Rumors fly AT DUNROVIN
Check back frequently for the latest news from DaysAtDunrovin and Dunrovin Ranch.
Links to PDF documents that you can download or print are indicated below.
notices
Listen UP! I'm talking to you!
Week of June 23 - June 30, 2019
Welcome New Members! Be sure to check out the ABOUT section of the website to learn more about Dunrovin Ranch and our DaysAtDunrovin community.
The Bird Banding Should Happen Soon! Generally scientists from the University of Montana and from the Raptor Research Foundation, come to band the Dunrovin Ranch osprey chicks around the end of June. This time of year, these busy scientists are all out in the field working hard to understand and conserve our wild birds so it can be difficult to get in touch with them to schedule their work in advance. Be sure to keep and eye on our calendar where we will post their schedule as soon as we learn it.
Close-up Photos of Emerging Feathers Create a Eerie Landscape! You can practically see the chicks grow and change on a daily basis. Their emerging feathers are now the only way to tell the two older chicks, Pip and Hip, from their two day younger sibling, Hooray.
Animal Advice from the Wise Asses
The Dunrovin DIVAS feel it is their civic duty to respond to pleas for advice from less sophisticated and wise animals of the world. Readers beware. The opinions expressed by the DIVAS are not necessarily endorsed by Dunrovin Ranch.
Ranch talk and barnyard chatter
Erskine Goes to School
Dunrovin's big beautiful blue roam, Erskine, needs a refresher course in how to accommodate novice riders. Luckily, Dunrovin has found just the right local trainer to give him some lessons.
June 27, 2019
Trailers are a Fact of Life
Dunrovin Ranch often uses trailers to haul horses for a variety of reasons, from taking guests on special rides that start in the mountains and can only be reached by old logging roads, to participating in clinics, or giving rides to kids at the local YMCA.
June 25, 2019
A Tree for Bonnie and Clyde
It has become a tradition to plant trees to memorialize recently departed animals who have lived and been part of the Dunrovin Ranch family. A colorful Hawthorn tree has been selected to honor Bonnie's and Clyde' passing
June 20, 2019
The Lovely Lady Lonza
Born on ranch owner SuzAnne Miller's dad's birthday seventeen years ago, Lady Lonza created a special connection between SuzAnne and her departed father.
June 18, 2019
Welcoming Summer
At the change of every season, Dunrovin Ranch's friend and nature guide, Hobie Hare, comes out to visit, share the joys of the season, and help us deepen our connections with nature.
June 13, 2019
Three New Horses
Occasionally, Dunrovin Ranch needs to retire some horses and bring in some new blood. Meet three new horses that will soon join the Dunrovin herd.
June 11, 2019
Mackenzie Cole Returns
Mackenzie Cole returns to Dunrovin Ranch to once again demonstrate the effective and gentle method of clicker training that can be used with any type of animal, from marine mammals, to birds, and, in Dunrovin's case, to horses, donkeys, and dogs.
June 6, 2019
Saddle Fit
Just like human athletic runners need shoes that fit and support their feet, each horse needs a saddle that properly fits its physical structure and keeps the weight of the rider or the pack cargo off of its spine. Saddle fit is an important health issue for guest ranch horses.
June 4, 2019
Biologist Torrey Ritter
Join Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks wildlife biologist Torrey Ritter for live broadcast sessions on Wednesday, May 29 to talk with participants of the Awesome Osprey Project. Check the D@D calendar for times.
May 29, 2019
Singing Around the Fire Pit
Be sure to tune in for a live broadcast sing along with Charla Bauman and Doug Hogan. These two will bring their music and tall tales to Dunrovin Ranch on Tuesday, May 128th at 2:00PM. Download the lyrics to the music HERE, and tun up your vocal cords for some musical fun!
May 28, 2019
Too Much or Too Little
This is the story of water at Dunrovin Ranch: too much or too little. Spring floods wreck havoc for several months only to let the long hot days of summer threaten to dry everything up. Managing water and vegetation at Dunrovin requires organization and commitment.
May 21, 2019
Animal Parents of Dunrovin
This is the time of year when all of us celebrate our mothers and fathers and honor the most important jobs in the world. Our wild and domestic animal parents at Dunrovin experience different challenges than we humans face, but they are every bit as dedicated and thoughtful as we are. Get to know some of the Dunrovin animal parents.
May 13, 2019
Dining Perches
The adult ospreys generally eat their fish dinner away from nest when there are eggs or chicks are present in the nest. Dunrovin will replace two "dining perches" to give the ospreys a place to eat alone that is well within webcam view.
May 11 , 2019
Member Moments
Learn about the D@D Member Moments Program that is designed to get you as involved with our community as you desire. The more we learn about one another, the more we connect as friends. Help us celebrate Mother's and Father's Day by completing our D@D Parenting Survey. Visit the Member Moments Program to learn more.
May 10, 2019
Ranch Hand Wardisiani
School-year teacher and summer ranch hand Katie Wardisiani is a ball of creativity, spirit, and energy. She loves what she does and it shows in the quality of her work.
May 7 , 2019
The Awesome Osprey Project
The Awesome Osprey Science Project is a collaboration between the D@D community and school kids across the nation. Focused on osprey life history as seen through our web cameras, data will be collected and shared. Take a look and get involved!
