Field Days

Bird Notes

2009-09-15T21:57:00.003-05:00

Birds on the Wires from Jarbas Agnelli on Vimeo.

A weekend in photos

2009-05-02T21:32:00.007-05:00

This weekend was spent with a walk on the MSU campus, a drive out to the flooded field on Ruppert Rd to look for shorebirds, and a hike through Lake Lansing Park with a group of friends.

On campus I saw:

Tulips

Shadow smelling the tulips

Virginia bluebells

these fancy unique flowers

this yellow flower

a male northern cardinal singing in the magnolia tree

a white-crowned sparrow (which I think is a rare species?)

a chipping sparrow

a cottontail rabbit

mushrooms at the base of a tree

a fox squirrel busy with a snack

licking up crumbs

and the Beaumont tower.

The field at Ruppert Rd was busy with yellowlegs and unidentified peeps (I was looking into the setting sun). There were also a pair of blue-winged teal, Canada geese, a lone northern shoveler drake, multiple (100s?) red-winged blackbirds, and several ring-necked pheasant roosters calling.

The female red-winged blackbird

At Lake Lansing Park we heard: black-and-white warbler, common yellowthroat, scarlet tanager, chickadee, tufted titmouse, robin, song sparrow, and many more birds whose calls we couldn't remember. We also saw a couple of garter snakes. Here are some things we saw:

Skunk cabbage

Morel mushroom

Common violet

I forgot the name of this flower despite being told twice what it is =(

We originally set out to go birdwatching. However, when we came to the first boardwalk over a bog, we were immediately distracted by the thought of salamanders and aquatic insects. Of course being the bunch of scientists we are, we set out to explore the bog for creatures. Soon we were all on our bellies on the boardwalk reaching into the water. We found larvae of trichoptera (caddis fly), diptera (true fly), mosquito, and other things we couldn't identify. We also found fairy shrimp, wood frog tadpoles, a nematode that looked like a string, and tiny crayfish.

Of course a group of adults laying on their bellies across a trail in the woods looks funny and naturally draws attention from other trailgoers. A little boy came along with his young brother and his dad, "Hey! What are you guys looking for?!" We told him insect larvae and other animals that live in the bog. He enthusiastically joined us for about a half hour. He was very knowledgeable about a variety of things we found. We all took turns catching various organisms and letting him hold them in his cupped hands filled with water. It was refreshing to share time with a person so young but filled with just as much enthusiasm for the natural world as I (we?) have.

I took photos of him exploring the bog and emailed them to his father. The little boy wrote back:

"Thank you for letting me touch two shrimp and two crawdads. I liked to look at the fly larvae. I like to hold the fresh water creatures. It was fun! I liked the freshwater tadpole. I saw a stringy worm under water. It was an underwater worm. There was a big larvae. I don't know what it was. I would like to see you and everyone else that was with you again. Thank you for for putting a shrimp in my hands. She put water in my hands too. Our phone number is XXX-XXXX. I will be sending you a thank you note too."

My labmate catching critters for the little boy, perhaps a future aquatic entomologist

I took a break from packing and reading and drove back down to the flooded field at Ruppert Rd. The south winds brought in more yellowlegs. I saw six ring-necked pheasant roosters and one hen. I also saw the pair of blue-winged teal perhaps prospecting for a nest site. The northern shoveler drake was still hanging around as are the Canada geese.

Ring-necked pheasant roosters (one on each side of the road)

Blue-winged teal pair

Greater yellowlegs settling down for the evening as the sun sets.

Get outside and smell the tulips!

Cheers!

A few days outdoors - a few photos to share

2009-04-29T22:29:00.007-05:00

Last Friday I went out with my prof to help conduct a mistnetting demonstration for a small group of MSU students. The weather was hot, sunny and windy - not very good for catching birds. We caught two robins and two field sparrows and at the end of the day we caught a beautiful male yellow warbler.

Yellow warbler (male)

That evening I took Shadow for a walk around campus. Shadow retrieved sticks from the Red Cedar River. I took a few photos:

Tree reflection

Sunset on the river (this photo doesn't do it justice)

Saturday I did some schoolwork and ran some errands. I went to a friend's Backyard Wing Ding Spring Fling BBQ which was a super fun time! Her upstairs housemates are musicians with fun instruments like a washtub bass and a saw and bow in addition to guitars. We sang songs and played instruments for a few hours and enjoyed each others creativity and company. I forgot my camera but took many photos with a friend's camera. Maybe I'll post those photos later?

Byron's mom came to visit on Sunday. We picked up another friend of mine for brunch at Sawyer's Pancake House. Then we were off to walk in the 5K Race for the Cure. The weather was perfect. It was awesome to see so much support for breast cancer from men and women of all ages. After the race, we stopped into a chocolate and coffee shop for some chocolate and then we were off to grab Shadow for a walk through the woods at Lake Lansing Park. Shadow romped through the mud and made a mess of himself. We enjoyed the new plants popping out of the ground. We ate dinner at the Blue Gill Grill and then Cindy was off for home. I'm so thankful to live so close to Byron's parents!

Sunday evening around sunset I drove out to the flooded field off of Beard Rd near Perry, MI to look for shorebirds and waterfowl. I found 3 drake and 4 hen ruddy ducks. I also saw several yellowlegs but the light was too low to take any photos. On the drive back to Haslett, I saw a pair of sandhill cranes doing their courtship dance in a flooded corn field off of Perry Rd.

I went back Monday evening to the flooded field off of Ruppert and Beard Roads in hopes of finding the ruddy ducks. The males had been in spectacular breeding plumage and I wanted to photograph them. Instead, I was treated to Bonaparte's gulls soaring in the high winds along with the ring-billed gulls.

On the ground I found greater yellowlegs, some unidentified peeps, killdeer, horned larks and a scuffle between two ring-necked pheasant roosters.

Bonaparte's gulls

Ring-billed gull

Greater yellowlegs

I first heard a ring-necked pheasant rooster call but couldn't find it. So, I cued up the rooster call on the cd player in my car and played the call. The rooster popped his head up and I was able to see him. Ten minutes later, I saw a young rooster move in the brush. He saw the old rooster and hid. The old rooster flushed him out of his hide. The young rooster froze and then began to run then eventually flew to the next field. It was interesting to watch this play out before my eyes. I had never observed ring-necked pheasants like this before.

Ring-necked pheasant roosters
(the old one is on the right and the young one on the left just came out of his hide)

The young rooster runs past the old rooster who then gives chase

The young rooster takes flight toward the adjacent field

This evening I took Shadow for a walk on the trail at Lake Lansing Park. Here is what we saw:

Flowers in the marsh

Bag worms on a black cherry tree in the under story

One of several deer

This last photo is of a deer at dusk. Do you see the deer?

I hope you're enjoying the beautiful wondrous outdoors! I know I am!

Cheers!

Signs of Spring!

2009-04-19T22:50:00.009-05:00

After a long, hard week, I spent this weekend doing things I really enjoy. The weather was beautiful - 70degF on Saturday; overcast, cool, light rain on Sunday.

Saturday, I cleaned my house then spent the day outdoors running errands and playing around. I went on a 20ish mile ride following the following route and adding a trip around Lake Lansing: &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/mi/haslett/146227383"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Lounsberry Loop&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br/&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/find-ride/united-states/mi/haslett"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Find more Bike Rides in Haslett, Michigan&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

Sunday, I slept in. I took a birding trip up near Perry, MI (about 20 miles NE) to a flooded field in the country. I found Bonaparte's gulls (50-100), ring-billed gulls, killdeer, greater yellowlegs (2), and one herring gull.

Greater yellowlegs

Bonaparte's gull

Bonaparte's gull (nonbreeding plumage)

Ring-billed gull harassing Bonaparte's gull

Ring-billed gull

I stopped at the Lake Lansing Park for a quick stroll to scan the lake for birds. The weather had deteriorated to higher winds and heavier rain making the lake pretty choppy. I was able to pick out bufflehead, American coot, Canada geese, mallard, and northern shoveler. I saw a pair of brown-headed cowbirds, a common grackle and several American robins picking through the grass. A white-breasted nuthatch hopped down the wall of a concession shelter then into a tree. I love those little birds! Several flowers were in bloom. So beautiful!

White-breasted nuthatch

Brown-headed cowbird (female)

Brown-headed cowbird pair

American robin

Fancy daffodils?

Daffodil

I left the park and headed home to eat a bit of lunch. Then I went to MSU campus to take a walk and see what sorts of flowers I could find in the gardens.

Red Cedar River that flows through campus

The Red Cedar is home to several mallard ducks

Mallard duck (drake)

The garden had a few flowers in bloom

Finally, Shadow's debut on my blog. I adopted him in early February. He is a one and half year old Golden Retriever x Standard Poodle. He weighs about 80 pounds and is a very happy, goofball of a dog.

Here he is sitting very nicely given the fact that a squirrel is scolding him from a tree about 20 feet away.

Shadow intently watching a squirrel while trying to keep sitting

One of many squirrels on campus. This area of Michigan has black squirrels. Pretty neat!

I am officially a graduate student at Michigan State University. My work is going very well and I'm preparing for my quickly approaching field season. Perhaps I'll write more later about what exactly my field season is all about.

Hope you are all well and enjoying the beautiful outdoors as it awakes from a long winter!

Bored at work = Fun with words

2009-03-24T17:39:00.003-05:00

It's been quite awhile since my last post. I have several events that I could (should?) have posted about, but didn't due to lack of time and perhaps motivation. Today, boredom is my motivation to post about words and how fun English grammar and punctuation can be.

Some sentences to contemplate:

1) Buffalo buffalo Buffalo buffalo buffalo buffalo Buffalo buffalo.

This sentence plays with 1) a proper noun and adjective, Buffalo, as in Buffalo, NY, 2)a noun, buffalo, as in bison, and 3)a verb, buffalo, as in to bully.

2) James while John had had had had had had had had had had had a better effect on the teacher.

After punctuating this sentence it reads:

James, while John had had "had," had had "had had"; "had had" had had a better effect on the teacher.

Rearrange it and it becomes: While John had written "had," James had written "had had." The teacher preferred "had had."

3) That that is is that that is not is not is that it it is.

Again, capitalization and punctuation are key:

That that is, is. That that is not, is not. Is that it? It is.

4) If the police police police police, who polices the police police?

This is another example of using an adjective, noun and singular and plural verb - all of which happen to be the same word.

Next are syntactically ambiguous sentences, that is, they can be interpreted in different ways.

1) We saw her duck.

Did you see her fowl or did you see her lower her head?

2) Bear left at zoo.

Did someone leave a bear at the zoo or do you turn left when you get to the zoo?

3) They are hunting dogs.

Are 'they' hunting for dogs or are those dogs a type known as "hunting dogs?"

4) Time flies like an arrow... Fruit flies like a banana. - Groucho Marx

Of course you understand "Time flies like an arrow" to mean time flies as an arrow does. But, couldn't it mean to measure the speed of flying insects (flies) in the same manner you would measure that of an arrow? Or you could interpret it as if the arrow had the ability to measure time. It could also mean that a specific type of fly "time-flies" all enjoy a single arrow, much like that fruit flies like a banana.

5) Police help dog bite victim.

Did the police help the victim who was bitten by a dog, or did the police help the dog bite the victim?

6) While the man was hunting the deer ran through the forest.

Did the man run through the forest while hunting deer, or did the deer run through the forest while the man was hunting?

I hope you enjoyed the adventure through the English language. Grammar, punctuation and spelling does count!

I haven't slept for ten days, because that would be too long.

Cheers!

TIHA

Spring in Oregon

2009-03-23T20:09:00.013-05:00

A New Home - A New City to Explore

2009-01-27T13:10:00.006-06:00

Before I get in to my tales of exploration, and because I know you are all curious, I want to tell you about my new niche in the Fisheries and Wildlife Wildlife Conservation Disease program at MSU.

I have a corner cubicle deep in the bowels of the Natural Resources Building. So far I like it down here (in the basement). Sometimes it's quiet and other times it's bumbling with activity - the other grad students preparing for class or telling jokes and stories or bouncing ideas around.

My role for now is to help set up the lab and learn the new digital imaging software that runs our fancypants camera on our fancypants microscope in our brand spanking new fancypants lab. I love photography. Naturally, I'm excited to have this responsibility. Once I learn the software, I'll be working with spleens. Yep, bird spleens. Neat-o!

My other role in the lab as a grad student is to...(drumroll please)...READ! I knew you'd never guess! I've been reading a lot and will be reading a lot for the next few years.

On to the Explorations...

Boredom and loneliness comes with moving to a new place. Emily, my fellow lab mate and grad student, had game night at her house a couple weekends ago. It was super fun and I met many other grad students in the department.

I did some researching to see what FREE recreational opportunities exist in the area. I found a trail system at Harris Nature Center as well as the Potter Park Zoo (it's free in the winter).

While snowshoeing on an upland trail at Harris Nature Center, I met some sled dog runners and their fluffy, white Samoyeds. The woods were calm and big, fluffy snowflakes fell gently from the cloudy sky.

I crossed over the road to snowshoe on a lowland trail that followed a stream. Ice tables could be seen on most trees - evidence of the flooding over Christmas. I followed the trail until the sun set - painting the sky and clouds a pale orange and pink.

This weekend is Winter Wonderland at Harris Nature Center. The sled dogs will be there to demonstrate the sport. The center will also have snowshoe and cross country ski rentals for free. I'll be there, will you?

Last Sunday I ventured out of my funk to the Potter Park Zoo. I snowshoed along the river for a bit then went to the zoo. I was impressed with this little zoo. It had a lot to offer for such a small size. It's the oldest zoo in Michigan and it has a rare breeding pair of Black Rhinos - another reason to be impressed! Admission and parking is free in the winter. Visitor traffic is low during the winter - the animals seemed much more relaxed and presented me with better opportunity to photograph them. See?

I hope you are all well and warm!

TIHA

A New Year - A New Home

2009-01-18T23:46:00.003-06:00

The new year brings me a new home. Byron flew in to Des Moines on January 2nd to meet my parents and help me move to Michigan. My mom, step-dad, grandparents and my niece, Autumn, met me at the airport to greet Byron. I was so excited to see him again! Autumn took to him like a magnet. After discovering that his luggage was in Atlanta, GA, we all went to dinner. My brother and his girlfriend, and my sister and brother-in-law and Jada met us at the restaurant which was a nice surprise.

The weekend was spent jockeying moving trailers and then finally loading the trailer. I couldn't have done it without Byron. Dad and Joyce hauled the trailer with the truck and Byron and I went in my car with Ernie, my parrot, the goldfish, and all of my houseplants - including a 6ft tall Schefflera tree. We all arrived safely and were surprised by the arrival of Byron's parents, Cindy and Peter. Everyone helped unload the trailer and we were sitting down at dinner by 8:30pm. We saw Dad and Joyce off the next morning from their hotel and we began unpacking and organizing.

The following weekend we went over to Grand Rapids to visit Byron's family and relax. Relaxing, it was! We shared another delicious dinner at Graydon's Crossing. After deboning a deer, we all made crab stuffed pork tenderloin which we ate with sweet potatoes and broccoli.

Byron and his mom snowshoed with Sadie along the river while I napped. When I woke, I happened to see them out the bedroom window and took a photo. I took a few moments to wake up then joined them for a walk.

Back in Lansing at my apartment, we continued unpacking and organizing. We slow roasted venison with root vegetables at a low temp. It turned out amazingly tender and delicious. One evening I made Pad Ka Prao Moo - a thai dish with pork, holy basil and chili paste - HOT! We ate this as a scramble for breakfast for a couple of mornings. We found a delicious sushi restaurant - we ate there once at lunch and once at dinner. I'll go back for lunch - you get more for your money.

