roseville nursery in apopka florida (I think) Which reminds me, I haven't seen roseville or donahue clematis plants for sale anywhere locally this year (I know they're small, usually 2 1/2 inch pots...but I've had good luck growing them out in a pot for a year.. Anyone seen them this year? ~Chills

I live in Palatine, and was unsuccessful w/ this plant a few years back. It was a small plant from Forest Farm, barely survived the 1st winter, didn't grow much during the summer, then died after its 2nd winter. I read somewhere to give this plant west exposure so it won't wake up too early in spring & be injured by late cold snaps. (obviously mine died so maybe this was bad advise?) If you're wiling to try it, I'd suggest planting in spring so it's roots have a better chance of establishing b4 winter & reduces chance of heaving, especially if you go with a small size. Important to note - we had alot of huge old Walnut trees surrounding the yard & I think this was planted b4 I learned what havoc juglone can create. So maybe it's not juglone tolerant...? And I remember seeing this plant in local nurseries just after I yanked up the dead one - maybe Knuppers in Palatine, or Platt Hill?

Nice owl! From the back I wouldn't have been able to identify it as an owl. It's amazing how similar raptor backs look - I guess that's a very effective camouflage pattern for a tree dweller. I wonder if sparrow backs work best in grassy environments. I can empathize with your DH slipping while trying to photograph the owl. When I was leaving my NYC neighborhood I wanted to take a photo from the sidewalk of the Siberian Elm outside my window. While backing up I tripped on the railing of the building steps next door and almost fell into the stairwell. I managed to grab the railing and pull myself back up without damaging me or the camera but it was a close call. Claire

The hawk in Menifee, CA can only be a Cooper's Hawk but it is an oddly-colored one. Something going on with the feathers, such as a heavy molt or missing feathers for some other reason. If you have other photos please post.