Making it Up As We Go

Male yellow-headed blackbird.

Sometimes you act on a hunch and it pays off. On the night before the final field trip of the Potholes & Prairie Birding Festival, most of the attendees gathered for a picnic on a rhubarb farm northeast of Carrington, ND. I was a bit worried—not about rhubarb—but about the fact that our trip, called "Dawn Birding in Kidder County," was going to find many of the same target birds everyone had already seen: Baird's sparrow, chestnut-collared longspur, Sprague's pipit, Nelson's sparrow, LeConte's sparrow. On Thursday or Friday, these birds were heavily desired lifers. But by Sunday morning, many festival attendees were wanting to see something new.

A male Nelson's sparrow.

I decided to find out what our opportunities for finding something new would be. I talked to Ron Martin, who may be North Dakota's most knowledgeable birder and pried a bit of info out of him. Ron is a quiet, thoughtful man and he was happy to offer some advice. He suggested a birding spot, and then in the low-key manner that is typical of many North Dakotans, he began to rattle of the species we might see there: "ohh let's see, there are a lot of white-faced ibis there and a few glossies. Cattle egrets and night herons have a big nesting colony there. It's the best place in the state to see Clark's grebe. Lots of shorebirds in there and all the ducks, of course. Down the road is a spot for things like red-breasted nuthatch and yellow-billed cuckoo...."

I had to stop Ron and ask him to repeat himself so I could record his list of birds and, more importantly, his directions, into my iPhone. I wanted these directions so I could share them with my co-leaders in the morning so we could figure out how to go after all of these cool birds—very few of which had been seen by anyone else at the festival this year.

The next morning I shared my hot birding info with Julie Zickefoose and the other leaders for the trip, Paulette Scherr, Stacy Whipp, and Ann and Ernie Hoffert. Paulette and Stacy work for the Fish & Wildlife Service at the local national wildlife refuges. Ann and Ernie have been involved with the festival since its inception and are the de facto Welcome Wagon for the event. All four of these folks have been all over central North Dakota, but they'd never been to our new birding destination: DeWald Slough.

DeWald Slough is just south of the town of Dawson which is tucked along I-94, west of Jamestown. It's a series of sloughs, lakes, and wet fields through which farm roads wind. A quick pre-dawn poll of the trip participants gave support to the idea of going there first, then heading north to the pipits and sparrows, and a cafe lunch later in the day.

We drove about 45 minutes in an Etch-a-sketch pattern on the straight-as-a-string North Dakota roads until we got to I-94, then we bombed west to Dawson and dipped south to the slough.

Our approximate route to/from DeWald Slough south of Dawson.

By the time we got out of the people mover, a bank of gray clouds had moved in over the sun, but this did little to dampen our enthusiasm. The birds were EVERYWHERE!
Birding at DeWald Slough.

Standing in one place and scanning in a 360-degree arc, here are a few of the birds I could see: glossy ibis, American avocet, 13 species of duck, greater yellowlegs, American bittern, cattle, snowy, and great egrets, northern harrier, black-crowned night-heron, western meadowlark, horned lark, grasshopper sparrow, vesper sparrow, Savannah sparrow, Nelson's sparrow, chestnut-collared longspur, western grebe, eared grebe, horned grebe, Franklin's gull, ring-billed gull, black tern, common tern, plus lots of other common stuff like red-winged and yellow-headed blackbirds.

Our group scanning at DeWald Slough.

Soon we started picking out some even more exciting birds: including Clark's grebe and stilt sandpiper.
Checking the guide to sort out the distant grebes.

We spent about 90 minutes at this first spot, working through the birds. Everyone got scope looks every bird they wanted to see well, which goes a long way to making the satisfaction level high on a field trip. Then we moved on to several other vantage points down the road.

We never did pick out a glossy ibis from all the white-faceds, but that was a small thing for most of us. Our final stop on the DeWald Slough route was along a road that ran along a high hill above a big lake. About half of the group followed Julie and me out the hill to get a better, closer look at the Clark's grebes. The looks were still a bit distant but satisfactory enough to count as life birds for about a dozen folks. While we were on this side trip, Ernie walked farther up the road and scanned a muddy and wet portion of an agricultural field.

"I think I had some shorebirds in that wet field up the road on the east side," he said. (Note that in North Dakota, when giving directions, most locals use compass direction instead of "on the left side." And why not? As long as you know that the sun rises in the East and sets in the West, you're OK. Except at night and on cloudy days...)

