34 1963 Journal 29 July intact. Some stakes had been knocked down by the caribou but most were still standing. Evidently, thousands of caribou migrated through earlier. Signs everywhere shows the trampling effect. The tundra itself is dry although the river is very full for this time of year (H.R.C.) Hank noticed very few owl pellets on the ridge. Could be an indication of low numbers of microtines. After dinner, we walked to the ocean where the river empties. Hank said the reason for the river being so high is due to a sand bar across the mouth of the river acting as a plug. He collected a Godwit near the ocean. Wind changed from a northerly direction and started to blow from the south about 2000. It blew hard during the night. About 2300, Hank saw a red fox across the river but it was gone before we could get off a shot. Camp site very well set up; ready to collect Gypfalcons tomorrow. 30 July Bettinega River - Cape Salina, Alaska We checked lines first thing this morning but found only 2 Microtus oeconomus. River is very salty due to the ocean being backed up some way. Overcast and drizzling. Started to rain hard a few times, but didn't. We decided to put off the Gypfalcon hunt. I skimmed the microtus and read. The plug in the river must have been pulled because the river suddenly drained and the water is no longer salty. We can cross very easily in several spots now. The salmon are swimming upstream and can be easily seen