What is this bird? He's very fast and was hard to capture.

Here in Ireland, we just call them Jays. Here's the RSPB link, which says they are difficult to see - and altho we know there are some in the woodlands above is, this is true! Only one or two have ever wandered into our garden. Funny to think of them as members of the Crow family.

http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/j/jay/index.aspx

Now that was one very big job!

Superb work, Ei and Shaky! A huge round of applause - I know I will not be the only one saying this!

 

Slainte!

Bobbie

So there's no news today about Beauty and her Gentleman Caller??

My first encounter with a Hen Harrier came a number of years ago while I was walking our Sheltie, Dulcie, in Connemara. Up it rose from the bracken and I don't know who was more surprised - the bird or us. Having seen a splendid Northern Harrier streak across my sister's yard while I was Stateside, it is sad to read of their Irish cousins' problems in The Irish Times today.

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sciencetoday/2011/0106/1224286856641.html

Right you are, Aafke... I found that link, and it was Sweden.

Sorry about my poor geography, Aafke! I will look again for that piece.

And the volcano in Iceland? Goodness, who knows! I could be something like that! Whatever the reason, there is obviously a problem somewhere.

Anger. Sadness. Where does this come from?! Should they be caught, punishment should not just be "pay a fine and walk away". Of course we can all think of something "appropriate" - but I think such cases require much more thought from the courts in meting out punishment. Til then...

I may have missed this on the Forum in recent days - but did anyone report about an incident of multiple bird deaths in Finland?

How could you miss it and where did it come from?

Here's lookin' at you, Kid.

I'll get one when it's time! 

Sirs:

As I did not give my personal permission for this image of me (see above) to be published in your otherwise excellent journal, I am forced to place the matter in the hands of my lawyers. You're gonna hear from us!

Yours in anticipation of receiving millions,

Frederika Forage

On Jan. 1, we spotted a southern flying squirrel in the Eagle Cam nest. You can see his big eyes "shining" in the infrared image. This little guy appeared to be snacking on some leftover food brought by the eagles.

The Blair Squirrel Project

Begorrah, Donna! Speaking of "who knew..."! Guess I better peruse their site more carefully...

UFOTD time! (useless fact of the day). In most birds, 60-80% of their feathers are to be found on their head and neck. well there you go.

Ireland

Ok... gotta ask... How is this source "Ireland"? Something I should know?... or be concerned about?! Is someone in this broke and benighted country getting funding for this?? And, if so, is there any way I can get a gig with them?? Kindly respond with indecent alacrity.

They should all take a lesson from the birds, who do not recognise boundaries!

The useless fact of the day (UFOTD) - Tengmalm's and Great Horned Owls, when recovering food they have stored and finding it frozen, will defrost it before eating it by incubating it like it's an egg.

From Ireland

Ireland... that well-known bastion of both species...