We stopped and scanned Ernie's field and sure enough, there were a dozen Wilson's phalaropes there and a smattering of killdeer. Then I spotted a couple of distant semipalmated plovers. Topping all of these sightings, Julie exclaimed "I just heard a piping plover call!"

Sure enough, there were at least three piping plovers scooting along the edge of the water. This federally endangered species is struggling throughout its range and declining in most places. It was a thrill to see these tiny pipers—a lifer for many of the trip's participants. I snapped a few quick digiscoped images to document the birds, which were un-banded, unlike most of the piping plovers along the East Coast, which are closely monitored.

Piping plovers.

The pipers were noticeably smaller than the Wilson's phalaropes.

Pale-backed like dry sand, the piping plovers stood out on the dark mud.

Now it was time for coffee and a sweet roll and indoor bathrooms, so we headed into Dawson and invaded the cafe there in that special birders' way. The locals gave us bemused looks. But the cafe ladies were happy to sell us all of their hot coffee and homemade sweet rolls. We took our purchases outside and sat along the main drag, resting ourselves after several days of birding.

The sweet rolls were as big as saucers: three-inches thick of still-warm cinnamon-caramel icing goodness/badness. There was much groaning with delight as the sweet rolls were consumed, followed by loud smacks of finger licking. Liam asked for the last bite of my roll and nearly took the end of my forefinger off as he scarfed it down.

KatDoc and Lynne, two well-known bird bloggers, enjoying the town park in Dawson.

Just then, the sun came out and smiled warmly on our group, as if to endorse our decision to improvise the birding route. Certainly we were happy with the results.

Coffee time in Dawson. I recommend the cinnamon buns.

Now, bellies full and bladders empty, we got back on the people mover and headed north to our original destination...
 

Shredded

I have to say I've been procrastinating all evening over this post.  I'm conflicted.  Torn I guess you could say.  Hehe - couldn't resist.

Subject:  ripped up clothing.  To rip or not to rip?  To get ripped or not to get ripped?

Maybe I should categorize the following as the good, the bad, and the ugly (or just simply ridiculous).  Let us proceed with Category One:  The Good.


Let me begin by saying I've been in a tete-a-tete with this trend for over a year. About a month ago I was with the Chef in Ever.  He was grabbing something when I saw these ripped up jeans.  Now I should preface this by saying I am a huge Ever fan and have a bunch of their stuff.  It's California cool - denim included.  Anyway.  Seizing the moment I scampered off into the fitting room to give them a try just for curiosity's sake because I didn't think I'd actually like them, and basically wanted to see what the rips all down the front would look like. 



Famous last words because here they are on my body.  When I put them on in the fitting room I also considered that I might be caught up in the elation of something potentially new.  So I strolled out of the fitting room where the Chef had his back to me checking out a coat.  I said, "hey what do you think?".  He turned around and without hesitating responded, "you know I actually like them.  You're getting those right?"

And now here we are.  The Good.

And I do think they are good.  I didn't buy them too tight so my skin's not busting through the torn leg areas.  I've shown them here with a wedge, but to be honest I completely see myself wearing them rolled up just one more time to ankle level, paired with black rainbow flip-flops and a thin white t at a beach bonfire this summer.  Ideal pants for that type of occasion.  See?  Versatility.  Another reason for Category Good.

I am, however beginning to wonder if it's ever going to warm up.  This picture was taken 2 days ago when it was 55 degrees at 6pm.  For those of you in Celsius that is 12.5 degrees.  In late June. Shudder.  The wind was just brutal.

And now let us proceed cautiously to Category Two:  The Bad

Please help me to understand this because I must not have been there that day.  I mean I get it that Rihanna and the Kardashians can pull these off, but I just don't get it.  If there is even an ounce of extra flesh on one's leg and these things are tight it's a fat bulge between the shreds and, pardon me, but that is not attractive.


Don't get me wrong - David Lerner (item pictured here) makes a mean pair of leggings. And if I wasn't on a wallet fast over at American Apparel I might consider investing in a pair of his....but why not just get a cheap pair, grab the scissors and slice carefully and accordingly if you want to achieve this look?  So long as you don't get too close to the side seam and can cut in a straight line you might be able to pull it off and save, oh, a hundred bucks. (these are currently on sale at Shopbop with only 2 pairs left in this style - so someone out there is pulling it off with a sky high bootie)

And finally, buckle your seatbelts and get ready for Category 3:  The Ugly.


