January 8, 2026, Seward Folly

Birdwatchers flock to Seward for 2025 Christmas Count, spotting 64 species

SEWARD — A hardy group of birdwatchers braved true Alaskan winter December 27 for Seward’s annual Christmas Bird Count, tallying 2,447 birds across 64 species, a jump from last year’s 57.

Thirty volunteers patrolled the field, including three under the age of 18, while four others kept watch from their home feeders. Nine birders made the trek down from Anchorage, joining locals to scan the coast for feathered residents and holiday visitors. Out at Tonsina, a perennial group even packed in firewood the day before to keep warm while counting. “That’s true CBC spirit,” local organizer Tasha DiMarzio quipped.

Feathered Surprises

This year’s count wasn’t just about the numbers. A handful of unexpected visitors kept even the most seasoned birders on their toes. Anna’s Hummingbird, far from its usual southern wintering grounds, stuck it out through subzero temperatures, thanks in part to energy from a heated feeder — a tiny trooper refusing to head south. A lone Killdeer piped its “kee-dee” call at Afognak Beach. Perhaps most remarkable: an American Pipit, spotted for only the third time since the Seward count began, and the first since 2016.

Weather and Conditions

Seward’s long stretch of brutal winter weather didn’t make it easy. The planned boat route was canceled due to ice in the harbor and rough conditions in the bay, though the vessel KIMU was prepped and ready. On count day, the weather laid down a bit, with temperatures hovering near 20°F, gusty NNW winds up to 30 mph, and just six hours of daylight. It was a classic Seward challenge.

Count Day Highlights

After a day of scouring snowy roadsides and icy creeks, participants gathered at the Alaska SeaLife Center to warm up and share their “Birds of the Day.” Among the highlights: Snow Buntings whipping through the wind, Yellow-billed Loons diving in the bay, American Dippers swimming in frigid creeks, and Bohemian Waxwings gorging on mountain ash berries. Two owls, the Great Horned and the Northern Saw-whet, called from the darkness to close out the count.

Changing Trends

Finch numbers, once sky-high during the irruptive winter of 2023, remained low. Redpolls, Pine Siskins, and Crossbills were nearly absent, likely due to a poor spruce cone crop. This year’s tally reflects that ongoing shift.

Still, the energy and enthusiasm of the group shone through.

“It’s hard not to feel festive when you’re out in the cold, watching birds do their thing,” said one counter.

After all, it wouldn’t be a Seward Christmas Bird Count without a little weather, a lot of teamwork, and plenty of surprises.