news_update2

Oct 28, 2006: Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald of Animal Planet's Emergency Vet series, looks on as Anne Price, REF's Curator of Raptors, performs a "coping" procedure on the Foundation's prairie falcon- Currently scheduled to be featured in episode #10, March 5, 2007 at 7:30 pm MST, Look for E-Vet Interns, episode 10, "Facing their Fears"

Ullberg Studio Visit

September 11, 2006-Loveland, Colorado: REF officials and guests visited the sculpture studio of Kent Ullberg N.A., arguably one of the world's finest wildlife sculptors, and certainly one of the most successful in terms of bronze/stainless steel tonnage poured with monumental installations world wide. Mr. and Mrs. Ullberg, long time friends of REF, were delivered their copy of a special edition of Fidget's Freedom, REF's brand new book. The Ullbergs, members of the Publisher's Circle, helped bring Fidget's Freedom into being, and the visit to the Ullberg Studio captured some great moments to share with our members and visitors...just click...

Falconry, Then & Now

July 24, Silverthorne Library participants in the summer reading program and the public were invited to attend a presentation of our recently created program focused on the ancient tradition of falconry. Presented by one of the few female Master Falconers in the world, Anne Price (REF Curator of Raptors), attendees met four of the most impressive birds utilized in falconry, and were taken all over the globe as Ms. Price flew the audience on a cultural journey to places where falconry is as much of a passion as is football in America. Just click...

Raptors and Hominid Evolution Linked

Eagles hunting humans-never? 1200 bones have revealed the very real possibility that early primates in Africa were affected by aerial predators more than previously thought. African Crowned Eagles leave a depository of evidence around their nests, which is a wonderful data bank to record what they are hunting without ever seeing the hunt itself. For an eye opener on human evolution, just click...

The Science Behind The Science

Global warming Eco-Imam, AlGore, is just one of the many "fellow travelers" burning fossil fuels by the tons as they spread the word that the sky is falling, and they have the roof to protect you. Well, for those interested in the less popular, rational approach, we would suggest a look at the following report. It isn't going to be as easy as watching a movie purporting to be a scientific documentary, but if you can focus, and read carefully, you will discover what the Eco-Imams do not want you to even dare consider. You Infidel! Just click...

Corny Ethanol Questions

Mega businesses are invested into pushing corn based ethanol, and I would venture a guess its not really their interest in clean energy, but more their interest in larger government subsidies, which directs their socialist policies. The energy equation from corn based ethanol is doubtful at best, and the amount of acreage being planted for ethanol production will cut that used for food production driving food prices higher. Hydrocarbon based fertilizer and pesticide runoff will increase, while the allure of easy cash for crops will spread. Watch this subsidy system spread its seductions as big business and big government (same thing) push yet another unproven concept down the throats of the American shareholders. Another Ponzi scheme foisted on the public cloaked in a green burka. Just click...

The Real Greenhouse Gas

The great problem with Algore Ayatoldya's (AA) pontifications about carbon dioxide being the chief culprit greenhouse gas is that it only makes up .04% of the atmosphere. Of that .04% humans contribute very little. In fact, natural sources contribute 30 times as much as humans do. You would think that some simple arithmetic would shut Algore Ayatoldya oral orifice, especially if he looked at what atmospheric water vapor's role is. Scientists are now just getting a look at this predominate greenhouse gas, and how it behaves, however, the trouble for AA and his acolytes, is that water vapor can't be blamed on human activity nor corrected by political decree. Just click... Further research from Australian scientists is revealing how very little we know about what influences our planet's climate. Queensland researchers have discovered the possibility that bacterial activity in the ocean may contribute significantly to carbon loads in the atmosphere. Just click...

Illegal Arabian Trade Interrupted

When one listens to all the certainty coming from the sermons of those who preach that global warming is anthropogenic, then it ultimately begs the question of what they think the ideal temperature setting for the earth is. One of these temperature ayatoldyas must know the ideal degree range or set point which they believe the earth�s thermostat must conform to. Otherwise, how are they so certain that the temperature changes the earth undergoes aren�t evidence of something which pre-existed the human condition and are, therefore, totally natural? Undisputable evidence shows us we have had ice ages and their counterparts. So what is the golden mean or are we always destined for a meteorological seesaw?

