Splendid photo series, Joyce and MAK!

... is at it again, this time with Kinglets. I think the Ruby-Crowned could be the same as our smallest bird, the Goldcrest. They nest in the pine trees in the next field and visit our windows to pick up spiders... and spiders' webs during nest-building time. Busy little fellows!

http://php.democratandchronicle.com/blog/birds/?p=3554

Knew you'd tell us! Haha!

When the wee nephew was about 4, we were all in the family room... I was vaguely watching TV but not really gainfully employed. Over he wandered, book in hand, climbed up with said book and announced: "Aunt Bobbie, I see you have nothing to do."

So - if you have nothing to do, here's the Citizenship Test that prospective US citizens must pass. I dipped out on 7... Thing is, I would love to see every High School Junior give it a go. Would they pass?

http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/2010/1009/Could-you-pass-a-US-citizenship-test/Who-signs-bills-to-become-laws

It does take time, but I think this is because of Big Mac and not the quiz...

Trivia
The exclamation "The devil made me do it!" by Geraldine Jones, one of Flip Wilson's many characters, was ranked #16 in TV Guide's list of "TV's 20 Top Catchphrases" (21-27 August 2005 issue).


[/quote]

Now, Donna, you had to know someone was going to ask: What are the other 19?!

[MAKfalcon (MAK):]

MAKfalcon (MAK): A on top arm of FCT. Gotta go have a great day!

Link:
http://twitter.com/MAKfalcon/statuses/27130789185

So The Lad is still with us!

I would love to see one of those fly-overs, Donna! (You know how I love my Cranes... whatever the spp.)

Apropos... I am sure everyone has seen "Fly Away Home" - I could watch it over and over again. And I have.

Thanks for your Sparrow story, Carol P. Lucky fellow!

We have had a few crashes ourselves, esp when the youngsters are testing their wings in Spring/Summer. And I am sure you have heard about putting the silhouette of a raptor on the window... which we did. No strikes since then, but perhaps this has more to do with the fact that there are now few juvs around than the efficacy of our supposed deterrent.

Worth reading!

http://www.timesunion.com/default/article/Plant-linked-to-Lyme-risk-699385.php

I'm not posting this because the RSPB is looking for donations, but because it is something positive to share. A timely - and much-needed - intervention.

http://www.rspb.org.uk/supporting/campaigns/sumatra/milliontrees.aspx

At the risk of lowering the tone... I will lower the tone...

Does anyone remember Flip Wilson? As kids, we thought he was a howl, esp when he did Geraldine ("The devil made me buy this dress!").

Here's his take on Columbus' discovery of America... Heard it on NPR and finally found it again - turn up the volume a tad and have a laugh.

http://homepage.mac.com/davidbellel/flipColumbus.mp3

A longish piece (one of three), but well worth the time, about the price we pay for the damage we do.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11495812

Oh my! I can see the antenna too! MAK and Joyce! What are you like! And what an adventure - for all of us!

 

I don't know about the migratory fly-ways our birds take, but the mention of Buff-Breasted Sandpipers makes me think this could have an effect. Another government turns its back. But wait til Mother Nature gets wind of it...

http://www.birdlife.org/community/2010/10/key-paraguayan-iba-being-destroyed/

Now dats alotta pies! 

Hey, that's right! Gotta reckon, tho, that the pulp would be kinda... uhhhh... pulpy?

Did I see somewhere that there was a shortage of tinned (canned) pumpkin this year? They were not going to the right source, obviously.