A few weeks ago we had a program at the Montana Natural History Center, been a long time for one of those. We were partners with MNHC 30 years ago, then got our own non-profit in 1998. Attendee Jennifer Krueger made these beautiful entries in her journal, sketches and information about the species we brought. She is signed up for our "Raptors And Art for Grownups" at the Missoula Art Museum on April 30th, always fun. Great work, Jennifer!
A long-postponed return field trip from teacher hero Vanessa and her science seniors at Hamilton High School. Glad we waited until the weather was nice, and three young Bald Eagles in dazzling flights over our heads over and over again. No camera as I was conducting a tour, oh well. And Nico spoiled rotten with pine cone tosses.
A year-round resident Flicker, but spotted a swallow and heard a Sora today. Go look that one up in your Sibley Guide...
Today Bev Glueckert and I hardly got out of the car at Bonner and heard a Peregrine. Then before even setting up the lawn chairs, we spotted this nice adult up on the cliff! Look to the top right of the big cliff where they have nested the past several years and there they are, early migrants. So glad, after being gone for at this site for 40 years, back now for decades (I'll look that up) and Bonner RULES!
Today we heard a Western Meadowlark, watched the Bald Eagles across the river incubating (?!) and saw the first of the plethora of Columbian Ground Squirrels scampering. Those big above-ground dirt mounds from their tunnels in the lawn and everywhere are Northern Pocket Gophers, oh well. I'll get a full moon shot tonight, but looks like spring is on the way. More than anything I hope the House Wrens come back, 5 nests in the yard and completely absent in 2021. A very difficult year around here on all fronts, trust me, so hopefully some solace with the changing of seasons.
We had a little snow squall, and lasted about 5 minutes. No need to dig out the shovel...this time.
Time to look for the returning Peregrines, gone from this cliff for 30 years and one of the earliest returns in the region. Any day and maybe even now. Look on the right side and cross your fingers. Mom and sister Betsy last April.
Fun program at the Montana Natural History Center today - Sib, Sonora, Wes and Owen! The Saw-whet with his mouse parts stacked up in the corner.
My younger brother Jonathan to the rescue, arriving from New Jersey when Mom was still in the hospital. He is in the film industry with his own business, dubbing pixar movies into 45 different languages. Armed with his laptop, he has been able to work while here in big Sky Country, to a certain extent. He is so helpful on all fronts, coordinating Mom's house clean-up, and carrying heavy objects up the stairs! We had a nice visit with Maizee yesterday, and I didn't have to drive to Missoula. Hurray J.P., thanks so much.
Thanks for all of the nice cards and I guess I look like Mom. The general consensus...HA! We are going through her house, recycling with donations like crazy and quite the job. Then just time to feed the eagles and throw the ball for the dog when I get home, over 900 miles on the car last month.
Sunday we had a visit to Hamilton, the Remington Assisted Living Center and on the table in front of us was my Mom's Obituary in the Missoulian. A great group and only one person fell asleep. Then this fly with the star Peregrine in Corvallis. What a day.
A huge outpouring of emotions on the Facebook post of Mom's passing. Thanks one and all, from all three of us. Hospice of Missoula is Awesome!
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