Wrap up on the River, and...

Hey Folks... it's been awhile since we last spoke, but I haven't forgotten about you. Let me give you a quick update on what I've been doing, and then we can move onto what I really want to talk about...THE FUTURE.....

So, I accepted and reaccepted contract after contract here in the swamp. Did I fall in love with the work? Hardly. I fell in love with a woman. Much more alluring than a pelican, I assure you. It's amazing what a person might be willing to endure for the right reason. I, for example, was willing to endure 10 hour days on open air boats in 40 degree weather. That doesn't sound that bad as I read it back to myself, but I assure you, IT IS! Also, the bureaucratic nightmare I described last time continued and grew more ridiculous as more players came to the table, trying to secure their share of the loot. Just embarrassing.

Yet good prevailed. Data were collected. Birds were observed (whether they liked it or not). Oil was assessed. The dual machines of protocol and agenda were no match for the motivated biologists charged with this task. Rest easy, Gulf Coast, your birds stood. They have been counted.

Anyway, 3000+ surveys later, the ride is over. It's time to move on. Michelle and I are leaving for Oklahoma for awhile. Then, we head to Arizona for a training course required by our new employer, the Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory, before we begin our new job. We will be performing point counts along transects in the National Parks and National Monuments of Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Colorado. This is an arduous task, but I feel up to it. It will consist of Michelle and I driving around these areas alone together and taking walks each morning to count birds before retiring to a hammock for the warmest part of the day. Cocktails are served promptly at 4:30, and we always dress for dinner.

I know, I know. Your thinking, "But Max!? Won't the strenuous nature of your chosen lifestyle begin to wear on your positive outlook and generally pleasant disposition?" A valid concern, but rest easy: We are up for this challenge.

There is no terrain too breathtaking, no transect too long or deeply pitted. There is no sunrise too dramatic, nor is there a bird song too melodic. We will prevail. Southern Plains Network, take heed: Michelle and Max are coming, and we mean to count your birds, damn it, whether you notice or not!!! (Raucous Applause)