Recent significant research from many scientific disciplines is showing that solar cycles over roughly a 1,500 year frequency are the main influence on earthly temperature fluctuations. But such evidence is obvious heresy based on the divinely inspired writings of our infallible temperature prophet as revealed in the prophet�s infinite book of wisdom and knowledge. Algore Ayatoldya must be on to some divine revelation which so seriously overwhelms all available evidence. If he would only reveal his data, all of us would immediately prostrate ourselves before him and beg forgiveness for our apostasy.

I now publicly beg, implore, and beseech the great Algore Ayatoldya (blessings be upon our infinitely wise thermal Prophet) to reveal his ideal temperature point for Mother Earth (blessings be upon Her). Only this will confer peace and conversion upon all of us eco-infidels who doubt his vision for this great green globe whirling through frigid space buffeted by ionic solar winds.

I would also beg specificity of the munificent and generous Algore Ayatoldya. Will this temperature ideal exist uniformly over the entire planet, or are there to be multicultural zones of ideal temperature ranges conforming to various latitudes, indigenous peoples, and wildlife? If the latter is true, then it would be a great blessing upon this minor infidel mind, to understand how each stable temperature zone would avoid influencing and changing the adjacent zones? Would this be a democratic process? Also, would this not eliminate any winds across the surface of our Great Green Mother, may she forever rest in peace? Would this not also eliminate wind energy as well? Is this then, the hidden meaning of peace everlasting as described in man�s earlier and lesser holy books? Once this peaceful uniform state is reached, is this not the precondition for the flowering of equality for all? Would this also signal the imminent arrival of the one and only true Messiah, who even now lies hidden at the bottom of a temperature-controlled well in ancient Persia?

We beseech the, Algore Ayatoldya, reveal to us your final, infallible, and inconvenient truth so that we may forever shed any shroud of doubt to speed His ascent from the well, and your coronation as His one and only eco-Prince and Prophet with the installation of Ted �The Holy� Turner as your chief apostle, and the Virgin�s Branson as the Prophet�s banker, blessings be upon you all.

This and only this will end the great thermal jihad sweeping across Mother Earth, may She forever rest in heavenly peace. Forgive me, oh great and holy eco-warrior, just one more question, how does the eco-Prophet and Prince of Earth, Wind, and Fire deal with those inconvenient solar winds?
copyright, Peter Reshetniak, 2007

February 12, 2007 Addendum: European Leader Questions Algore Ayatoldya's Sanity- Just click...

Back By Popular Demand

Global Warming Inquisition Begins. Will Dissenters be Tortured?

If there is any doubt that American government tolerates any rational dissent, even in the scientific realm, then you should read the following story, which illustrates the hysteria of the politically correct when it comes to global warming. The state of Oregon appears to be on the leading edge of this 21st century inquisition. Just click... and click again.

Global Warming: No Agreement

No matter how much Algore and his vaporous claims to the contrary, there is not agreement with a majority of scientists about the causes of global warming. With two new books coming out (see below) that deal with numerous hard facts about the more probable causes of global warming, plus the story from the scientists that follows, you should be able to see the simple logic, and where the evidence points. As one climatologist describes global warming: " the greatest deception in the history of science." Just click... It is not anthropogenic causes that produce the real variables in global temperatures. Just click... Or, triple click...

Eagles Attack Paraglider Down-under.

A pair of very aggressive "wedgies", the closest raptor to a golden eagle in Australia, were responsible for terrorizing a competitive British paraglider. The competitor survived the attack, and tells about it. Just click...

Giant Terror Bird

Dating back 2 million years, fossils show a 7 foot high 300 pound monster that could not fly, but as one of the top predators of its time early man did not want to meet this avian terrorist in the dark on some primitive plateau with no cave to hide in. Historical evidence now shows they probably never did. Just click...

Two New Books Reveal Hard Evidence of Natural Global Warming Cycles

Just out, for anyone wanting to know about natural warming and cooling cycles, their frequencies and causes, and the evidence supporting the theories. These books are not based on anthropogenic Algore blather, nor are they based on any computer models. The evidence presented comes from things like ice cores, and laboratory experiments that are repeatable and the data comes from all over the planet. Obviously Algore considers hard science an inconvenient truth, and you won't catch him reading these two publications. Just click...

Microraptor Flew Like Bi-Plane

A new fossil discovery in China reveals that the Wright Brothers were imitating nature more than they realized. The 30 inch, 2 pound tiny raptor used four wings to fly 125 million years ago. Just click...

