Rfalconcam Forum

Hope you have a great vacation over in Arkansas! Will miss your morning watches. You deserve a break. Have a ball. See you in 2 weeks! (http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x296/nightingalesings/Smileys/396_spain.gif) Keep Q away from the Bull's.

Have fun!

Ei

Bye, MAK-we'll miss you.  Have a safe trip and enjoy!

 :wave:   Bye everybody! I can't wait to see my sister,niece and bro-in-law!  I'll be missing y'all! Just practicing my red neck talk.  :laugh:  Keep your eyes to the sky and on pan cam for the Beautyful one!!! :heart:

Have a fun and safe trip MAK!  Had fun this morning on our "crack of dawn" Beauty watch.   :2thumbsup:

Safe travels, MAK!  Wouldn't it be a riot if Archer winters where you are going?!

MAK and Sue are now in Columbus Ohio. Told her get her scope out and look for Falcons! The bus took off a bit late last night. They still have a full day of traveling.

Looks like that transmitter MAK is wearing is doing great!    :lol:

You want Red-Neck????

All y'all be safe!

MAK's in Dayton Ohio according to her transmitter. LOL Carol. No pefa sightings as of yet!

 :hysterical:

According to the satellite readings, MAK is fast approaching Indianapolis!!!

Tracking MAK:

She is now in St Louis, Missouri. A few hours to go.

This is priceless.

Did we band MAK before she left ;)

MAK Track!

Ei

We are all out of control!   :silly:

Who, us?  Nah!

Hey Donna!  Let me know when to update the map (http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&gl=us&ie=UTF8&view=map&msa=0&msid=208215708478933535366.0004986d5e04a40a9f292&ll=40.613952,-87.84668&spn=17.528313,28.256836&t=h&z=5) !

Ei

This is crazy!!! Here's her Satellite data map. Arrival in about 4 hours.

Just received a signal, she's in Springfield Missouri!

OK...I think I've got it now...



map link (http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&gl=us&ie=UTF8&view=map&msa=0&msid=208215708478933535366.0004986d5e04a40a9f292&ll=39.571822,-86.132812&spn=17.794496,28.256836&t=h&z=5)

Ei

 :2funny: :hysterical: :clap: Yup, you got it Ei....including the bed!

5th column, S side  OMG!!!!! Love it!

:hysterical:

Brilliant. Excellent.

@12:17 am, MAK was in Springfield MO, 1 more stop in Joplin MO, then on to Rogers Arkansas. 2 more hours. No data after so I can assume she has found her final destination at 2:17. Long trip but they made it!  :clap:

We should now change the title of this post to "Tracking MAK" (as someone else said). Jeez, a person can't do a thing on this Forum without everyone else sticking their nose in! She will have a stack of posts to go through on her return so she'll see just how much we miss her! :(

Sure hope she and Sue did not encounter the bad weather... I can't find a post that mentions this... probably did not look hard enough.

She is almost at my friend's spread outside of Tulsa, OK!

 :wave:  Hi everyone from Bentonville, Arkansas. You guys are too funny tracking Sue and I. It was a long trip on the bus, but so worth it to see my sis and family. I have limited internet access here so I won't be on too much. I'm glad all y'all had fun watching our progression. I'm glad the Beautyful one showed up on Mercury so we know she's ok. Bye. :gum:

MAK! Good to hear from you in faraway Arkansas! Here's to a wonderful time for all of you. We have had a laugh "tracking" you and Sue. There is no escape from the Forum!
 :wave:

Slainte for now -

Bobbie

You guys r so funny ! MAK wishing u a wonderful vacation. You do such a great job keeping track of Beauty & I thank you so much .  :2thumbsup:

We all thank you, MAK - we surely do!

MAK's activities:

Today we had a Tornado, hail the size of golf balls.
Awesome T-storms...Auntie Em, Auntie Em
Sue and sister slept through it all.
Lost power but back on now.
It has passed them, 3 dead 30 miles SW of them. :(
Bull on farm in LOVE with Sue and MAK has pics to prove it!!  :heart: :heart: :heart: :devil:
Sue likes running with the Bulls.  :o
MAK looking for Eagles.
Having a good time so far.
More later

So glad you posted this, Donna.  I heard about the tornado but wasn't sure where MAK and Sue were.  I was about to email you!

Here's the BBC report on those tornadoes... worrying! Mind yourselves, MAK and Sue!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-12100240

 :wave:  Hi all, no worries here the tornado was southwest of us. We had some awesome t-storms though. Having a great time here with my sis on the ranch. She has 3 dogs and my niece has 4 so we're getting a dog fix for sure. Lots of pics when I get home.  :gum:

Happy New Year, MAK and Sue!

Look what MAK found!! OINK!!!

She is the official Pig Whisperer!

GRUNT and SNORT!    :hysterical:
I think I'm going to enjoy one of the distant cousins at Brunch today  :2funny:

 :blindfold: We enjoyed one last night!  :(  It happens!

HAIL--LO...OMG, that is some big HAIL MAK. Could do some damage.

Love the piggies :heart: - I have over 2000 of them (not the real ones) - been collecting them since I was little  :gum:

A juniper roasted one and an amazing Game Loaf (wild boar, bambi and someone else) - lost my mind and had 3 slices!  Oh, and the wursts!

Bavarian Inn?  Too bad I was working, sigh...
Carol
WV

The current issue of Smithsonian has an article on wild pigs and the amount of damage they do to farmers crops, and that they are steadily spreading across the country and are impossible to eradicate once established.

It was sort of spur of the moment - made reservations on Friday.  2 hours out, 2 hours back but, oh so good!  A brunch well worth the drive!

Diana, I saw the whole horrific show with Brady Barr last week. Your right, they are multiplying like pigs. 1 sow can produce over 1000 pigs a year, that's including the babies who have babies. They are taking over and it's hard to control. They developed  a birth control and it works, just has to be approved by the FDA. Florida has them bad. They do wreak havoc!

Some pics from MAK.....LUCKY!!!

Bald eagle on Ranch
Blurry Bald Eagle
Bald Eagle flying away from me, yesterday.
Turkey Vultures on a water tower near Bella Vista,Arkansas. Stretching their wings.
1-4-11
TV's on water tower
1-4-11
Sue and her new man. This BIG BOY likes her.
Mama and baby.
Sue's BF.

MAK saw 8 RTH, 9 Hawks she could not ID, 15 TV's, 9 were in a kettle, 3 Kestrels, and 3 Bald eagles.

I love MAK's pictures, but I miss the onion soup!!
greetings Aafke

 :wave:  There's still some left Aafke. I made a double batch!  :gum:

MAK saw a Pileated Woodpecker today. She said no picture because it flew down in the holler. Marcia L says Arkansas is where the Ivory-billed Woodpecker was (supposedly) discovered in 2004. Hmmmm - what did MAK see?

MAK is on her way home...she is Bus bound. She should be back watching bright N early Tuesday!!  :2thumbsup: bguitar

Hope she doesn't get caught up in all that snow!

And so say all of us!

She's in Columbus Ohio right now!!

When we emailed over the weekend, MAK said she and Sue should be in not long after 12-noon your time today... how's it looking??

Bobbie

They were suppose to have a 5 hour layover in St. Louis but it didn't happen. They will be in Rochester by 6pm.

When we emailed over the weekend, MAK said she and Sue should be in not long after 12-noon your time today... how's it looking??

Bobbie
[/quote]

They were suppose to have a 5 hour layover in St. Louis but it didn't happen. They will be in Rochester by 6pm.
[/quote]

Sure do hope they get pee breaks... :paperbag:

Those buses have heads on-board.

What a relief!

Check out MAK's bus ride through Buffalo (http://rfalconcam.com/forum/index.php?topic=4285.0) today.

She's in Chicago!!! Little Mud jumper plane leaves at 5:30/4:30 Chicago time. So far so good!

 :clap:

Text from MAK The eagle has landed in Northwest Arkansas..WhooHoo 8:17pm

She made it! 3 weeks of family fun!!

 :eagle2: Yes it has landed. That would be the American Eagle plane! Right now it is 11:50pm We are an hour behind the east coast here in the central time zone. Chi-town was beautiful all lit up, I've only flown in or out of Chicago during the daylight hours. My bro-in-law Mike told me they've seen no eagles here on the ranch. The word is they haven't migrated here yet because of the mild winter so far. I'm hoping to spot one or more before the end of my stay. The Ivory-billed woodpecker was spotted in southeast Arkansas the opposite corner of the state from where I am, so I won't be seeing that guy if he exists. In the meantime I have 3 dogs and 2 cats to keep me company and I can look out the window and see the Angus cattle or my sisters' horse Ginger. This is the original paradise and a great place to retreat to!  :yes:

Happy you are safe and sound, MAK!

Yay that all is well, MAK!!!! Have so much fun!!!

 :wave:

Here's a link to view some of the sights I enjoyed on my first day in paradise. it features Crazy Nathan one of the cowboys on the ranch. My sisters' 2 boxers Roscoe(brindle) and Bo 8 months old,also her Siberian husky/chow mix Shadow. Beginning with her fish. I hope this link works for you.

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=mkurtz3&target=ALBUM&id=5687944532712436241&authkey=Gv1sRgCObU2dHjzNDM-QE&feat=email

Nice pics MAK!  Your link works fine.   :wave:

Nice pictures!!

Love the Fawn (but you knew that)!  Love the name Crazy Nathan!

I like the horse with it's tail up, looking at MAK and saying "Kiss my..."!! Well, it looks like that's what he's saying!!

That is my sisters' horse Ginger. My bro-in-law tried to get her out from amongst the cattle and bring her up to the barn so I could meet her but she was having none of it. :devil: She thinks she's a cow and she went right down into the holler with the cows as Crazy Nathan the cowboy had rustled them down in there. :rofl:

That's nothin'. My crazy dog Simon thinks he's a piece a lint.

HAHAHAHAHA! :hysterical:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2sXnfymrGQ# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2sXnfymrGQ#) She's having a blast!! Check out these mooing Angus heifers! They want her to let them out!!

MAK's sisters horse! She stuck her head in the car window and gave MAK a kiss!!  :heart: :wub: :devil:

To view pics of day 2 in paradise, be my guest and click on the link...
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.329782667051670.94700.100000598194281&type=1&l=17429e048d (https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.329782667051670.94700.100000598194281&type=1&l=17429e048d)

Great pics, MaK
Thanks
Rita - Syr

Moooo!

Every ranch should have a Crazy Nathan. Right out of Steinbeck.

 :wave: Hi all, I'm glad some of you are enjoying my pics. Unfortunately I'm only doing a few a day and posting them to facebook because the internet service here is really slow and frustrating. Day 3 in paradise was spent trying to find an eagle one of the ranch hands spotted a few days ago in a tree on the ranch. I didn't find it but I had fun trying. The bulls at the lower end of the ranch were following me back and forth as I drove along the dirt road. I think I may be a bull whisperer! lol  Anyway, here's the link for some of my pics from yesterday.  ;D
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.330753786954558.94897.100000598194281&type=1&l=b7bdada64d (https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.330753786954558.94897.100000598194281&type=1&l=b7bdada64d)

Thems would be Steers, not bulls!   :devil:

Whatever you want to call them, they sure do talk a lot and it cracks me up!  :gum:

Hey MAK, one of your turkey vultures looks a lot like a Black Vulture.  It might just be the angle of the bird in the photo, but one of the distinguishing features of Black Vultures is that they have very short tails (Turkey Vultures have much longer tails).  Here's a good photo of one the air:
http://www.hawkmountain.org/raptorpedia/hawks-at-hawk-mountain/hawk-species-at-hawk-mountain/black-vulture/page.aspx?id=642 (http://www.hawkmountain.org/raptorpedia/hawks-at-hawk-mountain/hawk-species-at-hawk-mountain/black-vulture/page.aspx?id=642)

You can also see that they have white on the ends of their wings, while Turkey Vultures have white on the trailing side of their wings...in addition to the short tail.  So you might see if you can see any of these distinguishing characteristics.  It's not unusual for a Black Vulture or two to hang out with a group of Turkey Vultures, so you could have both at the same time.

Thanks Patti I'll check it out next time I spot them.  ;D

Day 4 in paradise was hawk day. I found 1 on the ranch and 1 out on the main road. I also saw some African geese in a pond on the dirt road that leads out of here. I hope you like the pics I chose as yesterdays best!  :wave:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.331496720213598.95085.100000598194281&type=1&l=637ae46213 (https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.331496720213598.95085.100000598194281&type=1&l=637ae46213)

I can't believe I've been in paradise for 5 days already! Today was Coyote day here on the ranch. I saw the first one in a pasture near ranch headquarters and a second one in the back part of the property. Took a ride into Rogers and found out that the ranch is actually in the town of Pearidge but the mailing address is Bentonville. Redneck country pure and simple!  :rolleyes: Any way, if you want to check out my pics of the day just click on the link below.  ;D
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.331838776846059.95161.100000598194281&type=1&l=ad31d455eb (https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.331838776846059.95161.100000598194281&type=1&l=ad31d455eb)

Nice pics Doodle, Coyotes make me nervous so close to the animals.

Thanks D! It was my first time seeing a coyote and I got to see 2 of them! ;D

Hate those Coyotes!  See them as road-kill on the Suitland every so often - don't be surprised if you hear the unmistakable sound of double-barrels sounding off, MAK.  Be careful.

I HAVE heard some gunfire Janet! My sis just told me that the cowboys carry guns and shoot coyotes whenever they see them. They don't bother the adults but they do go after the calves sometimes.  :wave:

No doubt using some sort of ACME product.

  :rofl: :2funny: :rofl:

 :wave:  On day 6 in paradise I saw 2 coyotes in a field,a hawk on a telephone pole and a good time with Mike(my bro-in-law) and his daughter and family from Kendal,NY on his birthday! :)
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.332398393456764.95298.100000598194281&type=1&l=7a97d9799c (https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.332398393456764.95298.100000598194281&type=1&l=7a97d9799c)

A Merry Christmas day in paradise! Featuring 3 hawks on this gorgeous sunny December day in Arkansas. Check out the link below for my pics of the day!
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.333044163392187.95476.100000598194281&type=1&l=fd401b1c94 (https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.333044163392187.95476.100000598194281&type=1&l=fd401b1c94)

Lola it was my sister Mary Ellen sitting in the chair with the dogs.  :natale3: No knit hat and scarf needed here at the moment. It was 61 degrees today for a high but the nights do get pretty cold. I'm glad you liked my pics!  :wave:

 :wave:  Day 8 in paradise wasn't too exciting. 40 degrees with spotty showers all day. My sis drove me around and into Missouri looking for an eagle this morning...still no luck on that front but I did spot a couple raptors on our journey. I do enjoy riding around the ranch daily but I'd rather be searching for falcons in Rochester everyday like I used to. Ah, the winds of change they are a comin'! Enjoy !!! :)
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.333677699995500.95656.100000598194281&type=1&l=f7b727b70e (https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.333677699995500.95656.100000598194281&type=1&l=f7b727b70e)

Hi folks! Day 9 in paradise was very exciting for me because I had my first eagle sighting. Unfortunately I got no take off shot or video of it flying because as usual I look away for a second and...gone. Instead of taking off and flying in my direction it flew in the opposite direction through the trees and vanished. I had the pleasure and privilege of sharing space with this magnificent raptor for nearly 2 and1/2 hours! I hope you enjoy my pics of the day! :)
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.334793586550578.95902.100000598194281&type=1&l=874ea2b558 (https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.334793586550578.95902.100000598194281&type=1&l=874ea2b558)

Great album, MAK!  Those Squirrel with Eagle shots were great!

 :wave: Thanks Kris! I couldn't believe that squirrel did that,first on the lower branch and then he went right at the eagle stopping about 4 ft. short! Hello!  :gum:

:ditto:

Your pix get better and better, MAK!  :2thumbsup:

Thanks Bobbie! My pics are only as good as the subject I'm photographing. You can't go wrong with what I'm seeing here in northwest Arkansas. It's gonna be really hard to leave.  :wave:

Day 10 in paradise was spent more in Missouri. Springfield to be exact as we took a 2 hour one way trip there to visit the Bass Pro Shop. It's quite the place for the sportsman/woman. I took pics of a lot of stuffed animals but they did have some live ones including a crocodile,snakes,turtles and fish. I spotted 41 hawks going to and from there in the trees mostly but some were on telephone poles and wires and a handful in flight. Enjoy your visit through the gigantic sporting goods store by clicking on the link below! :)

http://classic.kodakgallery.com/ShareLanding.action?c=8kv5yqu9.25hjv08l&x=0&y=-36dxww (http://classic.kodakgallery.com/ShareLanding.action?c=8kv5yqu9.25hjv08l&x=0&y=-36dxww) try this

Fix that link!  :devil:

http://classic.kodakgallery.com/ShareLanding.action?c=8kv5yqu9.25hjv08l&x=0&y=-36dxww (http://classic.kodakgallery.com/ShareLanding.action?c=8kv5yqu9.25hjv08l&x=0&y=-36dxww) try this

Fixed!  :paperbag:

You're welcome Lola! And now for day 11 in paradise. More beautiful sunshine with temps in the 50's to near 60 and more beautiful nature! There's always something to see or find! Below is the link for this mornings pics around the ranch Enjoy! :)

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=335661049797165&set=a.335660036463933.96140.100000598194281&type=1&ref=nf (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=335661049797165&set=a.335660036463933.96140.100000598194281&type=1&ref=nf)

I'm a just lovin this pic MAK!!!!!

