If Only the Nightmare was Over

So former President Ford passed away yesterday. By all accounts a decent man of a generation that believed in public service and an "American Dream" that was inclusive. He most famously said upon Nixon's departure from office in disgrace that "our long national nightmare is over". It took a few decades for those nightmares to fade: the abuse of power, the quagmire of un-winnable war, the lies and deceit by those elected to serve, warrant-less domestic spying, the smearing of political opponents as unpatriotic, adventurous foreign policy without objectives, secrecy - it all seemed like a distant by vaguely uncomfortable memory by middle of the 90's. The Cold War was over, no clear competitors or threats on the horizon, optimism and at least some sense that a rising tide in fact might raise all boats. But alas, like a bad case of post-traumatic stress the "axis of deceit" and their appointed minions come to power looking for a bogey-man to grasp and hold power for power sake, ensure that their wealthy power-base of fundamentalist thinkers (whether fundamentalist in religion, political philosophy, anointed wealth and power) became more powerful and the rest were left to stock the shelves at Wal-Mart, fight and die and be maimed in wars of opportunity, or be blamed for lack of competitiveness, education, vision or just being plain lazy. So will the next president of the United States be so gracious as to pardon Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld and company for their crimes? Ford lost the election because he pardoned Nixon, but he will always be remembered for that simple act that began a national self-analysis of who we had become and how we might change. These clowns in office now have ignored the lessons of history in virtually every policy decision that have made, let us hope for better and hope this period is a flashback that we will awake from in a vigorous exercise of democracy.

Mike Gellerman

Wrapping up this year that has been full of changes for me. I have been a poor correspondent to many of my friends, if I get to have a New Year's resolution it will be to stay in touch, if not by email then by personal visits so be prepared. Of course the biggest change in the past year and one half was meeting Leslie and then relocating here to Portland, Oregon about a year ago now. I still have plenty of stuff scattered around the world, but it has been a nice change to have at least most of my things under one roof for the first time in years. I have to admit that I underestimated the 'culture shock' of moving back to the States. I had visited off and on over the past several years, but living in a society that you think you remember and know, day in and day out when most things just don't work the way you expect them to, has been trying at times. Leslie has been my anchor though, reminding me that 300 million other people manage to function in a society that baffles me at times; I even listen to her most of the time.

Of course there have been many great times as well this year. Last spring I went back to South Africa and Namibia to meet with some old friends, visit some new places and explore some new opportunities for projects. As with all things African, new projects there will take time, but I remain optimistic. That also was an opportunity to stop in London and visit Matt Malcomson, do some nice walking in Wales and meet Ying, his fiancee. I also had a chance to go Costa Rica for a too brief visit, but there should be more opportunities there as well. I was able to take some time for a backpacking trip in Yosemite this fall and a short trip to the Grand Canyon that was cut short by a very early and very heavy snow. Leslie and I have been taking lots of trips around Oregon and Washington - partly her showing me her favorite places after living here for nearly 30 years, and partly new places for both of us. We had a very nice week-long trip through the high desert and eastern Cascades and Mount Rainer in Washington at the end of summer and plenty of weekends in the mountains and at the Coast. Portland is convenient in every direction to do just about any outdoor activity you might imagine. This past November was the wettest on record for Portland so that combined with all the busy holiday season stuff has curtailed outdoor activities a bit, but it has also put a tremendous snow pack in the mountains so the next several months should be good for excellent snowshoeing and other winter activities.

We had some visitors from Japan this fall as well. Rainer and Naoko stayed for a couple of days and it was nice to see them. My travel and birding companion Chris Cook also stopped by for a few nights on his whirlwind trip to the Northwest. We are hoping for more visitors at almost any time as this is a very big house for just the two of us.

