July 12 Day afield - cloudy + threatening most of morning - cleared off in afternoon. Spent morning in explanatory sampling in meter plot area. As contrasted with yesterday afternoon insects in general depressed in activity except midges + mosquitoes (Aedes sp. m. communis) - the mud in evidence in morning and became increasing pestiferous as the day wore on - as did also the biting midges (Heloidea). Many swarms of midges in evidence most of the day and particularly so in the marsh areas. Many midges observed in the vegetation and on the ground. Mosquitoes in evidence, but not too active. The syphiling Helioophila sp. was encountered in the AM but only occasionally. Mine cecids evident on the ground and also the small Tachinid - here fly around owl pellets + dead remains of birds; the Bubbrid was mud in evidence. Only 2 Bombus were seen in the AM, Tipulids are becoming more + more frequently seen elements of the tundra. Afternoon tramped around the soggy marsh potting at 3 Eiders but didn't get anything. Found 2 of the 3 nests of the Steller Eider. No explanatory mixed cond done in the afternoon - mosquitoes very pestiferous!