Bhutan has long been that idealized Kingdom where life changed little and people liked it that way.  That romanticized notion may be a fading mirage. A recent feature in the Wall Street Journal suggests that some officials would like to see more foreign investment and conventional development.  Two new airports, another airline, more hotels and local branches of foreign universities all seem to be in the plans for this decade and possibly the next two years. Those of us who find the existing simple hotels quite adequate and the absence of extensive roads and air services part of the charm are concerned. Especially, since the inevitable impacts of climate change, glacial melting  and disruptive weather are making it a challenge to maintain Gross National Happiness under the present simplified  infrastructure. Recent floods wiped out extensive wetland habitat utilized by the rare Black-necked Cranes contributing to a continuing population decline of this object of local and tourist veneration.

It may not be fair for residents of over developed nations to make judgments about how other countries should shun modern technologies and conveniences. If nothing else the message you might take from these events is that if you have not seen and experienced the wonders of Bhutan personally, you should visit soon. We can help.

I visited Point Mouillee from about 6-11 am Thursday, August 6 and recorded thefollowing list of 77 Read the rest of this entry »

I returned this month from a spectacular experience in Rwanda and Uganda tracking gorillas, chimps and other primates.

See my photos at http://gallery.me.com/weberwill#100069

The images below were taken with an iPhone through a Kowa TSN 883 scope at 30X.  This bird at first presented as a Common Goldeneye, but then I noticed white markings behind the eye rather than in front of the eye, a black, merganser-like bill and a slight crest, though it was closer to a goldeneye size.  The bird was in the open water of Ford Lake where the Huron River enters the lake under - I-94.  I took the pictures about 3PM Friday, Feruary 20, 2009 from the boardwalk/path accessible from North Bay Park, Ypsilanti. The closest trail entrance is off of S. Grove Street.  The bird was still there on Sunday morning, Feb 22.  I saw it flying with three Common Goldeneyes, but I could not get close enough to get a better picture. One person who has seen the picture suggests it could be a Common Goldeneye x AmericanMerganser cross.  This is possible, but the bird is goldeneye size and has a black bill.