Tom built this bridge for the slough (we call it) but actually Child's Creek, behind the house. Some years we luck out and the high spring water spares it, other years it floats while tethered to the bank. Then we have to pull it up with the truck and find someone to help reinstall it in a month. That is the real trick! "Hey, while you're here checking out the birds, want to do us a favor?" HA!
Finally a snapshot showing two youngsters in the nest, but from a distance. The river is WAY up and a rushing-water creek prevents me from getting closer. Once I scooted along a log over the top, but not that brave anymore. HA!
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.
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!
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
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.
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.
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