Thanks to a Capitols/Rangers hockey game that went late into overtime last night, we got a chance to watch Zuzu as well.  The seed cake was turned toward the kitchen window, giving us a view that showed up her patagium -- the web of skin connecting her legs into a perfect gliding shape.  Also, check out her flat tail.

Paul

I keep thinking we are down an ovoid and up a cottonball.

Paul

Thank you, BIGFRANK.  Isn't this fairly close to several sites in North York where peregrines have historically nested?

Paul

A young redtail, and a very nice picture.  Compliments to the photographer.

Paul

Here he is at 8:52:



Paul

As I made my way through the riprap and drift logs, I heard wail calls overhead.  I emerged from the forest just in time to spot the male returning to a perch near the nest.  We spent about a half hour together as he stood guard duty. 

I wonder how far out I was when he first spotted me.  I'm always amazed by their ability to see us at long distances, even when hidden by trees.

Paul

Egg!



Paul

Now, learn the whole story:

http://twitter.com/bronxzooscobra

Paul

Happy Birthday, Helen!
Did you get a birthday sighting of the TR Bridge peregrine?

Paul

She is adorable. I wonder what is their range? 

Just wondered if any would be around here. Doubt it.

Most of North America:
http://winterwoman.net/2009/02/13/flying-squirrels/
Alonzo (the squirrel guy) at nearby Long Branch Nature Center, thinks that flying squirrels outnumber grey squirrels here in Arlington.  He suggests putting some peanut butter on a tree trunk after dark.  If it's gone before morning twilight, you have flying squirrels.

Paul

Paul - wondering - where did the name "Zuzu" come from? It suits her perfectly.

Slainte!

We seem to have at least three Southern Flying Squirrels who visit us.  My daughter has named them Zuzu, Zaza, and Zizi.  I believe it was because we had zuccini cassarole the night Zuzu first came.  Zizi is very timid and usually bails when s/he sees us.  Zaza remains at the feeder but watches us suspeciously.  We have had two squirrels at once on several occasions -- not surprising, because they nest in a group during the winter.

This just in -- we had a small squirrel last night who did not look or behave like any of the three Zs.

Paul

Two days after by birthday, Zuzu appeared outside our kitchen window in the midst of the heaviest thunderstorm of the year.  She ate seeds and mealworms as rain pounded against the window and the sky flashed and thundered. We've noticed a pattern -- she seems to show up when it rains.  If so, why? Also, it looks as if she might be nursing.

Paul

They just returned:



Paul

This was filmed in the UK by someone and posted to the SF PG&E group.

Red Kite finds lost camera from an RC Aircraft.

Paul

I made my first visit to my local peregrines this morning.  Immediate gratification -- one was perched at the edge of the nest box and remained there for over a half hour.  There were some wail calls, so I think a brooding shift change was being negotiated.  It appears, then, that the 2011 season must be upon us.

Paul