Hey MAK.  Looks like you're having a blast.  Enjoying your daily pics from Paradise.  Keep them coming!

MAK's facebook link isn't working for me, but that photo is quite bizarre; looks like half turkey vulture and half black vulture!

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=335661049797165&set=a.335660036463933.96140.100000598194281&type=1&theater (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=335661049797165&set=a.335660036463933.96140.100000598194281&type=1&theater)  Patti, try this link.

No...same problem, but thanks for trying.  I get this message:

This content is currently unavailable
The page you requested cannot be displayed right now. It may be temporarily unavailable, the link you clicked on may have expired, or you may not have permission to view this page.

Bulls in the woods 'cept this guy wanted to hang out with me
Ginger
TV stretching
Some kind of Hawk

For those who can't see MAK's pics, here's a sample.  ;)

Hey Patti I got a pic of a Black Vulture so you were absolutely right about that. Sorry the link doesn't work for you. Maybe the link below will work for you as it's the sunset from this evening across the ranch. :)

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.335873839775886.96207.100000598194281&type=1&l=c2be7a05ec (https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.335873839775886.96207.100000598194281&type=1&l=c2be7a05ec)

Thanks Donna, for posting some samples, and MAK, I could get to your sunset photos just fine, and haven't had a problem with any of your other links before today.  I noticed that the ones that work have "media" in the URL, while the one that doesn't work uses a slightly different URL.  I don't know what the difference is...

I see that Donna posted one of your Black Vultures, but that first one she sent that is a half & half vulture is pretty cool.

I didn't even notice that half and half feature on the one vulture. Sorry, the link problem is no doubt on my end. I'm having fits with the internet service here.  :rolleyes:

Here's the link to a video of a vulture soaring above me today on the ranch. Took awhile to upload with this internet service but I managed to git 'er done!  :gum:

http://youtu.be/kdidXZ1YOlo (http://youtu.be/kdidXZ1YOlo)

Post the "fire" sunsets pictures!  Awesome!   :thumbsup:

 :wave: Thanks Lola and Janet! Day 12 in paradise features bluebirds. In the back end of the ranch where a herd of the bulls are kept I came upon a bunch of bluebirds. They weren't very close so the pics aren't the clearest . I was just happy they stayed still long enough for pics cuz they move frequently. I happened to spot the Egyptian geese after a 4 day hiatus from seeing them. In an evergreen tree I spotted a gorgeous male cardinal and as I got closer could see the rest of them in there. And just before the sun set I came upon a big flock of mostly Brown-headed cowbirds and starlings in one of the cow pastures. Follow the link below to see my pics of the day.  :)

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.336511756378761.96384.100000598194281&type=1&l=2480afdf0b (https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.336511756378761.96384.100000598194281&type=1&l=2480afdf0b)

 :newyearbd: Happy New Year from Pearidge,Arkansas! Day 13 features an album of a safari type park in Gentry,AR that my sis, niece and I went to this afternoon. We drove through some beautiful land with some exceptional animals along the way. Enjoy and smile while you're at it! :)

http://www.kodakgallery.com/gallery/sharing/shareRedirectSwitchBoard.jsp?token=431477924213%3A2112196051 (http://www.kodakgallery.com/gallery/sharing/shareRedirectSwitchBoard.jsp?token=431477924213%3A2112196051)

I have been loving following your visit!  Thanks!

 Are you kidding...I'm loving my visit!!!! And you know I like sharing my fun with everyone!!!!!!  ;D

Time for installment 14 of my visit in paradise. I have 1 week left here and then back to reality. I spotted 3 hawks and a kestrel today! A slow day after a late night for me! Enjoy my pics of the day and I hope they make you smile! :)

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.337746069588663.96784.100000598194281&type=1&l=de6a39402d (https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.337746069588663.96784.100000598194281&type=1&l=de6a39402d)

 :wave: Pure pleasure for me to take everyone along Lola!  ;)

It's a pleasure to be right there with you, MAK!!!

 :wave:

 :wave: Hey Bobbie it's nice to have you along!    Day 15 in paradise gave me views of 3 hawks and I found the longhorn steer and bison in a closer spot than the other day. I also watched a heifer buck and run at some geese that she apparently didn't want to share space with. Enjoy and hopefully you're smiling! :)

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.338531989510071.96963.100000598194281&type=1&l=908cc672b5 (https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.338531989510071.96963.100000598194281&type=1&l=908cc672b5)

 :wave:  Hi everyone from paradise! On day 16 I saw the Bald Eagle again. It was a long way off but I took a couple pics anyway. Good thing cuz when I got to a closer location to view him he left just as I got out of the jeep and disappeared into the landscape and trees. Among the days sightings was a kestrel hunting from a pole,an old Ford pickup truck,a house with a metal red roof(my favorite color) and more. Check out my Kodak gallery album. No sign in required, just click on the link below and away you go! Keep smiling!  :happy:

http://classic.kodakgallery.com/ShareLanding.action?c=8kv5yqu9.322971d1&x=0&y=hbgza8 (http://classic.kodakgallery.com/ShareLanding.action?c=8kv5yqu9.322971d1&x=0&y=hbgza8)

Hey MAK, I think you posted the wrong link to your KGallery album.

I think you're right Carol. I'm having problems, hopefully I can get a link that works. :stupid:

OK I think it works now.

http://classic.kodakgallery.com/ShareLanding.action?c=8kv5yqu9.322971d1&x=0&y=hbgza8 (http://classic.kodakgallery.com/ShareLanding.action?c=8kv5yqu9.322971d1&x=0&y=hbgza8)

http://classic.kodakgallery.com/ShareLanding.action?c=8kv5yqu9.322971d1&x=0&y=hbgza8 (http://classic.kodakgallery.com/ShareLanding.action?c=8kv5yqu9.322971d1&x=0&y=hbgza8)  OK, try this. That link goes to Lou's album.  :stupid:

Thanks for your help Donna!  :handshake:

Nice photos -- the kestral was my favorite.

Thanks I liked the kestrel best too!  :yes:

Yay!  Got into your album MAK.  Love all the pictures.  That Fox Squirrel was interesting.  Never saw one before.   :clap:

Carol there's more pics of those squirrels in todays album.  Day 17 started out with the cows coming up behind the house. I was filling the bird feeders with my buddies Bo and Roscoe at my heels when Bo decided to play with a cow. Today I had no luck with raptors. I saw 4 hawks and they all eluded my camera. But no worries there's always something around here to see. Hopefully todays link will work and if it doesn't let me know and keep smiling anyway!  ;D

http://www.kodakgallery.com/gallery/sharing/shareRedirectSwitchBoard.jsp?token=806969534213%3A1198813496 (http://www.kodakgallery.com/gallery/sharing/shareRedirectSwitchBoard.jsp?token=806969534213%3A1198813496)

Love the E Geese!! Very cool album today!  :clap:

Thanks D glad you liked it! Lots of E geese pics for ya!  :wave:

Question.  My farm experience was with Dairy Cows back in the days before artificial insemination (you needed a real bull to get the job done).  The cows marked as bred, but not preggers, do they get another shot or do they go to the plate?

They get another shot. They just mark them so they can keep track. Mike tells me that the ones they inseminate artificially are also mated with bulls to ensure that they get prego. MOOOOOO!!!!!!  lol I also was told that they glue patches on their back side with sensors that tell the serial number of the heiffer when it gets mounted. This tells them who is in heat because the heiffers and bulls are kept separated and hormones drive the females to mount each other. I'm learning a lot here tho it's not really stuff I will ever use in my life unless I move to a cattle ranch! :gum:

.

Thanks - you never know when you might use that info.  I had a great time when working with a couple of 7th Avenue buyers (born and raised in NYC) that thought the milk originated in the cardboard box!  I had such a good time  ...  :devil:

Wait until they find out where eggs come from.

 :hahaha:

:ditto:   :hysterical:   :rofl:

Um, wouldn't that tend to defeat the purpose of spending several thousand dollars, in some cases, for a champion bull's frozen semen, then also using the resident Ferdinand for the same pregnancy? 
(Genetics-minded Cat Breeder wants to know...)  :confused:
Carol
WV

 Carol the best explanation I can give is that they put what they call a clean up bull with top quality genes in with inseminated heifers some of which it didn't take to make sure that they get pregnant. The bull knows which ones to mate with because if they are pregnant they don't go into heat. The bottom line is that they want a certain amount of calves in the same time frame for when they have a big sale. And they buy semen to insure no interbreeding but they sell way more than they buy. Does all that make sense!? PHEW!

And now onto day 18 in paradise...raptors return to my camera chip. Smile and enjoy!

http://www.kodakgallery.com/gallery/sharing/shareRedirectSwitchBoard.jsp?token=931501734213%3A947464719 (http://www.kodakgallery.com/gallery/sharing/shareRedirectSwitchBoard.jsp?token=931501734213%3A947464719)

OK, THAT makes sense, as a matter of timing.  If the (probably) expensive import didn't take, and they can check hormone levels for that, the resident bull can make up the difference.  Good thinking  :thumbsup:
Carol

The expense isn't that great when you consider the cost of housing enough different bulls to prevent in-breeding.  Even dairy farmers use the vet to get the job done.  The bull back-up technique is also used with couples trying to get preggers.  Go to the doc with the sample, do the "injection", and then go home and do things the "old-fashioned" way to seal the deal.  Whew!  Didn't know I could be that delicate!   ;)

You guys make me giggle!  I am a dairy farmer's daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, and niece, so I have a little experience here.  Breeding cattle is not as complicated as it may seem.  Inbreeding (interbreeding) is less of a concern than you might think.  By the way, cattle are inseminated by artificial inseminators, not vets.
 :thumbsup:

Lizz

I once knew a guy who was an inseminator.  He was a florist by trade but wanted to move upstate (NY) and needed to train for something for work up there.  He went to work for a big dairy cow insemination conglomerate...semen from all over the country.  I guess he made some decent money...

 :hello: On day 19 in paradise I was treated to some fantastic flying by a pair of Red-tailed hawks and I shared some real close space with 6 Turkey vultures. Tomorrow is my last day here on Jac's Ranch and I am really hoping the bald eagle returns to say good bye!  :eagle2:  Keep smiling y'all!

http://www.kodakgallery.com/gallery/sharing/shareRedirectSwitchBoard.jsp?token=805451834213%3A456027333 (http://www.kodakgallery.com/gallery/sharing/shareRedirectSwitchBoard.jsp?token=805451834213%3A456027333)

...and as I hit post I thought...what an interesting bunch of people we are!

We certainly are Ei!

My last installment on day 20 in paradise brings a variety of things. My sis asked me if there was anything special I'd like to do and I said let's go for a ride and find some raptors! So my niece Lorri, sis Mary Ellen and I packed up some dogs and headed out for Beaver Lake in search of eagles. No such luck on this day but we had a good time and saw a few things along the way. Come along with us and enjoy our adventure cuz I know you want to. Smiling in PeaRidge,AR!  :)

http://www.kodakgallery.com/gallery/sharing/shareRedirectSwitchBoard.jsp?token=626473934213%3A1904431817 (http://www.kodakgallery.com/gallery/sharing/shareRedirectSwitchBoard.jsp?token=626473934213%3A1904431817)

She's on her way!! (http://i941.photobucket.com/albums/ad258/leilad2000/Animation/plane_23.gif)

We'll all be glad to have her back home again, but that MAK sure is gonna miss Paradise!!!

She sure will, was hard for her to leave. She'll go back again.

She's BACK!!! Plane just landed!!!

Check out these 3 videos from my trip to paradise and get a feel for what my time spent there was like everyday! :)

http://youtu.be/kyKU0ZsuKhA (http://youtu.be/kyKU0ZsuKhA)

http://youtu.be/HKboAQ3cmMU (http://youtu.be/HKboAQ3cmMU)

http://youtu.be/6F_FIYXu6XY (http://youtu.be/6F_FIYXu6XY)

Nice camera work tracking that TV!

Thanks,

Paul

Thanks Paul! They look like they are just floating one minute and suddenly they move so fast they are out of sight with the blink of an eye!  ;D

Poor MAK this is the 2nd stop to switch over where they over booked and she couldn't get on the bus. 1st was in Columbus Ohio where she waited hours for the bus, finally she left last night at 11:20. Now she is stuck in Indy, near the Falcons, waiting for another bus, which won't show up until noonish. She was suppose to be in Arkansas by 12 noon today, now, if all goes well, she won't get in until 1:30am tomorrow. She's out looking for Kathy Q and her new almost beau! Too dark at the moment as the sun does not rise until 8:16 in Indy.

Yay, they gave her a free food voucher at the bus terminal for her troubles!!!  :devil:  She's not too happy but nothing she can do. Good luck MAK!

Hello from Indianapolis home of the football Colts. There were people running in the Monument Marathon as I stepped out from the bus/train station. While waiting for my bus I took a look outside and while I was taking pics of the sights I stumbled upon a FALCON! I only got 2 pics of it before it flew to the other side of the Greyhound bus/ Amtrak train station out of my view. I walked around the entire station but wasn't able to find it again. Came in to warm up as I am not dressed for the cold morning and download my pics to share with my fellow falcon peeps!  :wave:

 :pfalcon: :foxbinocs:


http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWrMmg (http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWrMmg)

Nice pics MAK, falcon watching out of town, it's so you!  :clap:

Awww, MAK.  I feel so bad that you're having such a bad time getting to your sister's.  Leave it to you though to find a Falcon in your travels!   Great catch!  :cheerleader:

No problem Kris-seeing that falcon made me forget all about my difficulties!  It's all good!!!  ;D

You take care of yourself MAK.  Thank you for sharing the photos with us, I"m so glad you got to see one of the Indy falcons..sometimes thing happen for a reason and seeing a falcon is probably the best one I can think of  :handshake:

I was going to say the same thing carly said - that some times things happen for a reason. And they did for MAK!. If your bus had not been delayed/overbooked, you wouldn't have seen the Indy falcon!   It is perfect.   But I do hope you arrive at your sister's soon!    Happy trails to you!

So glad you got to see a falcon in Indy MAK.   :falcon:

MAK is in St Louis, she can see the Arc!! Next bus leaves at 6:10pm, it's 5pm there now. Hopefully she will get on the next bus. The bus always seems to be full when they pull in. Double, triple booked!! They sent 2 buses this time! Hope she gets on! You'll get there yet MAK!!

Has to be so frustrating!   :confused:

Poor MAK ... she's going to need that vacation even more when she finally arrives.  :(

Um, you posted this at about 7 PM Eastern Time. St. Louis is on Central Time, one hour behind. That means it was 6 PM in St. Louis, not 5 PM. MAK's bus was leaving in only a few minutes. I hope she caught it.

Glad you found a falcon, MAK!

Paul

No, I had it written out in time, I just forgot to hit post because my phone rang. It was all the times I said, I just forgot!  :silly: I do that from time to time, get distracted!

You are allowed to get distracted, Donna.  We all do.  And you do so much to keep us  in the know!   So keep us posted on how you and MAK are doing!   

Thanks Margaret!  :wave:  MAK's bus of course, left an hour later than it was suppose to, (what else is new)? They waited for a person who never showed up. This bus has no outlets or WiFi so she will try and get some zzzzz's. Not sure now what time she will arrive at her next destination! She said NEVER AGAIN on a bus! Can't blame her.  :(

This is a worse nightmare than our Puerto Vallarta trip! Hope she does get some sleep-this is exhausting just reading about it! BTW-doesn't she have a bus ticket for her return trip too?

Yes she does!  :o

 :cheerleader:  :fallgirl:  YAY, MAK finally made it to Arkansas, it only took 42 hours, 5 bus transfers and not 1 BUS left their station on time!! Time of arrival, 1:42AM. Let the fun begin! Enjoy MAK!!