Carbon Foot Print Cancellations

"Prince Charles, criticized for booking a trans-Atlantic flight to collect an environmental award, has cancelled a ski trip to Switzerland to reduce greenhouse gases, a palace source said on Saturday. The decision not to take the annual holiday in Klosters was made some time ago and was part of the heir-to-throne's commitment to reduce his "carbon footprint", the source said."

Well, let's see how far we should follow bonnie prince Chuck's example? Let's start with all of our Federal politicians and bureaucrats taking any flights to anywhere outside of their home offices on any official business. The savings can certainly create enough HD virtual conference rooms so that they can still meet face-to-face to conduct all of their important business of making sure America is secure. Of course, a virtual Congress would have to follow. Then, of course, those same politicians and bureaucrats can impose carbon foot print savings on all Americans by simply outlawing all airline travel for any reason what-so-ever. Instant carbon savings right there!

In fact, by extension, let's have the President simply outlaw by executive decree any "non-essential" activities that increase your carbon footprint. You've just solved the alleged anthropogenic causes touted to cause global warming. Maybe then we could get Algore to go home and shut up? Thanks to the Prince, what a great example. Peter Reshetniak

�The Weather Channel� Mess

Well, well. Some �climate expert� on �The Weather Channel� wants to take away AMS certification from those of us who believe the recent �global warming� is a natural process. So much for �tolerance�, huh?

I have been in operational meteorology since 1978, and I know dozens and dozens of broadcast meteorologists all over the country. Our big job: look at a large volume of raw data and come up with a public weather forecast for the next seven days. I do not know of a single TV meteorologist who buys into the man-made global warming hype. I know there must be a few out there, but I can�t find them. Here are the basic facts you need to know:

*Billions of dollars of grant money is flowing into the pockets of those on the man-made global warming bandwagon. No man-made global warming, the money dries up. This is big money, make no mistake about it. Always follow the money trail and it tells a story. Even the lady at �The Weather Channel� probably gets paid good money for a prime time show on climate change. No man-made global warming, no show, and no salary. Nothing wrong with making money at all, but when money becomes the motivation for a scientific conclusion, then we have a problem. For many, global warming is a big cash grab.

*The climate of this planet has been changing since God put the planet here. It will always change, and the warming in the last 10 years is not much difference than the warming we saw in the 1930s and other decades. And, lets not forget we are at the end of the ice age in which ice covered most of North America and Northern Europe.

If you don�t like to listen to me, find another meteorologist with no tie to grant money for research on the subject. I would not listen to anyone that is a politician, a journalist, or someone in science who is generating revenue from this issue.

In fact, I encourage you to listen to WeatherBrains episode number 12, featuring Alabama State Climatologist John Christy, and WeatherBrains episode number 17, featuring Dr. William Gray of Colorado State University, one of the most brilliant minds in our science.

WeatherBrains, by the way, is our weekly 30 minute netcast.

I have nothing against �The Weather Channel�, but they have crossed the line into a political and cultural region where I simply won�t go.

Is the Sun About to Cool Us Again?

Obviously some academic types have not succumb to the charms of Mr. Algore and his hot effluent and so they continue to follow the trail of evidence and it appears to be leading in another direction. Other than global warming that is, so please follow this trail for a bit of reading and discover more of the inconvenient truth. Just click...

Rabbit With Wings?

An immature red-tailed hawk used in falconry was captured in this dramatic moment by photographer Natasha Leong, in such an unusual perspective, which makes the cotton tail appear to have sprouted wings. Look carefully below the rabbit's belly and you can see the hawk's feet complete with jesses.

Young Peregrine Dines on Osprey

From somewhere at a military base in Florida this photograph has been forwarded to our offices. The image is impressive on several fronts. First, looking at the eyes on the young falcon, it is obvious the photographer got close enough to where his flash unit illuminated the subject. Second, the young peregrine must have been desperately hungry to take on something as big as an osprey, and being that hungry it was not going to let a photographer intimidate it into leaving its hard earned meal. Possibly, the peregrine came upon a dead osprey and simply settled in to dine on carrion. Enjoy, and if anybody knows the photographer, please provide us the name so we may credit appropriately and get more information about the circumstances of these pictures.

