Wouldn't you know it? Just as I post some info I find out I'm
SERIOUSLY behind the curve, here!

So, a more recent update for the curious (paraphrase of a note from
the Clarke's which they asked me to post here):


Migration underway, after few days of storm & gale winds ... about
1800 sightings so far, mostly adult RT. They've had a couple of 500+
bird days, a 200+, a 125+ and I guess a bunch of lesser days.

For those of you who expressed interest in getting involved, you
can now contact Virginia & Welden Clark at <
clark at olympus.net > or tel: 360/683-1087 or fax: 360/683-1413 for scheduling
and some weather guesses.

Due to tribal relations, they'll be wanting to keep numbers of folks
out there pretty low on a daily basis. I'd guess weekdays will be
best, and after the paid (barely paid) observer arrives next week.
You'll be expected to help out as needed if you visit. This mostly
means shouting out birds you spot, and helping to follow birds across
the strait to make sure they don't sneak back ashore (which many
do, bad birdies!), possibly recording data if it's busy,
and of course helping ID.

If you just want some general information, feel free to e-mail me
at donb at rational.com, but to schedule an actual visit please call
or e-mail the Clarks.

In addition, the clark's asked the following:

[ Would it be insulting to add "pls remember that we're guests of the Makah
tribe for a serious migration study ...and need to respect access to their
land ... especially no overnite camping on the hill " ?]

I responded that, no, it would not be insulting at all because I
know that all "tweeters" who wish to visit the site would want to
do the utmost to behave in a way that would make the tribe welcome
us back next year.

Wouldn't you, "tweeters"?

Also, in addition to their note: NO ALCOHOL ON TRIBAL LAND. No
exceptions.

Hope this doesn't sound discouraging or heavy-handed. I'll be up
there April 6th and 7th - ain't every day you get to see hundreds
of adult RTs!


-Don Baccus-