Good luck, everyone - and stay safe!

As it happens, this time 25 years ago, Hurricane Charlie struck Ireland. My sister and I flew back from Amsterdam on that night, and then we had the long drive back to Wicklow. I will never forget it!!

Unfortunately, this is nothing new.  We had our awesome Brittany spaniel stolen over 30 years ago.  Never saw her again.      Almost certainly taken for her Brittany hunting ability.

OMG, what a tragic moment for you. So sorry, even if it was 30 yrs ago. You'll never forget. 

OH, I am so sorry! But if this post has highlighted this dreadful occurrence, then may it be of some help! I cannot even imagine how sad this was for you and your family. Speechless with both rage and sadness.

Go, MAK!!!

And thank you for opening so many eyes to the wonders of Nature.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-14617612

Good luck, Little Guy!!! Bundle up and stay toasty!!

So many birds... so little time!

Good account and links from the BBC...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-14616161

Horrid people!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-14637989

Wouldn't you also wonder why this is called a "fest"?

Probably part of it is that these guys are not soft and cuddly - thus the less-than-enthusiastic attitude if they are harmed. But not for me! Apparently some of the emails are coming back as "undeliverable", but many are still going through. Cannot figure how to put this on FB...

Have never heard of this barbaric practice, taking place in... no, not some developing country, but Indiana. Could not bring myself to watch the video - the written description was plenty. Listed are ways we can help.

http://juliezickefoose.blogspot.com/2011/08/snapperfest-world-is-watching.html

(via 10,000 Birds)

I really enjoyed this photo story.  Wonder where the transmitter is?

Paul

Thanks Paul.  The transmitter that was on this gull is almost exactly the same as Quests.  It is solar powered, so it must be getting sun at least part of the day.  We are wondering if it might be up higher in the bushes or trees.  Maybe not on the ground.  When we go back in the fall, after the leaves fall, maybe we'll see it.

Here's what you need. Got $995?

http://www.com-spec.com/ARGOS_PTT_FINDER_AL_1/ARGOS_PTT_FINDER_AL_1__8_5x11_color_brochure.pdf

Just checked the pocket money - here ya go... (Not possible to do this with a couple of tin cans and a string, huh? Never knew how that worked either...)

Thanks for sticking with me on this one, D-G. Without knowing a thing about it, it does seem to be a useful (and harmless?) way of expanding the population. 'Twould be interesting to read others' comments.

OK, I get the hack idea - but why is it done? Do they take youngsters from failed nests? Are the bird captive-bred in the first place??

Maybe I should have read "About our Project" more carefully... captive-bred, huh? Only captive-bred?

OK, I get the hack idea - but why is it done? Do they take youngsters from failed nests? Are the bird captive-bred in the first place??

Have been meaning to ask this for ages... what is "hacking"? And why is it done? (Showing my ignorance... again!)

http://rapidcityfalcons.blogspot.com/2011/06/june-20-2011.html  Bobbie, you can read about hacking here on the Rapid City Blog. They had 11 in the hack box this season.

Thanks, Donna!