For the Birds....

I love a deal! And Groupon is often a place to find those deals. So, instead of chocolates and fine dining this past Valentine's Day, hubby & I chose the Gift of Fun. We purchased a Falconry Lesson. The Falconry Experience was through Resort Outfitters, a new company to the area that is affiliated with the Broadmoor Hotel.

When we first arrived, we were met by the Falconer and Delilah, a Eurasian Eagle Owl, who had the most lovely eyes.

Because the company has only been here in the area for less than 3 months, there is not yet a permanent facility to house the birds. Their quarters are in the garage of a nearby resort which is owned by the Broadmoor. There are a total of 8 birds - an Owl who is 12 years old, a Falcon who is 7 years old, and several young raptors who are all about one year of age. All these birds have been bred in captivity.

The lesson began with a brief history of falconry and basic information about becoming a falconer. The Falconer then took out Doci, a Saker Falcon who is 7 yrs old and who has arthritis in one of her feet. She is quite friendly and calm and social, making her an ideal candidate to be held by beginners. She only weighs 30 oz.! 

How do you tell the difference between a falcon and a hawk? A falcon's eyes will be totally dark and appear to be all one color, while a pupil can be seen in a hawk's eyes.

Doci

Hubby & Doci

After everyone held Doci, the Falconer then got out Stewart, a Harris Hawk. Stewart is young at only one year, but his training began as soon as he was allowed to leave the nest. Harris Hawk's are also social birds and often hunt in a group in the wild. The Falconer then led us down to an open field where Stewart and the Falconer displayed their hunting abilities.

Because Stewart is so young, he is quite vocal. It was almost as if he had his own stories to tell the group. Quite a fun and educational day! Hubby is ready for the next lesson! 

                                          

Cat Tales ~ Tree Rats

When We moved to this place of many houses, this Urban Wildwoods, Mommy told Us Kitties about these creatures called, "Tree Rats". She said that the "Tree Rats" would be seen the most during the winter when they raid the bird feeders.

And Mommy was right. Me has spent most of the winter watching the "Tree Rats" eat sunflower seeds from the bird feeders.

Purz and Catnip Dreams .......Gomez

Shameless Plug!

I now have a shop on Amazon. Click Here! 

Individuals can now sell up to 40 items a month without becoming a 'professional seller'.  So, I am slowly clearing out the great number of books that Hubby & I have accumulated over the years. So far, the selection includes books on Faeries, Witchcraft, Mysteries, Folklore. Over the coming months, as I unpack book boxes, I will be adding to the inventory. So keep checking back.

And I have been listing items on eBay as well. Click here! 

Right now I have numerous vintage McCoy flowerpots on eBay. As well as a portable electronic birdsong identifying device (Birdsong Identiflyer). And I will be listing more vintage and antique items as they are found in boxes.

And coming soon will be numerous art and craft supplies to my Etsy shop! So be sure to keep checking all my 'outlets'! You never know what you might find. 

Invasive Seed Alert

Most Gardeners feed their avian friends. If you choose to supplement their diet with bird seed, do you really know what you are feeding them??   (And don't just feed them in the winter! Birds can become dependent on the food you provide for them. Especially as their natural habitat dwindles. So it's a good idea to keep the feeders filled year round.) 





The seeds of more than 50 weed species have been identified in several brands of wild bird feed. The seedlings which come up underneath the feeder are easy to control but what about the ones that are spread by the birds through their droppings? Oregon has taken legislative action against the sale of bird food containing viable weed seeds. And many other states are attempting to apply animal feed regulations.
But we the consumer (so to speak) need to become pro-active! Choose feed that won't sprout - peanuts, berries, sunflower hearts. Or incorporate more native plant species into your landscape to provide food for our little feathered friends!

PWGL Spring Challenge

This week is the Prim and Whimsy GirL Spring Challenge with the theme, 'A Bird in the Hand'. Here is the piece which I made. It is currently at auction on eBay. Click here!



Both the bird and the egg are hand sculpted. It appears that this little Bird does have something to sing about - Spring has just hatched!


If you would like to see all the wonderful creations, search eBay with the words PWGL Bird .

PWGL Happenings

My Art Group, Prim and Whimsy GirLs, is having a challenge next week.

[For those of you out there who aren't familiar with the term here's how it works - a theme was voted on by the members and then the 'challenge' is to come up with a creation which goes along with the theme. All the creations will then be listed on eBay.]

So, the theme which was chosen was "A Bird in the Hand". All of our BIRD themed creations will be listed on eBay the week of March 15 - 21. Just use the search words PWGL BIRD and all the lovely birds will take flight and come to roost on your computer screen. (No Messes! Promise!)