Yosemite again -- Sentinal Rock on the right edge.

Yosemite again -- Sentinal Rock on the right edge.

At the base of Yosemite Falls

At the base of Yosemite Falls

What bird is this?

Hi -- complete amateur here.  Joined the community to see if someone could help me with identification.  This small raptor (standing 6-8 inches at most) visited our yard (San Francisco Bay Area).  It looks quite young, and it has a band on its left leg.  Any information would be appreciated.

Japanese Garden, Portland, Oregon

Japanese Garden, Portland, Oregon

Super strong spider silk

http://www.wired.com/2010/09/super-strong-spider-silk/
http://www.wired.com/2010/09/super-strong-spider-silk

Another view of Varenna at sundown

Another view of Varenna at sundown

Varenna, Italy

Varenna, Italy