Maclean 1966 the usual vague airlift story, but finally learned that a plane would stop by on the way back from Cape Thompson, that limited the afternoon to the immediate vicinity. Wents our and staked yesterday's Ptarmigan nest. It has completed molt in anterior end, but posterior 1/3, including rectrices, is still white. Interesting - one would expect closer coordination between molt and reproductive cycle. Went over to Paul's census plot and walked around, then spent a frustrating hour trying to collect the banded & wagtail. Every time a bird got close, we couldn't tell if it was banded. Finally gave in and came in to prepare for departure. Plane, with Guy Shepard, arrived at 6:15, and we arrived in Barrow about 7:00. On the return flight - ground was ca. 98% snow free, and only larger lakes have much ice. The water has noticeably disappeared. Heronvik appears ready to go - have to get down there soon. Saw no jagers or owls on the way in.