Holy hidden nests Batman

So we've switched gears here in junco land. Now is the time when we nest search, and then search some more. And then... what are you doing back already? Get back out there and search some more. Here's a picture of the holy grail of junco land, the elusive nest. It's dead center in the picture. If you look close, and have sharp eyes, you can see a couple of little eggs and the grass and deer hair lining.
Once we find it then we monitor it every few days until it's time for the nestlings to leave the nest, or fledge. Tomorrow is fledging day for two nests. That means we get up before first light to be there and catch the whole family. These are the first two of the year and they conveniently (sarcasm here) coincide with the arrival of my partner tonight. Good thing sleep is only for mortals, not field biologists.

In the trenches

And so it has begun. I arrived Sunday night and got to work early Monday morning. Much of the time has been spent getting organized and repairing facilities that over winter here in the mountains of VA and so are a little worse for the wear. Since I am in VA this year instead of SD, I have the possibility of a much larger sample size. The price I pay from that sample size is having to negotiate and navigate the projects of two other researchers, as well as my advisor's, so that we don't conflict or mess up each other's data. It can get a bit tricky, but luckily we all get along well so I expect things to work out nicely.
It's still early spring/late winter up here so things are just getting started. All the more reason to get everything under control before it blows wide open.
Duty calls.