it was a little cloudy so we didn't see tons of hawks flying overhead. but we didn't actually stay for the counting by the boat launch. it was clearing up just as we left so i'm sure there were plenty of birders counting away. i still don't know how this happens, but if you go to a bird migration counting event, you will actually hear these words, "no, we got that one already" as if the birds are wearing name tags or have super distinct indentifying marks. "yeah, we already counted tony and judy." we did see one flying overhead while we were there. everyone is just walking around and chatting, enjoying the exhibits and suddenly a woman yells to the crowd, "OVERHEAD!!!" binoculars come flying out of everywhere and hundreds of eyes (with binocs attached) are fixed on the sky until the species is identified. which takes all of half a second. then they go about their business once again. birders are a unique crew. no offense, papa. but come on....some of these people....even you would admit they're a little goofy. but hey, they're out enjoying creation (though most would probably support evolution) and they aren't robbing banks. so count on, birdwatchers! when the lady yelled "overhead" nathan says to mike, "do you have your counter out?" "yep, got it!" we can hardly go out in public with those goofballs.
i got tons of pictures of everyone climbing the rock wall. i wish i had tried it, but by the time i thought about getting in line, we had to get going. it looked really fun though. but i may have embarrassed myself so it's probably better that i stayed on the ground. nicole did great on it though. collin made it to the top, and derek and austin came pretty close.
after we got home nathan had to jet off to work and i had to clean this sty. i've still got dusting and laundry, but i kicked out a major league cleanfest. i can't believe how behind i was. oh well, that's what i get for being lazy yesterday. but at least i burned some serious calories doing it. :)
oh, and here's a treat. my mom was in a race this morning and finished 5th in her age group. kudos, mom! i don't know how my dad did or how long the race was, but i'd say that's pretty good for a lady that spends so much time in the hospital. :)
unfortunately, i didn't get any pictures of gramma, papa, or hopey. my skills are diminishing. connor's one and i'm already pooped. if we have anymore kids i don't know if i'll have any pictures of them!
dad, are you SURE that bird won't fly away with me?
hawkfest is a great time to beat up on little boy cousins, and hug little girl cousins.
hmm...i wonder if the eagle's coming home soon. think he'll be mad that we're crashing here tonight?
we snapped a quick shot with the eagle hat which engulfed connor's entire head...that's a first. ava wasn't a fan.
derek made it pretty far on the other side but i missed the shot
here's nic right before she said, "ok, i'm done." she went way higher on the other side too.
spider boy collin just before he rang the bell
austin was hanging on for dear life right here, but he made it a bit higher.
4 comments:
I think I'd have a pretty hard time not busting out in laughter when the lady shouted, "OVERHEAD!" LOL Glad you had a fun day. Connor's in for some good times!
yeah, it wasn't easy, but i managed. :)
I didn't realize all the festivals that go on in this country - I think more in the eastern part, b/c I don't remember them in my area of CO growing up. Anyways, in PA there are Peach Festivals, Strawberry Festivals, Community Safety Day Festivals, etc. but never a Hawk Festival! Must be a MI thing.
yeah, fortunately for michigan birders, the hawks migrate right over the metropark every year. works for them! we do have a lot of festivals and all that good stuff. i went to the cherry festival for the first time this year. although, i was actually there for a canoe race, and the only part of the festival i got to see was the blue angels....but i did get some cherries! :)
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