Chief Charlo School

We've been visiting Chief Charlo Elementary for more than 20 years, even made a film for MCAT there once, on owls. Our favorite teacher Mr. (Kevin) Cashman invites us every year, 4th grade, and we invite them to the Raptor Ranch. Here is yesterday, and spot an Aplomado Falcon on the right? So now they knew a Spanish word, aplomado or "lead-colored." Then I told them the story of the Japanese exchange class at the university, and when they saw the Saw-whet Owl they exclaimed iiieeeee. That's how they say  aawww in Japanese. Now tri-ligual 4th graders. 

Swallowland

Tree Swallows at most every box - Tom built and we installed 18 or 20 nest boxes 25 years ago and here a banded one at the slough bridge. Maybe that leg ID was installed the MPG ranch across the river and downstream a bit. Scienceland!

                                        

My Killdeer Pal

 

Craneland

 Sandhill Crane right in our back yard by the slough yesterday!

Monday on Missoula Community Radio

 I'll be guesting on KFGM radio tomorrow, Monday at noon to 1, MCAT radio. Hosts Scott and Neil and I will discuss the years and years of Raptors hosting young filmmakers workshops, even back in the Clinton days of the '90's. I will be on after some announcements at the beginning and should be a hoot. And some Cinnamon Teal in the back yard yesterday.

https://s4.radio.co/s136b8d11e/listen

Weird Light

 The male launching and feathers under his wing lit up like gold. Weird.

Chick #1

Finally a photo of a baby eagle two days ago and I think I saw a smaller one yesterday. They would be three weeks old, and in 15 years of the nest, two birds fledged 5 times. three birds 5 times, and empty three years in a row starting 2018. Okay, Canada Geese in there! Very soon the leaves will block all of my views, and tricky to see.

Happy International Jazz Day!

 

Front Yard

 We have had up to a dozen Wood Ducks in the front yard, along with some Mallards and Ring-necked Pheasants. Little seeds from the pigeon supply under the bird feeder.

For the Love of Birds Art Show

Gallery 709, 709 Ronan Street in Missoula.

Sculptures by Tom Melhuse, drawings and paintings by Tom Zavitz and Stephanie Frostad, photography by R T Cox, and original prints by Kate Davis.

Opening Friday from 5-9 pm, music by Strummingbird Vegabond. Show “flies” all month, see you Friday!

                                

Thanks, Friend and Today

 

Saturday Nest

I still haven't seen any little heads popping up, not quite three weeks old and always a surprise to count the offspring. And a big nest now! One year I was convinced they had two chicks and a nearly fully-grown third bird peered over the edge. Ooops.

Another Backyard Bird

 

Next Day