Renaissance Fest Week One - Mud, Birds, and Stary Olsa

DH and I were at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival for opening weekend on Sunday. There had been a MASSIVE rainstorm overnight, so the puddles were lakes and the mud was quite healthy, but despite overcast skies, they finally cleared and the weather was really nice - a cool breeze, clouds marching across the skies, and it was Ren Fest - so all was good. We walked - a lot, but I took photos to share of two events that made me very happy indeed. 

One of the BEST things about this year's Fest is the reappearance of
one of my favorite groups - Stary Olsa. They are back in the USA for
another tour and we managed to get them here for opening weekend.
DH and I wanted to attend more of their five shows on Sunday, but
were only able to make the first one - scheduling conflicts with
other shows and the annual Longbow Competition (male and
female winners from the 70 yard line - excellent shooting). 

Instead of "Villification Tennis", there is a bird show at the Bear Stage
this year, and he's got some amazing and wonderful birds to share.
"The Falconer" is from Earthquest.org, and we were entranced by the
birds he was showing to us. Here is a Eurasian Eagle Owl - one of the
largest owls on earth. 

Of course, he showed a Peregrine Falcon. and I love them so much. We
actually have a very healthy urban Peregrine Falcon population. They
perch on the tall light poles alongside our streets and highways in the
daylight hours, just waiting for the prey to move. Their eyesight is
ridiculously intense and the speeds they get when diving are so fast! 

One of my favorite birds that he shared was this Vulture. He kept her
close - too many turkey legs in the audience - but her wingspread
was amazing. She was a real beauty! 

The Falconer also showed two hawks - a Red Tail hawk and a Harris hawk, along with a Condor - WOW. That was a big bird, and such a beautiful one. Bald - like me - LOL. Maybe I should wear a scruff around the base of my neck and emulate the beauty of a condor. I'll try to take more more pics next Sunday. His birds were so beautiful and I love to share. 

So this is fast and easy - pictures and not a lot of narrative. This week will be a VERY busy one - DH has to work three days this week. Chickie will be attending opening day of the Minnesota State Fair on Thursday so DH must work for her. That's going to make for a VERY busy Tuesday, Friday and Saturday for him since he still has goals for what he can get finished on the breezeway and in the craft room before the end of the week. My goals - continuing housecleaning for the remainder of my Wednesday, but that's not here yet - LOL. 

Have a wonderful Monday and I'll be back tomorrow - hopefully with a bit more to say and probably with a few less pictures. Happy Day!