Mookie

Edits and More Edits

I have been working on my latest book project, Falcons of North America 2nd edition since the day of the shutdown, March 12th to be exact and the end is in sight. I've been updating (and correcting in a few spots) our 2008 title, major new science and developments. You have to figure I wrote that 13-14 years ago! I just received excellent edits from experts Grainger and Terry hunt, the Peregrine Falcon Species Account, awaiting a few more chapter edits from the Experts in their Fields. And I've been starting on the 120 new/replacement photos, larger trim size, just wait!

ZOOM Wisconsin!

Here is a little screen shot of our program for 100 4th-graders in Wisconsin in June with our teacher pal Dave Oberbillig, and thanks to the school's teacher Julia Massino. Dave's son Ian filmed the 60 minute tour on his smart phone (I don't have one of those) and what fun, Dave and I in the upper left corner, kids all over the place. We had them all hoot like an owl at the end, and perhaps they still are! Hooting that is.

Snow Geese

Snow Geese winging their way over the river by the house.
Snow sounds great about now - 100 degrees tomorrow.

Sonora is Spying

Our little Aplomado Falcon Sonora spent about 20 minutes on the jade plant by the window, watching the bird feeder. A bunch of baby pheasants and both parents have been showing up this week, cool. That vertical blue line is one of three strips of yarn with lead split shot at the end, hanging from the awning. With the reflective glass, it's a good idea to hang something in front to help prevent bird strikes. It seems to work, mostly.

Bannack

We were supposed to be in Bannack State Park and Ghost Town today for a return engagement, seems like every two years. Anyway, cancelled or should I say, postponed until next July. Here we were in 2006 with Rob Domenech, Raptor View Research Institute, and Nigel the Golden Eagle. FUN!

Flycatcher Friend

This nest is directly over my friend's road, on the way to and from taking the dogs for an walk/adventure every day. I have been watching these two young almost out-grow the tiny nest. Western Wood-Pewee by voice. You know those identical flycatchers - bust out your Sibley Guide to Birds!

Female Peregrine

Newish Book

Ever since the lockdown started, I have been working on my book Falcons of North America, 2nd edition. Here was Sonora helping me today to land on my shoulder and preen my hair as I worked on the Prairie Falcon Species Account, with thanks to expert editors Mike Kochert and Karen Steenhoff. Sonora was a gift to us from The Peregrine Fund 7 years ago, a champ. Almost ready to have the manuscript ready for publishers, Mountain Press. Then the 120 new photos!

Urban Wildlife

One of two fawns at my Mom's yesterday - she lives in the Rattlesnake by Greenough Park so lots of visitors. One time a young bear walked into the dining room when we left the screen door open. Skedaddled in a hurry.

Perches

Can you see one of the favorite perches in the yard? Actually, all the sculptures look like that!

Mom and Dad House Wrens

At least five fledglings flying around the yard begging, and two more nests with the same action in the yard. Love these tiny birds. Wren City over here! Than male is stand on a cow skull on the fence.

House Wrens

(I posted this on FaceBook yesterday, 4th of July)
 House Wren on the fish sculpture. And just had Raptors of the Rockies education program number 1776 in Lolo. Does that seem like coincidence? Oh, come on. YES

Peregrine Time

The young have fledged at the Peregrine nest at Bonner, so stop, look and listen when you put in or take out your raft. Young chase the parent around, feigning starvation and screaming like a banshee! This will be the scene for several weeks to come, on the big cliff.