Kotzebue Tundra Swan Captures - Late July 2010

Great swan-banding crew this year and wonderful weather. We captured all 200 in just two days. The final year of a project I've really enjoyed leading. This year I got to fly Selawik's Husky on floats, while their 185, Koyukuk's Found, and two of our 206's did most of the gear and people hauling.

Dipnetting the flightless swans out of small inflatables.
Team: Lyndi & Julian, getting ready to release a bird after processing.
Lyndi's niece sent along this 'Flat Ava' (her personalized version of a Flat Stanley) to travel Alaska with our crew on our adventures. The swans seemed to take an instant liking to her....as did I.

If only all field work could be so sweet...and smooth.