...Get Set...FLEDGE! Seems like twice as many tree swallows flying around the yard on Thursday and lots of those were newly-fledged, chasing their parents. Here is the youngster in brown, mother, and dad on the fence in the light and soon to be heavy rain.
Saturday, June 27, 2026
Thursday, June 25, 2026
Black Bear Today
Wow, this bear just started swimming our way when pal Dave Plummer and I were looking at the eagle nest, then he swam right by! Black Bear yearling and some shedding of hair. Thanks dogs for not freaking out!
Taxidermy Days
I was just reminded of my former job as a taxidermist, and this rooster that I mounted for Hugh at Spencer's Hackles in Plains. Hackles are chicken feathers (necks and saddles) highly prized by fly fishermen and fly tiers, died different colors. So we pretended that the chickens themselves were bright blue, green, yellow, red and pink! Bet we fooled someone out there.
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Monday, June 22, 2026
Roof Weekend
Dave Plummer built all the bird enclosures here 25 years ago with Mike Hupe, and he just spent two days on top of our new Falconhouse with a product designed to cut the summertime heat inside. His idea and temperature gauges were installed. On Saturday he scrubbed and one coat with a roller, Sunday a thick brush coat and fingers crossed. I had to bring Sibley inside every day last summer despite insulation, shade cloth and a fan. No shade and 102 degrees. This white reflective product should do the trick, we hope. Look at how white Dave looks up there as he finishes up!
Saturday, June 20, 2026
Friday, June 19, 2026
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
MAM Camp
That time of year, Missoula Art Museum Raptors And Art Camp, our 23rd year in a row. Bev Beck Glueckert and I started this in 2003, had a few more camps for the Montana Natural History Center before that. Day 1: Falcons, Day 2: Owls. Now paper mache birds and photos tomorrow, can hardly wait