The Balmain Slashed Army T-Shirt.  I am referring to it as The Ugly because with a price tag of $1625 I just can't resist.  What.in.the.hell.is.going.on.in.the.land?  Now everyone knows about the Balmain boots.  They're sick, they're fantastic, they're beyond.  At this point their reputation goes before them.  Seriously - I saw the Buckled Suede Pair at Net-A-Porter yesterday and only one day later (at a price tag of $1605) they are gone.  But that still does not explain this ripped atrocity, that is coincidentally now on sale for a mere $1,137.50.  It looks like some acid got loose and ate a bunch of holes out of it.  Call me practical, and maybe my age is catching up to me (or all my mother's lectures on being responsible with money and, like, paying for rent), but if you want a ripped up t-shirt how about this one by LnA?  Or maybe just rip up your own? 

Anyway.  Thus ends my brief synopsis.  I do have mad love for my new jeans - rips and all.  And I do rock the Siwy Camilla shorts in wonder and snowstorm - both with minimal ripping and fray - but I've personally drawn the line at the leggings and the t's.

How about you?  Any takers on the $1K t-shirt??  I'd seriously like to know just out of pure curiosity. 
 

Studded

If you've been following my blog for even the shortest period of time you've likely noticed that I like to mix studded elements into my outfits. I've recently added a new piece to my wardrobe that many of you have likely seen and some of you probably even own.  Before we get to it - here's a glimpse into my love for studded perfection.  This might be a good recap for my new readers...Welcome everyone!

The Matt Bernson KM Gladiators are one of my absolute favorite pairs of shoes.  This will be their 3rd year with me and they are still my go-to summer sandal:


By adding studs Matt Bernson takes the bad ass factor of the shoe up a notch.  The shoe itself does the same to a more feminine or casual outfit.  You've seen me wear them here and here with sheer glee.  If you are considering I would highly recommend you take the leap.  Remorse Factor = next to zero.

If you're in the market for a brown option, Matt's Barracuda is another excellent option and it's got just a little more stud to it:


Look at the sun catching that one stud on the right giving it just a little gleam!  These ones are entering their second summer and they go great with simple summer dresses or a pair of shorts.  Even though it's been very cool I've paired them with a jersey dress and military jacket for a late afternoon dinner and loved the way the shoes added a spark to the outfit.

And then there's the Alexander Wang Coco.  Remember the story of how I got this bag for my birthday last year?  Complete shock.



That story still brings a tear to my eye - and so does the bag.  The studs are what make the bag.  FACT

And how about the freaking bare-bottomed denim debacle that almost left the Chef  in a muted state.  Neither one of us has fully recovered, but we both agree the rewards of the battle were worth it given this $35 studded score:


This vest has been worn several times already with shorts, dresses and leggings.  It is extremely versatile and adds the perfect punch of za-za-zoo to a very basic outfit (of which I own many).  I almost consider it an accessory.

And finally - how about this little baby?  I paired it with the Lemlem Tiru Tunic and got so many compliments on this particular outfit.


At the end of the day I think it was the soft breeziness of the tunic contrasted with the sharp studded element of Rebecca Minkoff's Studded Rocker that really brought the look home.

Sometimes when people think of studs they think hard or harsh, and I hope these images prove that doesn't necessarily have to be the case.  My newest addition is super simple, but has been a show-stopper each time I've worn them.  J.Crew's Redwood Misfit Chino Short - studded, of course - and coincidentally paired with a belt by Old Stud Handmade.


Without the studs the shorts would still have a wonderful worn-in look and feel to them.  But with the studs added along the pockets it makes them just a little edgy - and the color couldn't be a more perfect compliment for the style.


Notice the worn spots on the shorts and the fray along the hemline.  How brilliant is that?  And the addition of the studs just knocks the shorts right out of the proverbial ballpark.  I had two women stop me on Sunday to ask if these were Current/Elliott.  Woop woop!  Nope!


That day I opted to keep it pretty simple and threw on a simple James Perse white v-neck, a pair of fringed Dolce Vita sandals from last year, and a light denim safari jacket I picked up at J.Crew (I think last summer?).


If the sun ever manages to emerge for more than 10 minutes here at the beach I might actually achieve a tan and the shorts will look even better.  I plan to pair them with a high wooden wedge and a nice blousy button-up for an evening out.


But in the meantime I'm more than content with the laid-back, casual vibe they give off because the studs make me feel like I've dressed up a little even if I'm just running out to the store.  They're on sale right now at J.Crew and if you don't see your size - don't despair!  Call the item locator person and they will find and ship your size to you. 

