Tuesday, June 2, 2009

The Hope-to See List: Part 2

Tuesday, June 2, 2009
7 comments
Among the other things and sites I'm hoping we'll see this coming week in North Dakota are the rails that nest on the potholes, including the sora (above). But we've also seen Virginia rails and heard both black and yellow rails out there where every field seems to have a wet, reedy edge—perfect rail habitat.


Black terns nest here and there in the part of North Dakota we'll be visiting. We once found an old farm house on a knoll above twin sloughs that had a huge colony of nesting black terns. For a couple of weeks, we were seriously considering buying that place. The house was so decrepit that it had cliff swallows nesting in an upstairs bedroom. Some hunters who'd been using the house illegally bought it instead. Maybe we'll go visit it again this year to see how they've fixed the old place up.

There are many North Dakota roads that head off into the distance, straight as a string, bound for nowhere apparent.


The largest nesting colony of American white pelicans is at Chase Lake NWR, near Carrington, North Dakota. There will be pelicans all over the place.

Every pool of water seems to have ducks on it—often a pair of nesting northern shovelers. Gadwalls and blue-winged teal are also very common.

When we land in Bismarck, our first stop will be Scheels, our favorite outdoor outfitter store. Scheels is where I discovered Keen shoes many years ago. We will drop about $500 there on stuff that we sort of need but that is really cool, comfy, or useful. And, since Father's Day is fast approaching, I will once again ask my kids to buy me a camo Lay-Z-Boy recliner with matching Buck Fever pillow. Just imagine how the camo recliner would permit me to sneak up on that plate of nachos! It's three years and counting and I still have not received this precious gift. And I have been a pretty dang good father.

7 comments:

On June 2, 2009 at 1:31 PM NCmountainwoman said...

You definitely do deserve that wonderful camo chair with its equally tasteful pillow. Makes you look mahvelous, dahling.

On June 2, 2009 at 4:39 PM Mary said...

I like your new look, Bill, and I hope your Father's Day is a dream come true.

On June 2, 2009 at 5:00 PM Julie Zickefoose said...

I am going to take the La-Z-Boy as carryon. I think it will fit in the overhead, if my suitcase will.

On June 2, 2009 at 7:52 PM quarksparrow said...

Not just nachos! Think of the household chores you could avoid just by sinking into its camouflaged comfort. Or you could indulge in all of the daytime talk shows and Bachelorette episodes you want, and no one would ever know!

On June 2, 2009 at 11:38 PM Dave said...

That La-Z-Boy would be perfect out in the blind!
I think I'll ask for one also...and the blind to go with it!

On June 3, 2009 at 11:04 PM LauraHinNJ said...

I'm jealous... wish I could be there again.

Hope you get all your wishes!

On June 7, 2009 at 6:37 PM Jason Kessler said...

"There are many North Dakota roads that head off into the distance, straight as a string, bound for nowhere apparent."

That's a great sentence.

Perhaps the beginning of a Swingin' Orangutans" original.


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