Most days we split into two groups, each with either a different area to explore or a different goal for the day. This account of the week is therefore an account primarily of the experiences of whatever group I was part of each day.

We hiked directly from the main camp where we were staying, as the roads were treacherous. Our group crossed the Madawaska River and headed south along the eastern shore.

This photo shows the Madawaska River as it exits the dam that forms Sassagewun Lake.

We had been asked by Dan Strickland to assist him with checking on Grey Jay nest-building in this area.

To aid in this, we put out "bait" of cotton, which we hoped the Gray Jays would pick up and transport to their nest site. Unfortunately, all the birds did with this was stash it in nearby trees!

Eventually after a lot of patient waiting, along with the help of Dan's bird calls, we observed the Grey Jays collecting twigs for their nest. We were then able to track them to the actual site of their nest.

Dan Gardoqui is the founder and director of White Pine Programs, which puts on this event each year.

Later on, after we had lunch, one of them came to visit us for handouts.

We ascended to the top of a ridge, from which there were far-ranging views.

Getting close to the edge was not for everyone.

After we returned to "base camp", this marten appeared outside the main window of the cabin and entertained us with its antics for quite some time.

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