Out & About: Force-fed osprey hurls hook

Force-fed osprey hurls hook

OUTSMART – The osprey was hurting after it had ingested a fisherman’s hook feeding on fish. But workers at Wildlife Images Rehabilitation Center in Merlin, Ore., came to the rescue, dislodging the hook from its stomach by temporarily “stuffing” the bird.

The workers force-fed the osprey cotton balls.

After swallowing 10 cotton balls, the bird regurgitated a pellet of cotton along with the hook.

Save on Roosevelt launch permits

OUTBOUND – Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area is selling 2010 season boat-launching permits for $30 until May 1, when the price increases to $40.

Permits are required at all designated National Park Service- managed ramps on Roosevelt regardless of the type of vessel.

Infrequent users can pay a $6 fee at the boat ramps that allows unlimited launches for up to seven days.

Season and weekly fees are discounted 50 percent for Golden Age, Golden Access and Interagency Senior or Access Pass cardholders.

Purchase a seasonal launch permit at park offices in Coulee Dam or Kettle Falls, or mail a stamped, self-addressed envelope with a personal or cashier’s check payable to the National Park Service to:

National Park Service, 1008 Crest Dr., Coulee Dam, WA 99116, Attn: Boat Launch Permit

Info: (509) 633-9441, extension 110.

Avalanche centers issue advisories

SNOW SPORTS – The region’s avalanche forecasting sites are in gear for the season, allowing over-snow travelers to get a rough idea of conditions before heading into the mountains.

Advisories updated on Thursdays or Fridays are available for:

•Idaho Panhandle, (208) 765-7323 or toll-free (866) 489-8664.

•Lolo/Bitterroot: (406) 549-4488.

•Northwest Montana: (406) 257-8402.

•Southwest Montana: (406) 587-6981.

•West Yellowstone: (406) 646-7912.

Web sites to check include:

• Idaho Panhandle: www.fs.fed.us/ipnf

•Cascades/ Olympics: www.nwac.us

•USA: www.avalanche.org

•Worldwide: www.avalanche- center.org