Hmmmm. Foxed already, Donna. Heading towards a warbler sp., largely because of the thin bill... we shall see!

Thanks to Jeanne and Carol for the heads-up on this. And do keep us posted! Here, we are surrounded by countryside and mountains and beaches, so walking our numerous dogs is never a problem. And of course I like to think we are responsible pet owners who put their dogs back on-lead when the situation requires. So I feel for those who can't find places to let their dogs have a good run.

What's this bird?

Yes, I say hoopoe also!

Awwww, rats! I missed the Hoopoe ID contest! Yes, these glories do turn up in Ireland, and I have seen them in Wexford. First saw them in Majorca - they look like big pink butterflies in flight. Also saw a Hoopoe's nest, and believe me, for all their elegant appearance, they sure have poor house-keeping habits!

(Missed the Reed Bunting too... I was headed towards a bunting sp. but never did get any further... Bring 'em on, Donna!)

I'm the part-time marketing and PR manager at Ganondagan, and I told Pete Jemison (Ganondagan Historic Site manager) about the falcon bearing his name.  He didn't know either. 

To have a falcon with your family name must be thrilling. I must also get to this site, Amy - I have passed by the road too many times on the way to Sonnenberg Gardens.

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/the-crime-in-the-artic-stop-aerial-wolf-hunting/ Sign if you wish.

Thanks for putting this out there, Donna. I have read about this for a while now and have already signed the petition. The useless barbarism is beyond me. If people can eat something, fair enough (well... usually) - but to just shoot them? And from the air? It's not even a fair fight. I despair.

Bob Marcotte is on a roll at the moment, this time with the story of a caterpillar. Who could come up with such a design? (Just hope this biological control actually works, with no unfortunate side-effects.)

http://php.democratandchronicle.com/blog/birds/?p=3540

Archer last seen Oct 11 of last year????

Do we know when he returned?

The first sighting of him after migration was in the nestbox with Beauty on March 21st.

OK, do not ask me to do the math on this... but Archer, it seems, is away from home for 5+ months. We do not know where he goes, right? Given that his and Beauty's offspring - Jemison and Callidora - have been not been relying on their parents for some time now, wouldn't Archer have sufficient time to raise a brood with another mate on his winter quarters? Or does this not happen with migratory species?

What an amazing bird. I would not like to get anywhere near that bill!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/earth/hi/earth_news/newsid_9036000/9036698.stm

The doctors say I may never be able to twist off a beer cap again.

Boy, Shaky - are you ever talkative today! Finish the book, did we??

Archer last seen Oct 11 of last year????

Do we know when he returned?

OK Ok Bobbie, yes, this is a Chough. Nothing said about Red or Yellow...just Chough. Good job guys! Ok and now for today's

Who am I?

Not another LBJ! I knew I should expect a tough one after a "chough" one...

DONNA! Way to go re Queen and My Friend Freddie!  bguitar

Did you ever see their performance at Live Aid back in the mid 80s? A stunner!!

[MAKfalcon (MAK):]

MAKfalcon (MAK): Broad St. Closed at Chestnut St. for Midtown demolition.

Link:
http://twitter.com/MAKfalcon/statuses/25677432946

Bye-bye, Midtown!

I betcha anything that more than one Irish twitcher is, at this very moment, about to charter a boat... and they DO! Believe me, they DO!

Poor bird, tho - unlikely he will get home again.

CHIRPY BIRD-DAY, DANA!