Great horned owl - While his mate warms their clutch of eggs, the male owl catches small rodents to feed both him and her. Once the eggs hatch, he hunts for and feeds the whole family.

the screech owls we saw in Chris' box seemed to do much the same.
I wonder which of the owls do it like that.
What's particularly interesting to me is how Archer really did NOT know what the devil to do with those hatchlings...and then he sort of did.
Now, ducklings.

wonderful video, Gayle, thanks! 
When that bird pecked the camera lens, I cracked up, but what followed was terrific.
It was great seeing the cranes in flight from above (from the ultralight). Beautifully made little film.

Bozo burning off pent up energy including, at the end, a full 180 degree flip! :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVaGTN0oG50
Neil

Brilliant!
My rabbits used to do that too (although Bozo's is a particularly virtuous performance) - they often looked so shocked when they found themselves facing some arbitrary direction because their butts had unexpectedly fired!  Imagine living with such an unpredictable hindquarters!
Loved seeing it!  Thanks!

As of noon today, we have three fledges (of three).
-Lorraine had just fledged and was being tracked down;
-Both Perkins and Hennen had fledged on previous days and had had to be picked up (by Deborah) and returned to the Library when they landed (not on their first flights) on the ground in inconvenient locations.
-Perkins flew off again and seems to be getting good control very quickly.
-At last report he was up on the Carlson (where I saw him land at the end of my shift) observing the library from across Church street.
-Hennen was still on the Library as of 12:15.
They're really, really beautiful at this stage, aren't they?

will you look at how he's right in the line of fire?

cool bird!!!
the stripes look bluish-tinged on the photos (at least on my screen).

there we go! great photos of terrific birds! thanks, gayle!

is the black-and-white warbler really streaked with gorgeous electric pale blue or did someone diddle with those photos? And if this irresistible birdie is really blue like that, so what gives with the name?

looks wonderful, Paul, thanks! Especially loved the cartoon caterpillar!

wonderful article on ravens, Patti!! Thanks so much!

HI Ginha!!!
 
- one of the best poop shoots ever!!  You can see how the projectile force threw the little guy off balance!!

Yes, I see you have pretty tail feathers coming in! 

That's sort of s silly place to sit.
I don't think an eyas hollers, "CLEAR!" before revving up that rear propeller.

pretty birdie, Ei!

The barn swallows returned to the Chicago lakefront, and every night one particular barn swallow  can be found sleeping in his (or his ancestors') traditional spot. I try not to disturb his sleep, although I can watch him at close range.
Soon there will be swallow fledglings, which bring new life to the old expression "loose cannon."

[Thanks for the good wishes!]

Thanks for the good wishes!
I had a great day, and got a special present.    

tease!

Marcia!!!
Happy Birthday!!! 
Wishing you all the very very best in the coming year.
Dale