Wow, where did the two months go? The first month of field work didn't seem to drag on, while we kept busy. When we got to month two, we were full up on our work load. Some days went quick (especially those with blind watches that were busy), but then some days seemed to drag a bit. Especially those that had equipment problems.
But, things all timed out extremely well. Some of you may know that Aussie is in a 7 year drought. That was brought to home by our local creek (or as I say, "crick", which drove some coworkers crazy!). At the start, when we got a few rainstorms, it stayed at a decent level to fill our water buckets and take a dip. By the last week, it was very low, and very hard to even decently fill a bucket with one dip.
On December 19, we did our last route in the morning, and headed to town. On the 20th, we all went to our routes in the morning to take down equipment. 30 minutes after the last of us was in, it rained. For the next day and a half. YAY! Thank heaven it happened after we were all in. Then it was pack all the gear in, and head back to Brisbane! With only minor vehicle issues.
In sum, I am glad I took this field job for so many reasons. I got to see some great new birds. I met some wonderful new people, and I got an excuse to go to New Zealand again. I'm already thinking of my next trip to Australia, if only to get to Tasmania, which I can't manage this trip.
My species total for the trip was 65 new species for the world, and 66 new for Australia (at least). I am now 7 species away from my landmark 1.200th bird...which I may, if I am lucky, get on day 2 in New Zealand! I do have many wonderful photos (and will be trying to get them up next). I made sure I began to write in my journal again regularly, and will be trying to get blog posts up on a regular basis in New Zealand.
And I guess the final question...what do I do from here?
I have no idea. A good, yet very scary feeling. As a (potentially) final field job...I don't regret Australia at all.
My final thoughts for today. I actually made some new years resolutions. So, i thought I might put a few up here, so that people can call me on them if I begin to deviate...
- get to my 450th bird for north america
- get a full time, permanent job (this is actually my #1 priority for 2010)
- see family more often [i hope to make this the last time i spend christmas away from family]
- see a new country
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year all. On the docket for today is pack the bag for New Zealand, and a Christmas Eve picnic in the park with one (two?) of my coworkers who are still here in Brisbane.
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