Our trip into the field lasted 12 days this time around, instead of the usual 10. Which was completely fine with us, we were all looking forward to getting out there and finding a new nest or two (the other field camp already has one!). We hiked in to our field site, Frisbee Meadows, in about 7 hours. We had beautiful weather not just for the hike in, but also for most of our entire trip out there - sunny mornings, some mist and clouds in the afternoons, then clear evenings. We spent our days watching 2 pairs of parrotbill that are on the site...the males are singing quite a bit by now, so they've been pretty easy to find, but the females are much sneakier! For parrotbills, the female builds the nest and sits on the eggs, so she goes back and forth to the nest throughout the day. If you can find her and then stay with her (which is the hard part!), she will eventually lead you to the nest. But like I said, the ladies are quieter and stealthier than the boys and very difficult to follow. I didn't have any problem finding lots of nests that belonged to other birds in the forest! But the parrotbill eluded us...sigh. I do have to say, though - the more I get to see the parrotbill, the more I like them! They are just such cool little birds!! I don't have any pictures of them, but if you want to share in their cuteness, you can visit our website at http://www.mauiforestbird.org/ - the Maui Parrotbill is the star of our organization! Which is actually kind of sad, because it means they're in trouble...but everybody is doing what they can here, so hopefully we'll get a happy ending. But as I was saying, we had gorgeous weather in the field - only got wet twice that i can remember, and even then we all dried out pretty quickly. The new roof we put on the kitchen hut is doing beautifully - I'm so proud! And while the kitchen is much nicer to hang out in these days (now that it's dry!), we spent most of our free time sitting outside soaking up afternoon sun, watching the sun set, or admiring the Milky Way. The stars are absolutely incredible out there - it's one of my favorite parts of being in the field!
Let's see, otherwise, nothing too shocking or exciting happened while we were out there - but I would like to assure those who might be worried about the "safety issues" out in the field: there are no snakes in Maui! In fact, there's really nothing out in the forest that could hurt me. Now the ocean is a different story...luckily I haven't had any run-ins with sharks yet! Not likely.
So for now, on our days off, we'll be at the beach, snorkeling and whale-watching, eating lots of salad and ice cream (not at the same time!), drinking beer, taking showers...all things that we can't do out in the field! But I should add, that most importantly, it's my opportunity to CALL HOME! (right Dad?!?)
Looks like we might be returning to Lake Tahoe for another season this summer, not definite yet but likely. I'd love to have visitors! It's a really fun place to visit - just ask my Mom! Anyway, I'll keep you updated.
So that's the scoop from here! Hope you enjoy the new pictures on the website...more to come soon! Much love to everyone. :-)
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4 comments:
Hi Trish,
This is the 3rd time I'm writing you a message and it really is pissing me off that it won't take it!! So anyway, this is only a trial to see if it goes thru this time.
If it does, I'll write you a real note again and tell you all that mushy stuff you don't like to hear. Love Ya Bunches.....Dad
Well how about that. It went thru this time (my comment)
anyway, what I was writing you about was that I will be in Vegas this summer, late June and was thinking that I might be able to sneak up to Lake Tahoe and see you and Brad, if things work out ok. I hope so, but we'll have to wait and see. Hope all is well and that you get to soak up some sun and eat alot of Hawaii pineapple, which I hear is the worlds best pineapple. The pictures look great and by the way, thanks a million for the CD you sent us. It was GREAT!! I saw it twice. Anyway, take care of yourself and call us this weekend if you get a chance.
Love Ya Bunches.....Dad
Tricia,
I'm so jealous! Especially with the part about soaking up sun and eating salads and ice creams. --It's times like this when I wish I had money. I'd jump on a flight and come visit on your off days if I could afford it. Shoot, there's actually been lots of places you have been that I could say the same thing about. So instead, you'll have to take MORE pictures and send them our way!! I can't wait to see you tan! :-)
Please don't get eaten by a shark.
LOVE YOU!!!
-- You know, you can always call me too! -- Grrrrr....
Miss ya,
D.
HI Trish---finally got to your blog again. Guess our network was extremely busy yesterday. We're enjoying reading, so keep up your entries and pictures!!
Take care----enjoy the beach (we're JEALOUS!) Love ya!
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