Out of Towners

Whoever thinks that sparrows are just "little brown birds" is doing a serious disservice not only to the birds, but to their own selves. To deprive oneself of the multi-faceted gorgeousness that is a sparrow - each one - is really a travesty. Just look at these (same species, different individuals) delectable American Tree Sparrows. They breed near the arctic, so wintering in Minnesota is actually a balmy vacation. Look at the details of several shades of warm russet along with the rich tans and browns. And we haven't even begun to talk about the bi-colored (meaning, two tone) bill, or the eye line that is so distinctive. In other words - how can you dismiss such a beauty as the sparrow?

Tracking eagles

Check out The Raptor Center blog that I maintain. Got to go out yesterday to try to find Golden Eagle 42 and Harley the Bald Eagle. Their transmitters located them only about three miles from each other, just outside of Cannon Falls, MN.

A good day for red tails

For Minnesota, today was great - sunny, no wind and almost thirty (above zero.) Hard to believe it will get 6-14 inches of snow over the next couple of days.


Went out hunting with friend Frank and Mim the Red-tail. This is her - what a beauty! Alas, no luck but a nice day to get out nonetheless.