A neat thing happened over the last month, and I thought it might be of
interest to some.

On Tuesday the 9th of June I was down by the Dam looking for the Iceland
Gull that was reported. I had the scope on some Caspian Terns and there
were two people making a sandwich on the trunk of the car (British
Columbia). I asked if they would like to see a Caspian Tern. They came
over and in the ensuing conversation I found out they were from New
Zealand!

They live near Kerikeri, which is in the NE part of the North Island
(Bay of Islands). They have a Bed and Breakfast. The exchange rate is
one american for two New Zealand dollars, so it is around $35.00
American dollars to stay there. Anyway--back to the story.

They said that when they got back they would send me some information
about the birds down there. Yesterday a package arrived from New
Zealand! They sent me the names and addresses of several birders, a
map, and two bird books! One is "New Zealand's Native Birds of Shore and
Wetland" and "New Zealand's Native Birds of Bush and Countryside". They
are published by Penguin Pocket Guides.

I couldn't believe my eyes! All this came about just becuase I offered
to let them see a Caspian Tern through my scope.

New Zealand--here we come! In your dreams fella. :-)

Jerry and Sandy Converse
Grand Coulee, WA