I mentioned not being serious about birding in the early years of our travels.
On Adak I did not own a pair or binoculars or a birdbook!!!!! Now I realize
what a wonderful opportunity I would have had had, had I realized. We spent
18 months there. (My husband was the one in the Navy) I've always had an
interest in birds and have "reconstructed" a list, of sorts. My only
"backyard" bird was a Snow Bunting which was pecking at my window one cold
snowy day. Adak is a treeless island except for the half dozen or so stunted
trees planted there with a sign that says " You are now entering and leaving
the Adak National Forest". My "yard' was gravel. People drove through the
yards there (5 MPH speed limit)

I remember a Willow Ptarmigan feigning injury to distract us from her nest in
the tundra. There was also Canadian Geese which I surmise were the Aleutian
Race? I saw an eagle at the garbage dump - maybe an immature Bald? My
husband thinks Golden. I remember water birds in the bay but never paid any
attention as I didn't have binoculars. There were few roads, no town, no
seed or feeders for sale. (or trees to hang them in)

If I would run into anyone birding, I might have realized what a great place I
was at but I don't remember ever seeing anyone or reading anything in the
little weekly newpaper.

I have few regrets in my life but missing this golden opportunity is one of
them.

Joan Macdonald
Issaquah, WA