Happy Solstice!

I'm in Barrow! My objectives are to: 1. visit Dave, 2. participate in sampling blubber from harvested ice seals (experience for the PhD), and 3. see a polar bear. Objectives 1. and 3. have been met! Working on objective 2. Hopefully in the next day or two.We saw this guy the other night. I was filled with excitement watching him walk toward us and at the same time saddened by the thought that this may be the first and last time I will see this incredible animal before it disappears.

Dave is busy with pair surveys. Steller's eiders numbers are low. May not be a good breeding year again.

More photos to come!