Temp in the 40s, overcast, 15-20 SW wind

Elliot (our landlord) wanted to see what this birding was like, so we took him along this morning. Unfortunately for us, the birding was very poor. Fortunately for Elliot, some common birds were close and afforded nice views. We enjoyed his company and enthusiasm and he enjoyed the experience as well. We discussed a lot of the ins and outs of birding and some things that would attract more birders to Adak (better vehicles, a boat to go out and see the auklets, etc.).

We only found one Tufted Duck today and the two godwits were still here, but no curlews.

No new birds today, but I got another up-close-and-personal shot of an Aleutian Tern. They have never been so cooperative and their numbers seem way up from our experience.

Aleutian Tern, Clam Lagoon, May 27, 2014.

The UXO (unexploded ordnance) teams have been working out near the Loran Station, so our access has been limited. So today, we decided to try going out there after they had quit for the day (and stopped blowing things up!). We drove out there around 7:30 and discovered that all of the seabirds had gone to bed! We saw one gull and two eagles. No puffins, no cormorants, no terns, no other gulls, no ducks, no ravens. And certainly no pelagics. I don’t think we will try that strategy again.

List stuck at 61.