"Grab your binoculars. Pack your fishing pole. Got your camera, hat and sunscreen? Louisiana's Creole Nature Trail All-American Road is a hands-on opportunity to experience one of America's untamed natural wonders."
Since Carol and her sis are going to be driving along 'The Creole Nature Trail' soon, I decided to learn some more about it. In my reading this morning, I learned that the Creole Nature Trail is known as Louisiana's Outback, and that it meanders through marshes, prairies, and along the Gulf of Mexico. The byway goes through and along three out of the four refuges in Louisiana (which I'm going to list at the end), and they are part of a network of more than 540 refuges throughout the U.S. states (and territories).The Trail is home to more than 300 species birds (making it one of the Top 10 Birding Destinations in the country), which includes birds that live there year round and others that migrate to the area. There are several sites along this 'Nature Trail' that rank among the best birding locations in the country.
Refuges / Sanctuaries
There are four federal and state wildlife refuges and sanctuaries there, and in each, you have the opportunity to observe natural environments that play an important role in North America’s wildlife 'eco-system'.
-- Sabine National Wildlife Refuge includes the 1.5-mile self-guided Marsh Trail with interpretation stations, an observation tower, and panoramic view of marsh terrain - and you see many birds and other marsh animals.
-- The Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge is home to wintering waterfowl and resident mammals. The refuge is also an important area for research studies on a number of marsh-management strategies. You can fish in this area, but hunting is prohibited.
-- Next, you may choose to turn back west toward Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge or continue east toward the western terminus of the byway wildlife-- Holly Beach (also known as the Cajun Riviera)
provides 25 miles of year-round beaches, campsites, and outdoor recreation.
I'm sure Carol knows better than any of us about this warning I ran across on one of the sites: "It is advised not to take dogs along at Marsh Trail because alligators may consume them."http://adventure.howstuffworks.com/scenic-drive-in-louisiana-creole-nature-trail-ga1.htm
Overview: http://www.creolenaturetrail.org/maps_audio/
98 comments:
Well, if Jan has the date right, I guess Carol's sis will be here in the next couple of days.
Mary, I bet you're looking forward to the visit too.
This is a somewhat interesting little tidbit:
Nicolas Carr on the 'Superficial' Webby Mind
"...in the choices we have made, consciously or not, about how we use our computers, we have rejected the intellectual tradition of solitary, single-minded concentration, the ethic that the book bestowed on us.
What I started noticing around 2007 was that I seemed to be losing my ability to concentrate. Not just when I was sitting at a computer. Even when the computer was off and I tried to read a book, to sustain a single train of thought, I found it difficult." Nicolas Carr on the 'Superficial' Webby Mind
Nice work Chloe....Amazing what our personal
surroundings offer once we start to look more closely....(well except for the gator)....
Yes Coreen, it 'is' amazing. The wider I open my eyes, the more I'm noticing.
This guy's even starting to look like a serial killer - one that no longer has his daddy around to defend him.
Dutchman confesses to killing Lima woman
You might find this of interest then Chloe...
"Impatient, impulsive, forgetful & even more
narcissistic...
"
Warning signs of Tech overload, together with
articles about impact on our lives of our 'gadgets'....(there is even a 'test' on the interactive links, though
I don't know what it really means...nor do I know what makes the 'experts' expert)
1. Do you always check your email before doing other things?
2. Do you frequently find yourself anticipating the next time you'll be online?
3. When you are online & someone needs you, do you usually say "just a few more minutes" before stopping?
4. Have you ever lied about or tried to hide
how long you are online?
5. Have you ever chosen to spend time online rather than going out with others?
6. Does going online lift you from a depressed or nervous mood?
7. Do others in your life often complain about the amount of time you spend using technology?
Exposure to technology may be slowly reshaping your personality. Some experts believe excessive use of the interntet, cellphones &
other technologies can cause us to become more impatient, impulsive, forgetful & even more narcissistic.....
An ugly toll of technology: impatience & forgetfulness
... oooh, Coreen. Yes - I can answer yes to some of those questions. I'll have to read the article when I get back this afternoon (if I dare :) - thanks for linking it.
Chloe,
Thank you for a gorgeous post. This may be the best thread any of us have ever posted on the Swamp. Besides being informative, it is visually beautiful. Your blogging skills get better and better!
I've noticed I'm suffering more from eye strain, and am more easily fatigued when on the 'puter. Even the elliptical doesn't tire me out as much as this does. It doesn't help my shoulder much either.
There was an article in The Atlantic asking is Google making us stupid? In some ways, yes. Some of us have less power to concentrate on reading a lengthy piece because our brains are always scanning, skimming and switching.
