New Year’s birding
January 1st 2018 started with a nice sunrise and a Song Sparrow scratching leaves in our garden in the dark as I peeked my head outside the door. I didn’t mean to bird as hard as I did on day 1, but first of year birding is too exciting. Every bird is new, every one a…
All the Grebes starting with a Gnatcatcher
I didn’t intend to chase the rarity, but I brought my camera and binoculars to work just in case, and when a second report of the Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher (originally found by Nick Mrvelj) came in at Kelley Point Park, I decided to go for it. I arrived and immediately felt overwhelmed. Tiny bird, big park.…
Seattle to Malheur to Astoria I
All in one week. Unintentional (and preventable) but it started with a gull. A very rare gull, which is how I explained it to Tomas when I asked if he minded we leave for vacation a little later than planned. With his blessing I left work immediately, hopped in the car with Jen and we…