traveltales: Birds Everywhere

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Birds Everywhere

GOONIES

When I arrived at Midway Island , 1200 miles across the Pacific Ocean from Hawaii, I knew nothing about a gooney bird other than people thought they were a crazy bird They got their nickname from the often crazy landings they make, but they are actually the Laysan Albatross. Rather awkward on land, they are beautiful and graceful in flight.

The gooney bird mates for life, and every late October/early November returns to the same spot to wait its mate’s return. With a 6 ½ foot wing span they weigh 7-8 pounds. Unlike other albatross who feed during the day, the Laysan gooney is a night feeder. Albatross are synchronous breeders. As seabirds, they live and feed at sea. A small hole on each side of their beak allows the bird to excrete salt.

Mama lays a single ½ pound egg in early December. Dad immediately begins to incubate the egg while Mama goes to sea to feed for a couple of weeks. When she returns to take over the sitting duties, Dad leaves to feed. This alternating behavior goes on for 60 days, until the chick hatches.

It takes both parents to raise the chick. If one parent dies, the chick dies. Both parents continue to alternate going to sea to feed the chick. A chick taps the beak of the parent to stimulate regurgitation, then places its beak inside that of the parent catching every single drop. The chick is ready to fledge at 5 months and goes to sea for 3-5 years before returning to find a mate of his own.

Twenty percent of the chicks die before fledging and 7-10 % of the fledging chicks are eaten by tiger sharks that come into the lagoon during fledging season just for that reason. The oldest known tagged bird is 43 years old. It is unusual for birds to mate in winter, but the Midway summer is very hot and it is difficult for the birds to stay cool. Their webbed feet are very vascular and the birds thermo-regulate through them by sitting on the backs of their feet with the webbed toes off the ground.

The mating ritual is fascinating to watch. The gooney makes many different noises. The most common are the clacking of their beaks and sky pointing called sky mooing--- and they really do sound like a cow.

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Travel Tips

Wet feet, who has rubbers these day? To dry wet shoes put crumpled newspaper inside the shoe and it will wick out all the moisture. If you expect your travels to take you where your feet are likely to be walking in puddles or streams, pack a section of newspaper in the bottom of your suitcase.
In many places in the world the tip is included in the restaurant bill---good to know!
In Europe bathrooms are referred to as WC or toilet. Any other term is not understood.
When hiking, stop to tighten shoe/boot laces before starting down hill.
When traveling by plane be sure to wear all cotton clothing, which today is no problem. In case of fire, man-made fibers melt, cotton burns instead, leaving a clean burn vs one with all kinds of junk melted into it.
Didn't expect a sunburn and have no Rx for it? Dab the area with a cool wet tea bag. the tannin in the tea will reduce inflamation.
I bet you travel with a small bottle of hand sanitizer either in your purse or pocket. Did you know that when you spill something in your lap or wear part of your lunch that a few dabs of hand sanitizer on the spot will make it disappear like magic!
Speaking of shoes, I do not recommend removing them on a long flight. Untie and loosen them. I have actually seen people not be able to get their shoes back on because their feet have swollen during a long flight. Oach!
As painful as it may be limit yourself to two pairs of shoes. You are not traveling to make a fashion statement. Wear your heavest pair which should be a good pair of walking shoes. Pack a lighter pair or sandals.
Make a copy of all your documents and credit cards before leaving home and carry seperately. Also before leaving home leave a copy of your itinerary including hotels and their phone numbers and dates of stay with a family member.
It's always tempting to take a sleeping pill on a long overseas flight, BUT I never do because in the unlikely event of problems I want to have all my senses about me!
Afraid of bedbugs these days? Carry a small squirt bottle of lavender along with your other liquids. Spray your pillow and around your bed and mattress. This will give you a good visual and also repel the little devils.
I carry a couple of aspirin in my pocket and once the plane is in the air I swallow one. I feel this is especially important on long overseas flights to avoid leg problems.
If you do need to do laundry when traveling wring it as dry as possible by hand, then lay the article flat on a bath towel and roll tightly. Unroll and hang. It should be dry by morning.
I carry a small empty water bottle when traveling. I place it in the tray along with my plastic bag of liquids. Once through security I fill it from the water fountain. I always have water to take a pill or a drink when I'm thirsty.
Beware that European bath tubs are very deep and water is often scalding hot. Be careful especially if you have hip or knee problems.
If you're going to be gone more than a few days water your indoor plants well then cover with a large plastic bag tucking the edges well under the pot. If you use a laundry bag simply knot the area where the hanger protrudes. When you return your plants will be healthy and well.
In the largest print possible print your last name and hotel on a sheet of paper and place it on the top of your clothes before closing your suitcase. If your bag gets way laid hopefully it will make it to your hotel.
If you are the owner of the common black bag personalize it by adding various cut outs from colored duct tape. It will be easier to identify than if it carries a bit of ribbon.