The Avian Day
Walking around our campsite this morning early I spotted a Swainson’s Thrush which I had only seen one time before. Our first stop this morning while heading down the Tok Cutoff was along a lake. Great stop. Got a Mew Gull (first time) and a Red-throated Grebe (first time), some neat ducks and a family of Trumpeter Swan with four little ones. Arriving at Wrangell-St Elias National Park at the Nebesca Road entrance, we found a campsite 1/4 mile away that has WiFi! Then we were off on the 36 mile gravel road. Most of the scenery was obscured by smoke from fires near Fairbanks drifting down. The road was close in on both sides with smaller spruce trees. We hiked down to a lake, but nothing on the lake. It was steep, hot (86 degrees) and buggy and the footing was soft and often wet. Not a pleasant walk but rather short. Repeated at two more lakes - less walking as we could see nothing on them. Then spotted a bird just off the road, turned out to be a Spotted Sandpiper. Lovely. I “may” have seen the winter version but I never identified it as it is dull gray and looks like several other sandpipers in winter. In breeding colors it was easy to ID and a beautiful bird. (first time) We stopped at a larger lake, walked the perimeter and I saw a Bohemian Waxwing, Cedar’s larger, slightly disreputable and artistic northern cousin. (first time) Four new birds in a single day, wow. I may have two more but haven’t identified them yet, pictures were taken but they are dark and id will not be easy.
Cadillac’s Most Correct Viewpoint
Well I did it! Indeed perseverance, fortitude, confidence and Bull Moose Party spirit got me to actual Alaska. I prevailed over all the attempts to dissuade me from my goal. I have rescheduled the first Great Moose Rights Rally because of the unreasonable delays in getting here but I am here and surely the Moose will be excited and come on a different date. The big first event on the Grand Alaskan Tour is in just two days. I need to prepare. Of course the speech is ready but I need to look my best so I need to find a nice swampy bog. I also sent BdB out for security purposes to secure a great site. What a new and glorious day for the advancement of Moose Rights. Not even the appalling lack of ice cream and lattes have me discouraged. But I do miss the necessities of life. No sacrifice is too great.
Spotted Sandpiper
Mew Gull
Red-necked Grebe