Both of Leslie's sons were married in the past year or so. Alex and Julie bought a house in Portland that is a load of work but they are enjoying it and we see them often. Chris and Melissa are in Israel while Melissa attends medical school for the Columbia University International Medicine program there. We promised to visit them this spring and fit in a trip to Egypt (a cruise down the Nile) as well. It was not first on my list of places to go on holiday, but I enjoy their company and this program seems to be excellent for their future plans. We also want to go to France in June/July for Matt Malcomson's wedding and if all works out as planned, back to Southern Africa in the fall of next year for a bit. Leslie has never been so I hope we can combine some business with pleasure. Somewhere along the way I need to get back to Japan for a visit as well, partly to collect some things and of course spend some time with friends there. No specific plans yet, but I guarantee it will not be between June 15 and September 15 for reasons any friends there can appreciate.

Sorry for the form letter, but as I opened I have not been a great correspondent this past year and this is a way to let many people know that I am alive. I hope to make time for many more personal messages as time goes on. I also lost a computer a few months ago that most of my addresses on it and much of that could not be recovered so if anyone asks you "whatever happened to Mike?", feel free to share this along my information.

I wish you all the best for the New Year and I hope that one way or another we will stay in contact. There is always room here in Portland even if it is a little of the beaten path.

My very best regards,

Mike Gellerman
mgellerman@raccondog.com

Birds of Bethany Pond

A year end review of the birds around Bethany Pond/West Union Area (August 2005 to September 2006). By taxonomy: Order, Family, Subfamily:

[M]=migrant [R]=resident and breeding [B]=migrants breeding here [?]=no confirmation, but likely status

Anseriformes (Screamers, Swans, Geese and Ducks)

Anatidae (Swans, Geese and Ducks)

Anserinae (Geese and Swans)

• Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) [B, R, M]
  

• Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii) [M]
  

• Tundra Swan (Cygnus columbianus) [M]
  

Anatinae (Ducks)

• Wood Duck (Aix sponsa) [B, M]
  

• Gadwall (Anas strepera) [M]
  

• American Wigeon (Anas americana) [M]
  

• Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) [B, M]
  

• Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata) [M]
  

• Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) [M]
  

• Redhead (Aythya americana) [m]
  

• Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris) [M]
  

• Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola) [M]
  

• Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) [M]
  

• Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) [M]
  

• Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) [M]
  

Gaviiformes (Loons)

Gaviidae (Loons)

• Pacific Loon (Gavia pacifica) [M]
  

• Common Loon (Gavia immer) [M]
  

Podicipediformes (Grebes)

Podicipedidae (Grebes)

• Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps) [R?, B, M]
  

• Horned Grebe (Podiceps auritus) [M]
  

• Eared Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis) [M]
  

• Western Grebe (Aechmophorus occidentalis) [M]
  

• Clark's Grebe (Aechmophorus clarkii) [M]
  

Pelecaniformes (Totipalmate Swimmers)

Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants)

• Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) [R]
  

Ciconiiformes (Herons, Ibises, Storks and Allies)

Ardeidae (Bitterns and Herons)

• Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) [R]
  

• Great Egret (Ardea alba) [one record)
  

• Green Heron (Butorides virescens) [B, M]
  

Cathartidae (American Vultures)

• Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) [R]
  

Falconiformes (Diurnal Birds of Prey)

Accipitridae (Hawks, Kites, Eagles and Allies)

Pandioninae (Ospreys)

• Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) [R]
  

Accipitrinae (Kites, Eagles, and Hawks)

• Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) [one record]
  

• Northern Harrier (Circus cyaneus) [R]
  

• Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus) [R]
  

• Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) [R]
  

Falconidae (Caracaras and Falcons)

Falconinae (True Falcons and Laughing Falcons)

• American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) [R]
  

Gruiformes (Rails, Cranes and Allies)

Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules and Coots)

• Virginia Rail (Rallus limicola) [one record]
  

• Sora (Porzana carolina) [several records, status?]
  

