Morning Cup Of Coffee And Weather

[Sweeney]

Johnny AppleJack!

Sounds like a hobo name. Which is another fascinating subculture...I used to enjoy hearing what "Hobo Shoestring" used to have to say, he caught the Westbound in April 2024. He'll never be replaced. If you're interested in that kind of thing, another channel -- and I don't know much about his history called "Waypoint Survival" arose in my feed. He's teaching about and crecreating the persona of a depression era hobo. Some good, some bad but all worth the effort.

I love watching these big predator birds...
Once got speared in the hand rescuing a great blue heron thrashing in the surf after breaking its arm on something...wrapped him in a towel but snaked his head out and zapped me quicker than the eye can follow...lucky he didnt go for my eyes, I later learned is the norm.

They will post over gopgher holes in the spring and gobble newbie pups one after another. Who needs frogs!

Another time I hit a barn owl feeding on roadkill in center of the road on a foggy nite, he got up but clipped him with roofline...went back and covered him with a towel, took to the vet who had to put him down...sad.

I've seen hawks and owls hunt in low circles over my dogs out in the prairie - hunting gophers. Apparently its co-evolved with coyotes...

Another time...
Jeez, I need to go camping!
Taking doggo for walk now... and she's got both gundog and hound in her:
"Ok girl, where's the coyotes?!"

Now she thinks she is in charge of protecting the neighborhood from the coyotes we saw one night advancing on us like a SEAL team in tactical hunt mode...another story!

They are amazing animals to be sure! When you look at the speed of attack/dive and visual acuity alone, it is almost unbelievable, some capable to diving in excess of 200 mph.

In the past, we hung around with a group that made attending Renaissance fairs a routine experience. One of the favorites is held near Appleton, Wisconsin, on the Illinois-Wisconsin border. The same company runs several others we've visited. These are noted by large buildings that remain all year, then for a few weeks in the summer are packed with thousands of families spending insane amount of money on costumes, food, and silliness....as one does.

These events often feature bird of prey shows, which are always popular.

Of course, one of those silly souvenirs our friends bought was a very unique and clever puppet. Inspired by a shoulder dragon. The clever mechanism allowed its head (adorned with rabbit fur for plumage) to turn left and right, as well as looking up or down using a bic pen and a cable assembly. The movement was jerky - just as a bird might snap is head around. Very clever design. (this isn't it, but a picture is worth a thousand words: https://tinyurl.com/yc7hkdcp -- look at the video)

On this particular occasion, we were sitting at the southwestern end of the stands while the presenter showcased a falcon nearby on the
northeastern side. Despite being 250 feet away, I remember the falconer remarking that something had caught the bird's attention over in our
direction. Our friend quickly realized what was happening and dropped the puppet out of sight. The falcon immediately broke its gaze and
the show went on.

From my vantage point, I could barely see the falcon itself perched on the glove of the falconer. Still, it was intently watching a 4-inch tall puppet
on someone's shoulder in the densely packed viewing stand beneath heavy shade, with the sun shining directly into the falcon's eyes. It was a remarkable display of focus, attention, and visual supremacy from such a majestic creature!

I think it was a saker falcon? Not 100% sure; that is probably from 15 years ago

 

[GlampingOn]

Sounds like a hobo name. Which is another fascinating subculture...I used to enjoy hearing what "Hobo Shoestring" used to have to say, he caught the Westbound in April 2024. He'll never be replaced. If you're interested in that kind of thing, another channel -- and I don't know much about his history called "Waypoint Survival" arose in my feed. He's teaching about and crecreating the persona of a depression era hobo. Some good, some bad but all worth the effort.


They are amazing animals to be sure! When you look at the speed of attack/dive and visual acuity alone, it is almost unbelievable, some capable to diving in excess of 200 mph.

In the past, we hung around with a group that made attending Renaissance fairs a routine experience. One of the favorites is held near Appleton, Wisconsin, on the Illinois-Wisconsin border. The same company runs several others we've visited. These are noted by large buildings that remain all year, then for a few weeks in the summer are packed with thousands of families spending insane amount of money on costumes, food, and silliness....as one does.

These events often feature bird of prey shows, which are always popular.

