I woke up to some pretty heavy fog this morning. I had planned to start my bird surveys early, but if you can’t see the birds you certainly can’t count them. There was a RV volunteer work day scheduled to clean the Connex today. That was something I was hoping to avoid. I don’t know why it’s called a Connex , but it’s a big storage unit that reminds me of a 20-25’ long railroad car without wheels. There was all sorts of stuff inside of it, and not very organized at all.
White-faced Ibis
We ended up with more than a pick-up load of garbage for the dump along with quite a few pounds for the recycle place. Some of the stuff had been moldering away in there for over five years. Stephanie, the volunteer coordinator, hates to throw anything away, so it was a good thing there were five of us old geezers to show her how to down size.
Northern Shoveler drake
By 10:30, we were finished, and the sun had burned off all of the fog. Still plenty of time to do my surveys, so off I went. Today seemed to be a green-winged teal day for me. I found them in six of the seven survey blocks, and one of the blocks had at least 1200 of them.
In between counting and documenting all of the waterbirds, I get a chance to observe some of the species close up. It’s always interesting to me to see what they’re doing. This gadwall spent quite a bit of time grooming himself.
“Ah, that feels better!”
Tomorrow is the Christmas Bird Count on the refuge, and I’ll have to be to the VIS by 7:00. Since the VIS is over 20 miles away, that means I’ll have to set my alarm for 5:30. Yuck! I think it’s going to be just as foggy tomorrow as it was today, so I think a 9:00 start time makes more sense. I’m just a worker bee though, so that decision is out of my hands.
Guess I’d better make a lunch to take along before I hit the hay tonight. I don’t want to have to think about doing that so early in the morning.
Thanks for stopping by… talk to you later, Judy
Posts
Judy,
ReplyDeleteThank you for all that you do for nature and as a by-product for your readers enjoyment and our education. You get up early, you drive long distances, you extend yourself, you learn new skills, and in the long run you make a difference to the ecology. I wish for you a healthy, safe and rewarding 2014.
Since we first went full time, one of my favorite things is getting rid of stuff:)
ReplyDeleteI admire your dedication! I'm afraid I'd buckle under with those early morning hours :)
ReplyDeleteThat gadwall picture is just the best. I've never seen one before I don't think. Sure do admire how many birds you can recognize. I'll bet you'll have a great time on the count. Wish I could go along and watch since I wouldn't be much help.
ReplyDeleteWe had a nice day today and now tomorrow is sposed to be snowy! Bah and humbug! Best to make hay while the sunshines but that is a hard lesson for me. I'd druther do what I want to do!
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Jo
Make sure they pay you from 7:00 am tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome looking bird the white faced ibis is! I hope you have a great day tomorrow and get lots of pictures! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHappy counting, Judy!
ReplyDeleteI wonder when you get tired of that tough duty???? My arm and hip wouldn't let me do some of that stuff...not to mention my attitude!///Do you ever just want some quiet and "down" time??? I live to sit outside with my camera close and read my books..notice I said books NOT tablet or reader, or whatever they call them...
ReplyDeleteOh boy, give me a place to clean out and organize and I am in my element! The problem is that there is not much left when I am done. Just ask John. lol
ReplyDeleteCOME TO MY HOUSE...we are all pack rats...need someone to come in and clear out the crap
Delete:-)
Judy, how in the world do you count 1200 birds. wouldnt think they would be stationary long enough and dont you lose track
ReplyDeleteof your count ????
I don't know if I ever mentioned to you - my Dad worked for the NJ Dept of Fish and Game. At one time he would take duck census on the Delaware River. It was done by small airplane. Oh he would get motion sickness. In the plane swaying back and forth, looking down at the moving river, trying to count. He learned to take an empty container with him, if you get my drift....
ReplyDeleteAt least you were able to get rid of all that "stuff" without having to document and fill out all the paperwork that's usually required.
ReplyDeleteSuch dedication--I too appreciate your birding skills--keeps us all on our toes! Michael is the "keeper" in our family, I am the tosser.
ReplyDeleteI'd be a terrible bird counter. I'd just be guessing - looks like 1250 to me alright!
ReplyDeleteNothing like throwing someone else's junk away. No emotional attachments to fuss over! :c)
ReplyDeleteI agree with Paul and Marti.
ReplyDeleteLove the grooming duck.
I too love the grooming duck. He looks so happy!!
ReplyDeleteI don't know how many times I said great photo's, but here goes again, great photo's. You are very blessed to have such a great "job".
ReplyDeleteWe have been sharing your experience with fog her at the Dunes, we'll commiserate!
ReplyDeleteBut mostly I was thinking, seems every government place we go they have a storage shed/area/Connex/whatever with stuff in it that's been mouldering "for at least 5 years". Either that or they simply don't know where their equipment IS. It's kind of mind boggling.
Cheers,
Peter
A retired photographer looks at life from behind an RV steering wheel.
Life Unscripted
Short for container for export.
ReplyDeleteShort for container for export.
ReplyDeleteThat's an early start for sure
ReplyDeleteBut didn't you feel better when that job was done? I'm about to start on the doublewide here. Got permission to clean it up, organize the stuff,and then make a list of needs.
ReplyDeleteFirst thing will be lots of trash removed, including real old books and magazines and pieces of pots and pans and the rusty stuff..
They are responsive, You would fall in love with writing again after using it.
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