The research traces how dozens of prized white falcons appeared at the court of the caliphs in Baghdad during the late 800s and early 900s. According to the authors, many of these birds were likely gyrfalcons captured in Scandinavia and Iceland before being transported thousands of kilometres south through Viking and Rus' trade routes.
At the Sacramento Zoo, a first-time mother named Peppermint Patty just gave birth to five capybara pups a small herd of damp, round newcomers already paddling around the zoo's pond like seasoned pros. The keepers say the babies are walking, eating solid food, and keeping close to their patient mom. Capybaras, the world's largest rodents, are built for both land and water, and these tiny swimmers are no exception all fur, webbed feet, and curiosity.
Banishing her terrifying memory of a seagull stealing a Big Mac from her hand on O'Connell Street, Chloë McPolin dons some Barbour and heads west for falconry and the aristocratic life... Hobby comrades, I believe I've officially "come up" in the world. As you know, I have an insatiable urge to behave and dress as though I belong to the landed gentry. Naturally, this includes picking up a hobby that lets me hobnob with the rich and famous.
