Actually, I don't think this was a Sharp skinned hawk because it was very large - bigger than a black crow, Linda. The owl just hunts here I think. I find "leftovers" occasionally. Didn't build a nest for it since the arborist who's also a birder showed me where the box would have to go and said I'd have to clean it. I don't do 25 ft. ladders. The raptor folk told me neither the hawk nor the owl would over-hunt a territory. I just hope they don't deplete us of our chipmunks or bunnies. I'm very fond of them.

Your pictures are simply great! I am a falconer myself, although in Canada the laws vary from the united states and only some provinces allow the take of raptors from the wild. All I can say is that we all envie the americans for their right to trap passage birds!

Oh Debbie: I am so very, very sorry to hear of your loss, your darling Buddy. Angel, in my world, my dogs are a part of my family, no one can tell me differently. They are completely devoted to us and give us unconditional love, a lot more than some family members are able to give. In the past 25 years, we have had to put down 3 amazing Golden Retrievers, all to cancer. Not only did my husband and I cry our eyes out, but we both had to take a day off of work each time. For those who don't understand, well, in my opinion, it's their loss. There's just nothing like a 75 pound ball of fur plopping himself in your lap, gazing up into your eyes with his beautiful, soulful eyes and laying a big old sloppy kiss on your face...I'll take that any day over some of my family members... Debbie, there's nothing wrong with you, let the tears flow, you are grieving for Buddy because you loved him and he gave you so much love...that's not weird at all; and don't let anyone tell you different. Buddy is now at Rainbow Bridge and will remain there until it is your time to be in heaven, then he will cross that bridge and forever be with you again... http://rainbowsbridge.com/Poem.htm

I work with feathers a lot. They get dusty and are hard to clean up. That said, if you like it, go for it and it can always be freshened with clean feathers for other years use. On my table, something would for sure get spilled on them and since I couldn't wash them, they would be toast!