Yesterday, Saturday, was our first full day of counting. My team started out in sector 11, a sector full of verbesina and petrel burrows. Now, I don’t know if it is the weather or the fact that there are just more Bonin petrel on the island, but it seems like I have already pulled more petrel from collapsed in one day than I did in 3 weeks last year. Maybe the rain and wind are making them want to stay home.
Wet and sandy after first day.
We, as counters, go in the wind and rain. Yesterday was also a record day for the amount of rain I have seen. It rained most of the day and last year I think we only had rain 2 times for very short periods. I think I’m spoiled from last year’s weather. The wind is so strong sometimes that it will blow you right off your bike.
So, I’ve finished my day of counting, washed my clothes, taken a shower and I’m ready to go to dinner. I’m feeling pretty achey but I think dinner and pain reliever will help that so I march up to the Clipper house for some grub. Nothing looks appetizing to me. I get some vegetables, rice and a piece of meat, but I just don’t feel like eating. After pondering my situation, I finally decide to call 911 and get some help from the physicians assistant. Luckily, Connie, the PA, answers the phone. She brings the cart over and takes me back to the hospital. I wasn’t running a fever, but my blood pressure was low and my heart rate high. Connie thinks I might have a virus and tells me to lie low on Sunday.
I slept most of the day. I did eat well at brunch and dinner, but I’m feeling beat again so I’m sure I’ll sleep well tonight. I have a retired doctor on my team and he has also advised me to take it easy. I’m planning to go out tomorrow and hopefully I’ll be able to handle a full day’s counting. The weather is supposed to be nicer and not being wet and cold will help me in my resistance to whatever bug I’m fighting. I hate missing out.
Here's a map of the island. I'm staying in Charlie Barracks. On this map, it is located between the airport and the big fuel farm that has a pier. Look for the black rectangle that is parallel to North Beach.
You can click on the images to see a larger version.
Abandoned nest
A well mounded nest helps to prevent flooding in heavy rains.
The only chicken I've seen on this island.
I hope you feel well enough to make a full day of it tomorrow. I know you would rather be with the Albies than in bed! I love the pic of you in the field of Albies. I saw a pair here yesterday dancing really good. They are such beautiful birds!