My Head Is Filled With Bonaparte's Gulls

Birders. Just thought I'd drop by and check in on everyone. As you may have heard, BB&B has not been performing at maximum output recently due to a tragic and catastrophic act of gravity that left both lens and camera body crippled. Not much to post without visual aids, you know what I'm saying? At least I have unused goodness like this Bonaparte's Gull (photographed in Monterey, CA) to fall back on.

So for the last couple of weeks I've been birding without a camera. It's less stressful to not worry about missing a good crush or getting up in a bird's face in order to steal its soul. I've been focusing on getting shit eBirded more. And for good or ill, I haven't found any rare birds that require photo documenting. And so I've been able to roll cameraless and see Tufted Duck, Barrow's Goldeneyes, Painted Redstart (three times now for this bird), Marbled and Ancient Murrelets...not too bad for the down time, eh?

Of course, the huge problem is that I won't have a birdcrusher available for use as I sweep across the northeastern part of the state, which is where I am now. If we are lucky enough to encounter rare swans, Bohemian Waxwings, Northern Shrikes, etc., the only person in our party who will have crushing abilities will be Dipper Dan (Officer Searcy's CBRC-issued photography equipment is out of commission as well). The good news is that my lens will be ready for action when I get back to Oakland, and I gotta admit it will be a big relief.

Cool story, I know. More on this potentially epic/legendary trip when I get back. Keep it positive my friends.