One evening we drove over to Ann Arbor to visit Byron's friend Nick and his wife, Krystal. We ate a delicious dinner and shared stories. Good times...

This past Friday, we drove over to Grand Rapids again to surprise Byron's mom. We stopped and bought her a bouquet of tulips. We visited grandma for a bit and then headed to the house. Everyone was happy to see us. We went to dinner and then visited for awhile before heading back to Lansing.

Byron and I eased into the morning on Saturday. I gathered some snacks in baggies for his long journey home - cookies, corn chips with flax, clementines and a banana. I took him to the airport where we sat and waited until he had to leave. It was so hard to say good-bye. We don't know when we can see each other again because my schedule is to be determined.

Not many pictures to share...Sorry.

Ernie and me

Byron and me at the Lansing airport saying good-bye until next time

Saturday night I went to game night at my labmates house. I enjoyed myself and it took my mind off of missing Byron. Tomorrow I start work. It will be nice to be busy again.

Happy New Year!

Christmas

2008-12-26T22:16:00.002-06:00

It's Christmas time!

I went home for Christmas to spend time with my family before my move to Lansing, MI. I had a really great time and it was good to see everyone. Of course, there are photos...

The "Magic Tree" in a private yard in Columbia, MO

A beautiful gift Byron's parents sent - super awesome mittens and a Spartans tee.

Jada was definitely the star of the show!

Mom and Autumn with Jada. She was so excited.

Mom showing off Jada's new toy. Jada LOVED opening presents. So cute...

Grandma Jordison and her beautifully decorated table

The Iowa State Capitol seen from E. Locust St in Des Moines, IA

The Iowa State Capitol seen from atop the State of Iowa parking garage

A weekend in Astoria

2008-12-19T19:57:00.004-06:00

A week ago now, I was in my car heading to Des Moines. Early the next morning I flew out of Des Moines International Airport to Portland where Byron met me with great anticipation. I was so excited to see him again! After a quick lunch, we were on the road to Astoria.

We went for coffee at Columbia River Roasters and then birded a wetland near the Astoria Airport. The cold wind drove rain into our faces so we turned back and headed home where it was warm (and dry). We dried off and changed into warm clothes then headed out to Fort George Brewery - the best place in town for homemade sausages. Byron hadn't yet been, so it was nice to share the experience with him. It's one of my favorite places in town for dinner and a cold beer. Then we were off to see Keith Anderson in concert at the newly restored and beautiful Liberty Theater in Downtown Astoria. I got to meet one of Byron's friends, which was awesome! The show was excellent! It was a small crowd which made it intimate. He sang all of our favorites and told some funny stories as well.

Keith Anderson and his mates

After the concert we went to the Voodooroom - my favorite bar in town. There I saw a friend of mine I had met during the summer. It was so great to catch up with him!

Byron cooked me breakfast Sunday morning and I made our coffee. We went hiking at Ecola State Park near Cannon Beach. It was cold and snowy but not uncomfortably so. We hiked the trail to Indian Beach but turned back halfway down the trail because it was incredibly muddy and I had left my hiking boots in Missouri since the weather was supposed to be terrible. It was funny anyway...

Looking south from the parking lot - Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock in the misty snow

Tillamook Rock Lighthouse

Byron on the trail, snow blankets the hillside in the background

Baylee giving me the "c'mon, let's go!" look

I spy...

The cowboy boot and the arch

Finally, back at the truck, I stopped to make a snowbird

Next stop was Cannon Beach for some lunch and a stroll on the beach. The sky was beautiful and as usual, so was Haystack Rock. See?

We met a few of Byron's workmates and their wives at the Columbia Theater on Sunday night to see Zach and Miri Make a Porno. It was silly and yielded all a good time. I wish we had been able to spend more time with his friends. Maybe next time...

We drove back to Portland after the movie. The roads were slick through the passes and we encountered elk in the road, which proved exciting. I said, "Deer, deer, deer..." and as we got closer I was like, "Oooh, elk!" Haha. Good thing we didn't nail one. The weather was awful. It was super windy and freeeezing. We got a hotel at the airport for the night and soaked in the hot tub to warm ourselves.

The next morning we said our farewells and I was off to Des Moines. I watched the sunrise over the clouds and Mt. Hood then passed out.

What a fun, spontaneous trip!

TIHA

Around the bend...

2008-12-19T19:10:00.002-06:00

A couple of months ago I wrote about coming to an endless bend in the road. My job was ending sooner than planned and the future seemed grim. I thought I should write a quick update to tidy things up around here and not leave you all thinking that all in my world is hopeless and the sky is falling.

I now have two jobs in my field and when I'm not working (or blogging), I'm packing my worldly possessions. That's right, in two weeks from today, I'm moving. MOVING! Where? East Lansing, Michigan. Why? I'm going to graduate school! Yeehaw!

Michigan State University is just past that bend in the road. Things are quite foggy - I don't yet know exactly how graduate school works. It appears very different from my undergraduate experience. Soon, though, I'll learn the ropes of it and will have it mastered.

Meetings in Michigan - Part Two

2008-12-17T17:59:00.010-06:00

Last time I ended with Tuesday, November 18 - Byron, Mini-Mom and I had gone to the Frederik Meijer Garden and to the Public Museum of Grand Rapids. We went to bed early as the next day would be busy and stressful.

We ate a delicious breakfast with Mini-Mom then I got dressed up. This was the day I would meet my potential professor for graduate school. That's right, I had an interview at Michigan State University for a Master of Science project in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife. I was so thankful that Mini-Mom could go with - moms have special calming powers. I was also gracious that they could take me an hour and a half over to the university.

We arrived with plenty of time so we stopped at the Dairy Store for lunch and ice cream (which happens to be right across the street from the Natural Resources building). I spent the entire afternoon with the professor and her students - two hours with her and the rest of the evening with her students. I had a wonderful time. Prof took me for a driving tour of the campus facilities that would be pertinent to the project - places like the Michigan State Disease Laboratory. Afterward, we chatted for a bit then I was off with her two graduate students. They took me on a walking tour of campus. My favorite part was finding another ice cream dairy store and the library. The library is huge and awesome with bookshelves that move at the press of a button. I was curious if they (the shelves) were smart enough to know if an aisle was occupied by a human. So, we played with it for a bit - one jumps in the aisle, I press the button and wait. The shelves told me the aisle was occupied. Smart! They took me for ice cream and introduced me to a fun group of other students in Fisheries and Wildlife and then we went for dinner at a Thai restaurant. Yumm! A quick phone call and Byron and his mom picked me up and we were headed home.

Byron and I eased into the following morning. We ate breakfast at the local greasy spoon. Our eyes were bigger than our stomachs (or the diner had ridiculously sized portions) - Okay, both. I hadn't seen that much food in a looong time. I was overcome by food coma (and perhaps the seat heater) and passed out in the car on the way to one of Byron's favorite places to explore the outdoors - Pickrell State Park.

Once out of the car in the cold in the wilderness, I woke up. We hiked around the lake and had a wonderful time being silly, horsing around.

Byron on the trail

The view of the lake from atop a hill

Byron climbed downed trees

The trail

We found the handiwork of beavers

Byron, the photographer

Sapsicles!

This is what it looks like when I trip over a root in the trail - graceful!

The trail again

Earlier in the day, I wished for snow and got it! Byron told me to wish for a million bucks, so I did, but didn't get it.

Byron climbed a gnarly tree

The sun broke through the clouds just for this shot.

That night, Byron's parents took us to Graydon's Crossing for a fantastic Indian/English dinner. Everything I tasted was amazing. After dinner we went shopping for spices at a specialty spice shop. Then it was home to watch Kung Fu Panda. I fell asleep at the end.

Friday was the ultimate lazy day. I think I woke up at 10:00. Byron and I ate leftover breakfast from the previous morn then loafed around all day. We watched, rather Byron watched Kung Fu Panda again - I fell asleep, this time at the beginning. I woke up in time to see the part I missed from the previous night. Then Byron's friend picked us up and we three went to the mall. Byron and I got stuck in William Sonoma and decided to leave a 1/4 way through the store before we spent our lives savings (current and future).

That evening, his sister Marya came home from training in Detroit and I got to meet Byron's cousin and his family. Good times!

Saturday, we went shopping with Mini-Mom in downtown Rockford. We walked from their house and back - it was a cold day but still pleasant. Byron made a cheesecake for the next day's dessert.

Chef Byron preparing a cheesecake

The making of a spiced chocolate cheesecake

We went out to dinner with Byron's best friend, Arley, and his lovely and pregnant wife, Melisa. I really enjoyed them and hope to spend more time with them soon.

Sunday, we slept in again. It was a busy day! We prepped food for dinner that night. The previous day Mini-Mom had entered her name in a drawing at one of the stores - she ended up winning, so we went to pick up her prize. We then went to Herman's Boy for more coffee and bagel dogs then came home. Byron made a spiced chocolate cheesecake. We helped his mom put lights on the tree outside. Well, okay, I was the photographer. Inside, Byron's dad prepared dinner - deep fried turkey and a venison roast.

Byron and Mini-Mom stringing lights on the tree

Cute!

The tree lit up! It's Christmas time!

Back inside, we finished preparing food for dinner. Sadie watched all the commotion from the great room.

For dinner we ate deep fried turkey, venison roast, sweet potatos, fresh green beans with almonds, roasted potatoes, fresh veggies and a whole lot of things I'm sure I'm forgetting...

So pretty...

Monday morning we woke up knowing it would be a sad day. It was the day I left for home. It snowed overnight and the birds were perched at the feeders for breakfast. We watched them as we ate ours from the warmth of the nook in the kitchen.

I packed and prepared for my evening flight back to Des Moines. It was a sad day. I think we all cried at the airport when we said good-bye. I absolutely loved every moment of this trip! I am thrilled to have met Byron's wonderful family and can't wait to see them again!

Meetings in Michigan - Part One

2008-11-27T21:55:00.012-06:00

I took a vacation to Grand Rapids, MI from 16 - 24 November. Why on earth would I "vacation" in Michigan in November, you ask? Well, because Byron planned to be there for the Thanksgiving holiday and it was time to meet his family. And so the story goes...

Mom drops me at Des Moines International Airport (I always snicker at the "International" portion of that) early Sunday morning. Let the feverish text messaging begin! Byron was at the Portland Airport boarding his flight eastward. Soon after arriving at my gate, I noticed my departure time was delayed by two hours - which would cause me to miss my connection in Chicago. I was almost panicking. Texting Byron, who was now airborne, I told him that I wouldn't be making it that day. Finally, after changing the departure time two more times, I was boarding as originally scheduled and we were on our merry, yet bumpy, way to the fine, fine city of Chicago. I texted Byron to let him know I was on schedule. Yippee!

In Chicago's O'hare airport I played with some LEGOs that were provided by a wind-energy company while I drank a delicious strawberry shake from Johnny Rockets Diner. My flight to Grand Rapids left with no problems (from the very same gate when I flew to Tokyo two years ago). Twenty one minutes later, my flight landed a few short minutes ahead of Byron's and we met his parents in the middle of the airport just like in the movies. It couldn't have been more perfect. Byron introduced me to his parents, we grabbed our luggage and were off to his parents house in Rockford where his sister, Marya, and Grandma awaited our arrival.

We ate a delicious meal - white lasagna with garlic bread and amazing hot tea after dinner (I don't remember the variety - it had pomegranate in it. Yum!) We all chatted for awhile and then went to bed. After a long day of travelling we were tired!

The following morning, Byron made breakfast then we were off to see Madagascar 2 at the IMAX. This was my second experience at an IMAX and it was superb! The opening trailer was for an undersea movie about coral reefs - such a tease! (Especially after I had spent a fair amount of time with Sport Diver magazine on the airplanes - it's a scuba diving mag that writes about the hot scuba spots in the world as well as new gear and other dreamy stuff.) The movie was fantastic and so HUGE! I love the IMAX!

After the movie, we went to Robinette's Apple Haus and Gift Barn for apple cider. This was definitely a hands-on type of place. The apples were beautiful in their shades of reds, golds and greens. The aroma of sweet apples and baked goods hung in the cool air. They offered samples of all their varieties of apples. We were lucky enough to have visited while they were making cider and got to see the process first hand. A conveyor belt moves the apples to a machine not unlike a wood mulcher. Then, the pulp gets folded into these canvas-type cloths and a hydraulic press squeezes the juice out of them. The juice then runs into a collection vat. Then it goes in my belly. ;) So cool! Here's what the press looks like...

This is the up close and personal view of the press. You can see the layers of cloths holding the apple pulp and the juice pouring out. Delicious!

Herman's Boy Bakery and Deli was our next stop. It was my introduction to two fine foods, married as one - the Bagel Dog. Leftover bagel dough wrapped around homemade sausages and baked. Mmm Mmm Goodness! I especially loved the poppy seed bagel dogs when I was lucky enough to end up with them. We ate bagel dogs A LOT during out visit. This day we took our bagel dogs to Grandma's house where we drank water and chatted with Grandma. She told me all about downtown Rockford and then she mentioned the yarn shop there. I had to go! So we did. Downtown Rockford is beautiful with the cold, clear Rogue River flowing lazily next to the boardwalk. After shopping a bit, we took a brisk walk down the boardwalk. This is the dam that is downtown.

I spotted a pair of Mute Swans, though they are majestic creatures, they are introduced species and don't belong here. They are very territorial and aggressively push native waterfowl out of their habitats.

The ever elusive Coasty on the trail ahead...I finally caught him!We came home and prepped potatos for a potato soup dinner. Byron and I sat side by side and watched House, M.D. on DVD while we cubed potatos with beautiful, sharp chefs knives on equally beautiful wooden cutting boards. OK, he did most of the cutting while I got sucked into House (it's my addiction).

Tuesday Byron's mom spent the day with us. It was a beautiful crisp, sunny morning. She made a delicious breakfast and then we were off on our adventure! We went to Frederik Meijer Gardens. This place was absolutely gorgeous! Outdoors is beautifully landscaped with sculptures along a walking path and indoors was a desert-scape with more bronze sculptures. For the holidays, they had Christmas trees representing countries from around the world.

We began outside to take advantage of the sun while it lasted. This pond had iced over in places. The waterfowl in the background dabbled in open water and preened on the thin ice. There was another pair of mute swans here with cignets. The only ducks I could pick out without binoculars were mallards.

We stopped to photograph Leonardo da Vinci's Horse: The American Horse by Nina Akamu which stood 24 ft. tall. Very impressive!
A shot from under the right hind foot of this beast. In the background is the indoor garden (left) featuring tropical plants and an arid desert scape, and the amphitheater (right). Byron is photographing the horse and me.

A picture of Byron and me with the horse thanks to his lovely mother and her photography skills.
Sculptures by Jaume Plensa - each sculpture is made of stainless steel letters fit together to form shapes of people sitting with their knees drawn to their chests. Crown Fountain in Chicago's Millenium Park is probably his most well-known work.

Byron and his mom exploring the possibilities of the english alphabet...

Nature contributed art to the sculpture garden, too...

We headed indoors to investigate the tropical garden. Here's what we found...

Next we visited the desert-scape which housed a very large variety of cacti, aloe and other succulents. This is a macro shot of dried chilis that was part of the holiday decorations.

I was quite fond of this bronze peccary sculpture. It's neat how an artist can make an animal like a peccary look so elegant.This is the indoor garden - I really like the architectural design of the building. This photo captures how beautiful the day was.

Looking up in the atrium at a glass sculpture.

Looking down in the atrium at (brass?) designs laid on the floor. Each design was different and represented parts of plants.

The holiday exhibition was impressive. Yours truly in a glass ornament. Merry Christmas!