Great news Donna!  Thank you for keeping us posted on MAK's migration  :lol:

Which 1:42? The one before the clocks were set back at 2, or the one after?

I don't know for sure-all I know is the text message beeping woke me up around 3:10 DST-phone said the text was at 1:39-so I'm thinking it was the one after. 2:39 DST, 1:39 EST

Who knows but she made it!  :clap:

My text (x3) came in at 1:36 AM EST.

Congratulations MAK.  Glad you made it.
Hope you enjoy yourself !!
                      :yippee:
                 Hugs, Lola

Hi all! I made it if you can believe it ON TIME in Arkansas! Long time getting here but it's all good. When I got out the jeep upon arrival at the ranch house the coyotes were howling up a storm! Hopefully the return trip home will go better but I have a month before I have to deal with a bus of any kind again! lol The sun is shining and the temperature is around 70 fahrenheit. My sisters horse came to give me a kiss as we were driving out the driveway this morning to visit my niece. One of the heifers also came over to the jeep to say hi. Right now there are 8 dogs here-we're missing Shadow who is my sisters guard dog-she stayed home to do her job. lol It's ALL about animals ALL the time here just the way I like it!!! Will spend today while everyone is home from work to visit with the family. Tomorrow Bo,Roscoe(my sisters 2 boxer boys) and the newest (a small female boxer named Desi) rescued from the highway will start taking our daily ride around the ranch looking for critters and raptors. Catch ya later!  :wave:

MAK,
Sounds like you are going to have quite a time.
I envy you.  Best to you and your sister and family.
                           :sunshine: :yippee: :sunshine:
                               Hugs, Lola

Thank you Lola! Yes I expect to get quite my fill of nature while I'm here for the next month.  :wave:

Yep, after the time change!

Day 1 in paradise was spent with family and DAWGS! lol My sister Mary Ellen has 3-2 boxer boys named Roscoe and Bo and a husky chow mix named Shadow that guards the house. She has inherited another boxer from my niece who rescued it from a very busy highway. It is a small female that has been named Desiree. She was very skinny when they got her out of harms way a week ago. My niece Lorri has 5 dogs-a miniature long-haired Dachshund named Sierra Rose, a short-haired Dachshund named Jody, 2 mixed breed boys named Tucker and Dakota and a small female boxer named Jada. My sister has 3 outdoor cats that do come in the house too named Whiskers,Peanut and Patches. My niece has 2 cats named Sky and I can't recall the name of the other one and 2 rabbits-not sure of names. Ginger my sisters horse came up to the jeep and gave my sis a kiss and I spotted a hawk in a tree by the driveway. It flew off before I could get a good look at it. And I found a nest and 2 Orange Wasps in one of my sisters birdfeeders when I went to fill them. Never seen them before as Donna and I googled them in order to ID. I have pics at the link below! :)

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWrMuA (http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWrMuA)

Wow, so far, so good! Love the pics!   :clap:

Love the horse kiss!

 :ditto:

Great pictures MAK.  Great country too!
Love all the animals.  Thank you.
                :chick3: :chick3: :chick3:
                      Lola

Day 2 in Paradise features some vulture antics. These guys perched on posts,chased each other,landed on the ground and their specialty-soared! I took Desaray(the rescued female boxer) as my niece spells her name for my first ranch ride. We are trying to familiarize her with her new home so Bo and Roscoe missed out today. We checked out the bulls at the back part of the ranch and I introduce you to Shadow the guard dog and Patches the newest stray cat to make a home with my sis. Got to love the fall colors as well! :)

1 photo album and 4 videos below

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWrM3g (http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWrM3g)


http://youtu.be/TP_jEjvJVWE (http://youtu.be/TP_jEjvJVWE)
 http://youtu.be/2RciNjyK6Ww (http://youtu.be/2RciNjyK6Ww)
 http://youtu.be/9HJKL5VkCdI (http://youtu.be/9HJKL5VkCdI)
 http://youtu.be/Wsj9JLCe0Ao (http://youtu.be/Wsj9JLCe0Ao)

Very cool pics and videos! You know my favorite!  ;)

Love your pics and video's,that's for sure paradise !

 :coolphotos:  Agreed with the vultures!  We have 3 of them that hang out on the cross on the church down the road.  They crack me up!  God's creatures, too!

Day 3 in paradise finally brought birds to the backyard feeders. a Chickadee was first and later some Tufted Titmouse came by. My ranch ride bagged me my first Red-Tailed Hawk in the backside of the ranch where the bulls are kept. Foliage is still hanging in there for a beautiful background in my pics. Bulls and heifers,killdeer and vultures all entertained me today. And Peanut one of the outdoor cats showed up so I can introduce you to her! Still waiting on Whiskers to grace me with his presence. :)

1 album and 4 videos today

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWrM_A (http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWrM_A)

 http://youtu.be/4FydLEEfZeo (http://youtu.be/4FydLEEfZeo)
http://youtu.be/vv-UI7jim2I (http://youtu.be/vv-UI7jim2I)
http://youtu.be/OmfVbgZUY1E (http://youtu.be/OmfVbgZUY1E)
 http://youtu.be/I6yPX2AlJ7c (http://youtu.be/I6yPX2AlJ7c)

Loved the pictures of all the critters. 
They all seem to have personality.
Thanks for sharing.
               :thanx:
                     Lola

Oh your pics are so cool MAK! Love the TV's, the baby Angus and well....all the rest! My kind of place! Thanks

So great to see your reports, MAK. Keep 'em comin'!

Welcome back Bobbie, how was your flight?

All went well... tho family in NJ had no power for over a week. And the queues for petrol/gas were real eye-openers!

It was a mad race to get in line! Last time I saw lines like that was in the 70's when we had gas rationing! My brother still has no power, day 9 and another storm coming.

Had hoped I would have a chance to call you but no phones either. And their mobiles were gold dust for keeping in touch, thus no "friendly chats".

Day 4 in Paradise brought me 3 hawks to watch as they rode the therms. Whiskers, the last of the outdoor cats was asleep on top of the hot tub this morning so all 3 are now accounted for as I worry with the coyotes here on the ranch. The Chickadees and Titmouse were plentiful at the feeders. And the highlight of my day was finding a Pileated Woodpecker in the deep woods. It's a life list bird for me and I was delighted to see it. It was on the move and so I only managed 1 blurry pic before I lost it. While looking for it I spotted 2 deer. :)

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWrNAg (http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWrNAg)

Wow, them thar pics are incredible. Hmmm, I may have to go with you next year!!  ;) It's real purdy!
Love the TT and the DeeDee and nice Junco!!

Day 5 in Paradise featured Red-tailed Hawks(my favorite) and interesting signs. In my search for the Golden Eagle I believe I saw yesterday I came across Guinea hens,roosters,sparrows,a Red-headed Woodpecker which gave me fits trying to capture on my camera and more. I took a walk out in the pasture in front of the house amongst the heifers and dodged all the meadow muffins scattered about like land mines and made my way down in the holler behind the house. The weather here today was the same as every other day since I've been here-wall to wall sunshine with warm temps in the 60's and 70's. Yeah, I'm smiling!  ;D

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWrNIA (http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWrNIA)

Loved your pictures as usual.  Every bird was
quite handsome.  Loved the rooster!  Thanks.
                      :hatch1: :hatch1: :hatch1:
                             Lola

I must have missed these. 
Loved the pictures.  I felt as though
I was there.  Thanks again.
          :heartspin: :music: :heartspin:
                    Lola

   :hysterical:

(http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r32/djweeds/11-8Coop.jpg) This pic is AWESOME!!!

(http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r32/djweeds/11-8Whatisit.jpg) What is this anyone know?

Nice photos, MAK, but I think your Cooper's Hawk is actually a Red-Shouldered Hawk.  I dunno what your dark one is, though.

Hey, Patti - totally OT - sure wish I had known you would be in NYC while I was nearby! I was in NJ but with no means of communication. My niece, nephew and I decided to do crafts instead - we made pot-holders. A nice bonding day, full of laughs and hugs. Without a single electronic device to interrupt us.

Ya know what Patti-I was questioning myself when I decided Coopers Hawk. I thought it might be a Red-shouldered but I'm not so hot at IDing hawks especially since I have no field book with me here in Arkansas. I knew someone would correct me. :-[

Day 6 in Paradise brought a dozen or more vultures kettling and just flying and soaring over a field next to the ranch. I came across a few trees full of robins back near the bull pastures. The African Geese that live on a pond up near the highway showed themselves today. I'm still looking for the Egyptian Geese that my brother-in-law Mike said are nesting in one of the hay barns. I stopped to take pics of some goats and just like the bulls they came over to see me. I'm lovin' all the critters here in Pearidge Arkansas! Wish y'all could be here with me!!!  :wave:

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWrNRg (http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWrNRg)

MAK, I look forward to your pictures every day.
I wish I was there too.  Thanks so much for sharing!
                       :sunshine: :cheerleader: :sunshine:
                                    Lola

I think we should all go with MAK next year!  :secret2: This place is so cool!! Always something to see. I'm happy with just the Bulls. Nice, very nice place and pics MAK!! What will tomorrow bring?  :foxbinocs: :thankyou:

On day 7 in Paradise I took only Deziree the rescued female boxer for a quick morning ride. A busy day was planned including shopping and a birthday/bbq party with a bonfire. I had me some good grub and maybe the best smoked rack of ribs ever to cross my lips! lol I met a 2 day old bull calf that was born on a neighboring ranch and found many more neighboring cattle. I messed around taking pics of my sis Mary Ellen in the side mirror from the back seat of the jeep and my brother-in-law Mike in the rear view mirror. A very nice day indeed! :)

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWrNZA (http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWrNZA)

Day 8 in Paradise has been pretty laid back as it has been raining since just before I finished up with my daily drive around. Again it was just Deziree and myself enjoying the sights of the ranch and surrounding area. We came upon some curious horses(one of them half mule) on the dirt road out of the ranch. A duck was hanging out with the African Geese at the pond up the same dirt road. And some heiffers were grazing behind the backyard. I felt bad for that now 3 day old calf standing in the pouring rain as I drove past it. My sis told me he will get under his mama for protection. Moms are the best aren't they?  Thank you to all that have served our country on this Veterans Day! :)

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWrNig (http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWrNig)

Nice Barfer MAK, thanks!! Nice set of pics today, even if it was raining. Commentary was quite funny too!  :paperbag:

Thank you for the great pictures MAK.  Really liked them.
Also loved the beautiful trees that are changing color!
The horses and cows are great, liked the birds too.
                           :sunshine: :coolphotos: :sunshine:
                                       Lola

Day 9 in Paradise brought a frosty start to the day as temps dipped down in the upper 20's. No worries cuz it warms up fast around here! I took some different dirt roads today and was rewarded with my first Cardinal pics. All the birds here are very leary of Jeeps that stop and look at them lol and so they don't stay in one spot very long. Lots of critters around these parts to photograph and enjoy. And they have some very unique road names. And last but not least I found the Egyptian Geese up by the ranch headquarters behind one of the hay barns in the watering hole. :)

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWrNqA (http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWrNqA)

Wow, you found the E-goose! Only took 9 days but what a reward! Thanks, great pics, as always!

Thanks for your comments ladies, I'm glad some of you are enjoying my adventure with me!  :wave:

Very much!!! (Bobbie minus email...)

Bobbie that email business is weird. Maybe you should get a new address. Ok gotta go cuz the internet allotment is low. I'll be going to McDonalds in town again this afternoon to use their free wifi so I can take my time to upload my pics of the day to share with y'all!  ;D

Day 10 in Paradise bagged me my first falcon in Arkansas. I saw 2 Kestrels-the smallest of the falcon family. One was hunting off a wire near a housing track. It had light coloring and I barely got a take off shot as it was very quick to stoop. My second started on a wire and moved to a tree before leaving the area but he stayed a while with me. Kestrels don't normally hang out in one spot too long especially when someone is watching them. I also came across the Egyptian Geese again. When they saw me stop to have a look they both waddled their way into the pond. I guess they think MAK can't swim and feel safer in the water! lol :)



http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWrNzg (http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWrNzg)

 http://youtu.be/kwFg0AYvkOE (http://youtu.be/kwFg0AYvkOE)

Love the little Kestral-so cute and love the Egyptian Geese too! We knew you'd find a falcon sooner or later!  :thumbsup:

On day 11 in Paradise I would find the Egyptian Geese on top of the hay stacks in the barn by the pond where they were swimming yesterday. I came upon 3 doe and 1 small buck just hanging out in the road ahead of me. I took some pics and then blew the horn to scare them out of the road and up into the woods. The young bull calf up the road was out in view and started to feed off mom. And I filmed 10 videos today-mostly riding around the ranch so you get a feel for what I get to do everyday. They take an extremely long time to upload to youtube and since I have to sit in McDonalds while they do so I will be doing only 2 per day. I hope you enjoy the ride! :)

A photo album and 2 video links below

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWrN7A (http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWrN7A)

http://youtu.be/AbFCbyBg2jA (http://youtu.be/AbFCbyBg2jA)
http://youtu.be/35Pa3VE7o94 (http://youtu.be/35Pa3VE7o94)

Now THAT'S the kind of videos I was talking about! See, that was cool! Good job. Love the E-goose!  :thumbsup:

That was pretty good video shooting while driving, MAK! Those geese are so exotic looking-very pretty! Beautiful pics and love the videos!

Thanks ladies, there's more driving videos to come. They just take so long to upload. I sat in McDonalds for 3 hours waiting for those 2 videos. Sheesh! Oh well, I will persevere!  ;D

Day 12 in Paradise is chase day as I chased a Red-headed Woodpecker in the woods for some pics of this beauty. I then spent half hour chasing a hawk around the country side and was rewarded when it came to rest on a utility pole somewhat close to me. The Egyptian Geese gave me an opportunity to share space with them again. Some surprises are also in todays photo album including pics of my sis and bro-in-law! Just one video today as they take so long to upload. :)

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWrOEA (http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWrOEA)

http://youtu.be/alrED9y-AgE (http://youtu.be/alrED9y-AgE)

Hey MAK, I think the birds in your album you needed to ID may be meadowlarks.  Check out a field guide if you've got one, especially the non-breeding plumage, and see if you agree.  As always, thanks for sharing your adventures.

I'm with you, Patti - Meadowlarks they are, MAK. Neat birds.

Thanks Patty and Bobbie! I have no field guide with me so your help in identifying is much appreciated.  :wave:

Ding ding, put your seatbelt on!  :harhar:

De nada.

 :laugh:  I don't wear it on the dirt roads cuz I have to be able to get out of the jeep fast for photo ops! Leave it to you to bring the dinging to everyones' attention!!!  :harhar:

Day 13 in Paradise features Turkey Vultures! After getting more close up pics of the Red-shouldered Hawk I came across a bunch of vultures perched in a couple trees just around the bend from the hawk. And the RSH flew in and joined them in the tree! I'll tell ya what-there is just no shortage of neat nature stuff around here to enjoy! And as requested by my Canadian friend Patty Gale I included a pic of me kissing Ginger my sisters' horse. One surprise for me was in the pond up by the main road where the African Geese reside where I spotted a Great Blue Heron! I especially like the pics of this pond this morning as the reflections are crystal clear! :)

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWrOMg (http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWrOMg)

MVI 2254 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWxRHDCAhjU#ws)

That Red Shouldered Hawk is a gorgeous bird MAK.  I've never seen one before.

Beautiful pics! I also have never seen a Red-shouldered Hawk-beautiful bird!  Love the juvie TV's-have never seen those before either!  :thankyou: for sharing your nature adventures with us, MAK!

Me either but then, it's me! Great pics!!!  :2thumbsup:

Love the pics of the TVs in the trees, and the nuthatch, and the little hawks, and the BLUEBIRDS!   
You are having a great time! 

 :wave: There are more pics of this same Red-shouldered Hawk in the Day 5 album. It likes to hunt off the same wire. 50% of the time when I go thru it's there and it lets me park practically right below it! Gorgeous hawk for sure. It's easy to have beautiful pics when you have such beautiful subjects!  :yes:  And I am sooo having a great time!  ;D

Day 14 in Paradise marks my half way point here with my sis. It's the weekend and family time so no trip to McDonalds to upload a video. Just pics as I did take a quick ride around this morning. Critters of all kinds are at a premium in this gorgeous part of the country. So I will let every picture tell it's story! Enjoy!! :)

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWrOVA (http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWrOVA)

Impressive male and female Red-headed WP MAK! The male is brilliant in color. Good day again, thanks!

