Snowy goose chase
I was most thankful for hand warmers, an ice-scraper, and new snow tires this past weekend when I drove to eastern Washington in hopes of seeing a Snowy Owl. The backroads were frozen, covered in ice but I barely noticed until I got out of the car (hooray snow tires!). Worth every penny. I passed flocks of Horned Larks…
Ptarmigan again again
When I see White-tailed Ptarmigan reports on eBird I get excited about the possibilities. I can’t help it. I’m a sucker. Someone, somewhere saw this bird. Reporters even provide tips: “Listen as you look. Increase your odds.” Noted. My ears are open. I’ve done the math. Five attempts in two years equals zero ptarmigan. Simple…
Seattle to Malheur to Astoria IV
The finale! In the morning Tomas confirmed his bike-tour was over and he was ready for a pick-up. I was ready to leave early before the hunters returned anyways so I said goodbye to Steens Mountain and made way back to Frenchglen. While there I noticed a smoky haze had settled and as I drove toward Fields, it gradually worsened. Winds shifted…