[tn-bird] Tennessee Birders in Alaska

From: "Kevin A. Calhoon" <kac@xxxxxxxxxx>
To: tn-bird@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Date: Tue, 11 Jun 2002 16:57:39 -0400
Tennessee birders made a good showing in in Gambell, Alaska from May 29
through June 4.  We had nine Tennessee birders on the island at one time!
The core group was made up of Bonnie Johnson, Judy Newsome, Clyde Blum,
Tommie Rogers ( an ex longtime TN birder), Daniel and Kathy Jacobson and
myself (Kevin Calhoon), David Chaffin joined us for a couple of days and Dan
Williams was on the island with Victor Immanuel on May 30th.  Despite NW
winds (not particularly condusive to Asian migrants) many great birds were
located!  Wings and Victor Immanuel and another organized tour were on the
island at the time, but the "Tennessee birders" as the other groups called
us, held our own with McKay's Bunting, spotted by Roger Clark a Tennessee
birder from Jacksonville FL, a Northern Wheatear (David Chaffin) and an
immature Slaty-backed Gull identified before Jon Dunn could call it out on
the radios!  Some other goodies included Artic Loon, Emperor Goose, Stellars
and Spectacled Eiders (the Spectacled was my 700 ABA BIRD!!!!!!), Crested
and Least Aucklets, Common Ringed Plover, Yellow Wagtails and our own
Red-necked Stint.  In Nome we got a great look at an Ivory Gull, most of us
Tennessee birders already had that one thanks to the Ol' COOT, plus
Bluethroats and Aleution Terns.  Yes, the road to the Bristle-thighed Curlew
breeding area is still washed out.  BOTH Bonnie Johnson and Judy Newsome
reached their 600 ABA (Bonnie is 640 or so after this trip) and Clyde passed
the 650 mark!  It wasn't just about listing, we saw some amazing sights
(five species of whales) heard some incredible tales (did you know Eskimos
have restroom facilities on the moon?) and could see into the future!
(Siberia is in sight of Gambell and is across the international dateline)

Thanks to the whole group for patience, strength and the care everyone
showed. Yes, eight people can share one toilet.

Thank you Judy for your immpeccable logistical planning!

It is all about good friends, is it not?

Kevin Calhoon
Chattanooga, TN
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[tn-bird] Tennessee Birders in Alaska

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