We found our 120th species this morning, as we flew down a hill, Ken screamed "Whoa! Stop! What’s the bird chasing that Kestrel?"
I jammed on my brakes, too late to see the Kestrel, but its pursuer was still around- a gorgeous Western Kingbird. The bird alighted on a wire, giving us a good look at its bright yellow underparts and its shades of slate gray back. Ken's eyes have been as sharp as a Hawk today, spotting many exciting birds, including our year’s first Western Meadowlark.
We’re in the midst of a heat wave, with only the promise of a cool lake the only thing keeping us going during the ninety + kilometer days. Fortunately some thin cloud kept it cool for the first half of our cycle, but around noon the sun escaped, turning every hill into a gruelling experience. After an especially long climb we were shocked to see a “No Vacancy” sign outside the campground, but after some begging the management allowed us to pitch our tents on some open grass. After a swim and a cool drink we felt much better. We relaxed, watching Pacific-slope Flycatchers feed their nestlings.
I jammed on my brakes, too late to see the Kestrel, but its pursuer was still around- a gorgeous Western Kingbird. The bird alighted on a wire, giving us a good look at its bright yellow underparts and its shades of slate gray back. Ken's eyes have been as sharp as a Hawk today, spotting many exciting birds, including our year’s first Western Meadowlark.
We’re in the midst of a heat wave, with only the promise of a cool lake the only thing keeping us going during the ninety + kilometer days. Fortunately some thin cloud kept it cool for the first half of our cycle, but around noon the sun escaped, turning every hill into a gruelling experience. After an especially long climb we were shocked to see a “No Vacancy” sign outside the campground, but after some begging the management allowed us to pitch our tents on some open grass. After a swim and a cool drink we felt much better. We relaxed, watching Pacific-slope Flycatchers feed their nestlings.
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