Hamilton High School

Hamilton High seniors science class last month, a ton of tours over the years thanks to teacher extraordinaire, Vanessa Haflich. These were the best ever, and when I asked who is a zoologist, artist, dog fan...all hands went up. Some tears when they met Billie and Portia, and all the birds. We just got the greatest thank-you card today, including "the highlight of my year." Good luck, seniors!

Bitterroot Ospreys!

 

Front Yard

 Really, eagle perched in a pine in the front yard. Thanks, guy.

Favorite Hawk

 A male Northern Harrier flew right over my head as I was watching the eagle nest, a first!

Hooded Variety

 My other favorite ducks, these Hooded Mergansers in the slough and at the river, yesterday!

And Tree Week as I dug up local Ponderosa Pines from Mike DeNeve's and planted them around the Falconhouse as there is NO shade. This was a real problem last summer and brought Sibley in every day with over 100 degrees on that side. 

Next!

Brand New One, drypoint etching, acrylic background and gouache paint birds, pastels and an experiment that almost ended up on the "burn pile." 14" x 9" and our favorite front yard ducks. I love painting these listening to Terry Conrad on MTPRadio, Jazz Sessions! 

Eagle Nest

 I think the eagles hatched yesterday, the female taking a break across the Bitterroot, male filling in. This will be fun, year 15.

Yardbirds on the Road

 

Male Northern Harrier XXOO

Slough Goose

 

Eagle Enclosure/ MPG Ranch Backdrop

 

And Lastly...

Our favorite Peregrine ledge up the Blackfoot occupied by two Canada Geese. No way the falcons would be sharing that nest spot, but hopefully some young from a few years ago will come back and kick them out. Empty for two years probably because of highly contagious avian influenza, so sad.

Firsts

My first Osprey of the year, Clark Fork river by Bonner, and first Peregrines, up the Blackfoot River at Chamberlain Creek! Cool!

Today Nest

The Bald Eagle Clark Fork River nest, topic of my book in 2013, now with a big garbage bag inhabitant.