I was quite fond of the Japanese inspired tree. I've always been fascinated by Asian cultures and traditions. I -loved- the crane chains and the Origami star.

More detail of one of the woven ornaments on the Japan tree.

A glass light-catching decoration hanging in the hall of trees.
Our next stop was the Public Museum of Grand Rapids. I had been here a few years back for the Midwest Fish and Wildlife Conference social event. I love this place! A fin whale skeleton hangs nearly the entire length of the great hall. Here we learned about the start of the furniture industry in Grand Rapids. We also learned about fossils and natural history stuffs. Some of us even learned how to tell east from west. ;)A self-portrait with Byron at my side taken in a piece of glassware from a science/medical exhibit.

Then we were off to the old town where Byron took me for a spin on his lovely bicycle. He sure knows the way to my heart!
Finally, the gears of a very large clock.

Byron, his mom and I had a very fun day being kids and enjoying our time together. We finished the day off with another trip to Herman's Boy for, you guessed it, bagel dogs and pulled pork (for dinner later that night).

I'll pick up with Wednesday through the last part of my vacation later when things on my end calm down a little. Why things aren't calm in and of itself is a whole 'nother post - stay tuned!

Election Day 2008

2008-11-05T18:47:00.005-06:00

I awoke after unrestful sleep. I had gone to sleep the previous night with a number of things on my mind - one of them being the excitement of how hugely historical the next day would be.

I ate breakfast and headed to my polling place - Monsanto Life Sciences Building at the University of Missouri Campus. I waited in line for about an hour to cast my vote. Under normal circumstances, I would have voted Libertarian. So much was at stake with this election and I couldn't have lived with the regret and guilt if I had voted Libertarian. Rightfully, I voted for change - for a stronger economy, for better health care, for affordable higher education, for reformed early childhood education and increased support for teachers, for a cleaner environment and renewable energy, for equal rights for everyone, and for a more diplomatic approach to foreign affairs. I voted for Barack Obama.

I headed down to the Obama headquarters in town around 11:30. I met up with an awesome woman from Kansas City named Greta. Turns out she lives a half block from where I used to live in KC. We canvassed Columbia's First Ward district - a predominantly black, low-income neighborhood. As I walked down the street in my Obama t-shirt, people of all ages, races and classes yelled and honked in support. It was so much fun connecting with people, encouraging them to get to the polls, urging them to vote and helping them to believe that their vote DOES matter. If they needed a ride to the polls, I called and arranged it. Seeing all the people come together to instill change in this community - in this country - was breathtaking. I'm proud to have been a part of it.

I spent the evening at the Ragtag Cinemacafe's Election Coverage Party. The crowd was eclectic and excited. Some were visibly nervous. A girl with whom I shared my table spilled a full glass of water missing my laptop by millimeters. Phew! Still others passed out blank maps of the United States and red and blue crayolas. We colored our maps as the election results came in state by state. The music was about hope and change and happy times. People were bubbly. Soon, the room hushed, all eyes diverted to the TV as McCain delivered an eloquent secessional speech.

People danced, whistled, screamed, clapped and cheered with delight at the news of Obama's victory. Some, even cried. My words will never be able to convey the emotion of the night. Here's what it looked like:

What's an Election Day without cupcakes?

Even Bunnies Luv Obama!

A portion of the crowd during McCain's secessional speech

The headline on MSNBC's website during McCain's speech

Obama's victory speech

MSNBC's headline during Barack's speech

Yours truly on Election Day 2008

Yes, we can!

Election 2008!!!

2008-11-04T21:01:00.001-06:00

Show Me Change

Eagle Bluffs: A bird's eye view

2008-11-02T20:17:00.003-06:00

I've been spending more time at Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area lately. With the migrants gone, I've been a little disappointed, which I'm ashamed to admit. The usual suspects are mallards, gadwalls, northern shovelers, northern pintails, red-winged blackbirds and the occasional hawk. All of these birds are amazing and beautiful in their own right - some more common than others. I should be just as excited about seeing these birds as I am when I see the lone Forster's tern fishing or the horned grebe diving for supper. Now that the area is closed for hunting during my favorite hours of the day, sunrise and sunset, I'll have some time to adjust my attitude.

Today I rode my bike with Jesse on the Katy Trail from McBaine toward Rocheport (I think). I found the Eagle Bluffs overlook I always notice when I'm birding but hadn't ever taken the time to find the trail to it. We climbed the stairs to the viewing platform. Eagle Bluffs is a beautiful place!

The stairs leading to the overlook at Eagle Bluffs CA

A bird's eye view of Eagle Bluffs CA

The trail from the platform

Also near McBaine, Missouri is a very awesome tree. The State Champion Bur Oak tree. It stands with its feet near the highway and its crown shading a soybean field. It's massive and beautiful.

Here it is at twilight:

The moon and Venus hung in the sky, patiently waiting for the sun to bow out.

Self-portrait with the Bur Oak tree in the background

TTFN!

Halloween for a Change

2008-11-01T16:44:00.003-05:00

Howdy Y'all! What's going on?

Thursday I spent the day at the library, searching for jobs, filling out applications, emailing professors for grad school inquiries and running errands. I left the library on campus at 17:00 and was shocked to see a HUGE line of people snaking through town.

Barack Obama - our next president (in case you didn't know) - was scheduled to speak on the Quad on the University of Missouri campus at 21:30, the gates were to open at 19:30. I was a little panicked at how large the line already was as I had planned to try to see him talk. I raced home, washed my hair, grabbed my camera and batteries, and a jacket then raced back downtown. I parked in my old apartment parking lot to avoid traffic in the garages then headed to find the end of the line. I walked and walked and walked. Finally, I decided that there was no way I was going to get anywhere near the Quad if I waited in this line. I changed plans and went behind the stage where I found a small place cordoned off. Security said we were allowed to stay there as long as we didn't cross the barricades. FANTASTIC! There I met up with my friend, Jamie. We waited for over 2 hours but it was so worth it. We had a perfect view of the stage and podium, as well as all the behind the scenes action going on. We saw the travelling press show up, the snipers take their places with their GIANT guns on the rooftops, and then we saw Barack roll in. It was great!

I'm not going to get all preachy here. I'm just going to say that regardless of who you're going to vote for, GO VOTE!

The bronze tiger in front and Jesse Hall in the back. I loved the "Missouri For Change" sign!

Yours truly at the Quad after Barack finished his speech.

Last night, I was feeling down and lonely. I called Abby to see what she was up to for the evening. She was going to a party and I was coming with her. There was some discussion of costume and then I said I wasn't going because I didn't have anything to wear. She and our friend Jesse had the keys to a vintage shop where we could pick out our costumes! SWEET! I found a polyester long, long-sleeve black dress with feathers around the cuffs, a witch hat with feathers around the brim and a long, gray wig! I was set! Abby found a flapper dress and a matching headband!

I met Abby at her house. She did my makeup, gave me some shoes and fishnet stockings to wear. A friend of hers showed up and we drew tattoos on him - he was a rockstar complete with electric guitar and ripped jeans. Then we were off to the party! Our friend Jesse was a pirate. ARRRR!

Jesse and I at the Halloween party

Jesse, me, Abby and a scary vampire lady at the party

A self-portrait!

I haven't had this much fun on Halloween in a looong time!

Happy November!

I'll be in Grand Rapids, MI in two weeks from tomorrow! Aren't you just excited about that?! I am!

Birthdays

2008-10-29T15:37:00.000-05:00

23 October - 27 October

I spent these days in Des Moines. My sister, Tom, and I had been planning something very special for a few months and we were in the final stages of planning. My mom, who was at a conference in San Diego this week, turned 50 years old! We were putting the final touches on her surprise birthday party for Saturday night. Sis had her childhood pictures scanned and I collected those in addition to some newer digital photos and made a slideshow of her life. After a few set backs with the scanning company, I finally got the photos at 14:00 on Friday and finished the slideshow at 02:00 Saturday morning! Phew!

I woke up Saturday at 07:00 to help distribute food for Angel Food Network Ministries http://www.angelfoodministries.com/. This usually involves picking up a rented moving truck and driving to the church where the semi brings the food. A semi brings food for five or six churches to the church with the largest order. Those churches with smaller orders (my church included) pick up their food and take it to their church to distribute to the people who ordered it.

I am generally on the truck helping to break down pallets of food and pass them off to the people on the ground - there's no fork lift or loading dock - just brute human (girl!) power. =) The people on the ground pass boxes one-by-one down the chain to trucks waiting to be loaded. We finished this by 10:30 then headed to our church to pass out food. This month, food was distributed from the firehouse in town. I finished up here at 14:00 went home and showered then went to meet Sis at 16:00 at the clubhouse to set up Mom's party.

Angel Food Network distribution at the firehouse in Runnels, IA

Friends and family arrived at 18:00 and Mom showed up as scheduled at 18:30. She thought she was going to a movie and then to the casino for the evening - dropping off my step-brothers at a friend's birthday party on the way. The boys went in to the party, wrapped gift and all, then ran back out to the car excited, begging Mom to come in to see the clown. The room was dark, slideshow rolling on the projector, and everyone was silent. She walked in, "SURPRISE!!" She was speechless for at least five minutes. If you know Mom, you know this is no small fete! haha!

Mom in a state of shock and/or embarassment

Backing up a moment, Mom had called me earlier in the day to see what I was up to. I told her I was helping the family with whom I live with Angel Food Distribution in Columbia, MO. She seemed a little down and I felt AWFUL for lying.

Now back to the party, I had been hiding in the back of the room and started moving to the front. The shock was wearing off and she began noticing individual people then she saw me. She screamed, "TIFFANIE!?!" This is what that moment looked like:

I love that I was able to capture this moment!

Everyone had a fantastic time and Mom was surely surprised. We all worried about this. If you know my Mom, you know why. She is so involved with everyone all the time, it's an absolute miracle that she had no idea.

We put 50 candles on her cake and lit every last one of them! Someone made mention of a blowtorch...

After the obligatory singing and toasting, Mom gave her best shot at extinguishing the fire before the alarms went off.

The family portrait, (from left) Jeff (bro-in-law), Lindsey (Sis), Grandpa, Grant (step-bro), Grandma, Mom, Tom (step-dad), Daniel (step-bro), Tiffanie, Autumn (niece), Jason (Bro), Jada (niece) sleeping in her stroller in front.

Then on Sunday, I met my family at Chuck E. Cheese's for Autumn's Birthday Party. She turned 8 years old on 30 October. It was a fantastic time - if you're into the simultaneous ear-gasm of screaming kids, the constant buzzing, ringing and dinging of video games and blaring televisions. Ok, seriously, it was fun! Autumn had fun and that's all that really matters here. I can't believe she's 8!

Autumn blowing out the candles on her delicious ice cream cake

What an awesome weekend!

Breakfast, Birds and Brats!

2008-10-18T21:31:00.007-05:00

I awoke today bright-eyed and bushy tailed - ready to start the day - without an alarm, no less. I sprang out of bed, threw on my clothes, washed my face and brushed my teeth, grabbed my camera and ran out the door.

I went to Ernie's Cafe for my Saturday morning breakfast. I read my book and watched people while I ate my scrambled eggs, bacon, hashbrowns and a pancake. It's the kind of place where you pull up a chair wherever there's room - I shared a table with two girls who were gossiping about their bridezilla friend. They swore they didn't normally talk about people like that. I didn't care.

I ran some errands after breakfast then headed to Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area near McBaine, MO. It's one of my favorite places to be outdoors. Here's why:

The fall colors are starting to show on the bluffs over the Missouri River.

The moon, late for bed, hung in the sky while chickadees and titmice gleaned their breakfasts from the tree branches overhead.

The smell of fertile soil and freshwater hung in the cool, crisp morning air.

Pied-billed grebes floated lazily in this pool. Their feathers were dry - perhaps it was a bit too chilly to dive for breakfast.

I took a leisurely walk down a levee.

A belted kingfisher rattled at me as I flushed it from its perch over this pond.

As I strolled down the levee, blurs of red and black exploded from the reeds. Red-winged blackbirds were assembling en masse to continue their journey southward for the winter months.

I startled a great blue heron from his morning routine.

My shadow

The profile of a birder

Name that bird!

Birds for the day:

Mallard (of course)
Gadwall
Northern Pintail
Northern shoveler
Ring-necked duck
Blue-winged teal
Pied-billed grebe
Great blue heron
Belted kingfisher
European starling
Red-winged blackbird
Brown-headed cowbird
Purple martin
black-capped chickadee
Tufted titmouse
Carolina wren
Purple finch
Northern mockingbird
Northern cardinal
Blue jay
Cooper's hawk
Northern harrier
Red-tailed hawk
Osprey
Bald eagle (juvenile)
Turkey vulture

I left Eagle Bluffs CA and headed east one hour to Hermann, MO for Oktoberfest. I strolled through town down to the festival. It was shortly after 13:00 - already there were a lot of drunk people. Not my scene. I kept to myself, took some pictures, and waited in line for a bratwurst. Of course, I thought of the day I met Byron at the Sunday Market in Astoria. I took my brat down to the riverfront park to eat lunch. There I photographed a defunct grain elevator and a Union Pacific train.

From Hermann, I headed west about 5 miles and stopped at Graham Cave State Park. I hadn't ever been even though I've passed it tens if not hundreds of times. It's a beautiful little tract of land nestled a stones throw from I-70. It has archaeological significance thus the cave is gated off to visitors.

I thought about skipping down the trail with Byron, hand in hand.

Paw-paw trees grew around this rock ledge.

This reminded me of when Byron and I found paw-paw fruits on our trip. First on the trail at Big Spring. The trees were spindly and tall - maybe 25-30 feet - with their fruits way at the top. Byron would shake the tree and I would catch the delicious, mango/banana-like fruit when it fell. Well, in theory that plan was fantastic, but in reality, our prize went flying 20 feet out of my reach and landed with a loud thud on the rocky trail. I picked it up and he razzed me for missing it. We ate the mushy pulp as we watched the spring flow down the river.

Next was at Pull Tite campground on our way up the road to the showers. Byron found paw-paw fruits that hung just out of our reach in trees on the side of the road. He climbed up the trees not unlike Mowgli in the Jungle Book. I was impressed! =) The fruits were still too far out on skinny limbs and I was planning out in my head what I would do when he fell. Finally, he came down to earth and grabbed a stick with a Y on the end. He plucked the fruits and lowered them to safety, bunch by bunch. We ate them with dinner and for snacks. Delicious!

The earth, water and sky all in one!

Graham cave from the outside looking in.

Graham cave from the inside looking out.

Graham cave from the top looking up.

I left Graham Cave SP heading for Columbia. I went home and geared up for a bike ride. I road about 20 miles - not many - but I rode hard to make up for the lack of distance. For dinner I reheated Thai food and watched The Perfect Storm. Oh my goodness, what a tearjerker!

That brings us to present time - I'm at Kaldi's coffeehouse. Daydreaming about sharing stories with Deanna over coffee and lunch. Words can't be said to explain just how much I miss her. My heart aches and I get excited when I hear her cheery voice on the phone! I miss you, sister! I hope Vermont is treating you well!

What's around the bend in this road?

2008-10-12T13:27:00.003-05:00

The road I've been on for the past few years has been awesome! I've had great times, working toward and finally earning my B.S. degree in a field I *love*. On this road, I learned about tick-borne diseases and raccoon disease ecology and I interned for a summer at NOAA in La Jolla, CA where I made an atlas of cetacean distributions. It was here that I fell in love with seabirds. I studied conservation in Thailand for 3 weeks - I helped establish a coral nursery to aid in the tsunami recovery. I rode elephants through the jungle and kayaked through a mangrove forest. I held very endangered clouded leopard kittens at the most successful clouded leopard captive breeding program in the world. I spent an amazing summer in Oregon gaining a ton of experience in my field.

