FridayToday

Our kitchen counter just now, flowers and a live rooster donated by Bitterroot friends. And Little Jake just before his little lure training this morning. He is so smart - knows his ABC's and can count to 10.

Hummingbirds Know That They Are Cool

Missed

Mystery

Those Ospreys were still battling in the same place yesterday morning and we sure are scratching our heads. Even in breeding season Ospreys are not territorial. With their 100% diet of fish, their prey is transitory and can be found anywhere. Males will guard females at the nest, but no nest here. Plus, neither combatant, both adult males, had a fish to fight over - empty handed. Weird.

Osprey Battles

We've been watching some amazing battles between two adult Ospreys on the beach, last night and still this morning. A Osprey third came in for a scrap as well. I even witnessed a Red-tail attack on an Osprey yesterday. I have never seen anything like this, ever.

Nico and Little Jake

 

Hummingbird Heaven

I said it before - I have NEVER seen so many hummingbirds here, and constant battles at our four feeders. Four to fill up every day! What a joy to see and on their way south soon. Black-chinned and Rufous.

Fight Last Night

One Week Ago

Little Jake at 33 days of age, a favorite hangout by my cover photo of the juvenile Peale's Peregrine on the Washington Coast.  That's what he is:  3/4 Peale's and 1/4 anatum (Continental).

Vaux's Swifts

Although we see them every summer, this is the first time the swifts have nested in our chimney in the office. I got a bunch of shots of nothing, but a few here of a food delivery to the 5 or 6 young, all fledged two days ago,. They chase their parents through the sky twittering and occasionally getting dive-bombed by swallows. Look at the full crop (throat area) full of insects upon entry, nothing at the exit.

Growing Like a Weed

Jake the Peregrine on day 32 through 36, outside in a newly remodeled enclosure now. Actually standing on my left hand as I type this. Playpens put away, and vacuuming up downy feathers  all over the house!

"I Lika 'mokey Bear"

I remember that TV ad from 1968, even the year - the little boy says "I lLika 'mokey Bear". Tomorrow, July 27th: Smokey Bear 75th Birthday: At the National Museum of Forest Service History, just one mile west of the Missoula Airport on highway 10. Our best buddy Annie Garde from Pea Green Boat MTPRadio a watermelon eating contest, activities all day. Raptors of the Rockies at 3 pm. What fun!

Today

Artwork and Auberge

Yesterday I had company in the printmaking studio, Jake and Nico, making Peregrine prints.
Today, Sibley and Jake paid a visit to Auberge of Missoula Valley Seniors/Assisted Living. A natural!