• American Coot (Fulica americana) [M]
  

Gruidae (Cranes)

Gruinae (Typical Cranes)

• Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis) [M]
  

Charadriiformes (Shorebirds, Gulls, Auks and Allies)

Charadriidae (Lapwings and Plovers)

Charadriinae (Plovers)

• Black-bellied Plover (Pluvialis squatarola) [M]
  

• Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) [R]
  

Scolopacidae (Sandpipers, Phalaropes and Allies)

Scolopacinae (Sandpipers and Allies)

• Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularia) [M]
  

• Sanderling (Calidris alba) [M]
  

• Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago) [R?, B]
  

Laridae (Skuas, Gulls, Terns and Skimmers)

Larinae (Gulls)

• Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) [M]
  

• California Gull (Larus californicus) [M]
  

• Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) [M]
  

• Thayer's Gull (Larus thayeri) [M]
  

• Western Gull (Larus occidentalis) [M]
  

• Glaucous-winged Gull (Larus glaucescens) [M]
  

• Glaucous-winged x Western Gull (Larus glaucescens x occidentalis) [M]
  

Sterninae (Terns)

• Caspian Tern (Sterna caspia) [M]
  

Columbiformes (Sandgrouse, Pigeons and Doves)

Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)

• Rock Dove (Columba livia) [R]
  

• Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) [R]
  

Strigiformes (Owls)

Strigidae (Typical Owls)

• Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) [R]
  

Apodiformes (Swifts and Hummingbirds)

Apodidae (Swifts)

Chaeturinae (Chaeturine Swifts)

• Vaux's Swift (Chaetura vauxi) [M]
  

Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)

Trochilinae (Typical Hummingbirds)

• Anna's Hummingbird (Calypte anna) [R]
  

• Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) [M]
  

Coraciiformes (Rollers, Motmots, Kingfishers and Allies)

Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)

Cerylinae (Typical Kingfishers)

• Belted Kingfisher (Ceryle alcyon) [M, B]
  

Piciformes (Puffbirds, Toucans, Woodpeckers & Allies)

Picidae (Woodpeckers and Allies)

Picinae (Woodpeckers)

• Red-breasted Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus ruber) [one record]
  

• Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) [R]
  

• Hairy Woodpecker (Picoides villosus) [a few records]
  

• Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) [R]
  

Passeriformes (Passerine Birds)

Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)

Fluvicolinae (Fluvicoline Flycatchers)

• Pacific-slope Flycatcher (Empidonax difficilis) [M]
  

Tyranninae (Tyrannine Flycatchers)

• Western Kingbird (Tyrannus verticalis) [M]
  

Laniidae (Shrikes)

• Northern Shrike (Lanius excubitor) [M]
  

Vireonidae (Vireos)

• Warbling Vireo (Vireo gilvus) [M]
  

Corvidae (Crows and Jays)

• Steller's Jay (Cyanocitta stelleri) [R]
  

• Western Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma californica) [R]
  

• American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) [R]
  

• Common Raven (Corvus corax) [a few records]
  

Hirundinidae (Swallows)

Hirundininae (Typical Swallows)

• Purple Martin (Progne subis) [M, B]
  

• Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) [M, B]
  

• Violet-green Swallow (Tachycineta thalassina)

• Northern Rough-winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx serripennis) [M]
  

• Bank Swallow (Riparia riparia) [M]
  

• Cliff Swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) [M, B]
  

• Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) [M, B]
  

Paridae (Chickadees and Titmice)

• Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) [R]
  

• Chestnut-backed Chickadee (Poecile rufescens) [M]
  

Aegithalidae (Long-tailed Tits and Bushtits)

• Bushtit (Psaltriparus minimus) [R]
  

Sittidae (Nuthatches)

Sittinae (Typical Nuthatches)

• Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) [R?]
  