Lately, in the past month, I've come to a bend in the road. It feels like I could travel hundreds of miles and still not see around the bend or know what's coming next. My current job here in Columbia ends in a couple of weeks. I'm very stressed about my predicament. I need to find a job, fast. I'm waiting to hear back from the USGS in Columbia as well as an NGO (non-governmental organization) in Mt. Vernon, WA. If I land the job in Mt. Vernon, I'll be moving west again over the week of Thanksgiving. If not, then I have no idea what I'm doing. I'm seriously considering moving home to Des Moines, where I have no idea what I'll do. I'm also seriously considering pulling this anchor and sailing west. Environmental jobs are easier to come by out west. At the very least, I'd be much happier with my location. I'll keep you posted.

Ending on a super high note, I'm visiting Byron and meeting his parents on 16 November in Michigan at his parents house! Woo!

Where have I been?!

2008-10-05T19:59:00.010-05:00

We left off at Labor Day - over a month ago! September was a slow, fast month - I was busy in the office when it was raining and busier in the field when it wasn't. Before I go any further into September, I need to back you up to the end of July in Astoria.

I had been in a bit of a funk. My days in Astoria were numbered (in the tweens) and I was sore about it. It was a Sunday - a day off of work. I had to coax myself out of bed and told myself that the Sunday market would bring my spirits up even though I didn't feel like being around people.

As I walked down the hill, I phoned my grandfather - he always brings a smile to my face and shares his wisdom with me. Toward the end of the call, I told him how badly I wanted a road bike - I was standing in line at a bratwurst stand in the market. When the call ended, a handsome young man in line in front of me turned and excused himself for eavesdropping on my conversation but wanted to know more about road bikes for sale. Byron introduced himself and we ended up sharing lunch at a picnic table in the market. We chatted about how we came to Astoria, he from the US Coast Guard station in Kodiak, AK and you all know my story. We exchanged numbers, well, actually I gave him mine and didn't get his. I didn't expect to hear from him again.

A few (couple?) days later, I ran into him at the theater and invited him to sit with me and my housemates. We went out for a beer afterward and I guess things went alright - we saw each other almost every day after that until I left town. We went for walks on the waterfront, hiked at Young Falls, and hung out at my regular place, the Voodooroom where the pizza is delicious and the beer is cold. He's funny, intelligent, fit, polite and enjoys anything ending in "ing" that you can do outside. My kind of guy!

After I left town we kept in touch via telephone. When I was in Yosemite, I suggested we go hiking somewhere for a week or so. That brings us to the end of September - he spent a week in Texas dodging the sun at Desert Survival Instructor school then he flew into St. Louis to spend a week with me causing trouble in the Missouri Ozarks.

We went to the St. Louis Zoo to play with the penguins and tiger cubs. We also found turtle sculptures and butterflies.

We spent the rest of Saturday in Columbia. That night we had planned to camp at Pine Ridge Campground in Mark Twain National Forest, south of town. It was full. So was the campground at Finger Lakes State Park. So, we ended up in a mowed field at a private campground which turned into a lake after it rained several inches in a few hours overnight. At 04:00ish we dropped the tent and got the heck out of there before we needed a motorboat or at least a couple of paddles to get out. We napped at my place for a bit then went for breakfast at Ernie's. We toured the Mizzou campus and ate Sparky's ice cream - twice! I thought about you, Tom! =)

Later that day we headed south for the Ozarks. We camped that night at Turkey Creek Campground in Mark Twain National Forest near Ironton, MO. We broke down camp early and headed over to Elephant Rocks State Park where we ate breakfast then played on the rocks and the Braille Trail. I caught a lizard, too! Cute little guy. Good Times!

Back in the car, we zipped over to Big Spring in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Big Spring dumps 289 million gallons of water per day on average into the Current River. The Big Spring Dining Lodge is a beautiful stone building built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. It overlooks Big Spring as it flows to the Current River. After much coaxing and clucking, Byron finally talked me in to jumping in the spring. It was icy cold and invigorating! I wanted to jump in again, so we did! He recorded this adventure - but I won't be sharing it!

We stayed in a cozy little cabin, which was also built by the CCC in the 1930s. It was nestled in the woods on a quiet little road. We hiked a trail using a very poorly made map. I heard something rustle in the leaves. It was a little lizard. I dove for it and caught it. I also picked up a couple of dozen seed ticks - should have seen Byron freaked out! Ticks give him the eeby jeebys! Hehe. Thanks to him bringing along medical tape, I was rid of the ticks in no time! Back on the road to the cabin, I found a small skink.

The morning in the cabin, Byron made breakfast - scrambled eggs with sausage on bagels. I made the coffee. Delicious! We ate breakfast on the screened porch listening to white-breasted nuthatches calling to one another with their nasally, raspy, "ank ank."

Next up was Blue Spring, it really is blue! A gorgeous spring with an average flow of 85 million gallons per day.

Continuing north along the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, we stopped at a few other springs and mills, then arrived at Pulltite, our destination for the evening. We set up camp and collected firewood from wind thrown trees. I collected twigs for kindling and had a brush with stinging nettle. Boo! We went swimming (wading?) in the Current River that meandered lazily through the campground. I caught a crayfish. Byron named it Helga. =) We let her go and then Byron caught a glimpse of a rope hanging from a tree over the water a hundred meters upriver. I finally talked him out of trying to get to it. The rope was probably rotten from the sun anyway.

Back at camp, Byron made an awesome fire out of the kindling I gathered and the wood he cut up. He's so amazing! We ate tuna and soup and popcorn and chatted until we couldn't keep our eyes open any longer, then went to sleep. The next morning a Katydid had found a resting place on my walking stick.

Our last night and day in the Ozarks was spent driving over to Lake Ozark where we camped at Lake Ozark State Park. It was a full campground. We hiked on Lake Bend trail that, as its name suggests, follows the lake shore. It was a rocky trail that wandered through maples and dogwoods and crumbly, limestone bluffs. I found some fungus to photograph.

Back at camp, we observed a gray squirrel duck into a hole in the tree. We contemplated catching it and having squirrel for supper. The hole in the tree was the perfect place for a snare - but it was a state park in a campground and I had no idea what the rules and regs were for squirrels. We ate breakfast for dinner, chips and salsa, cheese and apples, and drank rum and juice!

The next morning, our squirrel friend was frantically moving her squirrelets from the den in the tree near our tent to another hole in a tree about 50 yards away.

On the way back to Columbia, we detoured to find a cave that was on the map. Turns out the cave was gated so we couldn't enter it. But we did walk across a ricketty old bridge where spiders spun beautiful webs in the spaces between the cables. We also saved a box turtle from certain death on the highway and freed him at the bridge.

Back in Columbia, we went to Rock Bridge State Park to Devil's Icebox trail and Connor's Cave. Devil's Icebox trail is a boardwalk that winds through an oak/hickory forest and ends at Connor's Cave. The end of the boardwalk is elevated quite high; you feel like you're in the canopy of the forest. It's one of my favorite spots near Columbia. I was happy to share it with Byron. We played in the cave for a bit and took pictures.

On Byron's last day, we drove to St. Louis where he would catch his evening flight. We walked around downtown and settled in on the landing near the Mississippi River and the Arch. We ate at a brewery with mediocre beer and service and good food. A handsome draft horse drew a carriage around as we ate and talked.

It was a somber day. I wanted Byron to take me back to Oregon or to not leave at all. At least stay another day. We both knew none of those things were right. After lunch, we headed to the airport. We spent our last hour together talking and wishing time would stand still. Finally, it was near boarding time, so we said our goodbyes and he disappeared down the hall toward security and I out the sliding doors of the airport.

I drove home that night to Des Moines from the St Louis airport. The next day I helped unload a semi full of food from Angel Food Network Ministries. We distributed the food out to the people at our church. It was a day of satisfying hard work; it was fun watching all the food disappear!

I spent the past couple of weekends in Des Moines with family. My car had various issues that needed dealt with and I brought some of my worldly possessions home to store in the barn.

Home again...for now

2008-08-30T21:15:00.006-05:00

07 August

Still in Grand Teton National Park. We woke up this morning to the sound of a gentle but brief rain falling on the tent. I rolled over and went back to sleep for a bit and let the rain pass. About an hour later, I finally eased into the morning with bacon, eggs and yogurt for breakfast. Coffee, too, of course. This little guy wandered through our camp as we ate breakfast.

After breakfast, we packed up camp and went to see the Tetons. Sadly, there wasn't enough time for hiking this day. We did a brief car tour and hit the road across Wyoming.

Mules in Jackson Hole, WY

After a full day of driving, we stopped for the night in Medicine Bow National Forest. It was very windy and quite chilly. I gathered pine needles and the dry, lower branches of ponderosa pine to start an awesome fire. I was impressed with myself. =) We had bratwursts and baked potatoes for supper then I crawled into my cozy bag for the night. The next morning we packed up camp at dawn and hit the road for Iowa.

About a half hour after we crossed the Nebraska-Iowa border, I began to get antsy - I could smell home. Not unlike how a dog gets excited as it drinks up the familiar scent of home after a day out and about in the car. The sweet smell of cow manure and black, fertile soil lingered in the hot, humid air. Waves of corn rolled across the landscape to the horizon. I was finally home.

The Iowa State Fair was underway when I got back to Des Moines. Of course, I couldn't pass up the fair. My parents, sister and her new baby, and I wandered through the livestock barns. We found this particularly friendly (and cute!) pig. I rode down the super slide on a burlap sack with my little brother. We also rode on a Percheron! Way cool! Finally, as we were leaving the fair we stopped to see the Budweiser Clydesdales getting hitched for the parade.

I finally arrived back in Columbia, MO on Sunday, August 10. I unloaded my car to my living room floor and went to bed. I was exhausted and had to start work the following morning at 04:30. I basically hit the ground running and haven't really stopped since. I have had the luxury of having weekends off.

One of the first things I did with my free time was go birding at Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area in McBaine, MO. I saw a snapping turtle, a couple of red-eared sliders and lots of birds. I also *finally* saw an American Bittern for the first time ever! I was super excited! I also found a cool, little fly drinking the black walnut sap off of my car.

Here's a list of birds I saw:
mourning dove
red-tailed hawk
northern harrier
turkey vulture
snowy egret
cattle egret
great egret
great blue heron
green heron
belted kingfisher
pied-billed grebe
mallard
wood duck
green-winged teal
northern shoveler
American bittern
least sandpiper
pectoral sandpiper
lesser yellowlegs
spotted sandpiper
killdeer
barn swallow
tree swallow
red-winged blackbird
brown-headed cowbird
american goldfinch
indigo bunting
song sparrow
northern cardinal
gray catbird
northern mockingbird
eastern wood-peewee
eastern phoebe

I also caught the Columbia Balloon Invitational.

I'm visiting my family in Iowa this Labor Day weekend. Today I went to the Iowa Hawks game in the IC with my parents, brother, niece and my brother's friend. It was HOT and had me missing Oregon a ton! We left after the 3rd quarter - Iowa beat Maine.

I've been riding my bike a lot lately even though I'm not happy with it. The frame is too large for me and I'm a little too stretched out on it. Not to mention it's heavy and not fast and I plain just don't like it...

After striking out at bike shops in Columbia, I decided to hit up all the wonderful bike shops in Des Moines. I found a 2003 Lemond Zurich that had barely been ridden by the wife of a bike shop owner. The guys at the shop fitted me to the bike and I rode it a few times. And...now it's mine! =D I absolutely LOVE it! Totally smitten...

So, now I can actually totally enjoy my rides! Yeehaw!

I guess this brings us completely up to date. I'll post again when I can...

TIHA

Taming the iron horses, locked out, (geo)thermals, and still no bears...

2008-08-06T21:30:00.009-05:00

5 August

We left Casey's heading east toward Yellowstone National Park. The drive was long and hot through the high desert. We made several stops - one of which included a visit to Wild Horse Monument on the upper Columbia River.

We arrived at our camp in Gallatin National Forest around 11:30pm. With just enough time to throw up the tent and sleep for a few hours before dawn. In the morning, I thought I had been dreaming about coyotes - but they were real - yipping and howling across the scrubland to one another.

6 August

I set off for the car to start packing up camp and realized I had no keys. Yes, that's right, I locked them up safe and sound - in the car. Luckily, Daniel had left his window open a half inch - just enough space to maneuver a sturdy stick to pop open the door lock. Whew!

We packed up and headed for Yellowstone. We explored the western and southern ends of the park. We saw Painted Pots, Grand Prismatic Spring, Old Faithful (of course) and several other smaller geysers and hot springs/pools.

Old Faithful was scheduled to erupt around 10:32 give or take 10 minutes. We arrived around 9:30 - I made myself some Thundermuck coffee in the parking lot while Dan ate his cereal. Just a few minutes before go-time I saw an Osprey off in the distance. It soared closer and closer to the geyser - then two more showed up. They must have known Old Faithful was due - they were screaming at one another and just as the geyser blew, they rode the thermal draft as high as they could go and left the top of it...looking for the next thermal. It was impressive and wondrous. They must have known the geyser would erupt then, but how? I was more impressed with the Ospreys than the geyser - but I am an ornithologist...

I had had enough of all the humans present in Yellowstone. It wasn't my thing. So we went south to Grand Teton National Park. Sure, there are people here, too, but not as many. We hiked a 2-mile loop this afternoon after securing a campsite for the evening. I thoroughly enjoyed a shower - I was dirrrrrty!

Tomorrow, more Grand Teton! YEAH!

Oh, and one last thing...

Mom, stop reading now...I have heard several reports of bears around camp and common areas! B E A R S! What does a biologist have to do around here to see a bear?!

Olympic National Park and Bridal Veil Falls, Washington

2008-08-05T00:49:00.003-05:00

More pictures from Olympic National Park:

From Ellwha Campground, we drove to the Olympic Hot Springs trailhead. The trail was 5 miles round trip with a gentle climb up 300ft or so. We passed several small cascades on the way to the hot springs.

I went off the trail below the bridge upriver a short distance. Casey on the bridge.

One of several hot springs. The largest was the size of a large hot tub; the temperature varied from the mid-90s to 105 degrees F. These pools are known to have high levels of fecal coliform so we only soaked our feet in one of them.

The view from the Bainbridge-Seattle ferry across the sound. Mt. Rainier looms in the background as a sailboat sails by.

Today, we left Casey's and headed east to Bridal Veil Falls on Hwy 2. The sun was in the wrong place in the sky for decent pictures. I still captured a decent representation of the falls.

We left the falls mid-afternoon and continued east on Hwy 2 toward I-97 South to back to I-90 east. Finally, after a ton of traffic on two-lane highways and a bike race, we hit up I-90 and made it to the high desert. We drove past a beautiful lake that I wanted to fish in, then realized my beloved fishing rod that Grandpa gave me was at Casey's house in Seattle. I pondered my options for getting the rod home to Missouri in a timely fashion (so that I can show the bass what's up) and came up with nothing - so we turned around. Now, again, I write from Casey's. This is the view of dusk from her apartment.

Tomorrow, this time for real, we are leaving for Yellowstone National Park, where I had better see bears. Must. See. Bears.

Signing off for the night...

TIHA

Has it really been since June?!

2008-08-03T23:56:00.008-05:00

It has been that long. Work kept me really busy and I became friends with several people my age around town.

This will be a photo-essay update picking up where I left off in June working toward present. I'll try to fill in the written stories later.

In mid-June the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Eagle came to Port Astoria for a day or so. She has over 5 miles of rigging and 21,350 square feet of sail. For major ship maneuvers, cadets handle over 200 lines. I would *love* to sail on this ship. Amazing...

A few days later, I visited Dungeness Spit in Sequim, WA to monitor the tern colony there. This time we camped overnight at Ft. Flagler State Park. The camp was on a cliff overlooking Puget Sound - pigeon guillemots (seabirds) nested in the cliff below and harbor seals lazily swam through the glassy water.
20 June

A couple of NOAA Fisheries scientists visited the island. I had the pleasure of giving them a tour of the cormorant colony - which means I got to take pictures. =)

22 June

I went to the Scandinavian Festival at the Clatsop County Fairgrounds. I ate Swedish meatballs, listened to Scandinavian music, bought my favorite Swedish cookies, lingonberry jam, wool yarn for knitting myself a hat before winter, and an Ole and Lena book of jokes. It's all about the blue and yellow...

27 June

Abby and I went to the Shrine Circus at the Clatsop County Fairgrounds. We saw a real live dog and pony show (insert oohs and aahs here), elephants!, tightrope walkers - one man in particular nearly fell twice - it was real exciting, and last but certainly not least, 5 (FIVE!) motorcyclists (one of whom was just 10 or so years old) whirring around an impossibly tiny "globe of death" as it was advertised on the circus flyer. Our favorite part, of course, was the elephants. After the show, we talked our way into petting them. Yeehaw!

The same week as the circus, the gulls nesting by the diet stairs finally had chicks hatch. The cutest thing EVER!

The end of June was a free-for-all. Everyone was super busy, then suddenly, it was Independence Day. We had a party at the house. I hung out down on the viewing platform on the Columbia River and drank beer with a friend I met in town. Back at the house we watched fireworks from the neighbors house.

The next weekend, I drove out to Mt. St. Helens. It's a strange place in a very awesome way. It's difficult to imagine the mountain a thousand feet taller with forests around it. The destruction was vast - 870 million board feet were harvested from the fallen forests. A board foot is 12"x12"x1" - if you stacked them all up, it would be 17,000 miles high! That's a lot of wood...

13-14 July

We rounded up 450 Caspian tern chicks on the colony and banded their legs. This was a huge event and the grad students came up from Corvallis as well as the crew from upriver. We had a ton of fun! Currently, I have no pictures of this - but they do exist! I'll post them later.

The following week, Abby and I had a day off which we spent down on the riverfront. I was on bike, she on foot. We found a propeller at this abandoned brick warehouse. I really have no idea why I was so excited about the Astoria sign.

We also found a rusty, old steam turbine. I *love* photographing rust.

I spent a lot of my time reading and drinking coffee at the Astoria Coffee House. I think their logo is great mostly because it has a swallow.

I also spent a lot of my time drinking beer and an occasional martini at the Voodooroom. I made friends with all of the bartenders here. It's a great bar and they have the best pizza in town. If you're ever in Astoria, don't pass up this place.

24 July

I drove out to Youngs Falls on Youngs River just 20 minutes from Astoria. I didn't spend much time here because it was late in the day. I waded through the river and took some photos then went home. Pretty...

26 July (My Birthday)

The end of season party was in Sun River on the Deschutes River in a HUMONGOUS house - it slept 26 people comfortably. There were bikes and rafts enough for all. We bought 30 pounds of albacore tuna at the fish market and prepared dinner for the rest of the field crew that night. Everyone sang Happy Birthday to me as I downed my first (and second) Irish car bombs (Guinness beer with a shot of Jameson whiskey and Bailey's Irish cream dropped in it). I had already had several vodka tonics. I had a great night...I think.

The next day I put the hair on the dog with a couple of vodka tonics. After lunch we all floated the Deschutes and spent the rest of the day relaxing (and drinking). I soaked in the hot tub and practiced playing billiards. I went to bed early and drove back to Astoria on Monday. On the way home, my housemate and I stopped to hike the Lava Lakes lava tube (tunnel formed by lava flow during an eruption). We also stopped at the High Desert Museum which was pretty fantastic.

I spent the rest of the week preparing to leave for Missouri. I organized all of my data and samples and turned in my gear. My job was officially finished in Astoria on 31 July.

I left Astoria on Saturday, 2 August for Seattle to pick up Casey and head to the Olympic Mountains. We took the Bainbridge Ferry to the Olympic Peninsula where we spent the night in Olympic National Park at the Ellwha Campground. Today we hiked 5 miles up to Olympic Hot Springs where we played in cascading rivers and hot spring pools.

Tomorrow I leave Seattle and head east toward Yellowstone National Park. We'll see how far I get on the first day. I'm so sad to leave the west coast, specifically the Pacific Northwest. I wish there was a way I could stay. I now have a strong desire to devote lots of time to figuring out a way to make it back to Astoria. If I'm not in grad school by spring, I hope to be coming back to work on East Sand Island and seeing all of the friends I left in Astoria.

In closing, here's a self-portrait of me from today in Olympic National Park on the Hot Springs trail. It isn't the only photo of the day - I'll upload the others when I find a faster connection.

Cheers!

The Day the Skiff Floated Away...and other news from Astoria

2008-06-15T22:43:00.005-05:00

During the first week in June, we captured adult double-crested cormorants to implant satellite tags in them. Veterinarians came in from the University of California - Davis to perform the surgeries.

The captures took place during the overnight hours to reduce overall stress to the colony. The cormorant colony has a series of above-ground tunnels running through it; they allow access to the observation tower. Some of these tunnels have windows in them that are covered in landscaping cloth. They look like robot faces. You can see one of the "faces" in the tunnel in the picture below. The birds nest in the tires at the bottom of the windows. We opened the windows and quickly reached out to grab birds off their nests. The birds were then transported to the other end of the island where the surgeries took place.

This is a tunnel that goes from the beach (top) to the tower (bottom). The horizontal "spur" to the left of the main tunnel has the robot-faced windows.

I helped out in the surgery Weatherport (a 10'x20' vinyl covered sturdy hut on a raised plywood platform). I helped weigh and measure the birds. I also held the birds as they awoke from anesthesia. Finally, I went to sleep in my tent at 4:30am then woke at 8:00am to meet the hunter for diet. After diet was finished, I came home and went to bed. I slept until noon the next day. Whew!

Holding a cormorant as it awoke from surgery

The following weekend, I went to Dungeness Spit National Wildlife Refuge, near Sequim, WA on the Olympic Peninsula, to survey another Caspian tern colony. This colony is only about 500 birds. I saw two Arctic terns on the colony! I took some pictures of the lighthouse there.

Lighthouse and beach, Dungeness Spit Wildlife Refuge, Sequim, WA

Sunday, June 8, was my day off. It was a beautiful, sunny day. I went out for breakfast then went over the bridge to Washington. There's a small marsh on the side of the road that I drive to the harbor in Chinook. I had wanted to photograph it for awhile, and this was the perfect day. I spent some time at the Sunday Market. I enjoyed a crepe with Nutella and bananas while the band played covers of Johny Cash. It was here that I ran into a woman, Joe Schoning, who knows my mother, step-father, father, and step-mother. It really is a small world...

The marsh on the side of the highway, wild irises in bloom

The very next day, the weather had turned bad (big surprise). It was windy, cloudy and rainy. As I left the house, I told Lauren (our crew leader) that I'd see her tomorrow. I was only half-joking. We were due back at the house at 18:00 the same day, but the wind was supposed to pick up to nearly 30mph. The estuary is no place to be in a 19-foot WorkSkiff in high winds.

By 11:00am the wind was gusting to nearly 40mph. Trees were sideways, grass was flat, and the roof on my blind was beginning to lift. I could hear the nails screeching as they were pulled up through the wood. I left the blind and headed for camp. Back at camp I checked on the Skiff; she was moored on the mooring ball just off the island. The Skiff was riding the waves like a cowboy being tossed around by the meanest bull a cowboy could ever draw. Her bow line was taught with the wind pulling and the waves were tossing her up and down violently. She took on water as her bow slammed down into the waves' troughs. She's a self-bilging boat, thank goodness! I headed back to camp and sat in the Weatherport until the storm subsided. Then, I checked on the boat, she was still there.

We all went about our normal duties on the island until it came time to leave. The weather was still terrible. The tide was high, which meant high, rolling waves on the beach, and there was a head wind to paddle into. I knew there was no way we were getting off the island that night. The two other guys were bent on trying, so I humored them. We paddled as hard and fast as we could, then the wind picked up as another storm came in. We were paddling in place, I yelled to abort the effort and turn back. They yelled to keep going. I finally turned and in a stern, hard voice yelled that we were turning back. It was too dangerous to keep trying and our zodiac was approaching a pile dike which would flip us over and trap us underwater in a split second. Safely on shore, and thoroughly soaked, we hauled the zodiac up the beach and went back to camp. I told the guys to prepare to spend the night on the island.

Now that that was all over, I was more relaxed and in dry clothes. Deanna called me. I was on the beach looking at the Skiff on her mooring ball while we were talking about boating accidents. I went up to the diet tent and talked for about 4 more minutes. As I was ending the call, I looked up at the mooring ball - the Skiff was gone. The Skiff. was. GONE!

About 50 yards east just past the pile dike, the skiff was bucking her way across the drink. I abruptly ended the call with Deanna and fumbled with my work phone to unlock it and call Lauren. Just then the phone rings. The colony monitor asked me to check on the boat because she thought she could see it from the blind (normally you can't see the boat moored on the ball). I called Lauren who called the Coast Guard. Lauren and another of my housemates sped over the bridge to Chinook to try to get to the Skiff. We grabbed a spotting scope and our binoculars and headed to high ground to get better angles on the direction of the Skiff. The Coast Guard called me and I directed their hard-hulled inflatable boat (complete with 50 caliber machine guns) in the direction of the Skiff. By the time they showed, the Skiff had already crossed the Chinook navigation channel and was heading into dangerous, shallow waters dotted with pilings - a place where no boat should ever go, manned or not. The Coast Guard couldn't get to our boat, but insisted on rescuing all of us off the island. I explained to the officer on the phone, "Sir, we live here. We have provisions, tents, sleeping bags, thermarests, propane, firewood and fire - enough for at least a week." "So....you're not in distress, ma'am?" "Well, physically, I'm great. Emotionally, I'm distressed. Our boat just floated away, unmanned...you see." "You don't need rescued then?" "No, no, sir, we're just fine." He gave me a lecture about how we have no business trying to retrieve the Skiff on this night and we should wait until the weather subsides. I concurred, thanked the man, and ended the call.

Just then Lauren calls as I'm watching the Skiff, still bucking across the angry waves. She's in the Prius and I can see the highway through the scope - it runs along the shore where the Skiff is heading. I watch the Prius drive by the area where the Skiff is projected to land several times. "Oooh, no, no, you just passed it, turn around and go back." Finally, they pull over and I count the number of telephone poles they need to drive past to find the boat. They were able to catch the Skiff before she slammed into rocks on the shore of Chinook roadside park. They anchored her to the shore as tight as they could to prevent the waves from tossing her into the rocks. It turned out the wind had been so strong, that the friction from the Skiff bucking around on the waves severed the bow line - a 3/4" sturdy nylon braid, twisted rope.

The next day we were picked up from the island. The wind had subsided but it was still cloudy and raining. We wedged lumber under the hull of the boat and cleared as many rocks as we could. We all heaved on counts of three and slid her over the lumber closer to the water, then we went home. We waited for high tide to come and went back. Another couple of heaves and she was floating. Luckily, she landed 100yards from a primitive boat ramp at the roadside park. We winched her up on the trailer and I took her back to the CORPS for an inspection and a good bath. Amazingly, she didn't have a scratch on her! No dents or dings, the motors were unscathed and the props were perfect. I couldn't believe it. Exciting, eh?

The Skiff on the beach.
This was after we heaved her down toward the water. The tide had come way up as well. At low tide, the water would barely be visible in this photograph.

As usual, I have more to tell, but it's late and I have to be up extra early. Maybe I'll make another update tomorrow. Enjoy!

What's bipedal, round, fuzzy, speckled and ridiculously cute?

2008-06-02T18:43:00.003-05:00

Caspian tern chicks, of course! They are here! All the commotion of capturing adult terns, must have coaxed them out faster. The first chicks were spotted on the evening after our last adult capture session.

Yesterday, I spent some time photographing the chicks. The wind hasn't been right to create upwelling along the coast, so the baitfish (anchovies) are sparse. I've only seen parents trying to feed Surf Perch to the chicks - which doesn't work so well. Surf Perch are tall, skinny fish (from top to bottom) so they don't easily fit through the gape of a chicks mouth.

See for yourself: You can click on any photo to make it larger.

A chick cuddling with it's parent.

Mom(?) got off the nest when Dad(?) came with supper. A surf perch, in this case. This feeding wasn't successful because the chick's mouth is too small for the fish to go down. See the other chick peaking out from Mom's (?) wing. I assume the bird on the nest is Mom and the bird coming back with fish is Dad. It just seems like that's how it should be. Not that Mom birds aren't capable of fishing...

Another chick. This one figured out how to eat surf perch. Sometimes, the fish are too long so the tails hang out of their little mouths until some of the fish is digested. Then the chicks stand up to finish swallowing their meal. It's pretty fantastic, really.

The view of the colony and Astoria, OR from the north blind.

A ring-billed gull on the lookout for a meal.

That's all I have for today. Enjoy!

News from the Field

2008-05-28T19:14:00.012-05:00

It's been nearly a month since I last wrote. Much has happened!

Diet days come and go now with ease. In fact, the diet tent runs like a well-oiled machine - one person on data/sample management, two people on dissections, one person as a runner to get birds from the beaches. It's almost as good a machine as Lynne, Annie, Deanna and I processing samples in Mark Twain National Forest! The only new part of my job is now I thaw the stomach samples in the "lab" (pole barn) and sort through the various fishes - identifying and weighing them to quantify biomass.

I've been up to a lot of different, exciting adventures.

05/04-10/2008

I spent Sunday night on the island to relieve a colony monitor for a day off. The weather was perfect, sunny and warm. I assume most colony monitor duties when I stay on the island - scout for predator signs - bird heads (from owls), tracks and scat (of mammals), and count the birds on colony at sunset. The sunset count was overwhelming! I nearly hyperventilated and cried. It was a vast sea of white and black. It took me a couple of tries to count my half of the colony. There were ~13,125 terns on the colony! I went to bed immediately after the sunset count.

The following Friday, I drove to Corvallis to drop off radio telemetry antennas at the University. It turned out that Don was having a noose-mat tying party at his house. Noose mats are essentially 1cm mesh wire cloth cut into 3ft. octagons with a 1ft octagon cut out of the center. Then hundreds (thousands?) of nooses (fishing line tied in slipknots) are tied to every third square. These are placed around the nests of terns so when the terns land their feet are caught by the nooses. We use these to catch terns for banding. So, since I'm now a professional noose mat tyer, I couldn't turn down the invitation to his party. It was a good time!

Saturday I watched Don and Deanna's dog run two agility trials. She is the border collie in the photograph I posted some time ago. She runs like the wind! Simply amazing what they have taught that dog!

On the way back from Corvallis, I drove to the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area.

I stopped at Multnomah Falls. It's a beautiful place that has been overrun by tourists. My time here was brief. I continued on up the river to Bonneville Locks and Dam to see the fish ladders. The fish ladders are mazes of cement steps with water rushing over them. It's a wonder that fish can swim up them.

Recently, a monstrous mass of unknown composition was detected in the river below the dam. Fish biologists deployed underwater cameras and discovered hundreds of white sturgeon - huge fish - in a ball. These fish were probably trying to swim to tributaries to spawn but couldn't navigate the fish ladders due to their large size.

I saw a lone salmon swim the ladder and only three more pass by the windows in the visitor center. The ladder narrows to concentrate fish past the windows where they can be identified and counted. I found this visit disturbing. It's sad to see just how much humans have really screwed things up. Millions of salmon swam upriver to spawn just nearly 200 years ago - now there are only tens of thousands.

Multnomah Falls, OR

A flower, Multnomah Falls, OR

Looking up the fish ladder, Bonneville Dam, OR

A fork in the "road", Bonneville Dam, OR

Spillway for excess water, Bonneville Dam, OR

While I was walking around the fish ladders, I saw my first Western Tanager and my first Osprey carrying a salmon.

Western Tanager, Bonneville Dam, OR

05/11-17/2008

This week was pretty busy for everyone. Diet data collection took two days this week due to the weather. We had huge waves rolling on the beaches - not good paddling weather! We have a zodiac moored off the island. We moor the motorboat then row in the zodiac to the island. This prevents the boat from getting beat up on the beaches and from getting beached by outgoing tides. Outside of diet data collection, I spent a ton of time resighting banded birds on the colony. I also got trapped in a blind for a day due to California brown pelicans roosting on the beach behind my blind. These pelicans are endangered and flushing has to be minimized. So, I drew in my field book.

Drawings by me

I had one afternoon off, so I drove up to Ilwaco, WA (20minutes) to see the Tall Ships in port. I talked my way into a brief tour of the Lady Washington. She is a replica of the 1872 Lady Washington. She was in the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie. A beautiful ship with over a hundred lines to control her sails.

Lady Washington, Port of Ilwaco, WA

A few days later, these ships sailed the river off the island and had a mock battle, cannons and all. I was in the north blind looking south and watched the whole battle.

Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain, Columbia River, OR

Lady Washington, Columbia River, OR

The weather was beautiful, hot even, so I took a walk on the north beach where the horse stables and fishing weir used to be. These pictures are at low tide.

Fish weir, East Sand Island, OR

Old pilings and railroad chassis, East Sand Island, OR

Railroad boxcar wheel, East Sand Island, OR

The north beach, East Sand Island, OR

Rotting piling, East Sand Island, OR

I spent Sunday night on the island. Again, the sunset count was overwhelming. I got it right on the first try - 13,650 terns on the colony! The third highest count. I went to bed immediately after the sunset count. Swainson's thrushes were singing their flutey harmony. These birds sing 3 songs of different pitches simultaneously. Incredible! The next morning I found river otter tracks running east and west along the north beach. I have yet to see this elusive critter!

River otter tracks - webbed feet and a dragging tail

05/18-24/2008

I finally was granted access to the cormorant end of the colony. These are sensitive, flighty birds so only cormorant techs are allowed on the colony. This is the end with a series of tunnels that run to an overlook tower. At one end of a tunnel, there is a blind with 6 one-way windows that open to allow for photography through holes in screens. Double-crested cormorants are beautiful birds. See for yourself:

Double-crested cormorant

What is that looking at me?

A pair on their nest

The view of part of the colony from the tower

Early in the week, a harbor seal pup showed up motherless on the island. Harbor seals are plentiful in the estuary and there is a rookery on West Sand Island (adjacent to East Sand Island). It was newly born with a fresh umbilical cord. It was able to swim and seemed healthy other than an eye infection. Days passed and the seal pup was still motherless - often getting tossed into pilings at high tide. Its energy reserves seemed low - the pup laid against beached logs to seek shelter from crashing waves. Then the next day, it was peppy - swimming around, wiggling across the sand. That night it left, hopefully with its mother.

Harbor seal pup

Taking shelter next to a log

Harbor seal pup tracks

The authority on Cuteness!

On Saturday, I went on an aerial survey with my housemate Kelly, crew leader, Lauren, and Captain Brad. We flew up the Columbia River surveying islands for nesting terns. Of which, there were none. We also flew up to Washington to Willapa Bay and Gray's Harbor on the same mission. Again, no terns. On the way to Willapa Bay, we flew just off shore of the Pacific Ocean. The fog below us was thick but then ended in a distinct line. I decided I should look for whales but really doubted I would see any. Not 30 seconds later, I saw a gray whale cow and calf swimming north. I told the crew about it and Capt. Brad circled for a better look. The cow breached then. I was so excited!

Fueling the plane

The aerial survey was super fun. I saw Mt. St. Helens and the Olympic Mountains, too. Such a beautiful place here.

Self portrait in the nose of the plane

A ship going upriver

The cockpit with Capt Brad (left) and Kelly

Mt. St. Helens

Me in the plane

05/25-28/08

Today, we captured adult terns. We deployed 18 noose mats and caught 31 terns over 4 or 5 capture sessions. The scene was chaotic. Run with noose mats onto the colony being careful to not run over nests and break eggs. Stake noose mats over nests, ward off egg-stealing gulls, then run off the colony. This took 2 minutes. Wait for birds to land and get caught - a few minutes. Then run like hell onto the colony and immobilize the birds then cut the nooses off the mat. Put the birds into the crates, reposition noose mats on new nests, ward off gulls, run off the colony - 4 minutes. Repeat until 31 birds are captured. We then carried the crates of birds to the processing stations where they were banded, weighed, wings measured and painted pink, then released. The entire capture/banding operation took 3 hours from start to finish. Here are the pictures:

Holding a tern to be banded

A tern being weighed

Preparing to release a bird

In motion

Almost released

Released

That's all I have.

Enjoy.

A Brief History of Astoria

2008-05-04T00:58:00.004-05:00

It's been a few weeks since I last wrote. During that time, I've been super busy as the diet technician. As diet technician, it is my job to make sure everything is prepared for "diet day" - everything from sample bags, data sheets, ice and coolers, and batteries for the scales, to picking up the boat, fueling it and putting it in the harbor, and perhaps most importantly ammunition. On diet days, we meet our hunter in the harbor very early and it's imperative that nothing is forgotten. I've experienced two diet days thus far and all has gone well. Unfortunately, I cannot write in detail about diet days due to the sensitive nature of the subject. If you want to know nitty gritty details, see pictures or ask questions about exactly what I do, please leave a comment indicating your desires and I'll do my best to fulfill them. =)

I've had 3 days off which I spent hanging out in Astoria. This town has a lot of history behind it. I don't have time now to put down every last detail. So, for now, I'll give you some history as it relates to the murals around town that I photographed. Pictures will follow.

In 1792, Capt. Robert Gray sailed his ship, Columbia Rediviva, into the mouth of what is now the Columbia River. In November 1805, Lewis and Clark ended their Expedition at Fort Clatsop, where they over wintered until spring 1806. Then in 1811, a New York financier, John Jacob Astor, established a fur trading post thereby putting Astoria on the map as the first American settlement west of the Rockies. With the War of 1812 underway, Britain sent a warship up the Columbia to take control of the fur trade, but Astor had sold the post to the British Northwest Company. Britain owned Astoria from 1813 to 1818 - they renamed it, Fort George. A treaty with England in 1818 established joint occupation of the Oregon Country - the Fort George name was dropped and Fort Astor became known as Astoria. It wasn't until 1846 that the British completely abandoned Astoria - when American pioneers began arriving by the Oregon Trail. By 1850, the first steamer ship, Columbia, built on the River was launched. It was also around this time that the first bar pilots came about because of the dangerous waters of the Columbia River Bar.

The rise of Astoria came during the latter half of the 19th century thanks not to forestry or shipping, but to the massive salmon runs of Chinook (King), Silver (Coho), Sockeye, Chum and Steelhead. Sixteen million salmon made the run upstream every year to spawn at their natal grounds. In 1866, the first commercial canning operation was opened. Cans were made by hand out of tin and soldered shut. Soon, this process was mechanized. Horses, and soon after boats, were used to draw seine-nets. Stables, bunk and cook houses, and docks were built to house the men and horses. Horses were walked single file through town to an awaiting barge which floated them to the stable in the middle of the river where they would spend their summers. On Sand Island, over 100 men and 60 horses hauled in salmon. The fishermen used small boats to set the nets, then the horses pulled the nets ashore to awaiting men who gaffed the fish into horse-drawn rail cars which took the harvest across the bay to the cannery. The rusted frames and wheels of the rail cars as well as the pilings that held the railway and stables still exist on the island. Additionally, the pilings which held other stables are still visible off the Astoria-Megler bridge.

Mural (left half) depicting the history of Astoria, OR (click on the pictures to make them larger)

Mural (right half) depicting the history of Astoria, OR

Astoria Column, showing the history of Astoria

Astoria-Megler Bridge, to the left (west) of this bridge are the pilings that held horse stables

By 1883, there were 39 canneries which packed 630,000 cases (43 million pounds) of salmon. Year after year thereafter, the harvest continued to decline. In 1911, 50 million pounds of salmon were harvested, however, by 1960, just five millions pounds were harvested. Today, less than 2 million salmon run upriver to spawn, 15% of these are wild - the rest are hatchery raised. Last month, the salmon fishery was closed for the state of Oregon.

Astoria was the second largest city in Oregon in the early 1900s with a population around 8,900. Downtown was a bustling place built over the water on pilings. Trollies took people around town for shopping. Astoria burned twice, once in 1883 and again in 1922. Thanks again to the salmon runs, the economy was strong enough for Astoria to rebuild. Astoria has served as a major port for over a century and it remains the center of trade for the Lower Columbia River.

I hope I've managed to keep your attention through the history lesson. Below is an update of other places I've visited and things I've seen. Of course, pictures!

Yesterday, I visited Fort Stevens State Park for a few hours. Fort Stevens is on the south jetty of the river mouth and offers access to the Columbia River as well as the Pacific Ocean. An observation deck overlooks the infamous Bar - this is a great place to watch the bar pilots take command of vessels crossing the Bar. The early 1900s rusty, barnacle-covered wreckage of the Peter Iredale rests on the ocean beach.

The Peter Iredale wreckage

A macro shot of the rust on the Peter Iredale

I've also been to the East Mooring Basin where fishing boats are moored. Here, bull sea lions, haul out on docks and lay around all day barking and fighting over dock space.

Bull California sea lions hauled out on a dock

A beautiful schooner, the John Muir, docked in the harbor. She's for sale, too!

A bicycle on a boat.

If the boat ride alone doesn't make you seasick, laps around the deck on the bike surely will! I'm certain the bike is just being stored on the boat, but it's still fun to imagine the skipper doing laps around the boat deck on his bike.

In other exciting news: My little sister graduated from college today summa cum laude! Congratulations, Lindsey! I'm so very proud of you! I'm sorry I couldn't be there to celebrate, but know that I thought about you all day long today. =)

Tomorrow night (Sunday), I stay overnight on the island. The weather is supposed to be beautiful. I'm very excited. I'll stay in a tent on a platform with a tarp over the rainfly. I'll let you all know how this excursion goes down.

Until next time, Cheers!

The birds are back!

2008-04-13T21:37:00.016-05:00

April 14, 2008

I have been here in Oregon for about a month now! Can you believe it? The weather is not as I imagined it, rain 100% of the time, cold and windy, rather it rains intermittently throughout the day, the skies are cloudy with peaks of sun and it's been in the 50s. It's windy on East Sand Island, but it's an island...to be expected. Here are some pictures of Astoria - all are walking distance from my house. Enjoy!

A rainbow over the Pilot Station, Astoria, OR

A rainbow over a ship in the shipping channel of the Columbia River. The small boat is the Columbia River bar pilot - the bar is too dangerous to cross without a specialized pilot.

A mural on the back of the old Sears Building, Astoria, OR

Part of the same mural. I especially love the gulls.

The Astoria-Megler Bridge to Washington

The Astoria-Megler Bridge seen from the docks of the Columbia River Maritime Museum

Yesterday was my day off. It was sunny, clear and 73 degreesF. Beautiful! I drove 45 minutes to Saddle Mountain which is about 3,300 feet. The 2.75 mile trail up the mountain is constantly uphill with switchbacks and breathtaking views. Parts of the trail were destroyed in the 120mile/hour winds that occurred last winter. This part of the trail involved crawling under and/or climbing over massive downed trees, and climbing over root balls. The last 1.5 miles was covered in snow and about the last mile was above the tree line and the trail was not clear. Portions of which were very steep - with each step I hoped the snow wouldn't give way under my feet as there was nothing to stop my sliding down the side of the mountain.

This climb was a huge mental struggle for me. I missed Daniel a lot and was tired from doing physical field work all week. I reached a false summit only to find a mile of the snowy trail left to the real summit. I nearly turned back, but convinced myself to keep going. When I finally reached the top, I stopped and knelt, panting, trying to catch my breath. Then I looked around - a 360 degree view. I could see Cannon Beach to the west and the Pacific Ocean, then northward was Astoria and the hill I live on, the Columbia River estuary, Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams, then eastward Mount Hood. The forest below was heavily logged - vast expanses of clearcuts. I'm absolutely appalled at the forestry practices in this state.

The climb down was very fast! It took only about 30 minutes, whereas the climb up took nearly 3 hours. At one point, just down from the summit, there was a huge, steep valley and I could see the parking lot below. The cars looked like micromachine toy cars. My knees were dreading the climb down and I thought how exciting it would have been to take a zipline down to the parking lot from there! Wee! Picture time!

The view about a half mile up the trail, Saddle Mountain, OR

A flower, Saddle Mountain, OR

The summit seen from the false summit, Saddle Mountain, OR

The view from the summit, (from left) Mt. Rainier, Mt. St. Helens, and Mt. Adams

Yours truly, summit of Saddle Mountain, OR

An attempt at a panoramic shot from the top, Saddle Mountain, OR

The tern colony was plowed under and we hand raked much of it to get the grass root wads up. The work on the cormorant colony is finished as well. Now, we let the birds do their thing and we watch and wait. There are about 3,000 Caspian terns on the colony making scrapes (nests), copulating, feeding each other fish and fighting for territory. Meanwhile, western gulls hang out on the perimeter of the colony waiting for an opportunity to snatch a fish from the terns - this is called "kleptoparasitism."

Today I "resighted" terns from the blinds on the colony. Each year for the past six years, Caspian terns have been banded with various combinations of colored leg bands plus one numbered metal band. Resighting involves using a spotting scope and scanning the birds for bands. I LOVE doing this! It's like a treasure hunt every time! When a bird with bands is found, I zoom in and record the color combinations and the numbers on the bands if they can be read. This gives us information about their lives - how old they are when they start breeding, survival rates, parentage of chicks, etc. Neat, eh? Pictures...

Three stooges, Caspian terns, on the colony. Notice their white eyelids?

The bands are (Left) Orange, Dark blue (faded), Orange; (Right) White, Light Green slipped over the metal numbered band. It was banded as a chick on East Sand Island in 2001!

This bird wears a red band on the left leg and a metal band on the right.

Soon, there will be eggs! Then chicks! =)

My actual job as diet technician begins in a week from today. I will be analyzing the stomach contents of Double-crested cormorants and Caspian terns. Below are pictures of the area where I'll be working.

The stairs from the beach to the Diet Tent, where I'll be working.

This is the diet tent. Here I will discover what the birds are eating.

Finally in Astoria...

2008-04-02T23:28:00.023-05:00

I had difficulty finding free wireless between Eureka, CA and Corvallis, OR. This will be a lengthy update starting from when I left Eureka, CA.

I left from Eureka heading for Redwood National Forest. The weather had turned from perfect, warm, and sunny, to cold and cloudy with rain, hail and snow. Due to this, I decided not to take the time to see Klamath Falls. Instead, I planned a northerly route through the Redwood National Forest, then east through Smith River National Recreation Area then north to Eugene, OR. I went for a hike in Lady Bird Johnson Grove in Redwood National Forest. The weather had cleared and I thought I had time to make the one mile loop through the forest. The signs warned of mountain lions and black bears and encouraged hikers not to hike alone, but I did it anyway. I was the only person in the grove - it was an awesome experience! I got a third down the trail and it began raining then pouring then hailing. I stayed mostly dry thanks to the trees' lovely canopies. I heard the distant hoots of Spotted Owls - I was happy to hear my endangered friends were near. Sadly (and gladly) I didn't see a single mountain lion or black bear!

Lady Bird Johnson Grove

Back in the car northbound toward Highway 199 through Smith River National Recreation Area. Along my route, I discovered a herd of bull elk grazing the lawn of a summer rental vacation home. I pulled through the circle drive to observe them up close. Some of them had already dropped their antlers.

Bull elk

Bull elk with fresh wounds from dropping their antlers

I drove through Smith River NRA. It was absolutely beautiful. Smith River followed the highway - the river raged with the pulse of rain. Guides were out with fishermen and kayakers/whitewater rafters. It rained the entire drive to Eugene, OR where I stopped for the night. I ate pancakes with boysenberry syrup at IHOP (which reminded me of when Grandma and Grandpa would wake us up on the weekends for a breakfast at Village Inn, yum!) then retired for the night.

I left Eugene, OR early in the morning and headed for Depoe Bay, where I hoped to catch a charter boat to pay the gray whales a visit on their northward journey to Alaska from Baja, Mexico. Sadly, when I arrived the weather was terrible and the seas were 14ft at 12seconds - meaning the swells were 14 feet tall and came every 12 seconds - DANGEROUS! The US Coast Guard had the small craft advisory flag flying, so I knew no charters would be leaving the bay. Instead I drove back to Newport where I walked the docks and boat slips of the harbor. There I found a raft of California sea lions loafing around, a Western grebe, several Horned grebes, Pacific and Common loons, Common mergansers, Surf scoters, Buffleheads, Western gulls, Glaucous-winged x Western gull hybrids and various other birds I'm forgetting to mention. I made friends with a few fishermen who were coming back from crabbing in the bay. A fishing charter nearly talked me into going crabbing the next morning but the venture was pricey at $80 including a 1-day fishing license. I left Newport and headed to Yaquina State Recreation Area. I pulled into the guard station and the woman noticed my Iowa licence plates - turned out she, too, is from Iowa and she let me in for free! There I saw Pelagic and Brandt's cormorants, and thousands of Common Murres. It was raining and hailing so I didn't get good pictures of the birds. But I have decent photos of the lighthouse. Picture time!

Yaquina Lighthouse

Yaquina Lighthouse

California sea lions, Newport Harbor

A commercial fishing vessel in Newport Harbor

Crab pots, Newport Harbor

A vessel named Evolution, Newport Harbor

Stormy skies over Newport Harbor

I drove back to Corvallis, OR and stayed in a Super 8. It was nice - newly remodeled, and there was an AKC dog show in a nearby town so, there were TONS of dogs at the hotel. I petted as many as I could. I woke the next morning, Sunday, March 16 and phoned Don, a graduate student who I would be staying with for the night. He recommended a restaurant, The Broken Yolk, for breakfast. I ate an omelette with wheat toast and fresh, homemade strawberry jam, then called Don for directions. He lives in a fantastic house on a hillside with his wife and three awesome dogs, Willow the collie, Tenaya the border collie, and Mandy the little white mut, and a old-man cat. Tenaya and Willow are agility dogs. They are smarter than many, many humans! Don had some work to do to prepare to go into the field - so I came along with him and met Yasuko down at the barn. Tenaya came with - when I wasn't working I played fetch with her. She was only allowed to use the stick that Don originally threw for her. The stick often got buried in the tall grass, so she had to work harder using her nose to find it. And she did, every single time! When the work was done, I wandered around the barns taking photographs of various things. It was an interesting place and there was even a skull of a Yak in the barn - WIERD! Later that night, Don and his wife took me to a pub called The Squirrel - it was a great place! I slept well at Don's and the next morning I ate breakfast then went to the Oregon State University campus for orientation of sorts. There I met Jessica and the rest of the crew. We ate pizza for lunch and Dan Roby came along, too. It was a good time. That afternoon, I drove to Astoria, OR to my new home for the summer.

Awaiting the throw of the stick in a never-ending game of fetch

Sign of spring

Lichens

Double-crested cormorant decoys used for social attraction

The field house was a bustling place for the first week. Everyone from all of the various field sites was here - about 24 people. We had an orientation meeting on Wednesday, March 19. I finally got to see East Sand Island when the others in my group went for CPR class - which turned out to be cancelled. The island is split into a west end and an east end. Double-crested cormorants nest on the west end and Caspian terns nest on the east end.

The east end of East Sand Island - tern colony and north blind

The second and third weeks here I have spent working on the island nearly every day. We set up two blinds (carried them by boat to the island and then carried them by foot across the island). The tern colony got plowed so it isn't grassy anymore. We also set up plots in the cormorant colony to determine how much salmonid fish cormorants eat. The theory is this: juvenile salmon are marked at the hatchery with PIT (Passive Integrated Transponder) tags, which are the size of a grain of rice. The cormorants eat the fish and then either regurgitate the bones and PIT tags or the tags are excreted in their waste. At the end of the breeding season, a PIT tag reader can be used to pick up the signals from the PIT tags. The PIT tags are then recovered and counted to see how many salmon the birds are eating. The whole idea is to get these birds to eat LESS salmon. Pretty cool, eh? I think so, too!

The southwest blind of the tern colony, Saddle Mountain in the background

The terns have started showing up at the island and on the colony. There has been about 170 birds each day for the past few days. They fly around and growl/scream like velociraptor dinosaurs. The males pick up fish in their bills and fly back to the beach to show off to all the ladies. So far, the ladies seem unimpressed. Soon there will be over 18,000 Caspian terns on the tern colony - all raising chicks.

A graduate student and one of my housemates (in purple) setting up plots

Today, we spent the day on the island, I got off work early because my housemates had to go to CPR class. The boat was almost beached twice. It was quite exciting both times. Our crew leader assigns a new person each day to be responsible for the boat so that we can all learn about proper anchoring during high and low tides. Well, today everything seemed to be swell, until the assignee yelled panicking from the beach. We all took off running across the island with our muck boots and layers of clothing through the deep, dry sand. She was thoroughly beached both times. Each time, all nine of us had to heave and ho on counts of three. Another guy was on the bow pulling the bow anchor line with all his might each time we heaved. Had we not gotten her off the beach, we would have had to spend the night on the island in the blinds and the viewing towers until high-tide saved us. Phew! I dread the day it's my turn to watch the boat.

It's now very late and my hours of potential sleep are dwindling. I have more stories to tell, but later.

Love you all.

Almost there!

2008-03-14T10:27:00.025-05:00

March 11, 2008:

Last time I wrote, I was leaving Rye Patch State Park and heading into Yosemite. Before arriving at Rye Patch State Park in NV, I drove through Salt Lake City, UT and then the salt flats - where I was sure I was going to run out of gas! Obviously, I made it across unscathed. So, a photo of a salt flat and some pictures of my camp at Rye Patch - one of my camp, and then an overlook of the campgrounds.

I pulled into Yosemite just before sunset. The sun washed the landscape with gorgeous, warm colors. I didn't stop to photograph any sites because I was worried about finding a decent campsite. Most sites were flooded due to snowmelt. I managed to find a dry camp, with a fire ring, picnic table and a bear box. I cooked dinner on my tiny campstove. Dinner was Lipton rice, an apple, orange, some carrots, and a piece of dark chocolate. I set off to build a fire and met a man who is a geologist at the US Geological Survey in Menlo Park, CA. Small world, eh? His daughter was at the Yosemite Institute Camp where they teach children about the great outdoors. I sat around my fire for awhile then retired for the night. I was pretty tired and slept well. The temperature this night was in the upper 20s/lower 30s F.

March 12, 2008:

I woke early, packed up camp and headed off to explore. First, I found Yosemite Falls. I hiked to the lower falls which was no huge feat - it's handi accessible. Then I caught the free shuttle to Mirror Lake. Mirror Lake is breathtaking! While on the trail, I met Duncan from the UK. He has a fancypants camera and it turns out he's a wedding photographer! His work is amazing; you can view it here: www.duncankerridge.co.uk A shameless plug for a nice man. We hiked back to Yosemite Lodge where we shared coffee, then parted ways. I went on my way to Bridal Veil Falls then set off to leave the park for San Francisco. There is major road construction in Yosemite with a one-way road. I stopped at the light for about 30minutes. During my wait, I struck a conversation with the family in front of me. It turns out, the man is a fish biologist for a private research firm. He gave me his business card and wants me to keep in touch! He was familiar with the work I'll be doing in Oregon. Really small world! Picture time!

Sentinel Dome from Yosemite Valley

Yosemite Falls from Yosemite Valley

Mule deer on the trail to lower Yosemite Falls

Lower Yosemite Falls

Mirror Lake

Mirror Lake

Me at Mirror Lake, courtesy of Duncan Kerridge

Half Dome from Yosemite Valley (I will climb this someday)

I drove down the mountains into the valley. I stopped in Tracy, CA at a Motel 6 for the evening. I did not enjoy myself here. I would have been more comfortable camping somewhere.

March 13, 2008:

I woke early and high-tailed it out of that seedy motel! I couldn't pack fast enough. I experienced the wonderfully immense traffic jams of big city California. Yee haw! I finally crossed the Bay Bridge at Oakland into San Francisco. So exciting! I drove down the Embarcadero to Fisherman's Wharf and parked my car. I walked down to Pier 39 to give a good morning to the California Sea Lions. Lazy sots, they are!

I ate brunch at Boudin's per the recommendation of the fish biologist in Yosemite. Clam chowder and sour dough bread. Yum! I drove up and down and around the streets of San Francisco. I went to Coit Tower and to Telegraph Hill in search of the famous parrots. They weren't taking visitors, so I left. I stopped at the Golden Gate Bridge to take pictures of the bridge and of Japanese tourists. One couple thought I was nice enough to have me in their photos as well! Ha! So, picture time!

California sea lion at Pier 39

Golden Gate Bridge from Coit Tower

Telegraph Hill

Flower in the garden, Greenwich Steps, Telegraph Hill

Me at Golden Gate Bridge, timer shot!

After leaving San Francisco, I headed north into Muir Woods. On the way, I passed Black-necked Stilts in a marsh. Muir Woods is a beautiful place - though a little too touristy. Picture time!

Black-neck stilts

Me in a Redwood tree, Muir Woods

Redwood crowns, Muir Woods

A quote I relate to, Muir Woods

Redwood sorrell, Muir Woods (especially for Grandma - Happy St. Pats Day!)

Wild turkey on the Pacific Coast Highway

I continued north from Muir Woods to Eureka, CA where I stopped for the night in a hotel. It was raining and I was too exhausted to search for a suitable campsite.

March 14, 2008:

Today, I'm heading north to Redwood National Forest for some hiking, then to Klamath Falls, OR, if I have time. I want to spend some time along the Oregon Coast. There is a lighthouse I want to see and gray whales are migrating northward - I would be tickled to see them!

I hope you all are well. I miss you a lot and will update the next time I find free wireless internet.

Cheers!

Oregon or Bust!

2008-03-11T09:48:00.005-05:00

March 7, 2008:

Today was my last day at the USGS CERC. I was tired and had been up late the previous night packing. This made the day especially difficult. It was really hard to say good-bye to Deanna, but I just know we'll cross paths again. I drove to Des Moines that afternoon to visit with my family over dinner. I enjoyed having everyone together at one time. Although I wasn't expecting it, they all gave me gifts! What a wonderful surprise. Daniel arrived in Des Moines later and we spent time with Tom, the boys and my niece watching a cheesy, yet still entertaining, dragon movie. And Autumn....it isn't real.

March 8, 2008:

This was a busy day! We woke up and took my car to get new tires. While we waited, Daniel and I ate breakfast with my dad at Village Inn. Yum! There was an issue with the alignment so we went home and replaced the tie-rod ends and took the car elsewhere to have it aligned. While Dad worked on the car, Daniel and I paid a visit to my new tiny niece, Jada. She weighed 4lbs, 15oz, up from her low 4lbs, 9oz. Yeah, Jada! Then Daniel and I got on the road to Omaha, NE to visit his brother and sister-in-law. We all ate dinner together at the Pizza Shoppe then went back to their house and hit the sack. So tired!

March 9, 2008:

We all woke just in time to hit the bagel store for breakfast then catch an IMAX movie at the Henry Doorly Zoo. We saw Whales and Dolphins 3D. It was way cool! At times I felt as though I was actually swimming in the ocean with the whales. Amazing stuff they can do! We had lunch at Dundee - Fish and Chips with slaw! Yum! Then it was time to say good-bye to Daniel. The moment I had been dreading, and somehow managed to hold off for an entire year. (Last year there was a real possibility that I would move away, which never materialized, thank goodness!) It was a very sad time, he led me back to the interstate as I cried. I cried intermittently for about 2hrs on my way to Ft. Collins. I saw Sandhill cranes on their journey north to the breeding grounds.

I arrived at Aunt Linda and Uncle Richard's house at about 10pm. We visited for awhile then went to sleep.

March 10, 2008:

I ate breakfast and drank coffee with my aunt and uncle. We visited and shared stories for a couple of hours and I got on the road at 10am. I drove for hours and hours. I saw Pronghorn antelope in Wyoming, as well as Mule deer.And proof I'm alive!

I drank in the scenery and kept pushing on. I drove through Salt Lake City and what a zoo that place is! I saw American avocets in a march by the Great Salt Lake. I drove across the salt flats and the desert. I finally stopped at Rye Patch State Park in western Nevada at 11pm and camped. The owls hooted me to sleep and the coyotes tickled my dreams with their yips and howls.

March 11, 2008:

I woke at 6am Pacific Time to ducks quacking and ravens calling. I packed up and washed in the washroom and hit the road. Now I'm in Lovelock, NV in front of the US Post Office. I'm heading toward Sacramento, CA today. If the road reports are good, I'll be heading into Yosemite National Park! More updates and photos later!

Cheers!

Birding at Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area

2008-02-08T05:26:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, Daniel and I went to Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area to look for birds and other wildlife. On previous days, I had read on the MO-Birds listserve that a handful of American black ducks had been seen there, and that the swans were back after the freeze we had. I have never seen American black ducks before so I thought lets go find them.

I received an adapter to fit my digital camera to my spotting scope for Christmas - now I can digiscope! We're still trying to perfect our digiscoping skills, so bear with the pictures I've posted today. Some are really grainy and others are grainy and blurry. So, as it goes, practice makes perfect.

We mostly saw mallard hens and drakes (by the thousands). I tried to spy on every single flock to pick out an American black duck. They look similar to Mallard hens, except they are overall a darker brown color from breast to tail, have streaking on the throat, and lack a white line on the color patch on the wings. The bill also tends to be more drab greenish-yellow to olive than the orange-yellow seen in the hen Mallard. I never did pick out a definitive American black duck.

Further into the area, I caught a glimpse of a silvery white birds with a rusty heads against the dark backdrop of the water. I stopped immediately and got the scope on them. I couldn't believe the surprise! "Canvasbacks!" I squealed. Dan, unadmittedly, was also excited. He took this photo of three canvasbacks.

There were about 10 ducks in this group, as I studied each one, I saw something different. A duck with greyish-silver sides, black extending past the breast, a more true red head with amber eyes and a powdery bill with a black tip. "Ooooh, Redheads, too!" I squealed again, in a much higher pitch. Dan shot this photo while I watched the birds through my binoculars.

I hadn't seen either of these species of duck at Eagle Bluffs since 2006 - that's not to say they haven't been there.

Further into the area back where the road bends to the right, a dozen large snowy white birds with curvy necks moved gracefully through the water. The Trumpeter swans were back, indeed! As we looked through the group, I noticed two smaller swans who seemed to break away from the Trumpeter swans and stick together - swimming, foraging, then preening. These were Tundra swans. I studied them through my binoculars while Daniel shot photos. These three are Trumpeter swans.

This is a Trumpeter cygnet. Its plumage is overall more grey. The bill is greyish-black with pink patches.

These are Tundra swans. They are smaller, have daintier necks and less of a forehead than do Trumpeter swans. Many Tundra swans also have a yellow spot just under the eye, as seen on this pair.

This is a study of a Trumpeter swan (top) and a Tundra swan (bottom). From the head-on perspective, the Trumpeter swan has a V-shaped line from eye to eye alone the upper portion of the bill. Whereas, the Tundra swan has a U-shaped line. The black portion of the bill leading into the eye seems to surround the eye of the Trumpeter. On the Tundra swan, the black portion of the bill seems to end at the corner of the eye. The Tundra swan also generally has a yellow eye spot.

Trumpeter and Tundra swans are often found together on wintering grounds. They are thought to form pair ponds on the wintering grounds. They usually start breeding from 3-6 years old. They mate for life and live to be around 20 years old! If a mate dies, the survivor will pair again. A male swan is called a cob, and the female a pen. (Strange, huh?)

We had a great experience birding (nerding, as Daniel calls it) at Eagle Bluffs. It's a neat area that often holds many surprises if you'll just give it a chance.

Landing Lunkers

2007-10-30T20:45:00.000-05:00

Tonight I went fishing with my partner in crime, Deanna, at her beautiful little lake at her house in the country. Shortly after arriving at D's house, Luna came tearing through the yard to greet me; Otto was hobbling along just behind her. Luna is a happy-go-lucky black cattle dog mut and Otto is a laid back beautiful brindle Pit Bull terrier with an awesome smile. After a short tour of the house and a quick supper for the dogs, we and the pups piled into the truck to drive to the lake.

We began fishing off the dock and the fish weren't biting much. It seemed the moment D's line hit the water she had a fish yanking on the other end. Meanwhile, in between a few bird's nests, I had a few hard hits but failed to set the hook. We took a short walk over to the rocky bank to try our luck. Again, a few fish checked out my pink worm, but nothing took it. We failed to catch fish off the rocks, so we decided to take the boat for a whirl around the lake.

I sunk my bait just before the vegetation near the edge of the pond. I felt through the vibrations in my pole that something was tickling my worm. I wiggled it a bit and reeled some line in and waited for the hit. Just then I felt a tug and yanked back, the hook was set! The fish gave a good fight and D cheered me on. As I reeled the fish in, I thought about my grandpa - he gave me the custom built rod I was using. I knew how proud he'd be to see me land that fish. I'm going to print some of the pictures and put them in the mail to him.

As the sun retired for the evening, we continued to catch fish while bats flew overhead catching insects on the wing, coyotes howled, screech owls in adjacent woods trilled from their perches, and a lone muskrat swam to his den. We kept five or six fish in all and D let a couple of fish go. She's a real bassmaster! ;)

We had such a blast landing lunkers!

Fire!

2007-10-24T23:30:00.001-05:00

This evening Daniel and I attended Dr. Stephen Pyne's lecture entitled "History with Fire in its Eye," at Monsanto Auditorium on the Mizzou Campus. His powerpoint consisted mainly of pictures and paintings of fire, taken from various history books. He took us on a "planetary flyby" through fire history.

He opened by showing maps of the US, the first was historical large wildfire patterns showing most fires occurred in the eastern US with sparse wildfire in the west, contrasted by a map of current wildfire trends that showed most large wildfires occur in the western US. Historically, large fires burned private lands, now they mostly occur on public lands. Not surprising, these fires aren't environmentally caused, but caused by changing human habitation.

Much of Pyne's philosophy on fire management stems from human beings' ecological significance as wielders of fire. He said some animals shred and decompose detritus, others graze, and humans use fire. This is something I hadn't really spent much time thinking about. We're the only animal to be able to make fire, and that IS our ecological significance. Prior to considering this, I had mostly considered our mucking of the planet our only ecological significance.

The overarching message of his lecture seemed to be how we must overcome our natural and instilled fear of fire and stop suppressing fires. People need to start discussing the role of fire as a sower, pruner and harvester of trees - fires ecological/biological role. He also noted that fire management policy has been controlled by the political arena - when it was the government's or Army's responsibility to fight the fires. Now it's back with the US Forest Service to fight fires, but it's still politically involved because the USFS is a governmentally funded agency.

This whole discussion of how to control wildfires must be done at a state level due to the high variation in landscapes across the US - fires in hot, arid southern California are different from those in Florida as are those in the Rockies. So then, should it be the state or federal government that is responsible for adopting wildfire management policy?

These were a few of the points Dr. Pyne hit in his lecture. In fisheries and wildlife courses at Mizzou, we never discussed fire much except in Ecology as it is used to burn prairies to manage grasses. I think that fire plays a much larger role in conservation and thus should be taught not just in forestry classes. Another thing to think about it, how does the fire retardant used to fight wildfires impact wildlife, soil biota, and even water quality? Surely it has some impact...

After the lecture we went for late dinner at India's House on Broadway at Hitt St. I had Chicken Korma and Dan had Chicken Vindaloo. Exquisite... It was almost as if I had warped to India or maybe Thailand. I can't wait to try the lunch buffet so that I may sample many more dishes.

On the drive home, we noticed the moon shining through the crisp, clear sky. We set up the scope and spied on the man in the moon for awhile. The moon is a cool place, it seems.

Here is what we saw:

In this photo, you can see Tycho and Copernicus craters. Tycho crater is 93 km in diameter and Copernicus crater is ~85 km. Pretty neat, ya?

Chicago!

2007-09-30T21:58:00.000-05:00

I've been working *a lot* lately - the USGS on weekdays and AES on weekends. Late last week, Dan and I were having dinner and he mentioned how we always work so much. He suggested a short trip to Chicago for a full night of drunken debauchery with DJ Sasha and the swedish techno producer, Samuel L. Sessions. I concurred and we went.

We stayed at the Westin River North, only a short stagger from Vision Nightclub. After spending nearly 8 hours in the car, three of which were during the last 30 miles of the trip, GAH!, we arrived to the hotel at a quarter to 9PM. After a nice, hot (nearly scalding) soak in the tub to relax, we were on our way to dinner at Hard Rock Cafe. We kept it on the small side, with a small salad and grilled chicken on the side for me, and a plate of fries and a tall, alcoholic beverage for Dan.

We arrived at the venue at 10:30PM. The club was labyrinthine with at least 4 floors. The opening talent in the main room left something to be desired. At the second stage, where Samuel would play, I met a lady deejay named Dirtybird. She was excellent! I danced to her beats for awhile then got tired. So, I took a nap in a comfy overstuffed loveseat and waited for either Sasha or Samuel to come on.

Samuel finally started his set at 1:30AM and the drinks started flowing, first they were Ketel One vodka and Redbulls, then Ketel One and tonics with a lime.

Dan took this picture of me after I discovered that I had downed my
beverage...so sad!

Samuel rocked it! I hadn't danced like that since my raving days. ^_^

At about 2:30AM, we found our way to the main room. Sasha had just begun his set. The air was thick with cigarette smoke, I could barely breathe. The dancefloor was shoulder to shoulder with sunglass-wearing eurotrash hipsters, blech! And, sadly, Sasha's tunes were kinda crappy. We tolerated the atmosphere for about 15 minutes and decided there was much more fun and AIR to be had at the second stage, so we left.

Samuel L. Sessions, in from Gothenburg, Sweden on the ones and twos just for us.

San Diego!

2006-03-03T21:51:00.000-06:00

A significant part of the Hollings Scholarship is an internship at a NOAA facility of my choice in the United States.

After much confusion about whether I'm supposed to contact my top three facilities, or if ORISE was doing it for all of us scholars, I decided to take the initiative to do it myself. Time is running out and I'm supposed to do a site visit during Spring Break AND find a place to live if it works out.

So, after many phone calls to several people, I ended up on the line with a woman named Karin Forney at Monterrey Bay. Sensing my anxiety, she quickly calmed me down and put me in touch with Jay Barlow at the Southwest Fisheries Science Center in San Diego. He quickly offered me a list of projects, from which I chose to create an atlas of marine mammal sightings in the eastern tropical pacific ocean.

I'm going to SAN DIEGO! squeeeee!

Ernest F. Hollings Scholarship

2005-08-01T21:26:00.001-05:00

I had my wisdom teeth extracted - all three of them. I ended up with dry sockets which were immensely painful. My dentist prescribed Percocet which put me in a fantastic stupor. While in the midst of mist, I decided to open the overstuffed, large envelope that arrived in the mail for me. The return address read, Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE). I pulled the papers out of the package and began reading. The haze in my mind made me unsure of what the words said. It was something like this: Dear Tiffanie, We are pleased to award you with the Ernest F. Hollings Scholarship. You are one of 100 awardees out of 1700 applicants...

I won! I won! I won!

update

2005-06-20T15:15:00.000-05:00

It's summer now. Last semester flew by so fast! I made the Dean's list and I just found out that I have a full ride next year. =) I'm still waiting to hear from NOAA Hollings Scholarship. I hope I get it!

I'm currently doing research and enjoying my summer. I just recovered from Poison Ivy over 30% of my body and I'm feeling much better. Tomorrow I start field work again since my Poison Ivy rash started. I'm excited and can't wait.

Short update, but it's nap time.

2005-01-25T16:09:00.000-06:00

Week 2 of classes: All of my classes are interesting and at times boring - especially aquaculture.

I've had some new opportunities come up at school. When I find out more and get things set in stone I'll ellaborate.

My parents purchased a car for me. I'm really shocked and grateful and excited. =) I'm picking it up this weekend in Des Moines.

The weather is nice and warm today. I wish it really were spring instead of just a tease. ;) Ah well, it'll be here soon enough. Speaking of spring, I think I'm going to Seattle to visit Casey for spring break '05.

O-chem help session is on Tuesday/Thursdays at 5pm in A&S. I need to get going so I don't miss it.

~t

P.S. I ID'd my first "new" bird today by song without the help of a cd or field guide. The bird was a black-capped chickadee. I also heard a song of another bird which I recognized from my bird call cds, however, I could not remember the name of the bird. I'll have to keep studying. =)

Morning Chaos

2005-01-16T13:26:00.000-06:00

I finally fell asleep last night around 1:15am. I abruptly awoke at 4:47pm to drunken idiots brawling in my neighbors yard (they had *another* party). One particular guy was yelling, "I didn't fuckin' say that! What the fuck did I say?!" over and over and over again. I almost put some clothes on and took Jersey, my black Great Dane outside, to ask them to stfu and leave immediately. They also walked all through our front yard. Too bad I cleaned the landmines out of the yard 2 days ago, it'd been rad if they walked through the shit of 2 Great Danes. >:) It would have been frozen anyway but still! I should have saved the 2 paper grocery bags full of dogshit so I can ignite them on my neighbors front porch after last night. *sigh* oh well...there's a steady supply of it.

I finally got up around an hour ago after waking again at 7:30am to let the dogs out and call Bethany to tell her that I was too under the weather to go out hiking to prebait the raccoon traps, plus it snowed last night and raccoons don't like the snow, so it'd be senseless.

I'm starting to feel anxious about school starting. I need to make a list of things to do before Tuesday and actually DO THEM instead of procrastinating. So yeah. Time to get moving.

Banana Pancakes here I come! Man, I <3 Ernie's!

Long Overdue

2005-01-15T22:24:00.000-06:00

After months of procrastination and finally giving up on Movable Type, I decided to use blogger.com after a friend suggested it (this was months ago but okay, I'm here now). My blog will be hosted by blogspot temporarily until I can figure out how to get it on t1f.net.

Yay for blogging! Hopefully I can find the time and/or motivation to update it and treat it kindly.

Winter break is on its way out which is great because it's been a long break. Things have been up and down for me lately in several aspects of my life. Hopefully this new year with bring good changes and leave things on the up and up.

I was diagnosed with clinical depression on Tuesday. I've known that I suffer from depression for some time but just kept putting it off with all the stress that is school and research and tutoring. In hindsight school was stressful because I couldn't retain information and concentrate due to depression. I also have severe anxiety sometimes which makes my mind race a zillion rpms about a zillion different things, which is NOT productive. I would sometimes go a week without sleeping or go a week oversleeping and not going to classes. So, with this information, I spoke with my doc and she prescribed Zoloft. This evening I was catching up on a friend's blog and found that this describes me nearly perfectly: "dfw has a short story called "good old neon" where the character talks about this feeling- about what its like to be good enough to shed the mechanistic shell of what a thing really is, to be able to see and comprehend it on a deeper level, but not be able to execute fully on demand. or ever." I'll have to read Good Old Neon in my spare time. So, I'm unsure of my expectations of Zoloft but I do hope it lets me finally be me again. I also hope it can relieve my anxiety. I really need to meet some people here and establish a few close friends. Living in a completely new and smaller city has definitely been challenging but I'll pull through somehow.

In other news, I finally met Andrew, Darci and Stephen in Lawrence last December. The boys cooked an amazing curry dinner (and an obscene amount of rice!) for us girls and we all had wine and watched The City of Lost Children. Well, I slept through most of it (I think) and at times I wasn't sure if I was awake or dreaming...what a weird flick! They all were as I expected them to be and it was refreshing to share some good times with witty, intelligent, funny, musically-inclined, interesting people. It's nice to have met 3 new friends and I hope to be able to spend more time with them in the future. I wish we all lived closer.

I've been a tad frustrated lately with the work I'm doing for the Raccoon/Parasite research project. The undergrad research grant application is due on Feb. 15 and I have no idea what I should focus on or what is feasible. Ryan (the grad student heading the project) has no idea what exactly he's doing for his PhD. Currently we're collecting baseline data but I have no sense of direction. When I analyze the slides for parasites, I have no idea what I'm looking at and how in-depth I should be. A lot of the time I cannot distinguish between plant material and parasite eggs. I guess I should be grateful for being able to participate but I hate not having structure and plans! ;) It also provides great exercise and I get to spend a lot of time outdoors in the forest. On Friday I got to hike a lot and prebait traps so we can start trapping raccoons next week. It was terribly cold but still enjoyable.

So, with winter break nearing its end, I guess I should talk about classes.
Organic Chemistry II: 9am MWF
Ornithology: 7am T (3hr recitation), 11am TR (lecture), 3pm W (3hr lab)
Aquaculture: 12pm MF (lecture), 12pm W (2hr lab)
Natural Resources Management and Water Quality: 2pm MWF

Also, scholarship applications are due Feb. 1 and I've not started any of the essays. Hopefully this isn't indicative of how the semester is going to turn out! I guess I'll use part of Monday to get through some of the essays. OH! I applied to the Honors College and should hopefully hear from them soon. I've also been eyeing the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship. I'm a tad confused because Mizzou's Honor College lists it as a scholarship for Graduates? Hmm. The deadline for it is Feb. 1, heh, I won't be making that one. I've got 53 credits completed and after next semester I'll officially be a junior. I still have A LOT of hours to complete so applying for it next year still won't be too late since I'll still have ~2 years left.

Damn, this turned out way longer than I expected. I guess what I was trying to say is I hope 2005 brings lots of changes to my life and SOON! I'm excited to see where this road takes me and who I'll meet along the way.

I'll end with a quote:
"It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat."

-"Citizenship in a Republic," Speech at the Sorbonne, Paris, April 23, 1910