On Monday I had to go to Cape Regional MC for some blood as my hemoglobin was down to 5.3. Normal for a male is around 13-14. I usually am low, around 9-10. So after 4 units spread over 2 days I left on Wed with a count of 10.1. Next Thursday we head back up to Phila. for what I hope is my last chemoembolization for the liver cancer. It seems that the side effects from the last one hit me harder than the first so I'm hoping this one isn't any worse. I am REALLY hoping to get out a little tomorrow for a walk. I miss the smell of the woods and the saltmarsh, and I need to commune with the natural world. Maybe I'll feel better then. G.M.

For those who have been following my health issues, this past week has been the worst yet for chemo side effects. Frequent low grade fevers, quite a bit of hair loss, and general fatigue have been daily. Also, edema in my legs has cropped up and is quite uncomfortable. I need to have my electrolytes checked to see if I can take something to relieve the swelling.

The garden has really perked up lately. The Cardinalflower (lobelia) is blooming, along with Joe-pye-weed and others to attract many butterflies and at least 3 hummingbirds have been seen feeding in the yard. When the Cardinalflower and Blue Mistflower are in bloom together, it is quite a sight! G.M.

Two friends and I went to Forsythe NWR (Brig) to look for a few reported birds, Glaucous Gull, White Ibis, and White Pelican. We found the immature White Ibis, but not the others. However, if you like to study shorebirds, this is the place! There a thousands of birds there right now, mostly Semipalmated Sandpipers and Short-billed Dowitchers. This makes it fun to scan though for Least and Western Sandpipers, of which there were a number. You also get great looks at Gull-billed Terns with their solid black bills and slightly forked tail. Both Snowy and Great Egrets were numerous as well, several at the Gull Pond tower. Beware of the greenhead flies, If you plan on getting out of you car, wear long pants and a long sleeve shirt! G.M.

This morning I took a short walk at the State Park and met up with 2 friends and did a little birding. It is still a relatively slow time of year but there is some fall migration taking place. Shorebirds that have bred in the Arctic have left their young to fend for themselves and are now heading south. The young birds will follow in August and Sept for the most part. This seems cruel, but the young birds have more food to eat when the adults leave. This is all "built in" to the birds nature.



We did come across some adult shorebirds this morning, mostly Lesser Yellowlegs and Short-billed Dowitchers.



The Least Tern colony ig going strong out on the beach.  (photo of a chick above). You have to be alert when walking by the birds as they like to "dive bomb" you and WILL leave you a "present" on your head!

For those who have been following my struggle with liver cancer, these past few days have found me very fatigued and running a slight temperature all the time. A food shopping trip left me completely exhausted yesterday. These are of course expected side effects of my treatments but still......... Needless to say, I havent' been out at all in the field but am enjoying the explosion of butterflies in our garden. We've had dozens of Broad-winged Skippers and Sachems, along with Horace's Duskywings a few Summer Azures, and all 3 swallowtails. Common Green Darners have been observed feeding overhead in the twilight, catching those nasty mosquitoes. Hopefully some of the side effects will subside enough that I could go out for a half hour walk someplace.  Above is a Summer Azure taken in our garden. G.M.