Ornithological: The evolution of the orniherpetologist.

I totally made that word up. I think it describes me quite well, actually. Then again I can simply just call myself a herpetologist because birds are just feathered endothermic reptiles, am I right?

It's been a year since I've taken the time to sit down and write a blog post, and I am sure most of you are aware of the drastic shift in happenings in my life. But I'd like to take the time to write about the evolution of me the past year from aspiring ornithologist to one of those crazy herpetologists who goes out in the middle of the night to find things most people won't even go near. I have an odd obsession with salamanders and I'm itching for the moment it warms up enough for the snakes to come out.

I'll be honest--I still love birds. I always will. I grew up loving birds, but birds became very comfortable for me. I limited myself to strictly birds for awhile, and while a year ago I could have been 100% happy putting all my time into focusing on birds, I started feeling the need to branch out. I didn't want to limit myself because the job market for ornithologists is not only scarce in the PNW but also extremely competitive.

Somehow I fell into herpetology and boy has it been one crazy ride! It's really uncharacteristic of me to jump into something new with both feet without allowing myself to become comfortable with the concept. With this, however, I just went for it. This change, while scary at first, was one of the best things to happen to me. I've met some amazing people, done some amazing things, and get to conduct research. It's pretty awesome.

I still have a bad habit of bird watching behind the wheel, and I often times get distracted by sassy little chickadees while I am out sampling my study area, but I've got some pretty cool things lined up for the near future! Bullfrog collecting, random herping trips, and a summer trip to Reno, NV for a conference. It'll be great.

Short post is short, but it's bed time. I'll end with some pics from the field.