Once more with the trash can volcano.

We presented this lesson at a local library and set off the volcano on the back patio. We weren't sure what would happen since we usually do this on grass of sand. The concrete gave it a great hop!!!!

Hoo Hoo Lives in Hull's Gulch?

We have a pair of owls that nests in the cliffs near our office. From what I have been told, they have been there since the facility opened in 2005. They usually have 3-4 offspring, but it looks like they only produced 1 this year. We use this often for our lessons as baby owls are a great attention getter. We take the kids on a hike and set up spotting scope where they can observe from 150 yards away.

Here is a mother and baby hiding under a sagebrush. Notice the mother in the bush? Photo: Jan Vinney, Seattle

Here's a good shot of the baby in a tree. It is about two months old here. Photo: Jan Vinney, Seattle

We also have red-tailed hawks that nest in the area. Their nest is directly above a hiking trail ans we can often see the young poking their heads over the side of the nest to observe us. We hike out into a nearby meadow and set up the scopes. One day, a large female landed right above us so no one needed binoculars to see HER.

Red-tailed hawk watching my group.

My group watching the red-tailed hawk.