I learned to drive in Maine, long winters, lots of snow, and icy snowy roads were no2wsrmal. Since I've been birding in Washington I have been the go-to driver on our winter trips to North Central Washington. Today I made a mistake that may have cost me my reputation, and certainly will be the cause of much good-natured teasing.
This is my my Subaru after I tried to make a U-turn on a remote road, drove off a soft shnoulder and ended up in a snowy field, hopelessly stuck. The good news was that while I was on my cell phone trying to contact AAA travel insurance, my good birding buddy called the local grocery store, where the clerk walked next door to the cafe where a local farmer agreed to come with his truck and pull us out of the mess.
He was a man of few words but wonderfully helpful action, and we were back on the road within an hour.
Good birds for the day were:
Rough-legged Hawk Buteo lagopus which is a regular winter visitor after its Arctic breeding season.
American Tree Sparrow Spizelloides arborea This is another winter specialty that can be tough to find in Washington.
We also saw Golden Eagle, Gray Partridge, Northern Shrike, and lots more, but as I was driving, photo opportunities were few.
We will be in this area for 3 more days, hopefully with lots more great birds and less excitement driving.
Good birding and good day!