March 19, 2006


Spring is finally here! It was pretty cold the last two weeks with daily highs of -17 to -20ºC, but today we had some warm snow and then around 2pm we pushed into positive degrees! Plus, last night we saw some awesome auroras so everyone is excited. For the spring crew we have Josh from Sudbury, Caroline from Montreal, Julie from Whitehorse, Eric from Calgary, Beth from Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin and Ryan from Berkeley, California. We're pretty awesome and having a blast.


Jeff Lane is up to teach us proper radio collaring technique and tell us stories about his days at camp (picking up where Stan and Andrew left off). We've got five nests in the bag and a few more lined up for the next couple of days. Trapping seems to be improving with the weather so I expect we will discover some more lactating females in the next few days. I'm off to Whitehorse tomorrow to pick up 160kg of peanut butter for the food addition grids and we will be putting it out as soon as possible. The new computer system is up and running (with one computer for each grid) but we haven't started with the palms because it's been so cold. Also (it's exciting) Caroline worked out a dunny flag system that can be seen from inside the main cabin.
There are lots of bunnies around and plenty of lynx and moose activity, though no sightings yet. A few goshawks here and there and coyote tracks on Agnes.
-Ryan

More Pictures....

Stan's not sure if the new kitchen wall will fit...it did.


Beth and Caroline


First pup of the year!!!


Party in the snow cave.


Julie and Eric

March 2006


Despite some pretty cold temperatures the spring crew has been getting settled in camp.



The big 4x4 truck from MSU arrived from the dealer a couple of days late and the rented minivan has needed to be shovelled out of at least of couple of snow banks so far.





Everyone is picking up the trapping and handling skills and we are well on our way to another busy season!!

March 10, 2006

After close to two months of working under some pretty cold temperatures. Sara Woods and Eva Rancourt have left for Quebec. Sara is a Masters student at McGill University and is interested in the winter energy expenditure of red squirrels and how they manage to get by under such cold temperatures. One of her main areas of interest is the characteristics and use of nests. Josh Woods, another of the winter crew, will be staying on through the spring.