How Goes Idaho?

When I was working on my master's research, I applied for and received a grant from the Conservation Research Foundation called the Morley Nelson Award.  Dr. Bill Mattox awarded the grant to me, and sent me an autographed copy of Morley Nelson's book A Cool North Wind.  I thoroughly enjoyed the book.  Morley had a passion for raptors, and among many other things (like figuring out how to reduce raptor mortality due to power lines) he was instrumental in protecting the Snake River Bird of Prey National Conservation Area (which now bears his name).  So, when we moved to NV, I knew at some point we'd have to make the trip up to see it.  Well, this past weekend just so happened to be the Snake River Birds of Prey Festival, so we went!  We had a great time - it was Charley's first "vacation" (meaning not to visit anyone, but to go just to go!) and she did SO well!  Here's a photostory of our trip.

We'd no sooner left our house than this little guy appeared by the road.

Rod ran him down on foot to get these photos - that's without a zoom lense!

Moving our first gopher snake (of MANY) of the year.

Arrival at the festival.

With "Slim", Morley's eagle.

With Tyler and Norm Nelson, Morley's sons.

Ready for our first field trip!

This little guy was right by the roadside!

Rod got this great shot of an Avocet in flight.

Isn't it beautiful?

The temp dropped 30 degrees from when we were here the day before!

Condor exhibit at the Peregrine Fund's World Center for Birds of Prey

We've worn her out!

Luigi, the Harpy Eagle

She sure has been a trooper, but I think we've worn her out!