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We were dropped off at Tidewater on Tuesday evening after ship sands. With Jenn's superb camping skills, we got camp set up and ready with at least 45 minutes to spare before total blackness and heavy rains began. I was quite pleased with the fire I eventually got going as well - a good chance to warm up a bit after we frolicked in the waves an hour earlier.
- With the inland cyclone causing havoc south of us, we had the first passing front throughout the night. Heavy rains and very strong winds rocked around us, but we were quite happy inside the tent, even getting some good sleep. The front hit at a very poor time for vagrants, just after dark. Too late for diurnal birds, and too early for nocturnals... What can one do?
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Wednesday brought an end to some rain in the morning. We enjoyed some oatmeal, and set out to explore the island during the day. We had a ton of fun, but i'm guessing you really only care about the birds!
Jenn enjoying the morning oatmeal :)
There were no real surprises, but some more great looks at boreal species. The White-winged Crossbills but on a great show, giving great looks as they came down to a pond for water/baths (just as we were getting water of our own).
Boreal Chickadees right in camp during the day were also a real treat! But wait, birds.. Right.. birds:
Common Goldeneye 3
Common Loon 1
Greater Yellowlegs 1
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Pileated Woodpecker 1
Gray Jay X
Common Raven X
Black-capped Chickadee X
Boreal Chickadee X
American Pipit 2
American Tree Sparrow 1
Snow Bunting X
White-winged Crossbill 90
(X means lots, or several, or I didn't count)
The 2 Pipits were the only ones we had for the whole trip!
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As we headed to bed on Wednesday night, the rain once again fell (at a poor time for birds), and we slept (quite dry) through most of it.
Early in the morning, we quickly tore down camp, and headed to the beach to flag down a water taxi. We were picked up by our friend from the previous day, and made our first venture to Moose Factory! I know today was a bit slim, but Moose Factory provided the birds! (Tomorrow's post........)
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Another parting photo and story. I had planned to write about Moose Factory today as well, but I'm getting overly tired. Tomorrow!
--- Yes those are Bear tracks! Big ones too. We camped on a pretty small island, 2 nights sleeping in the tent, but never actually saw our Island friend. Lots of fresh tracks in the sand though! And some fresh droppings on our way to get water on Wednesday.
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