I pass this along from a friend:

"Invitation to Candle Night December 2008"

Turn off your lights for two hours from 8 to 10 p.m. on Sunday.

"Do something special . . . Read a book with your child by candlelight. Enjoy a quiet dinner with a special person. This night can mean many things for many people.A time to save energy, to think about peace, to think about people in distant lands who share our planet.

Click here for more information. (Too bad it's the same time as the Giants game.)

"

The bird in this week's Monday Morning  Mystery was  an immature Bald Eagle.
   Photographer Barbara Dilger was at the other end of the CF when the bird flew past on Saturday, and got this confirming shot. 
   Thanks, Barbara! 

    Click here for more Monday Morning Mysteries.

   A huge raptor visited the Celery Farm on Saturday, and was soon mobbed by a gull or two.
   I have my hunches as to what bird this is, but would like some informed opinions.

   Click "Continue reading..."  for another shot or two.
   Click here for more Monday Morning Mysteries.

   I took this 40-second video over the weekend. Something different, and not too long.
    The American Coots were eating near the water's edge and pretty much oblivious to humans. I couldn't decide which was the better-looking of the pair so only video'd one.

Not to rain on anybody's Red Fox parade, but I ran into Fred Virrazzi of National Biodiversity Parks, a non-profit land preservation and ecological management firm.
   He was less enthusiastic about Red Foxes than I was... I asked him to elaborate in an e-mail, which he did...

   Writes Fred: "We often see the Red Fox almost worshiped by birders, photographers and the general public. 
    "Certainly they are a charismatic and striking species, but a 'cuddle factor' shouldn't cause us to abandon a certain level of caution before we fully embrace another possible invasive species in New Jersey. 
    "Purple Loosestrife can also produce a striking picture.