These amazing raptors favor wild, open desert country like that found near in southeast Washington. They favor undeveloped, open terrain. But these big birds are in danger. They numbers are in decline, in large part because their food and their homes are being destroyed.

ORV’s have driving off, or destroyed, much of the prey base around the desert country in which hte hawks hunt. And development continues to push in on the home terrain in which hte hawks live.

There are other species that do well around human developing – including the majestic redtail hawk – but the ferruginous deserves its place in the world, too. The decline of this shy raptor tells us a lot about ourselves and our world. We must respond to the challenge before us and work to restore the habitat and health of this species.  I

Ferruginous hawks in decline – Mid-Columbia News | Tri-City Herald : Mid-Columbia news.

Bad news in that traditional print journalism is suffering. Good news in that people are still turning to traditional sources — though in non-traditional means — for their news.  Of course, some newspaper will tank and disappear as they fail to effectively capitalize on the shifting trends. Others will flourish, as they develop the methods to serve readers while still drawing advertisers.

Its a new day for journalism, and the coming years will be a volatile period of change.

http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20081228-pew-survey-shows-online-news-overtaking-print-in-the-us.html