Birds of Prey

The World Center for Birds of Prey, sponsored by the Peregrine Fund, is located 5 miles south of Boise.  Founded in 1970, the Fund was established to save the Peregrine Falcon from extinction via a capture/breed/release program.  Their efforts were a success: they released 100s of falcons into the wild and they were removed from the endangered species list in 1999.  Now the Center is doing the same with condors.

Condors have the largest wingspan of any bird in the USA: 9.5'.

The specimen above is stuffed; the 2 below are part of the breeding program.

This fierce looking fellow is a harpy eagle, stuffed.

This little screech owl is being held by a volunteer.

More stuffed raptors.

The Center has assisted 65 countries with 100+ raptor species, has an extensive 

research library, numerous displays and several sculptures.

Falconry has been around for about 4000 years.  Initially, it was a means of capturing wild game for the dinner table, later, a status symbol hobby, currently, a bit of both.

Idaho Capitol

The classic design is similar to many other state capitol buildings.

It appears seamless but the bump out wings were add-ons.

Did I ring the bell? 

Of course!

The multi-story columns are faux marble, boards covered with plaster.

These are real marble, well done, beautiful.

American Legion Boys State events were in progress in the senate and house chambers,

and several other rooms, as well.

George Washington, carved in wood.

I think the scale is off; George was 6' 2".

It appears lobbyists get locked in with this massive vault door.

Great idea!

Cathedral Gorge, NV

Our 2nd night on the road was spent at this state park, which is near Pioche, NV - which isn't near much of anything.  The Park has some great hiking trails through slot canyons but it was too darned hot for hiking when we arrived and we were only there one night.

I took a short hike the morning before we left, much cooler then, took a few pictures.

This old stone water tower was built by the CCC in the 1930s but was little used due to the high alkaline content of the water.

Might go back here another time,do some hiking.