Daddy's spur

Spurs are one of the distinctive pieces of equipment used by horsemen through out the ages.  In the days of chivalry, spurs and the metal from which they were made were a mark of rank.  Hence the expression "to earn your spurs."  Today they are a standard piece of cowboy equipment and, as with most horse equipment, the design varies widely depending upon the region and the wearer.
In today's American west, spur styles continue to change.  Spurs are almost invariably roweled.  The influence of ornate early Spanish design is still evident.  Spur design was also influenced by the wearing of chaps.  Where long chaps are worn, as in the Northwest, a dropped heel pattern and a chap guard are important.  The chap guard consists of a curved blunt projection on the shank just behind the heel which keeps the chap clear of the rowel.  In areas where long chaps are not needed, a straight shank without a chap guard can be worn.  

Beavers getting pushed out of their homes! Too much flooding! Double click on the photos to see them larger!

Mr. Beaver

The Hawk!

hawk, any of various small to medium-sized falconiform birds, particularly those in the genus Accipiter, known as the true hawks, and including thegoshawks and sparrowhawks. The term hawk is often applied to other birds in the family Accipitridae (such as the kites, buzzards, and harriers) and sometimes is extended to include certain members of the family Falconidae (falcons and caracaras).

The great majority of hawks are more useful to humans than they are harmful, but there is still widespread prejudice against them. Occasionally they destroy poultry and smaller birds, but usually they eat small mammals, reptiles, and insects. Hawks have many foraging techniques, but the most typical in their pursuit of prey is raking, or swiftly following the animal’s efforts to escape. Once the hawk has secured the prey with its powerful talons, the bird dismembers it with its sharply pointed, strong beak.