I’m trying to put together another boat trip around Wheeler Dam. With the
Little Gull and a Pacific Loon hanging around recently (gull not seen Friday,
but loon was, briefly) and an Iceland Gull seen a week ago at Wilson Dam, now
could be a good time to spend on the water. Also, mid/late February is
typically a good time to watch for uncommon loons, grebes and scoters in our
area. I talked to Captain Steve and he would be available this coming Saturday
(Feb. 20) for an 8-hr trip. Current weather forecast is a little iffy,
however. There is a 30% chance of showers (doable for a boat trip, since it is
covered) and winds are predicted to be SW 5-10 mph; temperatures are supposed
to be 54-67 F. Of course, long range forecasts are subject to change. I
thought I’d send out a feeler and see if we could get at least 12 people
interested. The cost for 8 hours (8:30-4:30) would be $45.00 per person. We
could shorten the day (and lessen the cost) if weather conditions decline. An
8 hour day would allow us to lock through the dam and visit Hog Island (The
Point), return to the dam for gull watching (heavy spilling may limit how close
we can get to the dam), lock back through to chum the gulls above the dam and
then visit Spring Creek/Mouth of Elk River before returning (latter run can be
omitted if we have to shorten the day). The final decision for the trip will
not be made until Friday, but I’ll keep interested parties up-to-date with
weather forecasts and likelihood of the trip. Respond to my personal email
(tnbarredowl@xxxxxxx) if you are interested.
Damien Simbeck
Killen, AL
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