Jillian's First Program

She was star of the assembly, then a model in a drawing class for a cool elementary school in Hamilton, Halloween October 2003.

What a Bird

 I think this is one of "our" parent birds, standing over the nest a lot lately. I never noticed how much white he/she has on her back, much more anterior to the white tail and upper-tail coverts, know what I mean?

 

Last O the Aspens

Fun-Day

Here was a fun one yesterday, for old friend Bart and his mom Bonnie, plus Jenny, Steve and Bev Glueckert with Tom in between.  A big tour just before the rains hit, and thanks Bart for my 200th Falcons book purchase from my big pallet and box in the Subaru! 

Edition Printing Time

Dashed off a few "Burrowing Owl Family" etchings yesterday afternoon, taking advantage of the warm temperatures. Maizee was helping, mostly looking out the window. I have picked a great mat board for these, selecting frames at Burnich Frame and Moulding with excellent advice from Becky and Gary. 

Aspens 2021

I drove by this little aspen grove every day for 20 years, taking birds for a fly. A terrible turn of events, and the property sold, no more access. It's so unfortunate, as it was a quick trip, exercise for the birds, dogs  and me, no harm done and my daily routine - it was often the highlight of my day. So sort of at a loss as to what to do these days, but at least can still watch the leaves turn here at my favorite aspens.

Firewood Day

 Our truckload in the yard is dwindling -  sawed, split and stacked by pals Pat Johnson, Ryan Hollensworth, John "Hoeman" and Tom. THANKS best buddies, what fun.

Brand New Dry-Point Etching

"Burrowing Owl Family" and the last one of the year, as I can only print in the studio over over the garage when the weather is warm. These water-base inks don't work when it's freezing, and I have a different plan for the winter - stay tuned. I actually inked up a few in the house when it was chilly earlier this week, using Sibley/Maizee's glass table, their perch on the floor.  It works! The composition is taken from a bunch of different owl photos and some sketches from 2018, the youngster on the left. The white on the middle of the wings are feathers worn down from going back and forth out of their "burrow" or nest.

Sharpie

A Sharp-shinned Hawk on the fence in the yard just now, cool. Two years ago we released three of these youngsters from an enclosure just twenty yards away, and perhaps this is one of them as I could practically touch him! Tom always asks why I feed the House Sparrows, and it is to feed these guys. And Cooper's Hawks and Merlins, welcome one and all.

Friends

In my little speech (by phone) for the RRF Award and I said that my first conference changed my life. The  Raptor Research Foundation held a joint meeting with the California Hawking Club in Bakersfield in 2004, and at the hotel the desk clerk asked if I would be checking in with a bird. That's Nick, me, and Rob on the Washington Coast, photo by our host Dan Varland.  The rest is history, as they say...HA!

WOW Award!

 I won the President's Award last night at the Raptor Research Foundation Conference in Boise (virtual) and WOW! I said that my introduction to the society was my first conference, paper presentation, and hooked - Bakersfield, CA 2004. There I met Rob Palmer and Nick Dunlop, photographers and book partners, plus pals Dan Varland and Jeep Pagel. Jeep also won the Presidents award, great news and what an honor.

Nigel In the Fall

 

Annie's Gift

 I presented Annie with the new etching of Owen! Sibley checks it out. A great program and like we always say, "The best one ever!"
 

More Annie's

Set Sail this Thursday

Our pal Annie Garde is retiring from her role as Skipper (Host) of the daily children's' programming hit on Montana Public Radio, Pea Green Boat. At the helm for 19 years we were invited every couple on months, always on Thursday so I could listen to Jazz Sessions on the way. Ever know that? We have had some memorable and hilarious moments on the air, which we will recount, starting at 4 pm 89.1 FM in Missoula. I'll have Sib and Jillian the owl, both had their debut programs with Annie 18 years ago, plus Owen a favorite. Will miss you tons, Annie, and happy retirement. Won't slow you down a bit!  Here we are with Maizee this spring:

Nico LOVES the River

And so do we, as does this one photogenic eagle. 

What a Poser

  Catching some late rays on the beach by the house.

Two Falcons Today

 Art Day at home and spent with Sibley and Maizee, not at the same time! I have started a new etching and they are inspiration/pals.