If you're interested in adding some of the studded element to your wardrobe this summer you might want to consider this super cute summer dress/tunic by T-Bags, this amazing Gryphon jacket (that will go on sale), these hawt Ash wedges, or how about this belt by Madewell or a Free People bracelet (have and love btw).  I'd direct you to this Marni bag, but it sold out within a day of being posted (as she breathes a bitter sigh of relief on behalf of the pocketbook).  Take it as a sign though...it's a pre-fall bag meaning this trend will be around for awhile longer.

You know, there is certain je ne sais quoi about a bunch of studs that, when added to a piece of clothing, a pair of shoes, a handbag or really any accessory, - breathes new life into an outfit. Do you think it could be the bling factor? I mean we are girls after all...And what are your thoughts - studs or no studs?
 

July/August 2010 eBWD!


The latest issue of Bird Watcher's Digest is now available via our digital edition interface. This issue is sponsored by the good folks at Swarovski Optik.

Among the highlights in the new issue is a great species profile of the cerulean warbler by author Howard Youth. We've augmented Howard's text in the digital edition (eBWD) with audio clips (from Nature Sound Studio) of the cerulean warbler's song plus clips of some of its sound-alike species (northern parula, Blackburnian warbler, and yellow warbler).

But wait! There's more!

We've added a great cerulean warbler video clip, courtesy of our friends at BirdFilms.com.


You can sample all of these various bits of ossumness via our free Look Inside feature here.

If you are already a subscriber to the print edition of Bird Watcher's Digest, you already get free access to every one of our digital editions. Simply register with your subscriber number (on your magazine mailing label) and a valid e-mail address at this link.

Non-subscribers can sample a portion of each issue, but of course, we hope you'll want to subscribe. It's just $15 for six all-digital issues delivered right to your computer, smart phone, or digital reader. And believe me, eBWD looks amazing and is a complete joy to read.

Still not convinced? Here's a page where all of this is explained in detail.

Wishing you great birding and happy reading!
 

Strawberry Lemongrass Crumble With Whipped Ginger

If you're anything like me (and it's summer where you are) you've been eyeballing half flats of strawberries at farmer's markets and beyond, ultimately giving in to the $5 pricetag only to get home and wonder what the sam hell you were thinking and how quickly you can come up with recipes before the berries go bad.


 Suffice it to say the Chef has come to the rescue in a big way.

Today while I was racing around trying to finish up work and get ready to jet off for an early afternoon shindig I walked into the kitchen after hearing a bit of a thud only to discover a miracle underway.  There was smashed up lemongrass and a pile of strawberries on the counter - and all kinds of baking ingredients being pulled from the cupboards (think thud).  I have to tell you dating a real life Chef has its perks.  And in a weak moment I'll also say that it helps very much to have someone cook for me once in awhile because I don't have any family close by to visit and I miss them terribly - not just for my mom and dad's amazing cooking, but also for the love and comfort that comes from having someone make you something to eat -  even the simplest thing - and sit and eat with you.  (chokes back tears in a big way.  can you say homesick?)

With this admittance I will now press on to the recipe.  I'm going to include a gluten-free version for the actual crumble itself because that is the reality I live with.  Everyone else can go ahead with regular ol' flour - simple as pie.  I mean crumble.

Ingredients
1        Stalk Lemongrass
1C     Water
1/4C   Sugar
2lbs    Strawberries halved
1T      Lime juice
1T      Corn starch
1T      Fresh Ginger minced
3T      Cream
1/4C  Cream
1T      Powdered Sugar 

Crumble Topping Ingredients
1/2C    Gluten Free Flour Blend (or regular All-Purpose Flour) *listed below*
1tsp     Baking Powder
1/4tsp  Salt
4T        Butter or Margarine
2/3C    Brown Sugar
2/3C    Gluten-Free Quick Cooking Oats or Quinoa Flakes (non-gluten free people use regular Quick Cooking Oats)

Gluten-free Flour Blend (for crumble topping)
*I use this blend in place of regular flour in a one by one substitution for cookies, pancakes - you name it.  Only took 3 years to finally get it right and now I can't tell the difference in any cookie I bake.  This will make a large batch of the Flour Blend that can then be used for future.*

1C        Brown Rice Flour
1 1/4C  White Rice Flour
1/4C     Potato Starch Flour
2/3C     Tapioca Starch Flour
3/4C     Sweet Rice Flour
1/3C     Corn Starch
2tsp      Xanthan or Guar Gum

Method
Begin by preheating the oven to 350.

