female BELTED KINGFISHER rattled over the lake, hunting for some supper. I haven’t seen very many of this species this summer and am concerned about their dwindling nesting habitat.
Friday, September 11 (Note: Duck hunting season started September 1st, so there won’t be any reports about ducks for a while.) Quite the show at the saltmarsh-with-an-airport-in-it. Several BALD EAGLES spiraled higher and higher catching the thermals while others, mostly juveniles, cruised low over the beach grasses and pond, stirring things up. A most unfortunate GREAT BLUE HERON flew in to feed in the pond just as one of the juvies needed some entertainment. “Cronk! Cronk! Cronk!” the crane complained loudly about the rude behavior as the eagle actually flew straight at him.
Neither bird is particularly maneuverable, so it was a slow motion attack and evasive action, laboriously circling up and down. The crane landed some distance away while the eagle joined another troublemaker on a driftwood log. After a few minutes, the crane returned, still hungry and hopeful, landing in the pond a mere 20 feet away from the log where both eagles snapped their heads 180 to consider this enticing opportunity.
Minutes passed, the motionless heron watching the eagles watching the heron. Finally the heron took a few tentative steps in the shallow pond, tempted by the many salmon smolt and sticklebacks tickling its long toes. One eagle lifted off, spreading its massive wings, and turned to attack. Or just harass. The crane complained once more, and obligingly moved, the two weaving loose circles until the crane broke away and the eagle lost interest. With the abundance of spawning salmon, it’s hard to believe the eagle would be desperate enough to kill a GBH; I think it was just playing with teen power.
A beautiful brown female or juvenile HARRIER with a brilliant white rump worked low over the gentle waves of green and gold sedges, dipping one wing to turn instantly, spinning quickly with a banded tail flare, then resuming her erratic search.
SAVANNAH SPARROWS no longer sing, but pop up unexpectedly from the nearby beach ryegrass then dive down to the ground, becoming invisible.
Just at dusk around 9:15 pm, I was enchanted to watch two LITTLE BROWN BATS flutter with purpose after night moths. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen this amazing flying mammal in my neighborhood. I hope they find a safe place to overwinter.
Tuesday, September 1: A raptor success story. A female MERLIN was found beneath a window, probably stunned by the impact with the unforgiving sky reflection. The homeowner carefully placed the bird in a lined basket, covered it, and kept the bird warm and quiet overnight. To her delight, the merlin was still alive in the morning. At noon, she was able to pick up and hold the calm guest, fierce terror of both dragonfly and pigeon. With a quick lift, the merlin flew free and disappeared into the spruce trees.
It’s not too late, I hope, to buy black bird netting from the garden department. There are several methods to fasten it in front of bird-killing windows so that the view is not compromised and birds bounce harmlessly off. Fall migration and winter are difficult enough. Google “window kill articles and solutions” or go to: http://www.birdscreen.com and http://www.birdscreen.com/Articles.htm.
Saturday, September 5: AMERICAN THREE-TOED WOODPECKER, male, with his little yellow cap, busily working the dead bark of a spruce at Two Lakes Park. First flock of SANDHILL CRANES reported.
Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Sporadic Bird Report reporter
Seward, Alaska
Men’s Race going DOWN
Seward men going down. Just click on the image to enlarge.
Technical difficulties with loading photos. Sorry for the duplication!
Good job, guys!
Carol Griswold
Men’s Race Photos going UP
Here’s a few photos of the men’s race going up. As I have time, I’ll try to post the rest of the story.
Sure glad the air wasn’t smoky like today!
Carol Griswold
PS No, the heads aren’t really cut off. Just click on the photo to enlarge it and see the entire photo. Inexplicably, they are in reverse order.
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