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Re: Modern day record?

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PAUL NOELL

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PAUL NOELL

Date:

Sun, 20 Jan 2008 21:56:49 -0500

Jerry,
I have to admit to "tying" your record, although there were extenuating
circumstances. While assigned to Sondrestrom AB, Greenland, as the
maintenance officer  for the 2004th  AACS (Air & Airways Communi
cations Service) Squadron, which was also charged with supporting the
4 DEW-line sites across the icecap (the Strategic Air Command's
Defense, Early Warning radar sites), I did get outside on my own for
hikes in the vicinity from time to time. During the course of my one year
tour of duty, I only observed the numerous Ravens in the area. They and
the Arctic Fox were mortal enemies. If the Ravens could isolate a lone
fox out in the open, they would proceed to peck its eyes out with coordi-
nated air attacks and then make short work of it.

I have to confess I was NOT a birder at the time, but being about 90 miles
inland, I saw no other bird--and it DID get pretty cold there at times, 
being
30 minutes (latitude) north of the Arctic Circle.

Paul Noell
Balto.  MD

p.s. Almost forgot: there WAS one other species present, Bluebirds!  There
       was one designated individual charged with the responsibility of the
       proper "upkeep" and maintenance of an imaginary flock of bluebirds.
       When that person "rotated" back to the States, he had the honor of 
des-
        ignating his successor in a formal ceremony at the Officers' Club. 
Hey,
        it was either that, darts or swapping lies at the bar.

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Gerald & Laura Tarbell" <>
To: <>
Sent: Sunday, January 20, 2008 1:27 PM
Subject: [MDOSPREY] Modern day record?


> The temp late this AM read 20 as I passed a bank in beautiful down town
> Fowblesburg. I went to Soldier's Delight and hiked anyway.
>    I was well-layered and had my hood up over my sock-hatted head. I wore
> sunglasses to cut the snow glare. I did have my binocs dangling at my 
> chest.
> The frozen ice/snow-covered trail made a lot of crunchy noise as I walked. 
> I
> admit I had to keep my eyes mainly on the trail so as not to slip, which I
> did only momentarily once and caught myself without going down. But I kept
> glancing around any way. And listening as best as I could over the crunch
> and through the sock hat and hood. I started sometime before 11:30 (I 
> didn't
> note the exact time) and only made the short loop on the east side of the
> road from the parking lot and was back in the car at 11:54 AM.
>
> Here's my bird count for the half hour I was out there:
>
> Blue Jay --- 1
>
> That's it folks. I was most of the way around before I saw it flit up into 
> a
> pine and then I thought I heard a squeaky call to my left, but it only 
> came
> once and didn't squeak again.
>
> I honestly believe that this could be a modern day record for the worst
> birding walk ever done at a place as birdy as Soldier's Delight. Certainly
> it was aided and abetted by the low temp and the steady wind. I challenge
> anybody to match it. However there can be no cheating - you do have to 
> have
> the binocs with you and you do have to try to see/hear a bird. And it 
> helps
> to be a bit crazy to be out there in the first place.
>
> And note that, for a change, I am not getting involved in the recently
> started hunting debate. Having gotten into these in the past and been
> advised not to, would all of those who wish to get involved in it, please
> keep the discussion off line? I knew that somebody would answer Mr. 
> Boyle's
> comment as there are a number of hunters on here - but please keep it off
> line. We don't need to read everybody's two bit opinions about this
> over-rehashed topic again. Thank you.
>
>    Jerry Tarbell
>    Carroll County
>
>