Yes D that male was just as gorgeous as he could be! There's so much here to share with y'all! A birders paradise for sure!!!  :wave:

Day 15 in Paradise brought a disaster of sorts. My sis and I went to visit my niece and in their excitement to greet me her dogs knocked my camera out of my hand and it hit the patio blocks hard. Unfortunately it is inoperable and needs to go to Canon to see if it can be fixed.  :(  I did take 2 pics this morning of Ginger. She was in the pasture past the barn when I first got up and so I grabbed my Canon PowerShot to take a pic or two. Last ones for awhile but I do have videos I can share-so back to McDonalds tomorrow to upload 1 or 2 using their wifi. :)
These pics show the view I had when I came out of my bedroom this morning to start the day! :flash:

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWrOdg (http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWrOdg)

MAK, so sorry to read about your camera. 
The first two pictures of the day are gorgeous.
Thanks so much for your narratives.  They have
been great.  Loved the videos that you had been
sharing.
                          :wub:  :flash:  :wub:
                                      Lola

Thanks Lola! I will be sharing more videos since that's all I have to share now. There's a reason for everything in this life so I will just sit back and see what happens. :)

Oh no..hope the cam can be repaired!   Your pictures and narratives have been wonderful and fun to read.  You are having too much fun!  Enjoy the rest of the time down there..sounds like ya'll picking up that southen' accent!

I feel so bad, MAK.  Hope it's fixable-gonna miss your pics but enjoy the rest of your time there.

Gad-Zooks MAK!!  :(

Day 16 in Paradise started out cloudy with some rain during the night but the sun is shining once again with temps in the 60's. The video I have posted today was made on day 12. I am in the back half of the ranch where the bulls reside. I like the bulls cuz they ALWAYS talk to me and of course I speak to them as well! lol :)

 http://youtu.be/ocKmzBGk7UA (http://youtu.be/ocKmzBGk7UA)

Nice video, MAK!  Just glad it's not in smellavision!  :P

LOL Kris! That was fun MAK! Thanks

Not kidding! I hate the smell of farms-Bill being brought up on one loves it.

I like the smell also!! I don't know why, it just smells so earthy! Hi Bill!!!  :wave:

Thanks for the video!
I also like the smell.  It is an earthy
smell.  Maybe I was a cow in my
earlier time on Earth.  LOL
               :wub:    :2thumbsup:   :wub:
                          Lola

 :wave:  Thanks ladies I'm glad ya liked it! There's lots more to come. I can only do one a day tho cuz man 3 hours to upload a 2 minute video is CRAZY slow!  :crazy:

Whenever we were out for a drive in the countryside, our Dad would say: "Hmmmmm! Smell that fresh country air!"

When my two Sisters and I were kids, we used to alternate two-week Summer stints at my Mom's family's farms.  Some of the best times of our lives  :happy:
When we returned home, however, my Dad, who was a "city fella", used to patiently urge our Mom to please get our sneakers into the wash, as the "Big Barn Smell" apparently was offensive to him  :laugh:
Carol
who STILL likes Big Barn Smell  ;)

 :wave: Another sunny day in Paradise with a high of about 75.  :sunshine: After taking yesterday off from my daily ranch ride to mourn the loss of my right arm, I mean camera  :lol: Day 17 in Paradise graced me with another look at Meadowlarks. These birds are absolutely gorgeous as I came across a few in a Meadow picking thru the brown grass. Blue birds are very abundant around here and vibrant as one flew in front of me with the sun shining on it's fantastic blue wings! I saw a beautiful Red-tail Hawk in a dead tree and the Egyptian Geese were on the shore of the green pond. Deziree our rescued boxer mama was spayed today. The 1st video I chose to upload today features part of the dirt road that goes from the end of the driveway to the main highway. The 2nd video goes down the flattest part of the ranch road taking us from behind headquarters to just before the feeding troughs where most of the mamas and calves eat.  :)

 http://youtu.be/Go7Fbg6WWIA (http://youtu.be/Go7Fbg6WWIA)

 http://youtu.be/GLPaeAehOeI (http://youtu.be/GLPaeAehOeI)

 

Great videos. I am so enjoying your travel journal!


Nora in NW Florida

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Glad to hear you've joined me on my travels and are enjoying it Nora!  :wave:

Day 18 in Paradise started with a 30 minute territorial display by 2 female Red-headed Woodpeckers in the backyard trees. They chased each other from one tree to the other engaging in a spinning,twirling downward spiral as they faced each other. Couldn't tell if their talons were locked like Peregrines do but it was still quite a display to witness! While on my favorite dirt road (Dove Rd.) I watched 2 hawks and a pair of Kestrels hunting in the same field! The small falcons being more successful than the hawks. And in a closer field I witnessed about 50 Meadowlarks making their way thru the grasses. Just an FYI(especially for Patty Gale) there are about 300 bulls,150 calves and 1200 heifers on the 3000 acre ranch. I continue down the ranch road with the videos I took before my camera bit the dust. I hope y'all are enjoying the ride! :)

 http://youtu.be/KfH8Dorluac (http://youtu.be/KfH8Dorluac)

Oh yes, I am enjoying it every day!


Nora in NW Florida

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Happy Thanksgiving to all my falcon friends around the world!  :turkeydance2:  Day 18 in Paradise will be spent with family. My sis and I got our feast together and we're just waiting for Tom Turkey to cook now. I'm so thankful to be spending this holiday with my Arkansas family and everything I have seen since I arrived here on the ranch. I'm especially thankful that I took a bunch of videos that I could share with y'all BEFORE my camera went down for the count. lol  Todays video is of the 4 legged family members as I have nothing else family to share! :)

 http://youtu.be/wZLptxohoUg (http://youtu.be/wZLptxohoUg)

Nice pictures of the pups!!
Liked them a lot.
        :dogwag: :bravo: :dogwag:
                     Lola

Love the sound of the leaves!  :wave:

On day 19 in Paradise I awoke to bright sunshine again but a cold front had moved in during the night so I had to wear a sweatshirt when I left the house. I'm afraid our warm 70 degree days are over but highs in the low 50's today and low 60's the rest of the weekend are certainly better than the snow that's predicted for Rochester!  :snowing: I took Dove Rd. on my way to McD's today and my favorite horse trotted over to the fence to greet me! It seems everyone in Arkansas has dogs and on the dirt roads people always wave as you pass them in their vehicles. Brings back memories from when I owned jeeps-fellow jeep owners always waved! I continue my ranch ride in todays video as we round the corner to a wooded area and make our way back to the end of the driveway! :)

 http://youtu.be/eWNfdeIbp1w (http://youtu.be/eWNfdeIbp1w)

Hello Ladies!! LOL, that was fun, again!!  :wave:

MAK, Yes, your ride was great fun!
Thank you.  The heifers looked great.
                :wow: :yippee: :wow:
                       Hugs, Lola

Yes I dooo like to talk to the animals! lol ;D

On day 20 in Paradise I haven't taken my usual ranch ride yet but I did spend the better part of the morning watching my feathered friends at the feeders in the backyard. Blue Jays are numerous around here and I awake every morning to their calls. Better than an alarm clock! lol  On my way to McDonalds today I saw a hawk in the top of a tree off in the distance and a bunch of Bluebirds lined up on a telephone wire in the sun showing me their beautiful blue color.  Todays video takes us down the road to the left from the end of the driveway. We pass some heifers on the way to the hill that takes us down to my favorite part of the ranch road-where the bulls are!  lol  :)

http://youtu.be/1yY1AfodEmg (http://youtu.be/1yY1AfodEmg)

Thank you for another day in paradise!


Nora in NW Florida

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Thank you for sharing the cows and bulls with us.
They look so peaceful.  I love them.  Looking forward
to tomorrow.
                       :heartspin: :heartspin: :yippee: :heartspin: :heartspin:
                                    Lola

Day 21 in Paradise and only one week left before I have to depart this absolutely gorgeous part of our great country! The time has gone quickly but I do have more nature to take in this week. Bo,Roscoe and Deziree rode around the ranch with me as we watched Turkey Vultures and a Red Tail Hawk soar in the sky above the bull pasture. My sis saddled up Ginger and took a ride around the back forty across the holler from the house. Todays video continues from yesterday down the hill to the bulls enclosure and down the ranch road past the bull barn and toward the woodpecker woods. Once again I have sweet sunshine and low 50's for the high temps here in Pearidge Arkansas! :)

 http://youtu.be/tPDQHPbNLOs (http://youtu.be/tPDQHPbNLOs)

Ok, you were flying up that road! Stop and talk some BS with them!  :whistle:

Flying cuz it takes so long to upload videos-I tried to make them as short as I could! lol  :nascar:

 :wave:  Day 22 in Paradise brings only the 2nd day of cloudiness and sprinkles since I've been here! On my morning drive I came across the same dark raptor that I thought might have been a Golden Eagle the first time I saw it in week 1. It was perched in a treetop too far away to get a good look with my binocs. Todays videos feature my favorite horse who lives on Dove Rd. (my favorite dirt road) and a bull that is kept separated from the rest for some reason. I talk some BS with him!  :lol:

 http://youtu.be/UgJWj0U-dqM (http://youtu.be/UgJWj0U-dqM)

 http://youtu.be/hxOepO9hKPY (http://youtu.be/hxOepO9hKPY)

That was some mighty fine talking Bull with that Bull. That was cool! Liked the dogs whining too!!

Cute!!

"Hello, ladies" made me laugh -- the young girls who walked my dawg today showed up this morning on the front porch (it's usually just one, but today it was two) and that's how I greeted them.  And after they left with my Daisy Dawg, I had to collapse with laughter.  MAK, I have enjoyed your visits to Paradise more than I can say.

Mary in Charlotte (NC)

Thanks for the great videos.
They are fun!!
                :cool-045:
                 Lola

It does my heart good to hear y'all are enjoying my adventures!  :heart:

We are! We are!!

 :wave:

Morning Bobbie!

Yes, very much enjoying the adventures!

Morning, Ei! Chilly east wind a-blowing here... Snow??? (Better watch out what I say here or Donna might turn up!!!)

Your adventures are the first things I read every morning!  :)))


Nora in Florida

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Well of course I'd show up, you said Snow....which it's doing here right now!  :wave:

Yes, we are.  Too much fun! 

 :wave:  Day 23 in Paradise brought cool temps in the 40's but the sweet sunshine has returned after a day off. I saw the Egyptian Geese hanging out near the pond by ranch headquarters. 4 Turkey Vultures were perched in the dead tree on the ranch where I spotted a Bald Eagle 2 years ago and last winter when I visited-so I'm naming it the eagle sucking tree!  I see Bluebirds everyday for they are very abundant here but today I had an up close look at one in the sun showing off it's gorgeous blue wings. Can't get enough of these flighty little beauties! I have included a video of the Egyptian Geese swimming in the same pond I saw them near this morning and a video of a bull calf who wanted a meal! :)

 http://youtu.be/OVC8dcBvVKA (http://youtu.be/OVC8dcBvVKA)

 http://youtu.be/Kg-oqgsEVOk (http://youtu.be/Kg-oqgsEVOk)

Holy COW!! I get it!! Cool vids MAK!! Love the E-Goose!!

I know right! I didn't even realize I said it until I watched the video. What a dork I am!! lol :rolleyes:

Great videos!  I'm loving them.

 :wave:  Day 24 in Paradise is going to be known as my lucky day! My sister Mary Ellen has given me a new camera, my first sighting this morning was a Bald Eagle,the gorgeous Red-shouldered Hawk was out in plain sight,I saw the Red-tailed Hawk in a tree by the bull pasture and 4 Bluebirds stayed put for a couple pics! I'm back in the picture taking business and it feels GREAT! Seems everyone came out today for old MAK-how did they know I would be needing some photo ops!? lol Also included are 2 short videos-in one I try to make nice with a mama and her calf and the other shows Heifers and calves running across their pasture for some nom noms! :)

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWrOug (http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWrOug)

http://youtu.be/o4YTBb-yGQE (http://youtu.be/o4YTBb-yGQE)

http://youtu.be/5GEpqp_li18 (http://youtu.be/5GEpqp_li18)

And what a camera it is!! Look at those pics????? Such close-ups!! Can't wait to see Beauty up closer!

My Favorite pic is of the TV.....wow, those wings!! Eagle cool too!!  :devil:

Nice pics MAK!  Very nice of your sister to get you a camera.   :happy:

Really nice pictures MAK.  I like your videos too.
I appreciate your efforts going to Mc'sSteak House to send
them.  Thanks so much.
                        :cheerleader: :thanx: :cheerleader:
                                              Lola

Great pictures and video! So glad your sister gave you a new camera. :-)


Nora in NW Florida

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I'm ecstatic to have a camera again and YES I have the best sister EVERRRRR!!!!   :flash:

Yaaaaay! You sure do!!

 :wave:

In addition to or in lieu of? 

  :wave: 2 weeks ago my nieces' dogs knocked my camera out of my hand and it needs repair. I explained it on my day 15 in Paradise post. I don't know if Canon can fix it but when I get home I am sending it to them. So this new one will either replace it or I will have a back up when the other one gets fixed.  :flash:

 :wave: Day 25 in Paradise featured the mystery hawk/eagle and a Red-tailed Hawk-both in a field on Dove Road. While driving along Looney Road I came across a flock of Guinea Fowl rummaging in the leaf litter for a snack, a few Shetland ponies and a cute little kitty. I also saw a llama which I photographed. My first video is of the Guinea Fowl and the second has me following a stray calf that escaped it's confinement! :)

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWrO3A (http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWrO3A)

 http://youtu.be/LGdAtGWH6y8 (http://youtu.be/LGdAtGWH6y8)

http://youtu.be/qyYyuQy7eeI (http://youtu.be/qyYyuQy7eeI)

(http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r32/djweeds/WhatamI.jpg) OK, the question is "What am I?"   :whistle:

Great pics again! What happened to the baby calf? Did it find it's way back to the crowd??

Yes Donna the calf is safe and sound back with its mama. And I found out why the bull down in the back of the ranch that I was talking with is secluded from the rest of the bulls-it would seem he is an escape artist! Yep a regular Papillon!!! With no motorcycle!!!!!  :laugh:

Maybe this (https://www.google.com/search?num=10&hl=en&site=imghp&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1024&bih=653&q=hawk&oq=hawk&gs_l=img.12..0l10.1599.3101.0.5183.4.4.0.0.0.0.87.286.4.4.0...0.0...1ac.1.jyAbJ1Fxa3U#hl=en&tbo=d&site=imghp&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=zone+tailed+hawk&oq=zone+tail+hawk&gs_l=img.1.0.0i10i24.15632.22502.0.24492.10.10.0.0.0.0.134.752.9j1.10.0...0.0...1c.1.auCPlinxv0k&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.&fp=f51853579a519ae6&bpcl=39314241&biw=1024&bih=653)?

Lou

Wow Lou, that looks pretty close to MAK's pic. Never heard of that Hawk. Thanks

It does look very close, except the tail looks too white in MAK's pic.  The Zone Tail Hawk has broad stripes of white and brown.  Maybe just the angle.  Hmmmmm.  I've certainly never seen a Z-Hawk before.  :happy:

My Canadian friends tell me it is a Ferruginous Hawk (dark morph)   :hawk:

Some infos about this bird of prey:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zone-tailed_Hawk (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zone-tailed_Hawk)

Say what?  Who makes these up?   :o

https://www.google.com/search?q=ferruginous+hawk&hl=en&tbo=d&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=85m4UMnxDIa09QS6-YDIBA&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAA&biw=1366&bih=643 (https://www.google.com/search?q=ferruginous+hawk&hl=en&tbo=d&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=85m4UMnxDIa09QS6-YDIBA&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAA&biw=1366&bih=643) Lou's looked more like yours!

I miss alot traveling back and forth to the lake house

Maybe this?

https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&tbo=d&biw=320&bih=372&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=common+black+hawk&oq=common+black+hawk&gs_l=mobile-gws-serp.3..0j0i24l4.11109.21797.0.22740.32.23.0.2.2.2.290.3454.0j7j9.16.0...0.0...1ac.1._cLd-EZ2eSY#p=0

Common Black Hawk is easier to say!  ;) That looks pretty close too Dana. Mak does yours have a yellow beak? It looks kinda white-ish.

Common BH

Ok, so now I'm being told by the experts that it's a Red-tail hawk (dark morph). It could be the common Black Hawk or maybe it's a hybrid of all of them! lol It's a hawk-and a pretty big one!  :confused:

 :stupid: :silly:

 :wave: Day 26 in Paradise was spent with my sis-she took the day off and we just hung out with each other. Tomorrow is my last day here so things are getting a little sad around here. Needless to say I didn't take a nature ride today but I do have an album and 2 videos to share! The first video shows the bulls getting a bite to eat and the second is of the backyard visitors who also get a bite to eat! :)

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWrO_g (http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWrO_g)

 http://youtu.be/to98_cSFwEA (http://youtu.be/to98_cSFwEA)

 http://youtu.be/l1rZOo5gTco (http://youtu.be/l1rZOo5gTco)

OK, 2 questions.....why do some bulls have 2 tags in their ears and some have 1?

