My first two weeks at the BLM in Prineville have been a whirlwind of activity.  The first day I entered, I was nervously waiting for somebody to guide me around the office and explain the ins and outs of the job.  However, by the time I left that day, I was confident and ready to face all of the challenges that the next days would bring.  My experience started out with lots of training and paperwork.  My training varied from four wheel drive training to First Aid and CPR.  Shortly after this training I was able to go out into the field to look at wildlife.  (I am a wildlife intern instead of the typically botanical intern).  We headed up to northern Oregon in search of the elusive Washington Ground Squirrel (yes they are found in Oregon as well, despite the name).  We managed to find the colonies easily and the burrows, but with great difficulty we managed to locate an individual.  Then we helped survey additional habitat for the Washington Ground Squirrel and stumbled upon a Short-eared Owl, a once in a lifetime experience for an avid birder such as myself.

The next week started early at 4am in search of Greater Sage Grouse leks.  Instead of being tired, I was full of excitement and energy.  Seeing lekking birds has been on my birding bucket list, and I could not wait to finally see them.  We drove out in the pitch black, and after what seemed like an eternity we arrived as the sun was rising at the lek.  We got out the scope and started to count the birds and to watch their behavior.  Shortly after we arrived, a golden eagle flew over and flushed the grouse.  Four more individuals popped up that we could not see and they began to fly towards us.  Their wingbeats over out head captivated us and formed a memory that will last a lifetime.  Since then I have had the opportunity to view leks on other occasions, but every time the experience is as wonderful and new as the first time.

Greater Sage Grouse displaying at lek.

Being from Ohio, Oregon is a very different atmosphere, but I find that I am adapting very well.  Although the abundance of pick-ups, country music, and conversations about hunting may take some time to adjust to, I feel that I surely will.  I am so grateful to all of my coworkers for all of the time they have taken out of their busy schedule to answer questions and to make me feel included in the office.  I cannot wait to continue my work in Prineville and to explore all of the natural beauty in the course of my five months of work.