Wouldn't it be awesome to look at that entire book!   

At that price, MAK, they will probably charge us per page. Just hope the new owner gives a damn about the birds it shows (tho I may misjudge...).

  What a shame and this eagle was successfully released too!   

That's what makes it doubly upsetting. People working so terribly hard to reintroduce these magnificent birds, and others oblivious to their niche in the whole natural scheme of things.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-11946022

That's the link. Tho I am torn... saving this unique book is a reason for celebration... but how much better might the money have been spent in something like habitat protection?

There has been outrage expressed by wildlife conservation charities BirdWatch Ireland, RSPB Northern Ireland and the Golden Eagle Trust at the poisoning of one of Ireland’s most magnificent birds of prey, the Golden Eagle.

The bird was found on 1st November 2010, outside the village of Killeter in west Tyrone, Northern Ireland, with a partially full crop, suggesting that it had eaten recently.  It was then taken away by police for testing.  The post-mortem has since revealed that it was poisoned by carbofuran, which has been banned in the UK since 2001, and in Europe since 2008.

http://www.birdwatchireland.ie/News/PoisonedGoldenEaglefoundinCoTyrone/tabid/1159/Default.aspx  Sad story and pics.  (sorry Bobbie)

No one is sorrier than I am, Donna! I had missed this, what with being away - does not make it any more palatable, tho. Must be more vigilant re checking BirdWatch et al., which I have not done for a while. I know I can rely on you, but am saddened by the news you must sometimes relate re this green isle. Civilisation has yet to penetrate some areas, I fear.

Like the unfortunate bears in the hunt you mentioned, we once again have the 'unspeakable in pursuit of the uneatable'.

HOODED CROW

I always saw lots of them in Russia and in Ireland, and they always comported themselves like perfect gangsters.

Here are a couple from Berlin.

Hooded Crow (Corvus cornix) ... is a Eurasian bird species in the crow genus. Widely distributed, it is also known locally as Scotch Crow, Danish Crow, and Corbie or Grey Crow in Ireland, which is what its Welsh name, Brân Lwyd, translates as. Found across northern, eastern and southeastern Europe, and the Middle East, it is an ashy grey bird with black head, throat, wings, tail and thigh feathers, as well as a black bill, eyes and feet. Like other corvids it is an omnivorous and opportunistic forager and feeder. (wikipedia)

Our Hooded Crows - called "Hoodies" - are perfect gentlemen (women)! They wait politely while other corvids wreck the place in their quest for tidbits. They sit right there on the wire as their relatives - the magpies, jackdaws and rooks - argue incessantly. Then down they come, usually as a pair, choose their bit, and head off. Must be a higher-class neighbourhood.

The Chrismas Bird Count is a growing event here. But it seems we are mere amateurs - the ROC area has been at it for years. Has any of you ever taken part? Tell!

http://php.democratandchronicle.com/blog/birds/?p=3911

[MAKfalcon (MAK):]

MAKfalcon (MAK): Good morning from Broad St. bridge! B is on the top Ibeam of the OCSR building SE side.

Link:
http://twitter.com/MAKfalcon/statuses/12163915211345920

Oy! MAK! Yer late!

MAK stuck in traffic on 390...4 mile back up. She will get to her watch soon....careful! Cars off road every where. 

Poor MAK! Keep us posted, Donna. Cannot have one of our top watchers stuck. (Now, where is that Irish guy with his shovel when you need him??)

MAK, stay safe and toasty.

 I got the 4WD Bobbie. I'll pick Donna up and we'll head on over!      

GREAT idea, Ms MAK! I will keep a light in the window. Two shovels? My idea of Industrialisation!
 

I know you could! Actually, we pretty much see such antics as vaguely charming - tho the charm can wear thin if one is marooned for days on end. Our hill has an insidious rise to it, so 4W-drives are the only thing - and this being farming country, we have plenty. So... will I tell the County Council you are on your way?? You will have to bring your own shovel, tho.

More snow over nite.

I saw that, Donna. Brrrr! If Beauty and Archer could see their home now! Here, it is finally thawing after a week of snow and treacherous roads. We could not get out for about 4 days, and poor Rod had Cabin Fever. I think Dublin has one snowplough! One time, I saw a road worker spreading grit by dumping it off the back of a truck... with a shovel! We are NOT prepared for these Arctic conditions!

 Throw the book at 'em!  

I was thinking of something heavier than a book, MAK.

On another note, tho - the NZ fines a certainly alot more acceptable (?) than the piddling amounts we have here. A mere matter of pence - just pocket money for the evil-doers.

Yeah Bobbie I did make notice of the steep fines compared to others.  They need to be even higher! 

Oh, yeah! Massive fines. AND confiscation of equipment... including boats, cars... anything they used to carry out their dreadful deed. That'll show 'em... or will it??

 Throw the book at 'em!  

I was thinking of something heavier than a book, MAK.

On another note, tho - the NZ fines a certainly alot more acceptable (?) than the piddling amounts we have here. A mere matter of pence - just pocket money for the evil-doers.

Oh no, this is so sad! Here, seals have also been known to meet this fate - tho I have not seen/heard anything similar in the last long while. Seems (you think?!) the fishermen blame the seals for diminishing fish stocks. Ok. Let's have a think here...

Anne, in spite of truly cold winter temps in ROC while I lived there, I do NOT remember being colder than when we visited Toronto years back. That breath-stopping kind of cold. So I have to send a big CHEERS to you for the tree decorations. What a woman! So much in the spirit of the Christmas season. Have fun - we sure are as we tune in to your antics!

Slainte!