When I found out the Plantation Island Bridge was being reopened today, I
decided to take advantage of the easier access it provides for downstream
bike rides. When I got to the bridge they were still having an opening
ceremony, so I had to hang out for a while. I already had 25 birds by that
time, and I was only shooting for a “Highly Recommended Daily Allowance” of
40 birds. Once I got past the politicians, I found my FOY Osprey on a light
tower at Hawk Stadium. Then I ran into Larry and Missy Arnold and we were
entertained by a very active Pacific Wren and some others.

Next I headed for Hyatt and found a number of birds that added to my tally,
including a FOY Ruddy Duck. By the time I left Hyatt, I had 41 birds and now
I was looking for 50 (you know how I like round numbers). The Bald Eagles
got me half way to 50, and Barrows Goldeneye and DC Cormorants put me even
closer. But as soon as I turned around, I got hit in the face with the winds
that had previously been helping me. So I put it in a lower gear and started
slogging.

I picked up a few stragglers on the way back, and my final tally was 52
birds in 25 miles. While only 2 are FOY birds, I did get a glimpse of some
swallows at Hyatt. Even though they were gone before I could get a firm ID,
swallows always boost my numbers. Migration is happening!

Tom McCabe, Boise