Long-tailed ducks
/I am walking down the dock in South Harbor in Petersburg, Alaska. Crusty snow crunches underfoot and the sun is angling in from just above the horizon. It is midday, midwinter, and wisps of sea smoke indicate that the air is colder than the water. I am following a sweet murmuring sound; three soft, ascending notes sung by dozens of voices tumbling upon each other. Near the end of the float I see flocks of long tailed ducks, and they are making the musical sounds.
They paddle in and out of the long shadows cast by the boats. One duck dives and the rest follow with a watery 'swoosh' sound. A few minutes later they pop up together, closer now.
Long_tailed ducks (Clangula hyemalis)
These beautiful seabirds are winter and spring visitors.
Male Long-tailed duck (Clangula hyemalis)
There are some other birds nearby, like these surf scoters.
Surf scoters (Melanitta perspicillata)
This female common merganser went by and then I didn't see her again. They are usually in flocks, moving steadily along, dipping their heads down into the water to look for food. That long bill of hers is serrated to help her hang onto the fish that she catches.
Female common merganser (Mergus merganser)
But my attention keeps going back to the long-tailed ducks. The males are showier than the females, and have two long, expressive tail feathers.
Long-tailed ducks, female (left) and male (right)
They will head north to their breeding ground in spring or early summer, but for right now, in their striking winter plumage, they are a delightful addition to a Southeast Alaska waterfront.
Male long-tailed duck (Clangula hyemalis)
Male long-tailed duck (Clangula hyemalis)
There are many ducks and other birds that winter here in Southeast Alaska, brightening the short days.
Bye for now!
Alaska Beachcomber
More on seabirds: Common Mergansers
Just Ducky - photos of Barrow's Goldeneye ducks
More about birds: Crows and Ravens Love Dog Food, Seagulls at the Trough
All kinds of animals here: Alaskan Critters