May 6 , 2019
Horse Training
Dunrovin Ranch is fortunate to be able to count on master horseman and trainer Brandon Carpenter to help us train and maintain our horses. His gentle, knowing ways with horses and people enable him to bring them together in a true partnership.
April 25, 2019
Nighttime Photos at Dunrovin
A sleepless night brought Dunrovin Ranch owner SuzAnne Miller to the web camera controls to see what she could see. Dunrovin can be as enchanting at night as it is by day. Take a look!
April 28, 2019
The Equine Youngsters
Mystery is an 8-year-old goof ball of a horse who is kind, gentle, and very cooperative. He still needs some additional training this summer before he goes to work as a guest horse. Oggy was born at Dunrovin Ranch in May of 2017 and is full of himself. Oggy's world is one of learning - from his mother, his herd mates, and his human handlers.
April 25, 2019
Musical Chairs
Pull up your chair, tap you feet, and sing along with songstress Charla Bauman as she broadcasts live from Brookdale Missoula Valley Senior Residence on April 23 at 2PM. Be sure to download the song book so you can add your voice!
April 23, 2019
Welcome to Lorraine Turner
What a pleasure it is to welcome Lorraine turner to the DaysAtDunrovin community where she will share her world of Art and Animals. Her enormous creative spirit is matched only by the size of her heart and commitment to using her art to support animals and people in need of support and comfort.
April 18, 2019
The Children Return
Each spring, Dunrovin Ranch welcomes little cowboys and cowgirls to the ranch to experience the joys of partnering with horses and ponies. Our after-school pony club and our home school horsemanship classes are the perfect way to transition from the quiet of winter to the hustle and bustle of summer.
April 18, 2019
The Horses Return
Spring has officially sprung, which means that the horses need to return to the main barn and riding area of the ranch after their winter off to rest and relax with their friends. The first horses to come back will be those that are used by the young ones in our kids' after-school programs.
April 9, 2019
Two Delightful Skydivers
We are in for a treat when when we meet with two Missoula Valley Brookdale residents to hear their stories of how they have not let age keep them from experiencing the thrills of skydiving.
April 7, 2019
The Trail Guide's Horn Bag
A good trail guide must be prepared for anything and everything when guiding guests on horses in Montana's back country. Having the right emergency supplies is essential.
April 1, 2019
DIVA Training is WORK!
Donkeys and humans agree that patience is the key ingredient to forming a lasting partnership with an individual from a different species.
March 30, 2019
The Mysterious Milky Way
It is our home galaxy and has been the source of wonder and delight throughout the ages. It is not possible to witness it and not feel the enormity of space, to know that the number of stars within it are uncountable, and to thrill at the mystery of it all.
March 23, 2019
Meet Bonnie and Clyde
Mother and son Bonnie and Clyde are inseparable. He started out life under her care, and she will live out her life under his care. She is blind and he is her eyes. These two resilient and brave little ponies have brought much joy to children of all ages at Dunrovin Ranch.
March 22, 2019
Web Camera Maintenance
Two of Dunrovin Ranch's web cameras are out-of-reach for routine cleaning and maintenance. Both the osprey nest webcam and the ranch webcam sit atop high poles. Assistance from a bucket truck with a skilled operator is needed. Furthermore, the maintenance schedule is dictated by the ospreys!
March 17, 2019
Connecting with Nature
It is in human nature to be connected to nature. Being in nature contributes in so many ways to our wellbeing. But it is not always possible to go outside in nature. Luckily, there are ways to connect with nature regardless of where you are, and there are people like Hobie Hare to guide us along the way.
March 15, 2019
Science Lab - Night Skies
Montana is blessed with Big DARK Night Skies that allow us all to enjoy its spectacular celestial wonders. Join astronomer Diane Friend and photographer John Ashley for educational romp through Montana's night skies.
March 6, 2019
Geese on the Ospreys' Nest
We love the Canada Geese - EXCEPT when they attempt to steal the ospreys' nest and make it their own. But we've got plans to deter them!
March 3, 2019
Captains Lewis and Clark
Dunrovin Ranch did not plan to own a team of ponies and drive a carriage - but it happened and we have been having fun with these two ever since.
February 27, 2019
Waiting for Harriet and Hal
Nothing can adequately explain our love for two birds that know or care nothing about us! Each year we wait for their return to the Dunrovin osprey nest.
February 26, 2019
Winter Birds
Not all of Montana's birds fly south for the winter.
Some stay right here to enjoy the bird feeders.
February 24, 2019
D@D Book Club
Winter is a great time to curl up with a good book
that you can share with friends.
February 20, 2019
Great American Trials
Take a deep dive into learning about two famous American defense attorneys, Clarence Darrow and F. Lee Bailey.
February 17, 2019
Welcome to Dunrovin Ranch
How did Dunrovin get its name?
Learn about Dunrovin's four web cameras.
February 4, 2019
Kelli partners with crow
Ranch Manager lost her long-time horse partner Doc.
Now she starts a new relationship with Crow.
February 4, 2019
G3 Builds river webcam tower
The horse herd stays warm in winter.
Kola often runs on three legs.
January 10, 2019