Last week we went out to collect some data for one of the research projects dealing with ospreys, which are a type of raptor. The ospreys mainly nest on man-made platforms atop telephone poles. Basically, we were recording information about the nests including description, gps location, and number of birds in nest. We decided to go off the main road and drive a little closer to the water when we passed a sign that said something in Spanish equivalent to "no vehicle pass." In the name of science, or maybe just lacking good sense, we drove on. About a minute later, we sink. The tires whirr. We are stuck in the sand. We all get out and try to push, but we in too deep. Finally, after much effort our instructor phones for help. Help arrives in the form of another van, two shovels, and a long rope. A flat tire and two and a half hours later the van is freed. We switch vans, collect a little more data, and then head back to the center for lunch.
|
