Frank, get out the old Sharp!

And let's have some buffler hump! These critters seem to be making a comeback, at least in Yellowstone and the National Bison Range. My wife and I stop by the NBR occasionally with our picnic lunch and often have the opportunity to "shoot" one of these prizes.

Bald Eagle - For Frank and the Gang

It's almost December and December marks the return of the Bald Eagle in large numbers to the shores of Coeur d'Alene and its tributaries. They are attracted by the large number of spawing Kokanee, locally known as "Blueback." As these small landlocked salmon spawn in the creeks, the eagles gather to reap the harvest of spawned out carcasses of blue back being flushed downstream into the lake. December and January are the best months to observe this gathering.

A favorite spot for birdwatchers and photo buffs is the Mineral Ridge boat launch, at the N'east end of the lake. This is where I often go to "shoot" the big birds.

The eagle in this picture, however, is half of a nesting pair that return each year in May to a nest in a tall cottonwood along the Coeur d'Alene River, near Anderson and Thompson lake. I go there each spring to catch a quick picture and it is often dramatic, like this one. It was screaming at me, protesting my closeness to its nesting partner.

 

Osprey and Pelican

 

 

 

Frank, of course you can tell the Osprey from the Pelican. We have a wonderful population of Osprey that have fished the local rivers since I can remember. However, the Pelican is a recent (Last ten years) addition to our local waterfowl. Of course, they are both migrational. The Pelicans will show up with warm weather and the Osprey will come into the area in mid to late May and will be here until the late fall.

Another One for Frank..

There is a place between Bovill and Deery Idaho called Hog Meadows. In the spring it is a haven for grazing critters as soon as the grass begins to crop out. In May of 2006 I was lucky to capture this display as tempers flared. These elk, along with several deer, were feeding in the meadow and as I watched through the view finder these two began to squabble over the water hole.

 

SB200

The SB200 with a few parts removed.

Need a Straight Key?

So, it's the day before SKN and no straight key! It's off to the junk-box. Ah, an old piece of aluminum from a scavenged torsion bar discarded from a veneer clipper at work, this will work nicely for a base.

And, a micro switch should work instead of open contacts, just need to attach it to a plate with slotted holes for adjustment then fasten to the base with machine screws.

The arm, I can cut from fiberglass pc board, fastening a knob on the end will make a good finish and will feel close to the real thing.



Preparing the base for a micro switch.



The key arm to actuate the micro switch is cut from a piece of salvaged fiberglass pc board. Stiff but flexible enough for a good feel.



Now, I'm all set for SKN!
The finished piece doesn't look like much but it is very functional.

Paddles

Aluminum 3/4 inch right angle, brass strips from a hobby shop, guitar pick finger pieces, plastic breadboard base on top of a box of muzzle loading bullets... Loaded for bear.