Are you kidding me? Do I honestly look like a terrorist!!!!
Mood:  caffeinated
So yesterday morning was our annual mid-winter bald eagle count. I had to get up at the crack of dawn to drive to my station, which ended up being a little bridge over Beaver Dam (not "a" beaver dam...it is just what that area of the lake is called.) I got to my site a little early so I pulled my car off the road close to the bridge, grabbed my coffee and a donut and walked onto the bridge. It was so quiet and peaceful. It was at that point in the morning, just before dawn, when the moon is still shining bright and the sun is starting to rise somewhere low in the east. There was just enough light to be able to see where I was going without a flashlight. I have to say I like this location much better than the one they sent me to last year. I didn't have to step over any trash or broken glass.

I stood there on the bridge and just listened. I heard a Great Horned Owl calling in the distance. I love the sound they make. It, for some reason, always makes me smile. I then heard a sound I had only heard on TV. A coyote called somewhere close to the water's edge. I searched the shoreline but it was too dark to see anything. I finished my donut and headed back over to the car to start filling out my paperwork.

As the sun started to come up, I scanned the sky in search of my beloved eagles but only saw some Canada geese, seagulls (okay Mark...they were Laughing Gulls...see I am doing better), a Great Blue Heron, and some ducks) I am pretty sure I heard a Cooper's Hawk but was unable to find it perched anywhere to verify it.

As I sat there traffic started to pick up on this little road. I saw surprised at the amount of cars that passed by me. I was also a little annoyed because the sound of the cars took away my ability to concentrate on the bird calls. *sigh* At one point a red corvette passed by me. He would drive a little ways and stop, turn around, drive a little ways and stop, He did this about 5 times apparently checking me out and trying to see what I was up too. Ten minutes later a State Trooper pulls up behind me. Now before I replay what he said to me, keep in mind that I am wearing my Park Ranger Parka with my Corps of Engineers patch on the sleeve.

Trooper: Ma'am is everything alright?
ME: Yes!
Trooper: Can I ask what you are doing out here this morning?
ME: Looking for Eagles.
Trooper: Is this a normal occurrence for you?
ME: Nope, I just do this once a year. (The trooper then looks at me perplexed) We are conducting our Mid-winter Eagle count today. (I show him my paper)
Trooper: I see. (hands me back my paper and then just stands there looking at me)
ME: Is there a problem with me being here?
Trooper: I suppose not. We just got a few calls about a strange person just sitting in their car on the bridge with a pair of binoculars.
ME: (laughing) I know I look bad first thing in the morning but I wouldn't say that I am strange.
Trooper: (smiles) I think they just thought you were up to no good.
ME: Yeah I guess I can see how they would got that. Here I am sitting in my little silver Scion with my ranger jacket on, drinking coffee and watching the sky with some binoculars. I SOOO look like a terrorist.
Trooper: These days you have to suspect everyone. (He then just stands there staring at me in uncomfortable silence before he finally speaks again) So how did you get roped into doing this bird count thing?
ME: It is part of my job.
Trooper: Job?
ME: I am a park ranger (God this guy is observant...I am in a ranger jacket with the word RANGER displayed on my name tag)
Trooper: Are those donuts? (glancing at the passenger seat)
ME: Yes, would you like one?
Trooper: Thanks! (he grabs 3...WTF I said he could have ONE) You have a nice morning ma'am. Hope you get to see an eagle. I will make sure I tell people that you will be gone soon. (He then walks back to his vehicle and leaves.)

Note to self: Next time do hair and put on makeup so I don't look so threatening to people and hide valuable donuts from the police.

I didn't see a single eagle but I did take a few pictures of the lake just as the sun came up. When I get some time I will post them. I hope everyone had a great weekend. Till next time...