2nd video, what is that bird in the background? Sounds like the bird fro the movie Funny Farm!! Always wanted to know what bird made that call!  ;D


Joyce Blvd!!  :clap:

I uploaded MAK's pics from her Shutterfly albums and adjusted the dark ones. I compared pics with my Brain K. Wheeler "Raptors" book.  I am no expert, but I love doing detailed research.  I think MAK may be seeing more than one - a juvenile and an adult female.

My conclusion is that she is seeing a Ferruginous Hawk, a dark intermediate morph...based on the following (the specific identifiers to Ferruginous Hawks are in red. Red-tail Hawks don't have these species traits):

• large buteo 20-26", wingspan 53-60" (60"=5 ft)
• brown head including forehead and throat
• black bill
• yellow cere (hard to see until pic is saturated)
• long yellow gape that extends halfway point under eye  (gape is the yellow line of the beak when closed)
• white mottling on chest
• wingtips shorter than tail
• white undersurface of the tail

Thanks for the pictures of the puppies (young and old),
The horse, your sister, and ??
The videos were great.  Loved looking at the cows.
All the birds were handsome.  Thanks so much.
                     :sunshine:   :thankyou:   :sunshine:
                                   Lola

Donna the bulls get a tag when they are born to ID them and another when they breed. I'm not sure what that bird is. I'm sure someone else can help us out with that question.  :yes:

Lola-Mary Ellen is my sister,Mike is her husband my brother-in-law and Lorri is her daughter,my niece!  :heart:

Thanks MAK.  I know who is who now.
                   :thanx:
                           Lola

I have been so enjoying your pictures and videos!


Nora in Florida

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I've so enjoyed all your pics and videos plus the great narration while you've been in Arkansas!  Thanks for sharing your adventures with nature-it's been fun! Safe journey home and hope there's no delays on your return trip!

Ok but what's that bird in the background???  :whistle: Someone knows! Remember the part where Andy Farmer, (Chevy Chase) threw his coffee out the window at the noisy bird? Well, that's the sound I heard in MAK's video and  have been trying to figure it out for YEARS!! I heard it in my yard over the Summer but couldn't see who it was!! Watch, it's probably a common house Sparrow!  :-[

I think it's a wren of some sort...

This is a house wren in my back yard this summer

http://youtu.be/D3HXlP07t3g (http://youtu.be/D3HXlP07t3g)

 :wave: Last day in Paradise was packed full of wildlife and family! I started the day with petting a mule on the dirt road and then I stopped at a house that I spotted a white pig at one day and discovered many more residents. I visited my niece Lorris' dogs again holding onto my camera very tightly this time! lol And my niece took me to a place where they have 4 White-tailed deer as pets. They rescued one with a broken leg and nursed it back to health and couldn't part with it and now they have 4 of them in their backyard. I've had the time of my life here the past 4 weeks and I am sad to be leaving my family and wild friends. My bus rolls out of the station at 8:20am tomorrow morning with a scheduled return to Rochester at 2:40pm on Monday afternoon. See ya! :)

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWrPAA (http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWrPAA)

 http://youtu.be/UK7JJZPDVts (http://youtu.be/UK7JJZPDVts)

 http://youtu.be/ybOPl1icJuo (http://youtu.be/ybOPl1icJuo)

 http://youtu.be/SWbRwqTctco (http://youtu.be/SWbRwqTctco)

Safe trip home MAK.   :yes:

Good luck MAK on your trip home! Nice last pics...OINK!!! Hope your on time to watch Dan again on Monday!!  :devil:

Have a safe trip home MAK..and hope it's much shorter than the trip there  :-[  Thank you for sharing your adventures in paradise with all of us!   :notworthy:

I hope your trip goes smoothly.

So, what's up next?

Falcon watching!  ;D

A safe and sedate journey, MAK!!! ROC will be happy to have you back!  :wave:

Really nice pictures and video.  I loved the
mule (?) letting you rub his face.  All the pups looked
fantastic, so do the pigs, chickens, ducks, guinea hens (?)
etc. Sorry this is your last day, I know you had a wonderful
time.  I had a wonderful time viewing your videos and
pictures.  Thanks so much!
                     :cheerleader: :fallgirl: :cheerleader:
                                           Lola
 

MAK said Missouri's flat! ______________________

You're welcome everyone and thanks for the well wishes! I'm stuck in Indianapolis again with bus trouble this time. UGH!!! I have changed busses 3 times and not one has arrived or departed on time. Gee do ya think I'll ever ride Greyhound again!? It's 1:12am and we were supposed to leave at 12:25am. All I can say is don't ever go with Greyhound if you can help it!  :rolleyes:

Ok so now I'm in Columbus Ohio and can't get out of here until 10:40am this morning. Almost 5 hours to be in this lovely station-could be worse like when I came here on my way to Arkansas when the bus was overbooked and I stayed here over 6 hours!!! This gets me home in Rochester at 8:00pm instead of 2:40pm this afternoon. Unless of course there's more trouble down the road!

 :snarl:

You can go see Pigott's sister! Take a walk a bout!  :devil:

No way-I have all I can do to carry my bags from the station to the bus. They are heavier than when I left!  :(

Be Safe and get home safely!

To repeat my FB message to MAK: Ooooooo, I think Rod and I ended up there a zillion years ago when we were "Ridin' the Dog". The cops were circling in one direction, while the evil-doers were circling in the other. Next time, when you and I are on BSB, we're gonna get a tin cup, sing a little song, and raise some money for a FLIGHT!!! Sheesh!

Gees MAK!  I think we should tell Beauty to go and get you and bring you home safely  :pfalcon:

I'm trying Janet-thanks!  :wave:
LOL Bobbie! You are one funny friend of mine!!!   :silly:
And Carly that would be a sweeeeet trip for sure!   :yes:

I was stuck at the airport in Columbus once, for six hours, due to a connecting flight being canceled.  I must say that, as good "people-watching" spots go, Columbus doesn't compare with the likes of New York, Las Vegas, or Washington DC  ;)
Carol
WV

Hi y'all from Pearidge,Arkansas! I had a bumpy ride from Chicago Saturday nite (almost puking) arriving 2 hours late due to stormy weather, but I made it safe and sound. My first view this morning when I got up was my niece and sisters' horses out in the front pasture. Not a bad way to start the day eh!?

Click on the link below to check out my first day pics in Paradise

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWqjCC (http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWqjCC)

Have a wonderful time, MAK!

 :chrispup:

I already am Bobbie-started as soon as I stepped off the plane here and saw my peeps!  :wave:

MAK..hope you have a wonderful holiday with your family!  Stay safe!  :glitter:

Merry Christmas MAK!  Enjoy every second with your family because wonderful things are waiting just around the corner! 

Loved the album, especially the titmouse, bluebird, and flicker. :chriscat: Have fun!  :chrispup:

Dot in PA

Thanks Carly,Janet and Dot! No worries about me having fun-I always do when I'm here. How can I not with my family and wildlife all around me! Carly, I hope you are fairing ok with the ice situation up there-you be safe too!    :santawave:

Thanks MAK, power came back on here a few hours ago so we're good but still almost 200,000 without it.  The Jack and O'Connor cam is down too as there is no power out that way so I'll have to take a trip out this week and make sure they are okay as I'm on vacation until Jan 6. 

The trees didn't do so well in our neighborhood.  There is a beautiful red maple right by my balcony and it lost 10 limbs/branches and 2 others are cracked and ready to fall - I doubt they'll be able to save it.  A few other trees damaged out front too but not as bad.  It was so eerie last night sitting in the dark and listening to branches and tree limbs fall.  I saw a tree fall on a house across the way too right before night fell, it hit their second story deck and took out part of their chimney on the way down!

Glad to hear your power's back and you're OK.  Ice on trees can be so beautiful but can be so destructive. 

Carly, I can relate to the eeriness of hearing the trees crackling and breaking from the 1992 ice storm we had in Rochester. I was living in a mobile home in Hamlin and watched a transformer blow across the farmers field behind my trailer. The landscape will look totally different if you guys lose as many trees as we did. Take care!  :glitter:

Just looked at your Arkansas pics. Sure looks like you're in your element, MAK,...surrounded by wonderful creatures! Sorry to hear about your beyond-bumpy plane ride. Now you can just breathe and enjoy!
 :glitter:

I surely am in my element Barb! No chance of getting lonely here!!!  :santawave:

On day 2 in Paradise I brought my sisters' 3 boxers along for my first drive around the ranch and was greeted by Ginger and Savannah (niece and sisters' horses) as I drove down the dirt driveway along the front pasture. I only did the front half of the ranch today and found the Egyptian Geese up in the prize bull corral and a flock of Meadowlarks eating in a field. My favorite horse whom I've named Bertha, came out to the front of her yard to greet me like she did last year every time I came by. The last half of my ride featured a falcon-the smallest one, a Kestrel. I followed it from hunting off a bale of hay to making it's way down some telephone wires. It didn't catch anything but I had a grand time sharing space with it!

Click on the link below to see what I saw today

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWqjCg (http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWqjCg)

Nice pics MAK, your having wayyy too much fun! Love the E goose!!  :wave:

Knew I had to find them for ya-there's 2 of them there, one behind the other. Bad angle on them and I was making the tan cows who were trying to eat nervous, so I moved on. I'll get better pics another day-I have 4 weeks left here! lol
 :santawave:

Those geese are beautiful. Loved all the photos but especially the kestrel on the hay bale.  :dogwag:

Dot in PA

Enjoy your visit.  I love following what you do every day!

Dot, the kestrel was my favorite too! I thought it was a robin at first cuz I saw the rusty breast. When I raised my binoculars and saw that it was a pretty little kestrel I grabbed my camera fast as I could.  :santawave:

Very nice!  Rich loves the little titmouse

I love them too Janet-I don't get any at home, so I have to come to Arkansas to see some! There are at least half a dozen of them here.  :santawave:

On day 3 in Paradise I visited the bulls at the back half of the ranch to start my fun. I came across a couple Red-tail Hawks and another dark hawk which was too far away to get a decent pic. I saw more bluebirds and flickers. The African Geese at the end of the dirt road my sis lives on were at the pond as  Deziree, Bo and I passed by. Bertha, my horse friend came out to say hi and as requested I've included a pic of myself with my girl Deziree. Happy Christmas Eve y'all!
 :sleigh: :falala:

Click on the link below to see todays' pics

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWqjDG (http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWqjDG)

Beautiful pictures!


Nora in NW Florida

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)

It's a beautiful place Nora!  :santawave:

Oh I like #18, Blue Jay Rd!! That's awesome!!!

It sure is-it's my favorite road for finding birds!  :santawave:

A very Merry Christmas on day 4 in Paradise! Todays ride was a short one but bountiful in wildlife gifts. Pics of my niece and sisters' dogs dressed up, backyard birds-including my first Cardinal and Chickadee (my 2 favorite backyard birds). I found the hay barn cat and Red-shouldered Hawk from last year with a couple guard dogs that weren't too pleased that I was stopped near their property. Pics of my sisters' goldfish that floats upside down, Donnas' E-geese and I had a blast doing some 4 wheelin' with my brother-in-laws' pick up truck, brought back memories from when I had Jeep CJ 7s' only I had the roof and doors off on them!

Click on the link below to ride and sing along with me on this Christmas day!     :falala: :santawave:

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWqjDk (http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWqjDk)

I love all your pictures! They are so beautiful!  :happy:

Thanks Annette, I'm glad you enjoyed them!  :santawave:

Another fun, beautiful series, MAK. Thanks for letting us tag along with you. Glad you've had such a great Christmas!

Thanks Barb, you know I love taking y'all along with me!   :santawave:

Cat on the hay bales = excellent image, MAK!

 :wave:

That's HAY cat!!!  :wave:

That's right Donna-I yelled "HAY cat, good to see ya again"!   ;D

 :wave:  The theme on day 5 in Paradise was horses laying down-they were taking a load off! lol Even my favorite horse Bertha didn't get up to greet me today! The African Geese were close to the road as I drove by making all kinds of noise. I saw 3 different Kestrels, a couple Red-tail Hawks and the mysterious dark hawk from last year that nobody could decide on what kind it was. Miniature horses are many around these parts-they're so cute! I had a Mockingbird fly in and scare off a female Cardinal from a berry bush just as I snapped off a pic-completely missing the Cardinal as it flew off and getting a blurry shot of the Mockingbird instead. An old rusty truck amongst some cows and a Belair car that's older than me is for sale.

Click the link below to share space with all these creatures and more

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWqjEa (http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWqjEa)

The dark one looks like a Black Hawk and the photo 35 looks more like a sharpie than a red tail - red tails have really thick large talons, bigger than a pefa.  I've picked up a few dead ones now - thanks to Miss O'Connor and the first thing I noticed is the huge talons.  Feet are kinda skinny on this one and tail is shorter .  Frank would have known right away about the Sharpie - he's got the face of one though :(

It really does look like you are in paradise MAK!

Thanks Carly-I knew #35 wasn't a Red-tail but seemed too big to be a sharpie. I forgot to bring my bird book so I can't look up anything here. No worries cuz I got lots of bird friends to help me out here on the forum!  :wave:

I'm just guessing..heh..Frank tried his best to teach me but I'm afraid I didn't have enough time with him to get good at ID'ing them.  He would look up in the sky and see what looked like a 'speck' to me and he'd say 'oh hey that's a Blue Heron and I'd be squinting and going 'where?' 'where'?  lol.

I hear ya Carly-I have the same problem. The closest we have to Frank in ID'ing raptors is BrianH.  :yes:

 :wave:  On day 6 in Paradise I was delighted to come out of my bedroom and see some heffers out by the front yard. Deziree and I took the truck again for our ride, finding no raptors today but we didn't care cuz the sun was shining brightly and it was a warm 50 degrees out. I found a couple red squirrels being dive bombed by a red-headed woodpecker near where Bertha lives. She was laying down again today and got up as I drove away. As I passed one of the feeding troughs for the heffer mamas and calves there was a bull calf standing in one of the troughs until I stopped to talk to it-then he jumped out and went over by his mama. lol Red-bellied woodpeckers and White-breasted Nuthatches were foraging for insects and nuts where the bulls roam and the birdfeeders were over-run by Tufted Titmouse and Chickadees.

Click on the link below to view my pics of the day

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWqjFe (http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWqjFe)

What beautiful pictures MAK!
Cows, horse, squirrels, birds, oh my!
(especially the cows!)
             Thank you!
                     Lola
      :sunshine: :thanx: :sunshine:

I love your pictures today!  It is so much fun sharing your adventures. 😃


Nora in NW Florida

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)

It's nice to hear from you Lola and Nora-I'm glad you're enjoying my adventures right along with me!  :wave:

"Nom-Nom" Funny MAK! What a great place, surrounded by beautiful creatures and a few good folks. You got some great shots Friday. I only got a couple of a dragonfly on a plumeria. Work got in the way.  :lol: I look forward to your Saturday adventures!

There are beautiful creatures everywhere-you just have to look around your surroundings. I look forward to my Saturday adventures too!  ;)

What's on tap for today?

On my walk, it rained the whole time.  But it was still nice being out.  Molly loves being wet!

More of the same Nora-Mother Nature!  :yes:

 :wave:  Day 7 in Paradise begins with Ginger (my sisters' horse) and Savannah (my nieces' horse) coming in for some treats by the barn. Some scenic pics in my travels for you to get a feel for just how beautiful it is here. Bertha comes to the fence to say hi today. I spot a hawk across a field on a pole-I think it's a Red-tail but not sure. I'm sure someone on this forum can tell me. As I was near the crooked road, on what I call the woodpecker woods, I managed to find a very well camouflaged Red-shouldered Hawk. To end my adventure I came across a couple horses that were deep in sleep and a Llama amongst some cows that looked a little out of place.

Click on the link below to go on another adventure with me

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWqjF8 (http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWqjF8)

Beautiful pictures!  I am so enjoying following your adventures. 😃


Nora in NW Florida

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)

I'm happy to hear that Nora. I like to have company in my endeavors!!   ;D

Well, you'll have company again Today!  Can't wait to hear about your adventures and see what you find.  :)))

I got back last night from a week visiting family (and unable to visit the Forum), but your pictures make me feel as if I were really coming home, MAK.  I can still hear your voice as you greeted the heifers last year:  "Hello, Ladies."