Cooperative Hunting Shows Intelligence Levels

Humans have long served as the standards for intelligent behavior, especially cooperative activities. Primates, however, are not the only ones capable of such behavior, and now science is seeing proof positive that two very different species living in the ocean are expert at cooperative predation. Moray eels and Groupers are now one of the newest members of the cooperative predation society. Groupers recruit the eels, and both work together to increase their efficiencies. Just click...

Did Mammals Fly First ?

A recent fossil find reveals the possibility that a small flying mammal may have taken to the air prior to our feathered friends. Just click...

Volunteer of the Year, 2006

December 10, 2006: Alexys Monoson, right, was crowned REF's Volunteer of the Year for 2006. Lorraine Monoson poses with her daughter, because both of them worked as a team to care for REF's raptors, and contribute their time to REF programs in many separate categories. Lorraine also provided the important transportation element from their Colorado Springs home until Alexys received her driver's license and could drive herself to our facility. REF's top award, however, specifically recognizes Alexys' sole contribution of 400 hours covering a variety of categories including raptor care and program support (both school and public). At 16, Alexys also became REF's youngest eagle handler, ever! And if that's not enough, this young lady maintains the highest GPA in her school. Congratulations Alexys, and congratulations Lorraine. For more pictures from our 19th annual banquet, just click...

Happy Thanksgiving- A Welcome Change from Turkey

Urban Raptor Report by Jay Wozny.
Story and photos by the author. We get wonderful stuff from our readers. This is one of the better pieces we have received. Jay has been a photographer for the past 25 years, and by being a keen observer he shows us that "wildness" can be all around us. Stay alert and send us your observations and words. Thanks to Jay for permission to publish his wonderful images and observations: Ed.

This hawk appeared about two weeks ago. I first saw it on Sunday, November 5th, at the south lake in Washington Park (Denver, CO) The lake, Grassmere, has been partially drained this year in preparation for some improvements and there is only a small portion of water remaining from what is a moderate sized park lake. There is a great deal of lake bed exposed and the retaining walls around the lake are now fronted with a buffer of underbrush.

The hawk is not at all spooked by people. There is a pier/boardwalk extending out into Grassmere and several times I have seen people on the pier when the hawk will land on the railing with 10 or so feet of them. This hawk has also flown that close to me on several occasions when I was photographing it.

At present, it appears that its diet consists largely of mice and squirrels, both of which it takes from a perch, such as a tree, light post or railing. It has flown both the length and breadth of Grassmere to take squirrels, say a distance of 150-200 yards. It generally does not miss at that distance, but often misses when it attempts to take a squirrel that is closer to its perch.

It will swoop down almost feather-like from a perch into the brush at the base of the retaining walls to take mice. Today, it was successful three times out of about a dozen tries for mice, squirrels, and one bird. 3 out of 12 is not a bad percentage for a predator. The three successes were all mice.

I have seen it take two squirrels and several other persons report seeing it do the same.

The bird is large, slightly bigger than crow-size, and probably in its first year, according to several people whom I have asked. It does not have the red-tail yet. It may have been passing through when it stopped and noticed the good food supply in Washington Park. The dried out lake gives it a good area around which to perch and prey. There are enormous numbers of squirrels in the park and, clearly, lots of mice. The squirrels have to traverse that wide lake bed to get water if there is no other source available.

Both times that it has caught squirrels, it has had to contend with crows almost immediately. Generally, it just waits them out and flies with its catch to a location with some cover from which it will protect its prey until the crows lose patience and fly off. Then it will proceed to eat the squirrel. I have noticed that it ate only the top half of the two squirrels it has caught when I was watching. Don't know if that is normal, but it seems not to want the lower half. It does eat every bit of every mouse it catches.

I expect it will stay on until the weather gets really bad. It is unlikely the food supply will run out, although it may get smarter. I have seen several squirrels after close calls with this hawk and they all seem to be good at defense. Even so, many of them are "living in a bubble" as there really has been no aerial predation to speak of in the past several years. One squirrel made a "mock-attack" toward the hawk after a close call in a tree. Ended up in a draw, which is a win for the squirrel.

There is a Cooper's Hawk or two in the park area, probably born right in the park in a nest at the north end. The Red-tail will chase them off whenever it is in the neighborhood. I have not seen the Cooper's with any regularity, but did see the Red-tail harass it about a week ago. Two friends and I saw the Cooper's on Wednesday when there was no sign of the Red-tail.

Global Cooling Is Coming - from Russia with Love!