Grab your lemongrass and a cutting board.  I'm going to plead ignorant and admit I'd not actually seen lemongrass in its raw form prior to today.  Here it is.


What you want to do next is smash the lemongrass to release its fragrance (he used the back of a mini cast-iron skillet, but a meat mallet or the back end of a kitchen knife will work just fine too).


You'll know you're done smashing when the lemongrass looks like this:


It should basically be somewhat pulverized like so (but not too much because you have to be able to cut it up)


From here what you do next is cut the lemongrass into one inch pieces,


 place it in a small to medium sized sauce pot, and cover it with 1C of water.


Bring this mixture to a boil and reduce until only 1tsp water remains (approximately).  I'm going heavy on the pictures because I would need them.  You may very well be more familiar with lemongrass, but I'd rather give you more than less so you can make this dish.  It is ridiculously good.


Once the lemongrass is boiled down to the above - remove it from heat and stir in 1/4C sugar until dissolved (if sugar does not dissolve return to heat).


This picture is pre-stirred in sugar.  When you're done stirring it should all be dissolved and just slightly more pale in color like so: 


Once the sugar is dissolved set the mixture aside and allow it to cool (this will steep the lemongrass flavor into the syrup).

Next halve the strawberries and set them aside in a bowl.

                                                           (strawberry fields forevah)

When the lemongrass syrup is cool to touch strain it into the strawberries, pressing on the lemongrass with the back of a wooden spoon to get all the liquid out.


Seriously.  Who ever thought this up?  A genius - that's who!  Wait until you taste it.  Unbelievable.

Anyway.  From here stir a tablespoon of cornstarch into the berries like so:


Once the cornstarch has gently been mixed into the strawberries the mixture can be transferred into an 8 inch square baking dish (or we used (2) 6.5 inch mini skillets for fun).


Now set the berry mixture aside and get out your ingredients to make the crumble.


In a bowl combine flour, baking powder and salt.  Cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbles.  Here's a two stage progression to give you an idea.


 Next stir in the brown sugar and oats and voila! 


Grab your strawberry/lemongrass filled baking dish and sprinkle the crumble over top the mixture.


Place the dish into the oven and bake until golden brown and bubbly ( the strawberry mix must bubble for cornstarch to thicken completely). Approximately 20 minutes.  Gluten-free people you need to know the crust will not be as crisp or golden brown for you, so really keep an eye on the bubbly mixture below it to gauge readiness. The crumble will get somewhat brown, but not the exact same look conventional flour would yield.

While the crumble is in the oven, it's time to make the Whipped Ginger topping.  (brace yourselves for goodness).  First peel and mince the ginger like so.


Next combine the ginger and 3T cream in a sauce pot. Bring it to a boil then remove from heat.


Now follow the same procedure you did with the lemongrass.  Allow the creamy ginger mixture to cool in order to steep the ginger flavor into the cream.  Once it is cool to touch strain the mixture into a separate bowl.


It's okay if a little bit of ginger falls through into the bowl.  Once you are done straining place the bowl into the refrigerator to chill - about 30 minutes (the cream must be thoroughly chilled or it will not whip).


Once chilled add 1/4C cream and powdered sugar, and whip until firm peaks form. Chill until needed.

In the meantime your crumble is likely ready to come out of the oven.  Ta-da!!


I was so freaking excited to taste this dessert you have no idea.  The smell inside the house was just wonderful!  While the dishes were still warm we finished one with a dollop of whipped cream.


Holy Moses or what??  We had to run off this afternoon, but over my dead one were we not going to eat at least one of these babies warm.


First bite.  And yes that is a trace of my hand in the upper right.  Poor Chef.  I heard him mumble as he was looking at my face, "please say you like it".  I almost felt like crying.  I was like, "DUDE - I like EVERYTHING you make!! Are you crazy?!"  There's a lot of pressure preparing food for others - you want them to be happy and like it.


Chef-a-roonie does it again!  This is approximately 1min30sec into consumption.  This dessert is off the charts good and, may I dare say, my favorite thing he's made to date.  INCREDIBLE.


We dusted the whole thing off in under 5 minutes and jammed out the door saving the other portion for tomorrow morning.  I say breakfast!!

Enjoy everyone!  Can't wait to hear your thoughts - especially if you get the opportunity to bake it.  This crumble has several steps, but they are easy and the prep time is only about 30 minutes.  Woooohooooo!!

Happy Weeeeeeeekend...head to the market and get your strawberries - but don't forget the hazard signs!
 
 
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