Mary in Charlotte (NC)

Hi Mary, good to hear from you! My family was on vacation all this past week so I didn't make any videos as I have to go to McDonalds to download them cuz my sis has limited internet and I didn't want to spend too much time away from being with them. Starting tomorrow I shall start taping!   :wave:

 ;D  Day 8 in Paradise is a bit chilly at 28 degrees (F) -2 (C) and overcast today but it will rebound into the upper 30's tomorrow and 50 on Tuesday.
I started the day with my favorites at the bird feeder-male Cardinals and a Chickadee. As I rounded the heifer feeding troughs a couple calves were on the wrong side of the fence. They escape thru the troughs and when mama calls they return. From there I spotted a big bird in a tree toward the front of the ranch property. My heart started to race as I recognized it as an eagle-now if it would just wait til I could get closer for pics to share. Yes, it stayed for a few and then flew off behind the trees. I had lots of conversations with cows,dogs,a couple goats and Bertha. The Egyptian Geese made an appearance and everyone stopped to have a look at MAK today. Saw the Black Hawk again whom I've named Blackie. I followed along as a kestrel hunted from power line to power line. As I made my way up the driveway upon returning home from my ride with the dogs, Savannah convinced Ginger to join her in coming by the jeep to say hi!

Click on the link below to join me on my latest adventure

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWqjGS (http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWqjGS)

As always, I enjoy looking at your daily album. The eagle was a special treat!  :party:

Dot in PA

Glad you're enjoying them Dot! The eagle was a special treat for me too!  ;D

Ditto from me too!  I'm so envious but happy that you are generous enough to share 'paradise' with us!   :notworthy:

As I always say Carly-my mom taught me to share!  :yes:

I LOVE it that you are sharing with us every day.  First thing I look for when I log on!  :)

I LOVE that you are joining me everyday Nora!  ;)

MAK, your photos are beautiful.  Some of them remind me of scenes from the movie "True Grit," (somewhat the original but more the remake) which was set in Arkansas. 

Thanks Pat! I didn't know True Grit was filmed in Arkansas-truly a rustic kinda place!  :wave:

Well, what do you know?  I just read that no part of either version of True Grit was filmed in Arkansas, even though the story was set there.  I guess they did a good job of making it look like Arkansas.   :gum:

 :wave:  Day 9 in Paradise featured dogs watching old MAK as she stopped to take their pics. Some of them barked,some just stood there and some of them wagged their tail-they were all cute! Bertha the horse did some more posing for me and bluebirds were everywhere, zipping from one spot to the next, but I did manage to get a pic of one that stayed put for half a minute. There's a few scenery pics in todays album as well, and many backyard bird visitors on a cold morning. Started out at 15 degrees (F) and with some bright sunshine warmed up to nearly 40. The Egyptian Geese were out front by the prize bull corrals again and a unique mailbox post were all in my nature watch today. I taped a hawk soaring in the back half of the ranch where the bulls reside-not sure what kind but beautiful just the same and I stop to say hi to some heifers (female cows)!

Click on the links below to view my photo album and a couple videos

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWqjGw (http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWqjGw)

 http://youtu.be/0-iYtLSqSPw (http://youtu.be/0-iYtLSqSPw)
http://youtu.be/Xu3MyKAebuo (http://youtu.be/Xu3MyKAebuo)

Great video's and pictures,it's such a beautiful place to be.

Thanks Carla-beautiful indeed!  ;D

 
                                   :ditto:

 :thankyou:

Wonder if the dog's name in photo #30 is "Star" for the marking on its chest? Those are some fine looking Eastern Bluebirds. Seems all the birds' colors are more intense in Arkansas. Cool mailbox. I bet nobody tries to vandalize that one! Thanks for sharing your day, MAK!

Thank you again, MAK.  I feel like I've been there!

Thanks, and you're welcome Barb and Nora! I was thinking the same thing when I saw the mailbox post-that would be hard to knock down. I was telling Jersey Donna last night that I thought maybe the birds back home were less vibrant so they don't stand out in the snow so much, whereas here they don't get much snow in their winter months-the average is 9 inches a year. Just my own thoughts on the matter.  ;)

 :wave: Day 10 in Paradise and the last day of 2013 I decided to show you the main office,front entrance of the ranch and the front entrance of the ranch owner Jack Shoemachers' home. Jack passed away last year but his wife Melba lives in their home by herself now with their son taking over the duties of running Jac's Ranch.
I started the day with cows lining the driveway on each side as I left. Also on my ride today I found a Red-tail Hawk that caught breakfast, the black hawk I named Blackie was out hunting and another hawk I couldn't identify. Mockingbirds are a plenty here as I see them everyday in my travels. At the front of the ranch I spotted some ducks swimming in the middle of a mostly frozen pond and there are Canadian Geese here in Arkansas too!  Bertha was eating her own breakfast as I passed by this morning and when I checked on the bulls they too were having a snack all in a row! As I made my way up the driveway to end my days adventure I took a couple pics of the entrance to my sisters' home. Ahh, Paradise!

Click on the links below to see my photo album and videos of the day

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWqjHW (http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWqjHW)

 http://youtu.be/Niw6D8x0hg8 (http://youtu.be/Niw6D8x0hg8)
 http://youtu.be/crtfDxJQW3A (http://youtu.be/crtfDxJQW3A)

I enjoyed the tour very much. Bertha could become a favorite.  :flowers: Happy New Year to you in beautiful Arkansas!

Dot in PA

Thanks Dot-as you can tell since I put her in everyday, Bertha is my favorite!  :heart: Happy New Year to you too!  :newyearbd:

Love Bertha too!  How long a ride do you take every day?  Just one in the AM, or several?

Just one ride in the morning of 1-2 hours Nora.  ;D

Happy New Year from Pearidge,Arkansas on day 11 in Paradise! I've included a few pics from my New Years Eve celebration with my family but todays watch features American Kestrels-I see at least one everyday. I observed one hovering above its prey many times and got a video of it to show those of you that have never had the chance to experience this wonderful act of nature! The Egyptian Geese were once again up in the prize bull corral and Bertha was laying down resting today as I passed by. Starlings were out and about until Blackie the hawk showed up-he is a BIG black presence! As I made my way down the dirt road to home I was blessed to have a beautiful view of 2 properties with horses in the same frame. I do LOVE all the nature this part of the country has to offer!

Check out the link for my album and the video of the kestrel

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWqjH0 (http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWqjH0)

http://youtu.be/9D3xjWUOWMY (http://youtu.be/9D3xjWUOWMY)

You got some really nice kestrel shots. :sparrow: When he dove in the video, did he catch anything?

Dot in PA

Great pictures and video again!  What time do you go out mornings?  Is your ride in a jeep?


Nora in NW Florida

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)

Dot, he tried 3 times and came back up with nothing. He would fly off the power line hover and dive, then he would fly above the field a couple feet up and return to the wire. I must have watched him for a good half hour-so much fun! I wish y'all could see it too! Hopefully I can get video of the whole process without anything in the path to get my camera out of focus. I'll keep trying!  ;D

Thanks Nora! I go out between 9-10am and stay out until noon. Most days I'm driving my sisters Grand Cherokee Laredo Jeep but a few times I've taken my brother-in-laws Dodge Dakota pick up truck.  ;D

Well, I guess you're starting out just about now.  Stay warm!

 :wave:  Day 12 in Paradise had a starting temperature of 9 (F) -13 (C) and a covering of snow overnite made for slick roads as they don't use salt here. I had the pick up truck today for my watch with no 4 wheel drive on it so I didn't drive on any hilly roads on or off the ranch. The cattle had frozen snow on their backs and the ponds all had a layer of ice on them. I watched a Red-tail Hawk hunt from tree to tree while a White-crowned Sparrow watched me from a few feet away. Mr. Mockingbird was guarding his berry bush as I came up on him. I spotted some cows eating hay that was rolled out from one of those round hay bales and a Paint Horse. Bertha was eating her breakfast of hay stuck on the fence and a couple watch dogs were eyeballing me as I went by their property. Dark-eyed Juncos were enjoying the seed I put out and Mr. and Mrs. Cardinal dined together as well. The sun is shining bright and it has warmed up to the low 20's as I write this-much better than the cold and blizzard conditions at home in Rochester. Stay safe out there!

Click on the link below to view todays photo album

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWqjII (http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWqjII)

Lovely pictures again!  What a beautiful place. How much longer are you there.


Nora in NW Florida

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)

Just caught up on your last three days in "Paradise", Arkansas, MAK! Your photos and videos give a really good sense of the lay of the land. I don't think I'd ever want to leave! HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Thanks Nora-I come home on January 21st. I'm just about half way thru my stay here.  ;D

Well, it is hard to leave when I come here, but only because I will miss my family. Happy New Year to you and Ron!  :wave:

Enjoying my daily ride-alongs with you, MAK!

 :wave:

Oh nice, we have another few weeks of tracking MAK!  :)))

Bobbie and Nora, I'm glad you're enjoying my adventures with me. It does my heart good to hear from y'all!  :heart: ;D

 :wave:  Day 13 in Paradise brought my first White-tail Deer sightings as I was driving down the wooded Mariano Rd. Boy they are tough to spot with the way they blend into the woods. Ginger and Savannah posed for me as I left for my watch out the driveway. I watched a Kestrel and 2 Red-tail Hawks hunt with the last RTH catching something and flying off with it. Berthas' owner came out and asked why she saw me stop everyday-I told her that I loved how her horse always came out to greet me. She told me that Bertha was abused and she rescued her-some days she kisses her and some days tries to bite her but she's getting more trusting all the time. I came across some interesting yard art and 2 cows that looked like one with 2 heads at each end! lol Starlings,mockingbirds and Meadowlarks also entertained me and Blackie made a brief appearance.

Click on the link below to view my photos and I made one video of a Red-tail Hawk flying across a field

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWqjIq (http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWqjIq)

http://youtu.be/SUtCtCffYII (http://youtu.be/SUtCtCffYII)

I enjoyed your album as always but my special treat was the meadowlarks, which I never see around here. I also liked the photos of the farm machinery.

Dot in PA

I liked the yard art and two-headed cow. What was the hairy beast?

It looks like it was a beautiful day!


Nora in NW Florida

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)

Dot, this is the only place I've ever seen Meadowlarks. Now that I know you like farm equipment I'll include more pics of them-there's certainly plenty of it around!  ;)

Nora, the hairy beast was a miniature horse with its winter coat. It was a beautiful day with a temperature in the low 40's and wall to wall sunshine. The weather is supposed to take a turn for the worse tho with a cold front coming thru tomorrow night dropping 1-3 inches of snow into Sunday. Around here that's a lot of snow because these people don't know how to drive in it and they don't have plows or put salt on the roads. High temp Sunday of 20 (F) and 12 (F) on Monday. Bad winter for everyone this year!
 :tongue2:

Good job tracking the hawk in flight, MAK! You had quite an interesting day, and even got to meet Bertha's guardian. I admire people who have the wherewithall to take in abused horses. The horses ridden by The All American Cowgirl Chicks, in the Rose Parade, are rescued abused horses. My hat's off to them. Bertha must sense what a good egg you are. The mini-horse is definitely "dressed" for the upcoming weather. Beautiful portrait of the deer. It's always a treat to see Meadowlarks. I'm really enjoying seeing more of the area and wildlife there. Thanks, again, for sharing your visit. Looking forward to day 14!

I always enjoy your comments Barb. I found that I loved beautyful Bertha even more after I found out she had been abused. Anyone that rescues an animal is #1 in my book. It really is my pleasure to share what I see with y'all   :yes:

Ooooooo! Meadowlarks! Have not seen these in years, so lucky you! Nice portrait of the doe, MAK. Can't wait to see what the next ride-along brings.  :wave:

Yes, I'm looking forward to today too!!!

Bobbie, my first sighting ever of a Meadowlark was my last visit here for the month of November 2012. I didn't know what they were til I showed my brother-in-law my pics. This time when I saw them I was thrilled to have found them once again with their vibrant yellow that brightens up the brown ground of which they graze on. That doe was very big and stood frozen staring at me for 5 minutes until I started the engine on the truck to leave, then she and her 3 friends disappeared like a flash further into the woods. The last thing I saw was 4 white tails!  ;D

 :wave:  When I got up on day 14 in Paradise I looked out the front window and saw a yard filled with cowbirds-I got my camera and when I opened the front door half of them flew off but I got what was left of them. I ventured down a couple new roads and came across a rescue farm and a stable that boards many,many horses. Bertha had a female Cardinal on a post behind her today! I saw more dogs,goats,little donkeys that I think are called burros and our regulars-kestrels and Blackie. I got some farm equipment pics for Dot and landscape pics of this beautiful part of the country. And as I ended my watch the cows were in the front pasture crossing the dirt part of the driveway ahead of me. Ah, home sweet home (at the moment anyway)!

Click on the link below to view my photo album and there's 2 videos today

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWqjJM (http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWqjJM)

 http://youtu.be/5A-1rVkyjos (http://youtu.be/5A-1rVkyjos)

http://youtu.be/QOQwW0nCTVs (http://youtu.be/QOQwW0nCTVs)

Loved the old hippie horse blanket and the burros. Quite a flock of cowbirds! :mini-bird: Sure are lots of roads with interesting names to explore.

Dot in PA

Loved all the pictures today. Especially the dogs.

I don't think I've ever seen a Meadowlark.


Nora in NW Florida

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)

That's me Dot-an old hippie!  ;D  There's tons of roads to check out here-I try to do a new one or two everyday.  :wave:

Nora, they love dogs here-I think just about everybody has at least one!   :dogrun: :dogwag:

I'm a huge dog lover!  My avatar is Molly, my 11 1/2 year old Golden Retriever.

Have fun this morning!!!

 :blustery:  Due to snow covered ice making for slippery conditions, day 15 in Paradise kept me off the roads-but I still saw plenty to share with y'all! I started the day by looking out front to see both Savannah and Ginger were joined by some cows by the barn. They all had frozen snow on their backs from an overnite rain that froze as the temperature plummeted from the 30's to 12 degrees today. Besides the regulars at the feeders, we were invaded by flocks of Red-winged Blackbirds and Grackles. I shoveled the back walkway for the Cardinals,Juncos,Sparrows and Tufted Titmouse and put down some seed for them. Later in the day Brown-headed Cowbirds came in and finished off what was left. My niece came by with 2 of her 7 dogs and I got shots of my sisters' cats.

Click the link below to see my photo album and I have one video to share

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWqjJu (http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWqjJu)


 http://youtu.be/W1WvqbAT6c0 (http://youtu.be/W1WvqbAT6c0)

Thanks Lynn, I can never pass up shooting pics of my favorite backyard friends, the Cardinals!   :heart:

You got some great pictures, despite not being able to drive today. Love the kitties. They are sure pretty. And like Lynne said, the cardinal pictures are fantastic!  You are an excellent photographer.


Nora in NW Florida

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)

Thank you so very much Nora-it helps that I love taking pictures and have great subjects.  :flash:

All those birds obviously appreciated your putting food out for them. The red-wing blackbirds are probably sorry they arrived just in time for snow and ice and cold. I'm surprised all those male cardinals were coexisting peacefully. Here, it would be constant fighting between them. The cats and dogs are beautiful.  :dogwag: :eyecat:

Dot in PA

Wonderful photos again today MAK!  I love all the little birds especially the Reds  :thumbsup:

Thanks Carly! Nice to hear from you.  :wave:

You had a fine time, even staying indoors! To be surrounded by beautiful kitties and sweet doggies is a good thing. The Cardinals look like brilliant tree ornaments. Such a nice variety of birds coming to visit. You had previously mentioned the White-crowned Sparrow's song. So melodious. Another fine series of photos and video, MAK. Thank you!

I did have a nice day indoors Barb, thank you. I think it was the first day in about a year that I didn't go out on a watch, between here and my daily falcon watches at home in Rochester. It's all good-nature is everywhere, you just need to look around you!
 :foxbinocs:

Loved the pix of the tree-full of birds on today's walk-along.

 :wave:

MAK - Have fun this morning!

That wasn't the only tree full of birds-the blackbirds and cowbirds filled several trees!  :yes:

Thanks Nora, somehow I don't think I'll have a problem doing that!   ;D

 :tongue2:  Well I ventured out this morning with a temperature of -4 degrees when I left. 2 hours later when I returned it was all the way up to 2 degrees with an expected high of 11.
Day 6 in Paradise featured many Red-tail Hawks and Blackie. As I made my way down the driveway a cow wanted to play chicken with me and as I got closer it gave in and got out of my way. I visited Bertha who came to the fence to say hi and an American Kestrel that I had trouble focusing on because I think it was too cold for my camera and the wind was making the power line it was on sway. I stayed on Dove Rd. and Ross Salvage Rd. (both dirt roads) for the entire watch as the driving conditions on the main road were terrible-snow packed and icy. My sister had the day off from work as it was closed due to the road conditions. I ended my watch with a video that begins where I turn off Route 72 onto my sisters' road, Spanker Creek Rd.-it ends at her driveway!