Those of you invested in global warming futures might consider selling that position by 2012. Russian scientists studying solar radiation affects tell us that the solar maximum has been reached, and that the current warming period will now begin to taper off. The conventional wisdom promoted by the likes of AlGore should begin to slowly freeze in their SUV's and private jets. Just click...

Vadim's Visit Gives International Boost to Fidget's Freedom

Beginning November 5th, REF is pleased to host Russia's premier wildlife artist as he visits America. Vadim is the wildlife artist who has taken on the creative challenge of illustrating the story of Fidget, a peregrine falcon as she begins her life in the wild after being bred in captivity. With the first book completed, Fidget's Freedom has set a very high standard for children's natural history books. Visit these pages to travel with Vadim as REF officials introduce him to the American West, while he researches people and places for the next two books in the Fidget series. Submit questions or comments if you wish, and we will attempt to answer them within the context of our trip and the time available. Find out why international delegates joined us in Kearney, Nebraska. Just click

Social Neurons Discovered in Birds

What makes birds of a feather flock together? Field researchers studying waxbills and finches have identified vasotocin neurons as the links common with social and non-social behavior in birds that exist in large flocks and those that don't. The obvious correlation is implied in homo sapiens and other mammals with the same neurons. Just click...

Exploding Stars Change Earth's Climate

Maybe this will finally shut AlGore's yap. Climate science is full of unknowns, but now Danish scientists have shown a causal link between cosmic rays coming from exploding stars directly influencing cloud formation on the earth. Water vapor (clouds) is a much stronger greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide and there is much more water vapor in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide, which makes up only .04% of the earth's atmosphere. Although this theory was thought invalid, Danish researchers set up an experiment which finally proves the point of how complex our weather cycles really are. Maybe we can send AlGore on an interplanetary trip to research the direct affect of cosmic rays on politician's brains. This writer's theory is that there is no affect, because they have minimal grey matter to begin with. We will be glad to contribute to the costs of such an expedition. Just click...

It's The Water Vapor Stupid...

AlGore's convenient lies are the inconvenient truth revealed in this article from Car & Driver Magazine that is also an excellent introduction to the basics of atmospheric chemistry. You do not have to be an atmospheric scientist to understand. All that is required is the ability to read and think logically, coupled with the ability to understand simple percentages or fractions. Or you might just continue to suffer from AlGore's vapid vapors? Just click...

Maternal Manipulation Helping Sons

Researchers have now shown that female birds can manipulate their ovulation cycles to protect their weaker males to insure they will survive. The female siblings, being stronger, will hatch first. Is their a parallel in human development? Just click...

Environmental Chemistry Reducing Sexual Organs

Predators, as all of us need to know, are bio-accumulators. Everything they eat in their food web, not only provides energy, it may also provide unintended gifts. Polar bear studies are showing that this top predator eating its favorite, seal sushi, is accumulating toxic compounds that are shrinking the bear's reproductive organs. Sounds like one of those commercials advertising a variety of nostrums for humans followed with the disclaimer that you should discontinue using Purple Pill X if you experience greasy diarrhea, or your testes fall off. Which of those is your favorite, but the bear cannot discontinue eating seals?? Just click...

Lead Poisoning Killing California Condors

Field researchers have matched isotopic lead samples to that left from ammunition used by hunters for big game. The bullet fragments are scavenged by California Condors as they eat from hunter kills. The multi- agency and organization study confirmed the alarming degree of lead poisoning in the highly endangered raptors brought back from the edge of extinction by captive breeding. Just click...

DNA & the Legend of Giant Eagles

Stories of giant eagles descending from on high to snatch up unwary travelers have now become more fact than fiction. DNA studies have shown that New Zealand was once home to one of these legendary raptors, whose tiny ancestors are still alive down under. Just click...

"Safe" Environmental Lead Levels May Not Be Safe Enough

Researchers evaluating causes for cardiovascular related deaths are showing higher correlations between what is now considered "safe" levels of lead in humans and their deaths from heart disease. Since the elimination of the lead used in gasoline, which contributed the highest amounts of lead to human bodies, lead levels have dropped significantly. However, tons of lead are still shot into the air via shotgun shells and lead bullets. When the lead settle to earth it begins the long term process of degradation and entering the food web. Batteries also contain high levels of lead and unsafe disposal further contaminates the environment with a deadly poison. Just click...

Last updated: May 02, 2012-Page Two: Ageing News EcoNews of Note, it's the best place for breaking news

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