Mantis

 A preying mantis in my Mom's yard yesterday, cool. Ooops, PRAYING mantis.

Sib the Good Girl

 Sibley was perfect for her Zoom program yesterday for the Montana Book Festival, and so was Sonora the Aplomado Falcon. Me so proud.

Book Award

Here is what I was presented for winning the Montana Book Award Grand Prize in 2011 for Raptors of the West with Rob Palmer and Nick Dunlop! "Rancho DeLuxe" is a favorite movie that a friend took me to see when I was in high school. He thought it would change my decision to move to Montana for college, and man, was he wrong! The poster is signed by the movie's writer, Thomas McGuane.  I met him at the Montana Book Festival the year before and I told him that story, the whole time with Sibley on my glove. I doubt he heard a word, and asked me at the end, "Tell me about that bird." HA!

Montana Book Festival program today on line at 1 pm

Montana Book Festival 2021 Goes Virtual

Had to be done, and much prefer live and in person. I will present an overview of my program, photos and books, emphasis on Falcons of North America Second Edition, my favorite, from Mountain Press Publishing here in Missoula. We'll have a Powerpoint and visit with Sibley the Peregrine and Sonora the Aplomado Falcon, Friday September 17th, 1-2 pm. You may register at the Festival website  - see you on Friday (I wish...)

Pigeons

 

Painting Time

Shifting gears from the ink and printing press, and now gouache paint and Arteza Brush Pens. I usually paint two at a time, edition of 8 and almost ready to post the final product. On the screen is an Owen face I am using for reference.  This is so fun, stand up comedy on the speakers (Bill Burr and Lewis Black today.)

Osprey Again

 Here's that same bird with a nice whitefish, apparently unfazed by the broken feathers. 

Hawk/Dog Walk

Maizee and Nico just down the road for a little recreation. That's our house just above the left edge of the roof-rack.

Etching Day

My new etching of a Saw-whet Owl, and Maizee was helping me in the printmaking studio today. I will post when I get the painting just right, edition of 8,  8" x 10". That black and white "bedspread" is actually a giant woodcut print, made by me and Bev Glueckert for the Day of the Dead Parade 18 years ago! Printed on a big sheet, inking and running it over with a steamroller; a treasured piece for me, located in the studio.

 

River Time

An adult male Osprey with several broken feathers. That sure won't be helpful in the upcoming (soon) migration, at least 1000 miles one way. Gotta love an Osprey, about my favorite.

This is about how deep the Bitterroot River was this summer, Nico's knees.

Off On the Art Mobile

Our friend Renee Taaffe came by the Raptor Ranch to choose an art piece to include for the traveling Art Mobile of Montana, and she chose "Peregrine Cliff Redux." My etching will join 21 other works by contemporary Montana artists for the Art Mobile, 2- and 3- dimensional pieces. Renee is the teaching artist and hits the road in October, visiting more than 50 schools across the state. Glad our Peregrine will be on board!

Powerpoint and Cranes

A sneak peek of my presentation today , and two Sandhill Cranes hanging in front of the house.

Big Day - NorthEast Hawk Watch

Tomorrow is our big day on the east cost...via ZOOM Webinar! Our friend Paul Roberts had me as a speaker ten years ago and asked that I return for the 50th Anniversary Celebration. Instead, by computer and I have a nice PowerPoint, then joined by Sibley and Owen. Raptor Lovers far and wide!

Tonight!

Right across the river from where I was sitting! Thanks, pals.