Or... How the Irish Saved Civilisation...

Well, looks like Teddy was wrong- hey maybe the groundhog will be wrong too! Come on Spring, we need to start some falcon watching!

Ooops re the Groundhog, PatriciaRose... sorry 'bout that...

Love the perfect little snow flake just to the right of Mercury.   

Why, yes, Carol P. Everyone can see it. Just let us know when they give you a police escort back home, where you will be safe.

Not that ALL birds are not amazing... but here are two links you might enjoy - both from a wonderful Irish bird writer, Anthony McGeehan. The first is a list of 10 Facts. And the second is a link to his fascinating book, "Birds of the Home Place". He writes so very well, so even if these birds are not known to you, it is a pleasure to experience his lyrical recountings.

http://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/outdoors/10-amazing-facts-you-didnt-know-about-irish-birds-309707.html

http://www.irishbirding.com/birds/web?task=Display&art_id=29

Whoa! And Rochester does NOT shut down. Don't think I would ever brave such conditions again! Mind yourselves, Falcon Friends!!!

 

Good story, Carol P!

 

Interesting observations from Donna and Kris G. And... How I miss the Nuthatch!

I know Janet! Some day I'll have to tell you the story of Mariah and Sponge Bob.   

The mind boggles...

I am sure many check this site, but I particularly like its list of FAQs. This week's is about the American Robin in winter.

http://www.allaboutbirds.org/Page.aspx?pid=1277

Blizzard was a fail, the nest has more snow!! We got maybe 1 inch over night, total between Sat and yesterday....around 10 inches!! NE got hit though!

Ha!

I have a tough enough time not banging into someone in broad daylight - how these critters do this in darkness is a stunner. (Be sure to click the video at the beginning.)

http://www.bbc.com/earth/story/20150121-night-time-knot-spectacle-filmed

Donna, Ei, Ginny and everyone else on the east coast stay hunkered down until the storm passes and I'll be praying the worst you have to deal with is shoveling your way out! 

... or rationing the mulled wine.

... of the Right Whale kind.

I would never be the same.

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=911020542256235

[cats]

Interesting piece, with some ROC input.

http://hbmo.ca/blog/snowy-owls-dispelling-the-starvation-myth/

Snowy Owls on the breeding grounds are diurnal because it never gets dark during breeding season. However, in winter, using night vision equipment, Norman has found that they do most of their hunting at night (which is also the best time to capture them). He has collected over 6,000 pellets. He has watched these master hunters capture an assortment of mammals and birds including mice and rats, rabbits, cats, passerines, waterfowl including geese, great blue heron, gulls, and even other raptors including American Kestrel, Northern Harrier, Short-eared Owls, Barn Owl, Saw-whet Owls, Barred Owl, Peregrine Falcon and even another Snowy Owl. Distribution trends and tracking during the current invasion seem to indicate that much of the transplanted population is preying on sea birds.

Interesting read, thanks Bobbie!!

Imagine!! Such a diverse list of prey. (Could one of them come over here and deal with these MICE?!)

I know that many forum members are in the path of this nor'easter coming up the east coast.  Stay safe! 

 

For sure!!!! Stay toasty, everyone! You do enough for us, you Falcon Watchers, so take some time off and do not drive in anything nasty!