Click on the link below to see my photo album and some videos

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWqjKA (http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWqjKA)

 http://youtu.be/gScBSEf3vJM (http://youtu.be/gScBSEf3vJM)
 http://youtu.be/5YG7CXfp2Zo (http://youtu.be/5YG7CXfp2Zo)
 http://youtu.be/63Wp5zSxxGg (http://youtu.be/63Wp5zSxxGg)

Wow, that is cold!  Loved the videos and album. It was really nice seeing the area and road leading up to the ranch.


Nora in NW Florida

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)

MAK, I notice you refer to your favorite red bird and his mate as Mr. and Mrs. Cardinal. I remember in school we learned to use honorifics for various and sundry personages, and that a Cardinal was to be addressed as "Your Eminence."  Well, in my yard I often see His Eminence, but how to refer to a female Cardinal (of which the Church has none)? Her Eminence, of course!

Let me add my praise for your pictures -- they are really wonderful.

Mary in Charlotte (NC)  

WOWSERS...after looking at your pics and videos, I've got chills! Those are some tough creatures, all right. It's interesting that the ducks and geese must feel safer sleeping On Frozen Pond? Beautiful hawks. Guess I'll go have something to warm me up, now. Thanks for the tour, MAK!

Nora, I'm glad you enjoyed the ride!  :yes:

Mary, it's too bad the church doesn't allow women to be Cardinals. That being said, I like your idea! Thanks for your interesting comment!!  :wave:

You're welcome as always Barb! I was thinking that maybe the ducks and geese were on the ice as a means to thaw it-just a thought! It's 2 degrees here right now-hard to believe when you consider we're only one state away from the Gulf of Mexico!!  :shiver:

Time for another adventure today!!!   :)

 :hello:  Warmer temperatures in the 30's were the main story on day 17 in Paradise to start the thaw on the area roads. I had the pick up truck today and almost got stuck 3 times but managed to get out even though it has no 4 wheel drive. Made it to the feed and seed to get more bird food after the blackbirds and cowbirds wiped it out at the feeders. Stayed on Dove and Ross Salvage Roads again because of slippery conditions on the main road but still saw plenty. One of the Kestrels was out and I saw a few hawks as well. Made it down to see Bertha who was looking beautiful as ever and some other horses. The African Geese were still on the pond waiting for the ice to melt and on another pond a cow broke through the ice for a drink. Watched a cow scratch an itch on barbed wire and a baby calf get some nourishment from mama. Savannah and Ginger greeted me as I ended my watch and after I fill the feeders the gang comes in for a meal!

Click on the link below to see my album and you might as well check out the videos while you're at it

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWqjKi (http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWqjKi)

 http://youtu.be/gcWnFYdtR14 (http://youtu.be/gcWnFYdtR14)
 http://youtu.be/bTIJ8SbiDh0 (http://youtu.be/bTIJ8SbiDh0)
 http://youtu.be/_crxH30FUi0 (http://youtu.be/_crxH30FUi0)
http://youtu.be/iKf1bXSX6wQ (http://youtu.be/iKf1bXSX6wQ)

Loved the videos and album again. My favorite is the little calf nursing on mom.  🐄


Nora in NW Florida

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)

It was a good day. Thanks, MAK!

I liked that too Nora-so sweet!  :yes:

You're welcome Barb! Every day has been a good day here in paradise!  ;)

Talk about multi-tasking, MAK! Driving... filming... commenting... spying that hawk in the faraway tree...

 :wave:

Yeah, I didn't even spy that hawk until you commented on it!  MAK, you are amazing.  Have fun in Paradise today.

Hey Bobbie and Nora, do ya think I could get a job with National Geographic on safari in Africa as a roving reporter!? teehee   ;D

 :flash: :foxbinocs:

:spit:

Sure! Just trade the horses for rhinos and the RTHs for Harpy Eagles. No bother to ya!

 :wave:

I'd love to see either one of those critters!  :wave:

🐪🐆🐅🐃🐗🐂🌞


Nora in NW Florida

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)

 ;D  On day 18 in Paradise the main road was better but the secondary and dirt roads were still snow and ice covered making them slick. I was able to venture out but still was limited to where I could go. I found the African Geese still waiting for the ice on their pond to melt, goats with a watch dog that stuck its tongue out at me and the Llama was all by itself in the field. I saw my regulars-Blackie,Bertha,Mr. Mockingbird,2 Kestrels,Ginger,Savannah and cows. I watched Bill load the feed truck for the cows and spotted 2 crows eating grain and stuff from meadow muffins aka cow poop! Don't know if I'll get out tomorrow because they are forecasting freezing rain and snow overnite.

Click on the link below to view todays photo album and there's 3 videos

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWqjLE (http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWqjLE)

http://youtu.be/lF166lg50z4 (http://youtu.be/lF166lg50z4)
http://youtu.be/NTMxiUpk35M (http://youtu.be/NTMxiUpk35M)
http://youtu.be/ezmnsLtQ26I (http://youtu.be/ezmnsLtQ26I)

That hay-cutter thing or whatever it is looked really weird and totally scary. Your photos are as much fun as always. I hope it warms up some for all those animals stuck outside. :blustery: Never heard the term "meadow muffins" before LOL

Dot in PA

Dot, I asked my brother-in-law Mike what that scary equipment is called-the one on the left is a brush hog, used for knocking down weeds and stuff in the pastures and the one on the right is a hay rake which puts the cut hay in rows for the baler to come along and make it into bales of hay. I picked up the term "meadow muffins" from my mom who was brought up in the country.  ;)

That's just what Bill (who was raised on a farm) said they were when I asked him.  He also said that even though he walked on many a "meadow muffin" as a kid, he's never heard the term before!  :laugh:

 :wave:  Hi y'all! I have a bonus post for you, as my brother-in-law Mike who works on the ranch here in Paradise came home from work tonight and wanted to know if we wanted to see a newborn calf. Well, stop the presses...of course we did! So he took my sis Mary Ellen,my niece Lorri,her boyfriend Brad and me down to the sale barn where they were keeping the calf and her mama. It was born a couple short hours earlier out on the #6 pasture and since it was so damp out it was brought in to dry off and warm up by a heater in the break room while mom was out in a stall waiting patiently for her baby to be returned to her. The calf came 6 weeks early and weighed 40 lbs. When born at full term they usually weigh 60-70lbs. The hooves are like rubber (I couldn't get over how they felt) and at this time of year take 3 weeks to harden as opposed to 1 week in the summer when the heat speeds up the process. What a thrill it was for me!

Click on the link below to see pics of a newborn baby Black Angus calf

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWqjMY (http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWqjMY)

Oh man...what a day you did have, MAK!
Angus isometrics in the first video?
If the main source of food for the geese is in the pond, it has to be beyond frustrating for them not being able to get at it. Poor guy's tummy must've been growling as he was running his bill across the ice.
Bertha seems to really enjoy your visits.
What a way to end the day by seeing a newborn calf.
Hey Dot in PA, as I always say, "You learn something new every day...whether you want to or not!" We called 'em road apples! :2funny:

Mockingbird images get my Pix of the Day Awards! Nice ones.

 :wave:

Oh, what precious photos of the calf, MAK!  Makes me think about becoming a vegetarian.  I guess it's all about keeping things in perspective.

Oh my gosh the calf is cute!  What breed is she?  What is her name?

Barb, I think the geese get fed by the owner-but they need the water to drink and take baths to keep their feathers clean for warmth. I know I really enjoy visiting Bertha-she's my "Beautyful one" substitute while I'm here!
Bobbie,I love Mockingbirds-and they're such bold characters that they stay close for pics.
Pat,that calf was precious! She tried to get up a few times but didn't quite make it while we were there. I imagine once she was returned to her mama she was standing and ready for some nourishment.
Nora,she is a Black Angus calf and they don't name them-there's too many! If you'll notice she already had an ear tag to identify her. Why don't you name her and let me know what you come up with!  ;D

Thank you everybody for your comments!  :wave:

How about Ebony?


Nora in NW Florida

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)

Ebony it is!  :thumbsup:

 :hello:  What a banner day on my 19th one in Paradise! I checked for Ebony and mama at the sale barn but they weren't there so I called Mike and asked where they were-he said they were put out to pasture this morning but he didn't know which one. I set out in search of and found them all to themselves by the woods in pasture 6. Ebony was trying to feed while mama kept moving around. I also spoke to 2 girls who were the grand-daughters of the owner of Bertha-her real name is Angel! Quite fitting as I named my car-Angel Car (AC)-gotta love angels!!! I won't tell you what her former abusive owners did to her-just know that she is in good hands now! Of course I've included backyard bird pics. I found more Meadowlarks,a Kestrel,3 Red-tail Hawks,cows on the ranch as I was able to go on one part of the ranch road as the ice was melting finally. My 2 dog buddies on Blue Jay Rd. greeted me, whom I've named Duke and Toto and I stopped by my niece Lorris' place to see her 7 dogs,3 cats and 2 rabbits.

Click on the link to see my pics and I made a video of Ebony and her mama

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWqjM6 (http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWqjM6)

http://youtu.be/c0Jq8fZoF1w (http://youtu.be/c0Jq8fZoF1w)

Ebony and Mom look none the worse for wear. Angel's a good name for Bertha, which now maybe could be her middle name? Such beautiful, hearty birds in that area. Please thank Lorri for allowing us to meet her four-legged "family," MAK!

I'll be sure to tell her Barb!  ;D

WOW! "Tracking MAK" has had over 14,000 hits and 500+ replies! Is this a record?! I think so.

 :wave:

Our stats page includes the top 10 topics by replies and by views.

http://rfalconcam.com/forum/index.php?action=stats (http://rfalconcam.com/forum/index.php?action=stats)

Thanks, Shaky! Off to check! Slainte!

Love Tracking MAK!!!

Wow, you had a bonanza day!  Love little Ebony.  :)

She is a little cutie Nora and thanks for the great name choice!  :clap:

Wow!  We do good business here!!!  Just think of all the information here!!

The NSA must love us.

Yarak      21010
Donna      20848  at least Yarak has more posts than me!!  :wub:

 :wave:  Day 20 in Paradise found me housebound due to heavy rain which caused flooding and melted packed snow on dirt roads exposing the ice below and making for slippery driving conditions. Mike recommended not venturing out so I spent the better part of the day transferring  files to CDs in order to free up space on my hard drive and hanging out with the dogs. I did take a few pics of a half red,half gray squirrel in the back yard, a female Cardinal and 2 Chickadees. The next few days the weather is supposed to be sunny with temperatures in the 50's and 60's.

Click on the link below for a very small album-tomorrow will be better

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWqjNc (http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWqjNc)

Sorry you couldn't get out today but the photos of the two-color squirrel almost makes up for it.

Dot in PA

Yes Dot, he was very unique! ;D

MAK, you had a productive day, nonetheless, taking care of tedious computer work. Gee...Even the squirrels are more colorful in Arkansas!

They are Barb! I think a red and gray squirrel must have gotten together to produce this beauty. Red squirrels are much smaller than the grays and this one was the size of a gray. Not too tedious when you have 3 dogs  to keep ya company!  :wave:

 :happybday:

 :wave:  Day 21 in Paradise was sunny and warmer with a temperature of 48 (F) with very little ice left on the dirt roads and quite muddy in spots. The cows were enjoying the sunshine that has eluded us for a few days being invaded by Brown-headed Cowbirds and the African Geese were happy to have a small patch of their pond thawed out. Angel (Bertha) was too busy eating hay to come see me at the fence but she did have a look over her shoulder! I saw many Red-tail Hawks out soaring and hunting with one glance of Blackie as he took off from a tree. I took a couple new dirt roads and found dogs,cats,a sheep farm and a cute little calf that was rolling around on the grass. I saw old trucks,an underground house,a mystery bird and a Flamingo farm for Janet. As I returned home, Ginger and Savannah came over to greet me and as I approached the house I spotted a Bluebird on the fence by the holler!

Click on the link below to view todays album and there's 2 videos as well

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWqjN- (http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWqjN-)

 http://youtu.be/5lTPKeFRJjU (http://youtu.be/5lTPKeFRJjU)
 http://youtu.be/jjQp_gSqKHo (http://youtu.be/jjQp_gSqKHo)

Loved the half and half squirrel.

We all need a catch up day once in a while.


Nora in NW Florida

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)

What's with the underground house?

Did you identify the unknown bird?


Nora in NW Florida

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)

Nora, I didn't ID the bird in my Shutterfly album, pictures #8 and 9-I'm hoping someone recognizes it and can tell us. As for the underground house-to each his own right!?   ;)

Wishing you happy adventures today!!!

I'll bet the underground house is energy efficient.

That's what I thought too Nora, must be cool down under!

Nice new adventures for you! My guess as to the "mystery" bird, due to its characteristic breast spot, is that it's a Song Sparrow. The other possibility I think might be Savannah Sparrow. But your bird didn't appear to have a yellowish patch between eye and bill. Thanks for the birthday greetings. How was the French onion soup?

I thought some sort of sparrow-thanks for the confirmation Barb. The soup was great-my best yet, I think! And check the birthday thread,there's more greetings for you!!  ;)

 :hello:  Day 22 in Paradise brings sun,warm temps in the low 60's and thawed out ponds for all the critters! My first encounter was a couple cows scratching on tree limbs-hey,whatever works! I ventured out onto a couple more new dirt roads that put much mud on my sisters Jeep-what fun I have playing in the mud!! I saw more old vehicles,horses,goats,Red-tail Hawks,an American Kestrel,uniquely named roads and scenery. A few more dogs with one that chased me back to the jeep and down the road-a gorgeous Rottweiler that didn't want me near his property as I stepped out to take a pic. Boy was the adrenalin racing thru my veins on that one! Some very nice homes built on a hill, a rather small house made of stone which would suit me just fine and a home that had tiny stones for a yard making a lawn mower of no use. Talk about low maintenance, this place had no bushes or gardens whatsoever! Boring to me but to each his own I guess. I ended my watch with Savannah running across the front pasture to join the cows with Ginger bringing up the rear at her own pace.

Click on the link below to see pics of todays adventure

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWqjPU (http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWqjPU)



 http://youtu.be/YrYEimk3R5I (http://youtu.be/YrYEimk3R5I)

Thank goodness for strategically placed tree branches. They looked to be contented cows. Be mindful of all the watchdogs, MAK! :dogbite:
Your French Onion Soup sounds like a winner!

Would that be the "Bull sucking trees?"  (http://www.picgifs.com/clip-art/farm/bulls/clip-art-bulls-139410.jpg) (http://www.picgifs.com/clip-art/)

Sounds like another wonderful day in paradise!


Nora in NW Florida

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)

I'm only seeing 2 pictures...both are of roads.  :confused:

 :-[  Sorry about the link for my album today-I fixed it so here's the new link that should have 52 pics.

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWqjPU (http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWqjPU)

I especially liked the shot from underneath the starling - something quite different.  So glad the geese and cows have access to water again.

Dot in PA

Dot, I love taking shots from below my subjects and in case you didn't notice,mirror shots are another favorite of mine.  ;D

:hysterical:

 :wave: Day 23 in Paradise brought me to the Missouri state line as I took a new dirt road that went on forever. I saw many road conditions on White Oak Hollow Rd. including hair pin turns,steep hills,areas where it was barely wide enough for 1 vehicle and at one spot a creek actually flowed across the road. There was concrete under the water to cut down on erosion problems I'm guessing. My journey brought me glimpses at steep drop offs,geese,swans,dogs that weren't happy to see me,chickens,goats,llamas,wonderful landscapes and many old vehicles.
  Of course I saw Angel (Bertha) and Red-tail Hawks. And I caught a pair of Meadowlarks talking to each other on power lines until a 2nd male showed up-then they all flew down onto a field and started searching for breakfast. As I drove thru town to get bird food at the feed and seed I spotted a tornado shelter sign (Pearidge is in what is known as tornado alley) and I finished up by giving my sisters' Jeep a bath at the local car wash as it was covered in mud from my adventures!

Check out my photo album by clicking on the link below and there's a couple videos too

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWqjQO (http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWqjQO)

 http://youtu.be/Kn7OD4LOquA (http://youtu.be/Kn7OD4LOquA)

 http://youtu.be/0gAaHG4m9Ec (http://youtu.be/0gAaHG4m9Ec)

Another great day of adventures and new sights. Hey! Your Meadowlarks are more colorful than mine! I was mesmerized by how well you followed the TV around in the sky. Such a steady hand. It was a good day for both of us to get out into the sunshine and fresh air!

