Too tired for a real entry. If I had to summarize the morning in just a few words, I would say that it's real hard work to get oneself up and running before four o'clock. But once you get started, breeding bird survey routes are fun. Didn't feel tired at all until stop 25.

Few thoughts on the route...

Spotted a sandhill crane at the last stop, which is good. But no curlews this year. And had a cinnamon teal on stop 35 or so. More glares from the heelers about not being able to get out and drag race every half mile. Pink flowers on the drive home (backtracking across the dunes, of course). Short hike to a waterfall in the sand dunes (really!). Another sage grouse hen, and her brood. Only five chicks this time, and smaller.

Now, to bed. Off to University Town early in the morning, for two days of orientation.

Here's a photo from this morning to tide you over.