Stoopid Google
Wow Chloe! What a beautiful post. I am home. Just arrived about an hour ago. I got GD (granddaughter) settled in her room. We have unloaded the car and the first thing after all of these things was to check e-mail. We had an uneventful drive home. It was fun b/c GD was with us. She is a very upbeat little girl- pretty much happy about everything. She will be 13 next month - I wonder if being a teenager will change any of that.
Will check in with you all later on.
Even though Aruba says the confession of "the Dutchman" (as the Peruvians refer to him in their media reports) may not clear up the mystery of Natalee Holloway's disappearance, it's still a good thing he has been caught and will now be put away. That Aruban authorities still seem willing to deny facts about the case speaks to the corrupting influence that was brought to bear on their system in the person of the accused's father. It was a travesty. I am not a vengeful person, but if justice exists to be thwarted, it is pointless having a system.
Aruban officials uncertain reported Joran van der Sloot confession will help Natalee Holloway case
Ivy, I too have some neck strain when I get on the computer. It was mostly associated with work. If I am on for fun, I don't stay on very long. I check in a few times a day for a few minutes and then leave it. I took the quiz up above and so far I don't think I am addicted but I sure do stay on longer for fun b/c of the swamp. I do look forward to checking in and "chatting" with you guys.
If this is an addiction, there are worse ones :)
Hello everyone. Wonderful post Chloe. My sister did see it and it made her more excited about coming down.
I've been dealing with a crisis all afternoon and evening but I had to take a break. Nothing more I can do about it right now. I'm just eating supper and it's almost time to start my bedtime routine.
This place does serve as an escape for me. Even though I may comment often it isn't interrupting what I need to be doing. I can run in and drop a line and go after another chore. Sometimes I need to be here so I can take a break. I can multitask. I seldom ever do one thing at a time.
Remember Jan, when you lived down here, we talked to each other everyday. When we weren't seeing each other at work or socially, we'd talk on the phone. The more often we talked, the more we had to talk about.
I have found when one of my good friends leaves town, I usually lose touch with them because if I can't have them in some small way everyday, it doesn't work for me. I'm weird in that way. I always touch base with my good friends everyday.
I guess I could say that friendship is an addiction to me. The Internet has given me another option to have friends. Friends who share some of the same interests and friends who can teach me. I'm pretty picky about friends. I love to have friends I can learn from.
When I was young, I hung around with older people because they were so much wiser than I was and could teach me so much. I had no interest in most people my own age. I found them boring and silly. Silly is good....as long as it is brilliant silly and yes, that is possible and I found that here also.
Carol, it is too bad that when we move that we lose touch with the people we care about. I have other friends I don't see much any longer because we live at a distance from each other. I too find that if we don't keep in touch and share our lives with each other on a regular basis it is too easy to drift apart whether we live close or far away.
Well, Blanche Lincoln won the race. I am happy about it, although John is not. To be perfectly honest, I am not sure why I wanted her to win.
I am happy about the governor's race in NM. Both the Democrat and Republican nominees are women. The Dem has been our Lieutenant Gov, Diane Denish. She has been a good LG. Her opponent is Susanne Martinez. I don't know much about her. Whoever wins, we will have a woman Gov for the first time in NM.
"I am not sure why I wanted her to win."
Jan, Sometimes it's good to go with your gut feeling - to depend on your intuition. Trusting your intuitive feelings is a good way of developing them.
Ivy, Thank you so much for those nice things you said. I read both yours and Coreen's article links too, and enjoyed them both.
I actually think the computer is making us smarter. There is such a vast amount of information - how can that be bad? It's true that we have to be selective, but the search can also help us to become more efficient at finding and comprehending the most important element (the bottom line?) of the large amount of information we have to choose from. It gives us a chance to look at things from a wider variety of view points - makes us think and sort through things.
That said, if I going to be completely honest I have to admit, I do (almost always) scan, skim and switch, like you said Ivy.
Hi Chloe, I completely agree that trusting our intuitive feelings is a good idea.
Good night.
.. I'm sorry to hear you had a rough day Carol. I know you're a great multi-tasker, and no matter what these articles say - I agree, the computer is a 'good' thing. Our little group is a good thing.
"She will be 13 next month - I wonder if being a teenager will change any of that."
Ha Jan! UNDOUBTEDLY!!
So funny that you said that.
You sound so upbeat since your retirement Jan. It's uplifting to me just reading your comments.
Hi Jan. I'm tired to. See you in the morning.
Chloe, I want to thank you again for putting up this post. You are very special. You all are. You guys are what is wonderful about the Internet and computers.
As for the test, I don't even check my email everyday when I on this thing all day. Don't know why. It's probably cuz I hate mail.
Yes I do miss it when I can't get online but little Iphony took care of that. I have pocket connectivity.
Yes I may be online when someone needs me if it's something I didn't want to do anyway.
Don't lie about it because I don't need to. I'm the boss of me.
