Snowshoes

So we FINALLY got snowshoes on Tuesday. We went out to one of our non-snowy sites on Monday. We've already been there, but we couldn't get protocol. We finally got protocol there, but the bird never hooted so we couldn't tell for sure if it was male or female.

Tuesday, we headed off with our new snowshoes to one of our sites completely covered with 5 feet of snow! We had to cross a streambed (which was loads of fun) and stomp around the area where the birds should be, but nothing. Actually the only spotted owls we've found all week was the bird we found on Monday.

Wednesday and part of Thursday we got to "play" with our new telemetry gear. Once we have the birds set up with transmitters we'll be triangulating their locations. We did a little triangulating those days. We put a transmitter out on a tree and went around taking bearings off the receivers from various locations. All I have to say is that we need LOTS more practice. I was pretty on for the majority of my bearings, but I always had one WAY off that totally screwed up my location for the "bird". At least we know we need more practice before going out and locating the real thing!!

Otherwise, nothing too exciting from here. I do have limited internet access now, so please email me!!