Birds, Popes and Jabs

 

I drove to town yesterday afternoon to take some photos for a Sandpoint Magazine assignment.

The assignment involves features about two Natives and two Newcomers to Sandpoint.  In this case, the photo subject was a newcomer whom I met for the first time yesterday. 

We had a delightful conversation as I snapped my pictures.  

Then, I went on my way, figuring that since I was in town, it would be fun to spend some time looking for more miscellaneous photos. 

Upon pulling into the parking lot on east side of War Memorial Field, I saw a fire truck. By the time I parked, the truck had backed slowly and carefully to the hillside above the Pend Oreille River.

Then, its ladder rose high up into the sky, with the target being Sandpoint's Memorial Field osprey nest, which currently is unoccupied. 

I'm told that Sandy and Pete, the nest's two regular inhabitants are expected back in early April from where ever they spend the winter.  

Truly snow birds.

 Speculation is that they go to Mexico or maybe even Costa Rica, probably this winter with no concerns whatsoever of masking up to stay safe from Covid19. 

Well, it turns out that yesterday was nest cleanup day, along with some remodel work for the nest which sits on a relatively new pole after the installation of turf at Barlow Stadium.

Well, this looked like an interesting situation. Two members of Selkirk Fire were organizing the effort to raise the ladder to the nest.  

Later, Sandpoint City Parks and Rec Director Kim Woodruff and Keokee Creative Group owner (that includes Sandpoint Magazine) Chris Bessler showed up. 

After taking a few shots of these folks in front of the shiny, impressive fire truck, I learned that their plans included emptying last year's materials from the nest and installing a board to be used as a platform for the birds to sit above the nest. 

Kim told me that if the nest is not cleaned, Canada geese will show up and squat before the osprey return.  

Apparently, Sandy and Pete would not like this intrusion, so the humans do everything humanly possible to provide a the best habitat possible for the couple's return to Sandpoint. 

Kim also told me that people around the world keep close track of every nuance with this nest and its inhabitants (growing family later in the spring). 

Sometimes, his phone at City starts ringing off the hook should some anomaly occur. 

And, so the plan yesterday involved Chris bringing the goods, Kim supervising and answering questions while the firemen completed the aerial work high up on that ladder. 

By the time I left for home, the operation was drawing a crowd.  After all, it's February in Sandpoint, and any change of pace can attract attention. 

Fun experience, both learning about what was going on and visiting with Chris, Kim, Nick and Clint. 

So, come April, you can check out what's happening once those snowbirds return to their renovated perch overlooking the Pend Oreille River and all the happenings at Memorial Field.  

by Nestwatcher Robin Werner, Oct. 14, 2020, posted on Sandpoint Online.  

While many of wish we were saying goodbye to 2020 – as tough as this year has been for so many – we are instead having to say goodbye to our osprey family!

Sandy, our adult female, and Benewah, one of this season’s chicks were last seen on the nest August 25. Pete the adult male, and Bonner, the second chick, stayed around a little longer and were last seen September 6. It is considered a successful season if one chick survives, and this nest, has seen chicks migrate every season.

While our osprey family has migrated to warmer waters, we look forward to seeing Pete and Sandy this coming spring, usually around the first of April. Bonner and Benewah will stay in their new locations until they migrate in their second year to look for a mate.

Meantime, our nest cam will be operating this fall and winter until the ospreys return. We’ll be aiming in different directions to take in the local scene, and everyone is invited to drop by to have a look through these upcoming seasons. See you in Spring!

For all you want to know about Sandpoint's osprey nest, its seasonal inhabitants, its many supporters and the live webcam, you can visit https://ospreys.sandpointonline.com/

And, during Pandemic times or any time of the year, bookmark the site and come back for visits.  

Nick and Clint from Selkirk Fire. 

Chris and Kim

~~~~~~~

We were expecting something a bit formal and brief, instead we had 45 minutes with some serious conversation about the role of journalists today, prayers for our colleagues who couldn't come to Rome for the meeting and even a few jokes.

from Sandpoint's Cindy Wooden (gray blazer, burgundy top, black slacks) after visiting with Pope Francis yesterday in celebration of 100 years of Catholic News Service (CNS). 

Cindy has worked for CNS at the Vatican since 1989.  She currently serves as Vatican Bureau chief. 

She is a 1978 graduate of Sandpoint High School and a close family friend.  

I'm always proud to share news of Cindy's amazing career as a journalist.  

Her career, which has included covering and traveling the world with Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict and Pope Francis,  serves as a shining example for journalists and especially for our Sandpoint community.  

For more about Catholic New Service, check this link: 

   https://www.catholicnews.com/pope-thanks-cns-says-continue-fostering-honest-communication-truth/

Although there's great demand to get on lists to get "the shot," some, for various reasons, vehemently oppose the vaccinations. Others say they'll just wait.

When my friend sent me this YouTube video overnight, I decided it was timely, well done, clever and worth adding to today's post. 

Hope you enjoy.