Does stress produce stronger offspring in birds? (Scroll down.) A researcher thinks so. HT Walter Hingley. That Japanese blog of bio- art has a spread on sperm whales that is comprehensible even if you have no Japanese. Another gem from Engrish Funny. And what’s with the skull on a spring? Unlike green Almaty, Ulaan Bataar …
Elk Shanks
Yesterday, I thawed a package of elk that Rudy the butcher had marked “stew and bones”, figuring on meat for Rio and bones for the dogs. To my surprise it disclosed six perfect round elk shanks with marrowbones in the center, rather like the veal shanks used in osso bucco. I looked at various shank …
Hunting with Rio
From a bird who “snarled” at all dogs (you have to hear a Harris to believe the noise they make), Rio has progressed to a hunting partnership with Ataika. He is sitting on top of the cholla cactus above the bank beside Taik– apologies for photo quality. He usually rides on a T- perch walking …
The last of Cat’s Mongolia
The two-day eagle festival outside Sagsai was a thrilling event, with 82 hunters on horseback with their birds, flying to the fist and to the lure. There were other events, including a camel race, a horse race, goat tug, and other fun events, but the eagles were what had brought us all to that valley. …
Cat’s Mongolia, Part III
On day two of the cross-country horse trip, we awoke to the sounds of geese along the lake, with the goat herd bedded down in front of the ger. Such beauty. As soon as breakfast was over, we were on horseback, headed over the mountains. We had another fantastic day of riding, with the three …
Thanks– but to whom?
Some friend has just sent two books from my wish list– thanks! But the name and most of the address did not print– all I can see is Casa Grande Arizona and a zip. I’m grateful anyway!
Superior Scribblers
The Atomic Nerds have given us a Superior Scribbler award. We are touched and honored. LabRat said of us, in part: “A fascinating variety of experience, and if they have a common thread it’s rampant individualism and a curiosity in and respect for nature and those who live with it, as opposed to those who …
Update
In links, below, I pointed to a Guardian list of newly banned words and terms. They included “Siamese twins; Calcutta; deaf ears; illegal asylum seeker; province of Northern Ireland; grandmother; bachelor.” I didn’t follow it through but Matt did, and found the article author’s good response:“There are too few active homosexuals and career women in …
Cat’s Mongolia, Part II
On my first morning out in the Mongolian countryside, I awoke when the top of the ger was pulled back by Kazna, the lady of the house, letting in the morning light. I could hear someone moving livestock, a man’s voice, singing to his animals as he rode horseback. In celebration of our presence, and …
Tony Hillerman RIP
Tony Hillerman, the “Anglo” novelist who depicted the Navajo nation so well that they gave him an award, has died at 83. His mystery novels may be the best door into understanding Navajo culture, and Navajo country, that exist. He was also a good and kind man. In the 80’s we both belonged to a …