Date: 11/5/26 7:10 pm From: rainyday via AKBirding <c_griz...> Subject: [AKBirding] Thursday, November 5, 2026 Townsend’s Solitaire!
Thursday, November 5, 2026 Townsend’s Solitaire!
Seward, Alaska
A break in the rain! Fog ghosted around town and in low-lying areas this morning, but soon dispersed to reveal new snow on the surrounding mountains. A dip in the temperature last night created beautiful patterns like bird feathers on shallow puddles.
The clear night and north wind also dispersed the Anchorage Lesser Canada Geese and the Taverner’s. Tasha reported that half of the remaining collared Geese left Alaska last night. Fascinating data!
Instead of Geese, I found three GREAT BLUE HERONS at the head of the bay, including one that flew right overhead. It was so cool to see its round yellow eyes and large black pupils on either side of its long bill.
A female BELTED KINGFISHER hovered over the open pond, hunting/fishing.
Back at home, a great ruckus raised by several STELLER’S JAYS and BLACK-BILLED MAGPIES roused my curiosity. Still carrying my camera and binocs from the car, I eased my way to the side yard.
Not involved, a TOWNSEND’S SOLITAIRE perched conspicuously on the power line then flew to a nearby Mt Ash. Click, click! I haven’t seen this handsome species with the gray suit and white spectacles since 2023. It quickly disappeared, hopefully not too far. The Jays escorted the cause of alarm, possibly a stray cat, into the neighbor’s yard and out of sight. Good job!
