Date: 9/24/26 9:06 pm From: rainyday via groups.io <c_griz...> Subject: [AKBirding] Wednesday, September 23, 2026 More Cranes, Long-billed Dowitchers, Pectoral Sandpipers, and a Sanderling?
Wednesday, September 23, 2026 More Cranes, Long-billed Dowitchers, Pectoral Sandpipers, and a Sanderling?
Seward, Alaska
Sunrise 7:45 am, sunset 7:53 pm, for a total day length of 12 hours and 8 minutes. Tomorrow will be 5 minutes and 24 seconds shorter, more in line with the recent Fall Equinox.
Fall began with two days of warm sunshine as the temperature eased up from a chilly overnight low of 36 to a high of 50 with the north wind gusting to 17 mph. Termination dust flags the taller peaks and below, the subalpine plants glow maroon and red.
Three LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS strolled around the ever-shallower estuary pond, occasionally accompanied by 9 much smaller PECTORAL SANDPIPERS and a peep, possibly a SANDERLING. Two Blackbirds, (Rusty Blackbirds?) erupted from a clump of spruce trees and quickly flew away.
Around 4 pm, I heard SANDHILL CRANES bugling high in the sky heading south, but was unable to spot them due to the sun in my eyes (hate to complain!)
Rain is in the forecast for the next several days, making these sunny fall days even sweeter. Expect more termination dust when the clouds lift!