Of course, one of those silly souvenirs our friends bought was a very unique and clever puppet. Inspired by a shoulder dragon. The clever mechanism allowed its head (adorned with rabbit fur for plumage) to turn left and right, as well as looking up or down using a bic pen and a cable assembly. The movement was jerky - just as a bird might snap is head around. Very clever design. (this isn't it, but a picture is worth a thousand words: https://tinyurl.com/yc7hkdcp -- look at the video)

On this particular occasion, we were sitting at the southwestern end of the stands while the presenter showcased a falcon nearby on the
northeastern side. Despite being 250 feet away, I remember the falconer remarking that something had caught the bird's attention over in our
direction. Our friend quickly realized what was happening and dropped the puppet out of sight. The falcon immediately broke its gaze and
the show went on.

From my vantage point, I could barely see the falcon itself perched on the glove of the falconer. Still, it was intently watching a 4-inch tall puppet
on someone's shoulder in the densely packed viewing stand beneath heavy shade, with the sun shining directly into the falcon's eyes. It was a remarkable display of focus, attention, and visual supremacy from such a majestic creature!

I think it was a saker falcon? Not 100% sure; that is probably from 15 years ago

Wow, great story! I recall falccons and eagles being featured at the Wild Animal Park, seeing them fly over the crowd...imagine that bird launching on your friends puppet...
Another true story: walking on a service road in suburban open space reserve after dark, on a good moon nite:

See a flash of movement, turn to see a Great Horned Owl take a Barn Owl off its perch in a cloud of feathers and a screech...no change in flight path as it silently glides off with dinner drooping lifeless in its talons...strongest grip in NA second only to the golden eagle.
Reminds me of a B2 form factor...

https://simpleflying.com/b2-stealth-bomber-three-decades-iconic-reasons-guide/

 

[Van_and_Terri]

Sounds like a hobo name. Which is another fascinating subculture...I used to enjoy hearing what "Hobo Shoestring" used to have to say, he caught the Westbound in April 2024. He'll never be replaced. If you're interested in that kind of thing, another channel -- and I don't know much about his history called "Waypoint Survival" arose in my feed. He's teaching about and crecreating the persona of a depression era hobo. Some good, some bad but all worth the effort.


They are amazing animals to be sure! When you look at the speed of attack/dive and visual acuity alone, it is almost unbelievable, some capable to diving in excess of 200 mph.

In the past, we hung around with a group that made attending Renaissance fairs a routine experience. One of the favorites is held near Appleton, Wisconsin, on the Illinois-Wisconsin border. The same company runs several others we've visited. These are noted by large buildings that remain all year, then for a few weeks in the summer are packed with thousands of families spending insane amount of money on costumes, food, and silliness....as one does.

These events often feature bird of prey shows, which are always popular.

Of course, one of those silly souvenirs our friends bought was a very unique and clever puppet. Inspired by a shoulder dragon. The clever mechanism allowed its head (adorned with rabbit fur for plumage) to turn left and right, as well as looking up or down using a bic pen and a cable assembly. The movement was jerky - just as a bird might snap is head around. Very clever design. (this isn't it, but a picture is worth a thousand words: https://tinyurl.com/yc7hkdcp -- look at the video)

On this particular occasion, we were sitting at the southwestern end of the stands while the presenter showcased a falcon nearby on the
northeastern side. Despite being 250 feet away, I remember the falconer remarking that something had caught the bird's attention over in our
direction. Our friend quickly realized what was happening and dropped the puppet out of sight. The falcon immediately broke its gaze and
the show went on.

From my vantage point, I could barely see the falcon itself perched on the glove of the falconer. Still, it was intently watching a 4-inch tall puppet
on someone's shoulder in the densely packed viewing stand beneath heavy shade, with the sun shining directly into the falcon's eyes. It was a remarkable display of focus, attention, and visual supremacy from such a majestic creature!

I think it was a saker falcon? Not 100% sure; that is probably from 15 years ago

I got this opportunity at an event in Asheville, NC a few years ago.

 

[Warren Mary Ellen]

I got this opportunity at an event in Asheville, NC a few years ago.

I’ve seen Falcons in the wild twice & it was on back to back days. We were camping in Shenandoah NP and were at Hawksbill Mountain and saw them. They had a Ranger talk there about them. The next day we drove to DC and saw them in the city. We were up in the tower of the old Post Office there.

 

[Tour 931]

Little Girl says good morning.

IMG_2622.jpeg

• Tour 931
• Friday at 9:25 AM

 

[Steve Sanford]

I’ve seen Falcons in the wild twice & it was on back to back days. We were camping in Shenandoah NP and were at Hawksbill Mountain and saw them. They had a Ranger talk there about them. The next day we drove to DC and saw them in the city. We were up in the tower of the old Post Office there.

