Image courtesy of Andy Berner

From: Rhea George
Altiplano,Chile, November 8, 2008

'Rhea' Birds!

On November 6th and 7th, we had an 'all hands' science meeting in Arica, where most of the people involved in VOCALS got together for some presentations and discussions about the science we've been doing. It seems there is much interesting data being collected on this field campaign, and I gave a short 10 minute talk on some of my work as well. After all the work that has been done, it was time for a day off. The next day I took a trip up to the altiplano with a few other scientists and students, and we saw many spectacular views at very high altitudes (up to 14,700 feet!): snow-capped peaks, beautiful lakes, deserts, and a wide variety of unique animals I'd never even heard of, much less seen.

Despite all of the beauty that enveloped us, I chose this photo because it shows the thing I was most personally excited to see. Here we see 'Rhea-birds,' also known as Nandu, hanging out far from the road. I'm 75% sure my parents didn't name me after this ostrich-like bird, but I was nonetheless thrilled to see this creature I share a name with in person, even from a distance.

Postcards from the Field: Climate Science from the Southeast Pacific

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