Date: 4/14/25 9:59 pm From: rainyday via groups.io <c_griz...> Subject: [AKBirding] Monday, April 14, 2025 Yellowlegs, Surf, Humpback Whale
Monday, April 14, 2025 Yellowlegs, Surf, Humpback Whale
Seward, Alaska
After an overnight dusting of 1-3” snow, the clouds retreated and offered a day of welcome but chilly sunshine. Temps ranged from 25 to 38 with a brisk north wind.
Spring arrivals seem slow, though I enjoyed watching two GREATER YELLOWLEGS fishing at Afognak Beach, darting through a shallow intertidal stream to nab small fish with great accuracy and satisfaction.
Fourth of July Beach featured green surf pounding against the shore and a few hardy surfers. A smattering of BARROW’S GOLDENEYES, SURF SCOTERS and HARLEQUINS dove in less dramatic water farther down the beach.
Off Lowell Point, a small fleet of fishing boats accompanied by the giant orange M/V Ross Chouest utility tug participated in SERVS, the Alyeska oil spill training response for fishing vessels.
In the middle of the bay all by itself, without any fanfare or flash, a magnificent Humpback Whale exhaled misty plumes then gracefully, leisurely, disappeared down into its ocean universe.
Although it’s very hard to wait, the Seward spring migrants are on their way.
For photos, edits, and updates, please visit my blog at https://sporadicbird.blogspot.com
