Post by Gord on Aug 29, 2008 21:26:34 GMT -8
Today, went back to try and finish what I needed to do.
When I got there, things seemed ok. There was plenty of fog around, but I was ok with that as I planned to keep an eye on ptarmigan to test the cloudy day theory.
On the way up, noticed a small flock of juncos, a Lincoln's Sparrow, Wilson and MacGillvray's Warbler just past Spoon Valley. There were several American Pipits flying around. I thought I heard a Golden Eagle but only heard it once and could not be certain it wasnt a Bald Eagle. I then got into the fog and not much was to be seen. Eventually, I did come across a hen White-tailed Ptarmigan and two chicks. This was right on the trail just past that fallen tree that leans over the path and requires you to bend over to get past. I watched them for a few minutes. At one point, one chick got focused on something else and lost track of the mom and sibling. He came scampering back, peeping sadly. The mom clucked a couple times and he zeroed right in on where they were. Cute. Not far past here the wind really started to pick up. It was pretty impressive putting it mildly. I did not think it smart to stand too close to the edge. I did, however, lose my sunglasses from where they were optimistically placed on my hat in the morning. They blasted off the edge into a foggy oblivion. My hat would have soon followed had I not grabbed hold of it. Bummer. At least it wasnt a spare tire I grumbled to myself.
I headed down but was pretty quickly hit with one of the most miserable rains I have ever been caught out in in my life. I think the Valley was hit with it too so you'll know what I mean. Quickly, I transfered my gear under my jacket to keep it dry. About 10 minutes from the truck the rain magically stopped and a hint of sun even showed briefly (enough to remember my earlier loss). An adult Golden Eagle cruised over the trees briefly to probably confirm what I thought I heard earlier.
Back at the truck and examining my gear, I was disgusted to see that water had invaded my long camera lens.
It seems that a small part of the end stuck out under my jacket. Enough that the heavy rain effected it. Everything else was quite dry. Im almost too depressed to think about it more! A trip to the repair shop and ASAP is in order. What a bummer. Id much rather a flat tire. Heck, Id go after the spare again in the creek too especially considering I was about as wet as I was when I came out of it yesterday. 
On the way home, I checked a little pond that is now quite big from the rain. There were lots of ducks, one Greater Yellowlegs, three Least Sandpiper and the real bonus, a pair of Red-necked Phalaropes swimming with the ducks! This is on Sinclair Rd right near the Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve. It sure would be a bonus to be able to get that land somehow and protect it. It obviously is getting good use from migrating birds. I did get a photo of the phalaropes but with a smaller lens.
When I got there, things seemed ok. There was plenty of fog around, but I was ok with that as I planned to keep an eye on ptarmigan to test the cloudy day theory.
On the way up, noticed a small flock of juncos, a Lincoln's Sparrow, Wilson and MacGillvray's Warbler just past Spoon Valley. There were several American Pipits flying around. I thought I heard a Golden Eagle but only heard it once and could not be certain it wasnt a Bald Eagle. I then got into the fog and not much was to be seen. Eventually, I did come across a hen White-tailed Ptarmigan and two chicks. This was right on the trail just past that fallen tree that leans over the path and requires you to bend over to get past. I watched them for a few minutes. At one point, one chick got focused on something else and lost track of the mom and sibling. He came scampering back, peeping sadly. The mom clucked a couple times and he zeroed right in on where they were. Cute. Not far past here the wind really started to pick up. It was pretty impressive putting it mildly. I did not think it smart to stand too close to the edge. I did, however, lose my sunglasses from where they were optimistically placed on my hat in the morning. They blasted off the edge into a foggy oblivion. My hat would have soon followed had I not grabbed hold of it. Bummer. At least it wasnt a spare tire I grumbled to myself.
I headed down but was pretty quickly hit with one of the most miserable rains I have ever been caught out in in my life. I think the Valley was hit with it too so you'll know what I mean. Quickly, I transfered my gear under my jacket to keep it dry. About 10 minutes from the truck the rain magically stopped and a hint of sun even showed briefly (enough to remember my earlier loss). An adult Golden Eagle cruised over the trees briefly to probably confirm what I thought I heard earlier.
Back at the truck and examining my gear, I was disgusted to see that water had invaded my long camera lens.
It seems that a small part of the end stuck out under my jacket. Enough that the heavy rain effected it. Everything else was quite dry. Im almost too depressed to think about it more! A trip to the repair shop and ASAP is in order. What a bummer. Id much rather a flat tire. Heck, Id go after the spare again in the creek too especially considering I was about as wet as I was when I came out of it yesterday. 
On the way home, I checked a little pond that is now quite big from the rain. There were lots of ducks, one Greater Yellowlegs, three Least Sandpiper and the real bonus, a pair of Red-necked Phalaropes swimming with the ducks! This is on Sinclair Rd right near the Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve. It sure would be a bonus to be able to get that land somehow and protect it. It obviously is getting good use from migrating birds. I did get a photo of the phalaropes but with a smaller lens.
