AUGUST 9, 2011 BIRDS OF PREY

"To accomplish great things, we must not only act; but also dream; not only plan, but also believe" - Anatole France

This is sound advice. If you want something, go and get it. Do it the right way. Act not react. Dream your heart away. With the dreams start to plan. Believe that everything will be alright.You must believe! If you do not believe, you might not have anything materialize. I am living the above quote as you read this. Rick and I have a dream. We want to accomplish something great for our Earth Mother. The dream can be a reality because we believe.

This past weekend we spent in Boise, Idaho. This was not our typical weekend of Art Project volunteering in Fire Island. It wasn't a typical restful weekend either. It was a weekend devoted to nature. We went to observe a bee keeping operation on a farm, study the endangered bird species at the World Center for Birds of Prey, and to see what progress this group has made in wildlife preservation. If you have never seen an American Bald Eagle up close you will never know the feeling you get.

We must save our wildlife. The Peregrine Fund (http://www.peregrinefund.org/ ) is a non-profit organization dedicated to savings birds of prey from extinction. In the 1960's when the Peregrine Falcons, Bald Eagles and Condors were in trouble due to effects of DDT, environmental changes, and lead poisoning, this fund was set up. Thirty years later in 1999, the Peregrine Falcon was removed from the US Endangered Species List . Two years ago, on the 580 acre site a landmark conference was held to discuss the ingestion of lead from spent ammunition. The World Center for Birds of Prey in Boise is the home of the world's largest flock of captive California Condors. These birds were almost extinct 20 years ago. The condor might not be the prettiest bird, but its wing span is breathtaking. Donate to this worth while organization.

We need to protect wildlife. We need to protect forests. In 1944, Smokey Bear was born. This year he will be celebrating his 67th birthday. Smokey the Bear is as well known as Yogi Bear and Winnie the Pooh. He has also encouraged the public to be more conscious of outdoor burning. You might think fires are always started by lightening, but that is not true. Arson, cigarette butts and unattended campfires are the main causes. Since his birth, there has been a reduction in fires from 22 million in 1944 to 7 million today.

Happy Birthday to the Fire Prevention Mascot.

Photo credit: Self

Top Photograph : Giant Owl

Bottom Photograph: American Bald Eagle

Until tomorrow...