As far as following the TV-I'm getting better! And yes Barb, there's nothing better than enjoying nature in the sunshine and fresh air! Thanks for commenting!  ;D

"My journey brought me glimpses at steep drop offs, geese, swans, dogs that weren't happy to see me, chickens, goats, llamas, wonderful landscapes and many old vehicles."

Not llamas - those are Alpacas - loving, gentle critters that need to be with others.  A number of farmers in Smith Mt Lake, VA are working to bring them back.

As for "goats" - 1971 or 1972?  Love it and wish we knew what was under the hood!

Another great day of adventures.  I am so enjoying following your activities in Paradise.  How many people just drive by and don't notice all the action and beauty around them!

Thanks for cluing me in on the Alpacas Janet and oh I forgot all about them being called "goats" vroom vroom! :2thumbsup:

Nora, I imagine most people don't see what surrounds them whether driving or not! Thankfully, my parents (especially my mom-she was part Seneca Indian) brought me up to enjoy nature and all its splendor!!!  ;D

 :wave: My watch on day 24 in Paradise was cut short by a flat tire! I still had a fun ride as I checked out yet another new dirt road (Slaughter Pen Rd.) It had a very steep drop off on one side making me feel a bit uneasy as I'm afraid of heights but I managed to press on. I started my day on Dove Rd. visiting Angel and after finding no hawks or little falcons I set out to find some new sights. Nice homes,more dogs, a cool rock garden and a big,beautiful spread with goats,donkeys,cows,horses,sheep,geese,hens and roosters roaming around. I found a plane weather vane, some cute miniature horses and my 2nd Bald Eagle sighting. It passed over me as I was going the wrong way and by the time I got turned around I got a couple long distance shots before it disappeared in the trees. Just before the tire went flat I did get a glimpse at a Kestrel. My little dog friends kept us (my sisters' dogs and I) company until Mike came to our rescue!

Check out todays pics by clicking the link below and there's 3 videos too

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWqjQs (http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWqjQs)


http://youtu.be/v3KpSbXfY4c (http://youtu.be/v3KpSbXfY4c)
http://youtu.be/silMl5MBtSw (http://youtu.be/silMl5MBtSw)
http://youtu.be/qAeoZh4VXK8 (http://youtu.be/qAeoZh4VXK8)

Great videos!  At what age can a horse start to be ridden?


Nora in NW Florida

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)

At ages 2-3 years old they can start breaking them in to be ridden-reason being, the back bone needs to be fully developed before putting weight on it. We sure are getting an education aren't we Nora!?  :yes:

I like the miniature horses. Are they work animals or ridden for pleasure or maybe just raised to be sold?? I must say that most of the dogs you've photographed over the past couple of weeks do not look at all friendly. :snarl:

Dot in PA

Sorry about the flat tire, but I sure enjoyed tagging along on your travels today! That is interesting to learn about the age horses can be ridden, and why. I'm glad Nora asked the question. If you saw the PBS program on the history of the Lipizzan Horses, they mentioned separating the "kids" from the mares at 3 years, when training begins. It was fun watching Savannah and the calves frisking about.  :turtle-e90:

Barb,I love to see horses run free especially without a rider on their back-the way it should be as far as I'm concerned. And it's great fun to watch when calves run and kick up their back legs and jump up with all four legs in the air!  :yes:

Dot, I have no idea what the mini horses are used for-the ones in my pic were being boarded at the stables where I took their pic. And most of the dogs here are watch dogs so they're not supposed to look friendly-they're doing a good job eh!?  ;)

Wow It's so beautiful outthere.
Great Pictures.
Scary dogs.
I admire your courage ! :coolphotos:

Oh, and what a fun way to get an Education!!!

I love your picture moon over front pasture and that bicolor mini horse!

I only got a bit scared the day the Rottweiler chased me back into the Jeep as I had gotten out to take a scenery pic-once I got back in safe I kinda chuckled to myself as he chased me down the street!  :scaredblue: :dogrun:

I know I'm having fun Nora!   ;D

Yes, I like the moon pic too Annette with the colors on the horizon from the sun below. The bi-color mini horse was my favorite too!  :yes:

Nice moon, nice house, and nice (see my Shutterfly comment)  :devil:

Um, I didn't find a comment on my Shutterfly album Janet!  :confused:

 :hello:  On day 25 in Paradise I spent some time on the ranch roads-avoiding the parts that had the Jeep sucking ruts! My first sighting were the Egyptian Geese whom I haven't seen in a few days-they were eating in the front of the ranch by the headquarters with some cowbirds. As I made my way by pasture #8 I spotted the white chest of a Red-tail Hawk back in the trees. While stopped there Mike came by in a tractor to clear a big tree branch off the ranch road. I then found Ebony and her mama laying down in pasture #6 as I pulled over to check them out they got up and I got to see Ebony run a little. She's doing very well at 6 days old! I rode around on the main roads a bit today finding a really nice red roofed home. Sadly, when I stopped to see Angel (Bertha) a lady came out and told me not to take pics of her anymore.  :( After that, my heart just wasn't into my watch any longer. On my way back home I came across a neighbors cows and calves that seemingly posed for me,a kestrel,a hunting Red-tail Hawk and the Egyptian Geese were singing "Up on the roof"!

Click on the link below to see my pics from today and a couple Egyptian Geese videos

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWqjRK (http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWqjRK)

 http://youtu.be/jhIzZ-haT-g (http://youtu.be/jhIzZ-haT-g)
 http://youtu.be/nwzD3a52ovc (http://youtu.be/nwzD3a52ovc)

That stinks! so sad!  Wonder what her reason was?

She said she didn't feel comfortable with it Ruth. I said, ok fair enough but I really wanted to say-why not,are you doing something illegal around here? I didn't feel like getting shot at so I moved along-hey, ya never know what people will do!   :crazy:

That's so sad.  :crying: The area is lovely but, judging from all those many guard dogs and the request to stop photographing Bertha (Angel), the people seem to be leery of strangers and not all that friendly. 

Dot in PA

Yes Dot, I do not go on private property anywhere either here or at home unless I know it's alright-especially when their are dogs running loose!  :dogrun:  Actually, the people here are quite friendly and nice! On the dirt roads most of the people I pass in cars wave to me and I of course, wave back and smile!  :wave:

I'm sorry MAK, gees, you're one of the most NON threatening people I've met.  Some people are just too paranoid - her problem, not yours so don't let it get you down. 

Well Carly, I have plenty of pics of Angel and I can still drive by and see her, so it's all good!  ;D

Sorry you had that encounter with "Mrs. Crabby Crabtree," especially since Angel (Bertha) enjoys your visits. I've had similar things happen while out photographing birds. It's definitely disheartening, and has a tendency to put a dark cloud over the rest of the outing. However, there were many other high points to enjoy! The Egyptian Geese are quite stylish. I've never seen them before your pictures. The calves are so cute. Mike had a big smile for you/us, too!

You're right Barb, there were many highlights and I am grateful for every one of them! It was a surprise to see Mike in that tractor-I never knew he could drive one!  ;D

Nice ass

Lovin' your days in Paradise!

Happy One Week birthday to my little Ebony!!!

 :laugh:

Only 5 days left in paradise Nora-I'm sure gonna miss this place and my family. Ebony will be all grown up next time I visit.  :yes:

 :wave: Hi y'all! Day 26 in Paradise was a day of missed opportunities as there were many raptors out gliding on the wind currents, but eluding me while I looked for a place to pull over and photograph them. I did get a couple tho! I started my watch by driving down Dove Rd. past Angel as I wanted to catch a glimpse of her. I saw a couple mockingbirds,some more sheep and horses, a tow truck on stilts and a "Fresh eggs" sign which you don't see too much any more. I checked out a couple new dirt roads and spotted a couple more dogs. A pair of Bluebirds stayed still long enough for me to get a couple shots off and I ended up at home enjoying the Chickadees,Tufted Titmouse and White-breasted Nuthatches at the backyard bird feeders.

Check out my album and videos below if you'd like to see what I saw today

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWqjRo (http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWqjRo)

 http://youtu.be/yUt1gNmeSH8 (http://youtu.be/yUt1gNmeSH8)
 http://youtu.be/ABWIAZgOawg (http://youtu.be/ABWIAZgOawg)
http://youtu.be/hRBWCvW9gBI (http://youtu.be/hRBWCvW9gBI)

All of your pics and videos have been wonderful, MAK, and thanks so much for taking the time to take them and post them.  And I didn't think the all of the dogs were scary. :)  But we miss you!  Hopefully you'll be heading back up north soon. 

Thank you Pat! There were just a handful of dogs that looked a bit unfriendly shall we say!?  :dogbite:  My plane takes off next Tuesday at 5:50am-6:50am in Rochester as I am on Central time here. So I'll be home very soon.  ;)

Do you visit every year?  Ever consider moving there?

Why don't you think the lady wants Angel's picture taken?

Loved the pics and videos today!


Nora in NW Florida

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)

MAK, you could work for vPike getting pictures of all those back road houses they don't get to! It looked like a beautiful day in your Arkansas Paradise. I know you're savoring every moment!

   Nora, I have visited every year for the past 4 years-since my mom passed away in 2009, I feel close to her thru my sister cuz she's a lot like my mom. I have considered moving here at times and my sis,her hubby and my niece always try talking me into it when I visit but I have the rest of my family in Rochester,many good, long time friends and of course our falcons who give me a reason to get out of bed every day. My life is there, at least for now.
   I don't know why Angels' owners don't want me to take pictures of her but I respect their wishes. I didn't even stop today just drove by and it made me very sad not to stop and talk to her as she made her way to the front of the fence to see me.  :heart:

Barb, I had to google vPike to see what you were talking about-never heard of it! It was a very nice day here and I so am savoring what's left of my time here!  ;D

Hope you get a good look at Angel today.  Maybe at least you can drive by slowly.

I grew up in Rochester.  Sometimes I regret selling my parents' house, not moving back, and staying In FL.  I would love the Falcon watches.  But like you said, we create a life where we are, and it would be hard to relocate.

YAY!  It'll be good to see you back on the Broad Street Bridge again, MAK.   :happy:

Here's wishing you wonderful last days there!  :party: You seem like the kind of person who would be happy anywhere. I'm looking forward to your return to Rochester and your falcon reports. Thanks again for the beautiful glimpses into Paradise.

Dot in PA

Nora, I drove by slowly yesterday to see Angel and I will every day til I leave here but it's just not the same as stopping to talk to her.

Pat, it'll be good to be back on the BSB again!

And Dot, you're very welcome-it's been a lot of fun sharing my beautiful glimpses of Paradise!! 

 :wave: :wave: :wave:

 :hello:   My adventures on day 27 in Paradise bagged me my 2nd Bald Eagle sighting! As I was cruising along a new dirt road called Rocky Ridge Trail I spotted a black spot on the other side of a field. At first I thought it was a stump or something but when I looked with my trusty binocs-Bam it was an eagle just standing there for the longest time. When 2 vultures started circling above, it started hopping forward and I could tell he had prey in his talons. This was a great road as I found a creek that crossed over the road that I taped and I saw deer,donkeys,horses,sheep and a property where the house was down to the ground but a gazebo remained. I also went down another new road called Heritage Trail and came across a home on a hill with rock fences built all the way up and across the side of the incline-lots of work went into building all of them as you'll see them in todays album. I passed by Angel while one of the grand daughters was out emptying garbage. Further up the road I stopped to check out a mockingbird but never took the shot cuz I spotted Angel in my side mirror and just couldn't resist taking her pic instead. The devil made me do it!!  :devil:

Check out the link below to view todays album and there are 5 videos too

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWqjSG (http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWqjSG)

 http://youtu.be/8aD9miQhHOc (http://youtu.be/8aD9miQhHOc)
 http://youtu.be/XOTSeqX7uhA (http://youtu.be/XOTSeqX7uhA)
http://youtu.be/AP9B2T1lpmM (http://youtu.be/AP9B2T1lpmM)
 http://youtu.be/Xz5cfeqRdgo (http://youtu.be/Xz5cfeqRdgo)
 http://youtu.be/RJMMsMw_1WI (http://youtu.be/RJMMsMw_1WI)

Gorgeous eagle pics, MAK!  And the Angel photo is great too!  ;)

Pat, I get so excited when I see an eagle! I love that Angel is still coming to the fence even though I don't stop. I will miss her!  :heart:

I love your beautiful ass picture and the last horse has interest colors!

Sure am going to miss your Reports from Paradise, MAK! And you will surely miss sending them to us! But we'll be pleased to have you back on BSB, returning relaxed and refreshed and ready for action in the 2014 Season! Happy Trails!

 :wave:

Annette, I passed that horse and had to turn around and go back because it had such beautiful markings.  :yes:

Thanks Bobbie, not really looking forward to coming home to pack up my house and find an apartment in a month but I guess I'll git er done somehow! I am however happy about seeing our beloved falcons again soon-I've missed them very much even though I've had all this great stuff here to occupy my time!
 :pfalcon: :foxbinocs:

Loved all the pics and videos!  Sweet Angel.

Didn't realize you were moving.

Yes Nora, had to sell the house-not by choice.  :(

Nice work Eagle Eye! Oh I wish I had your steady hands for videos. Can't wait to see what adventures your have today.

Thanks Barb! The more you tape the steadier you will get-don't forget I tape at least one video every single day!  :yes:

 :wave: On day 28 in Paradise my sis, Mary Ellen and niece, Lorri took me to Beaver Lake where there are supposed to be lots of Bald Eagles-not in the area we were in but it was a beautiful place just the same! The campgrounds we were tooling around in had sites right above the water-how cool is that? We took some dirt roads near it and on one of them we had about 6 dogs come down the road after us!!! We stopped to talk to some mules-did you know that mules are half horse/half donkey? I also did a short morning ride finding a Pileated woodpecker on Dove Road but couldn't get a clear shot of it and Angel was laying down resting as I drove by. The Egyptian Geese on the ranch ran away from me and a Kestrel was hanging on to a swaying in the wind power line as he tried to find a meal below him. Tonight we are going out to dinner to celebrate my sisters' birthday which is on Monday.

Check out my album and a couple videos below

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWqjSk (http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWqjSk)

 http://youtu.be/KWeaU0U6KP4 (http://youtu.be/KWeaU0U6KP4)
http://youtu.be/LwH4Al2cpA4 (http://youtu.be/LwH4Al2cpA4)

Bummer about having to sell the house.  Sure wish I had kept my patents' house.  I would rent it to you really reasonably.  It was in a nice location in Brighton.  I kick myself for not keeping it, but at the time it had too many memories.  My room looked the same in 1999 as when I grew up.

Loved yesterday's pics and videos.  Hope you had a nice dinner.  happy Birthday to your sister.

Nora, unfortunately homes can't always be kept forever-this was supposed to be my last home before either kicking the bucket or going to a nursing home. Life happens right?! Anyway, thanks for your kind thoughts! Dinner was great and I will tell my sister you said Happy Birthday.  :wave:

Beaver Lake looks pristine and peaceful. Happy Birthday, Mary Ellen!

I'll tell her Barb, thanks!  ;D

 :hello: Day 29 in Paradise was a big raptor day on the ranch and Dove Rd. with the highlight being a Bald Eagle in pasture #13 on the ranch! I was watching vultures when lo and behold one of them drew my attention right to a tree the eagle was in. I waited a long time for it to fly off but left before he did so. Next I found Ebony and her mama-I thought mama was leading her youngun away from me but it turned out that the feed truck was coming. Bill filled the trough as a couple loose calves were in front of the tractor. I captured a tender moment as a calf was feeding from mom. Red-tail Hawks and American Kestrels were out and about on Dove Rd. as usual and I spotted a Red-shoulder Hawk on Hazelton Rd. I found a pig and some other interesting things to round out my watch!

Check out my album and a couple videos below

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWqjTC (http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWqjTC)

http://youtu.be/5K9RdnRHhtc (http://youtu.be/5K9RdnRHhtc)
 http://youtu.be/82cNJEBYP-w (http://youtu.be/82cNJEBYP-w)
 http://youtu.be/7nureUwwS1Y (http://youtu.be/7nureUwwS1Y)

Love your pictures today and of course the video of my Ebony. :))))

Best wishes on the apartment hunting. Sure wish I has my house to offer to you.  Yup, life happens, and no choice but to go with the flow. 


Nora in NW Florida

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Nora, I appreciate you wanting to help me out-it's very sweet of you!  :yes:

Happy Trails, MAK - as I believe your Paradise Journey is about to end... and we will be so happy to have you back on BSB!!!

 :wave: