It didn't look like a very good day to walk out on the BEO to the Control Shed again. This photo was taken from the BARC looking south towards the BEO. But, we headed out anyway around 1:15 or so. As soon as we were around a ½ mile from the coast, the weather changed dramatically. Not a cloud to be seen.
Half way out to the Control Shed, there is another trail that headed out to a large tower under construction. Summer has brought tourists to Barrow especially bird watchers. If you go off of the road system, you need a land use permit from the native corporation. I've run into several small groups wandering around with their tripods and long lenses and so far. I think the sign is just an attempt to keep people out of the construction zone.
The last couple of times I've been out here, I noticed a hint of red but wasn't really sure where it was coming from. Today, I noticed these bright red things on the low lying plants. The plastic grid is about 2" so you can get an idea of how tiny these are.
Most of the birds take off as soon a you see them. This one was so busy feeding on the small bugs that it didn't take off. I'm not a birder so I have absolutely no idea what kind of bird it is.
Doesn't matter if you're a birder or not, they are fascinating to watch.
ReplyDeleteLots of birds out here. I can understand why it's such a popular destination for bird watchers.
DeleteRichard, I'm not much of a birder myself, but I'm curious, and I just happen to have my bird book at the back of my desk, so...
ReplyDeleteBased mainly on its range, this could be a Lesser Yellowlegs, apparently a type of sandpiper / shorebird.
Neat capture--lately with the tundra flora too. :-)
Thank you! I was thinking that it looked like a bird I've seen at the beach.
DeleteYes, I thought it was a sandpiper, too! I hope you are thinking of me when you post the flowers and birds. That reminds me. When I'm gone I want you to keep an eye on the big pot out in the yard. It is about to flower. Please take a picture of it when it does in case I miss it while in Ethiopia. Hopefully it blooms several times. Please keep it watered!
ReplyDeleteYep, otherwise I probably wouldn't post pictures of flowers and birds. Just ice, walkways and buildings. Please leave a schedule of when to water and how much water. Or is there an app for that?
DeleteI thought you would be going with Bridget to Ethiopia like last time, that's a surprise.
ReplyDeleteToo busy this summer. Hopefully, this will be the only summer with all of the travel to Barrow...
DeleteI love bird watching but I have very limited knowledge. So I also vote for Sandpiper. You seem to be busier than ever, Richard. If it means working all summer I will reconsider early retirement for myself then... ;-)
ReplyDeleteThis is a bit unusual. The budget for IT support was reduced so I wasn't able to hire a tech to provide full-time support for the summer. And it is almost impossible to hire someone willing to work part-time. So they are stuck with me on a periodic basis. The plan is to migrate IT support to the science logistics provider before next summer.
DeleteStill in Barrow? You must be enjoying the weather and the view. I too thought you'd be on a plane........to Ethiopia.
ReplyDeleteNope, still in Barrow for a couple more days. Not going to Ethiopia this time.
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