October 2022

While visiting a friend in Double Diamond South and walking from my car to the house, I spotted three Red-tailed Hawks gliding south across a ridge where a lone pinion stood. I lifted my binoculars and took a look. There were two nicely marked eastern-plumaged Redtailed adults, and – a different bird. Now, a birder’s mind processes visual information rapidly. By size and shape, buteo registers immediately. Then two bright, rusty-red tails, dark brown backs and upper wing surfaces – adult Red-tailed Hawks.

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The Swifts, one of Alpine’s most popular musical groups, will host a performance at the Holland Hotel on Wednesday, Oct. 26, by visiting singer/songwriter Michael Hearne. Starting at 7 p.m., the evening will feature music from the Swifts followed by a set from Hearne.

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At the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association Clarendon Stampede last weekend, Sul Ross State University’s Tristen Hutchings was the steer wrestling champion with 7.4 seconds on two runs to win the average title. Will Eddleman and Dylan Hancock won the team roping header.

It is time once again to validate animals for the stock shows. Sunday, Oct. 23, will be validation for lambs and goats only for all shows. Goats will validate from 1-2:30 p.m., and lambs from 2:30-3:30 p.m.

Dear Neil: Someone told me I would like the smaller-flowering pansies better than the types with large blooms. Why would they say that? Much of it depends on how and where you will use them.

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WEEK Alpine Humane Society Pet of the Week is Sky, a three-year-old black and white Husky mix. A pretty big girl, she weighs in at 84 pounds. Sky would love to join your family, and have a home of her own. You can meet Sky at the Alpine Animal Shelter, and watch her in our playgroup during weekday mornings.