I used to work at the Smithsonian years ago and I was told they released a pair of falcons in DC to get rid of the pigeons. The problem was they were striking the pigeons in the air and they fell out of the sky. The Park Service relocated the the falcons because dead pigeons falling on tourists was not a good look for DC. I have no idea if there is any truth to the story.

 

[Warren Mary Ellen]

I used to work at the Smithsonian years ago and I was told they released a pair of falcons in DC to get rid of the pigeons. The problem was they were striking the pigeons in the air and they fell out of the sky. The Park Service relocated the the falcons because dead pigeons falling on tourists was not a good look for DC. I have no idea if there is any truth to the story.

It was either ‘06 or ‘07.

 

[Tour 931]

It’s currently-9F and the wind is 8-15 mph. I’m not sure what that makes the wind chill and I’m not stepping outside to find out. I was wondering if the heater could warm the teardrop when it’s this cold.

 

[Sweeney]

Wow, great story! I recall falccons and eagles being featured at the Wild Animal Park, seeing them fly over the crowd...imagine that bird launching on your friends puppet...
Another true story: walking on a service road in suburban open space reserve after dark, on a good moon nite:

If you like that, in 2001 or so, my company took us to a team building event, specifically to an Indianapolis Indians night ball game. I think playing the mudhens. Its a beautiful park, with the skyline of a once amazing city visible from the bleachers.

Baseball, being a strategic but slow-moving game, got me watching things other than the game. Like huge moths flying in the brilliant lights. As I was watching a particularly large one, a bat flew in and snatched it up. Then -- just about a second later, a peregrine falcon swooped down and grabbed the bat. My wife and I looked at each other and said in unison, "DID YOU SEE THAT?!" Neither of us believed our own eyes. Cool event.

I got this opportunity at an event in Asheville, NC a few years ago.

Nice! Thats a hard one to beat! Sport of kings.

I used to work at the Smithsonian years ago and I was told they released a pair of falcons in DC to get rid of the pigeons. The problem was they were striking the pigeons in the air and they fell out of the sky. The Park Service relocated the the falcons because dead pigeons falling on tourists was not a good look for DC. I have no idea if there is any truth to the story.

Pigeons and starlings are the same problem here. We also have peregrine program here -- its been slightly more effective, but the problem we have is also starlings. Horrid birds! They are so pervasive they will routinely ignite very large noisemakers (boom, not 'snap') downtown trying to frighten them away.

The more effective method of stoping complaints about birds was to simply stop enforcing laws. The once beautiful city had a bustling nightlife, with free concerts, festivals, fireworks, and the like. But after crime and gangs got a foot hold, and Circle Center Mall begin is death spiral, all that seems to have stopped. As I said above, Indianapolis - a once beautiful city. With crime rates higher than Chicago per capita, and a general downturn after the riots...I just don't/won't go down town any more.

As for the weather, Snowmageddon seems to have fizzled, at least here. It looks like the major snow has shifted south --- Louisville looks like they're taking a pounding. I'm jealous, a little. Every now and then I like a good blizzard. Of course, it isn't the same since I've been either not working, or working from home for almost 5 years now.

 

[Tour 931]

Hardly any snow here just sub-freezing temperatures. Film at eleven.

 

[Warren Mary Ellen]

Snow and ice predicted for us on Friday. Right now calling for over 2 inches. Hopefully more & less ice. Had a whole house generator installed after the hurricane, but it’s not set up to work. Waiting on a part to connect it to the fuse box. Been getting the run around about it and not happy about the poor service & response. Last we heard was it was being custom made.

 

[Sweeney]

Snow and ice predicted for us on Friday. Right now calling for over 2 inches. Hopefully more & less ice. Had a whole house generator installed after the hurricane, but it’s not set up to work. Waiting on a part to connect it to the fuse box. Been getting the run around about it and not happy about the poor service & response. Last we heard was it was being custom made.

I want one, but I'd like to do with a Hit 'n Miss, diesel fuel, and over built head. Just enough power to keep lights, TV, internet, a deep well pump, and a window shaker running for a good long time with a few gallons of bacon grease We looked at the generacs, but I'm just not sure I want to pay their prices....Though, i have not yet found the Hit 'n Miss I want...

Hardly any snow here just sub-freezing temperatures. Film at eleven.

I hear that is going to be the norm for a few weeks -- talking -7 for overnight lows in these parts for a good long stretch....probably a couple weeks.