Avoidable avian mortality in NV

http://www.hcn.org/blogs/goat/mining-claim-markers-kill-thousands-of-nevada-birds

This is a brilliant blog:

http://salmagundi.heracliteanfire.net/

 

Helpful for bloggers

http://www.ncsl.org/default.aspx?tabid=13495

Prosecution can be so much fun.

 

 

Peregrines & bats

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=NgQdIpTClWw#! 

Posting this for the footage at the beginning, tho’ the whole show’s a fun watch in terms of great visuals.

 

 

Ever wonder what’s behind those starling swarms? Watch, & listen!

 

Nick Dunlop, the photographer, has done brilliant work on this subject: http://www.nickdunlop.com

Boise PEFA box 3/11

Windy on that ledge, not for the squeamish. My pal Bruce can be seen here.

Just a quick FYI

Check out a great regional treasure, Falcon Research Group: http://www.frg.org

Trial & Error

Get ready for the ramblings, & rumblings, of this “citizen scientist” as I experience the usually wonderful world of Idaho natural history. Of course, I’ll also be detailing my newish life with raptors, specifically Boise’s urban peregrines which have been my pet project through IDFG since Summer of 2010. Because of my status as an ID Master Naturalist, I have to maintain a fairly neutral tone regarding certain issues, such as wolf  ‘management’ via shooting from helicopters when the wolf hunt/trapping results are deemed too low by certain policy makers. You’ll get relevant, actionable facts when it’s important, & then you’re encouraged to spread the word – accurately. I’ll include links to whatever matter is at hand.

One motivation for blogging, which I hate, frankly, is to point out that IDFG is not a trigger-happy hick agency. Far from it. It’s brimming with fantastic, caring biologists who do more good than you can imagine. I’ll be relating past field work anecdotes to illustrate this, like a close call with a hungry bear.

I welcome commentary, within reason, & also ideas for future postings, i.e. the current trapping controversy, what’s to become of our downtown peregrine falcons, whatever strikes your fancy. I’m particularly keen on hearing from others who work with urban raptors.

In the meantime, have a great T’giving.