Certhiidae (Creepers)

Certhiinae (Northern Creepers)

• Brown Creeper (Certhia americana) [R]
  

Troglodytidae (Wrens)

• Bewick's Wren (Thryomanes bewickii) [M]
  

• House Wren (Troglodytes aedon) [M]
  

• Winter Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes) [R]
  

• Marsh Wren (Cistothorus palustris) [M]
  

Regulidae (Kinglets)

• Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa) [M]
  

• Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula) [M]
  

Turdidae (Thrushes)

• Western Bluebird (Sialia mexicana) [M]
  

• Townsend's Solitaire (Myadestes townsendi) [two records]
  

• Swainson's Thrush (Catharus ustulatus) [M]
  

• American Robin (Turdus migratorius) [R]
  

• Varied Thrush (Ixoreus naevius) [M]
  

Sturnidae (Starlings)

• European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) [R]
  

Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits)

• American Pipit (Anthus rubescens) [M]
  

Bombycillidae (Waxwings)

• Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) [M]
  

Parulidae (Wood-Warblers)

• Orange-crowned Warbler (Vermivora celata) [M]
  

• Yellow Warbler (Dendroica petechia) [M]
  

• Yellow-rumped Warbler (Dendroica coronata) [R]
  

• Townsend's Warbler (Dendroica townsendi) [M]
  

• Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas) [M]
  

• Wilson's Warbler (Wilsonia pusilla) [M]
  

Thraupidae (Tanagers)

• Western Tanager (Piranga ludoviciana) [M]
  

Emberizidae (Emberizids)

• Spotted Towhee (Pipilo maculatus) [M, B]
  

• Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina) [M]
  

• Lark Sparrow (Chondestes grammacus) [M]
  

• Black-throated Sparrow (Amphispiza bilineata) [M]
  

• Fox Sparrow (Passerella iliaca) [M]
  

• Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) [R]
  

• Lincoln's Sparrow (Melospiza lincolnii) [M]
  

• White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) [M]
  

• White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys) [M]
  

• Golden-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia atricapilla) [M]
  

• Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis) [R]
  

Cardinalidae (Cardinals, Saltators and Allies)

• Black-headed Grosbeak (Pheucticus melanocephalus) [M. B]
  

Icteridae (Blackbirds)

• Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) [R]
  

• Brewer's Blackbird (Euphagus cyanocephalus) [R]
  

• Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) [M]
  

• Bullock's Oriole (Icterus bullockii) [M]
  

Fringillidae (Fringilline and Cardueline Finches and Allies)

Carduelinae (Cardueline Finches)

• Purple Finch (Carpodacus purpureus) [one record]
  

• Cassin's Finch (Carpodacus cassinii) [M]
  

• House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus) [R]
  

• Pine Siskin (Carduelis pinus) [M]
  

• Lesser Goldfinch (Carduelis psaltria) [M, B, R?]
  

• American Goldfinch (Carduelis tristis) [M, B, R?]
  

Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)

• House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) [R]

Total number of species: 125

(Not Bethany Pond, but the Christmas Bird Count 2005 at Sauvie Island)

With my girl in Sierra City, California

Leslie and me on the North Fork of the Yuba River last New Year's Eve. We both have connections in the small town of Sierra City - I have a house there with my brother and Leslie's aunt lives there, in fact, we met there and that is how I ended up in Portland, her long time home town.

Planning something new

We are planning a canoe trip to central BC in a few weeks. I suspect we will be very wet and freeze half to death, but that means doing a bit of planning. The trip is 160 km and self-supported so it will be interesting at the end of the season. The good news is that few others will be there that time of year.

Timberline Lodge, Mt Hood, Oregon

We spent the first weekend in August at Timberline Lodge on Mt Hood. It was a great experience. No camping or climbing this time, just a birthday weekend for Leslie. I think that Mt Hood is the only of the big Cascade volcanoes I have not climbed, not for lack of trying, but there always seems to be a storm just over the horizon. I would rather do the climb in winter though, so after actually living within an hour and half for a year now, maybe Thanksgiving weekend? We will see.

Satellite Photo of Bethany Pond

This is the place in question ....

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=NW+Northshore+Ct,+Portland,+OR&btnG=Search&ll=45.558077,-122.872199&spn=0.003456,0.01339&t=k