Yes people do bitch about the time I spend online but they don't offer any exciting alternative.
I wouldn't give up a fishing trip to be online. There are some things more sacred.
Not only is your post very appropriate for my sisters visit Chloe, but it also is so significant in light of the current disaster. This is the kind of beauty that BP is destroying in our State and the South. This is what they are taking from us and our country.
You know when I think about this environmental disaster there is one face that comes to mind, over and over. I do think he is more responsible and represents many of those who are responsible. That is Dick Cheney. Yep old Dick.
I want to list some quotes I found about Ms. Helen Thomas. I think she does deserve her due recognition.
"Helen Thomas has had a long and distinguished career in journalism that is unrivaled, covering 10 presidents over the past 50 years," it said. "Along the way, she shattered many glass ceilings serving as the first female president of the White House Correspondents' Association."
"Helen also fought to knock down the wooden doors, both symbolic and literal, that successive administrations used to keep the press at bay – and she did so on behalf of all journalists, male and female, from prestigious news organizations -- or those with only one member. She inspired two generations of female scribes to cover politics and the White House, and invariably was kind and accommodating to new reporters on the beat, myself included. Martha Joynt Kumar, the presidential scholar who knows more about White House communications than the next three experts combined put it this way: "Helen's comments were indefensible, yes, but her life is very defensible."
"Helen somehow pulled off being respectful of the presidency, but not necessarily the politicians who actually held the office. She institutionalized the ending of presidential press conferences with, "Thank you, Mr. President." Yet she also was the most vocal leader of the press when President Clinton tried to close off the upper White House office. This was a battle Helen won, but the real winner was the American people.
"...despite her age, Helen wasn't a journalistic dinosaur; she was on the cutting edge. But that is a sharp place to be...., Helen was ahead of herself as well. As journalists, we're all supposed to be social networking these days, getting ourselves on television, writing blogs as well as books, saying provocative – even partisan -- things. That's the new model, supposedly. Well, Helen Thomas was a one-woman social network even before it was cool, and in the end was devoured by this edgy new system that helped make her a star."
Was Hearst Right to Force Helen Thomas to Retire?
We can't let one moment of both physiological and psychological weakness negate an entire life of outstanding accomplishment! If we do then shame on us!
I was forced to retire from my University because my Dean wouldn't allow me any release time to get some practice hours to meet the requirements for licensure as an NP. It was done for many others. I had to make the decision at the last minute at the end of a semester. Because of that, I left the University after 23 years of giving my all to my students without even a goodbye or retirement party.
While at the hospital I worked at, I developed and ran a diabetes education program. It was a very good program that helped a lot of people. Because my boss there wanted me to give up my NP and University involvement, I was forced to resign there. As a thank you, and when my 30 days were up, they had one of my long time friends and colleagues come and help me pack my office and escort me off the grounds of the Diabetes Center I developed. That was policy. I gave them well over the required notice before leaving.
That was my thank yous for my many years of contribution to my career. Nada! But hey, that's not why I did it anyway.
Hey, I can't even touch Helen's accomplishments during her career but I can identify with her getting the big boot in the ass at the end.
Sad to hear of how you were treated by your
peers....the adversity that you have mentioned
from your past has most assuredly assisted in becoming the strong, independent person you are today....
My wishes for you and your sisters....enjoy
to the fullest your upcoming reunion....
Hope its 5 p.m. Friday for the entire time
your sister is visiting....
Interesting outcome to the elections....women
emerge the victors, however, not in the image
that most would have expected.....certainly at
tm, there is little enthusiasm for them, in that they are Republican and what is considered conservative...and still not sure what exactly Blanche Lincoln did to bring on the wrath of the 'base of the dem. party' but
the CW says doesn't matter since neither of the
dems in ark can win....
Carol, Thanks for sharing those memories this morning. They point out to me (more than ever) what a strong, single minded (when necessary) person you are. I have nothing but respect for you and the decisions you have made. I agree with everything you said to Carol too, Coreen.
I still believe that rewards are 'built in' to actions. It's just a little hard to recognize them sometimes (until we are looking back on them). One things for sure, there's always some one out there trying to stop us from doing what we want/need to do.
Good morning swamp friends. It is hot here in Alb. our little AC is working overtime. It will be hot again today and then the high temps begin dropping into the 80's this weekend. We also came home to a moth problem. This happens every summer. I don't know if it is the heat or the big tree outside that puts out a lot of sap. If anyone has any ideas how to get rid of them, let me know.
GD and I went swimming at the YMCA last night and we each thought we had her swim suit - and neither of us did, so we made a fast early morn trip back to the Y to retrieve it. It was there.
We are going shopping this morning. She needs some new shorts and a few other essentials.
Carol, what a crummy way for the University to treat you - especially after such long years of service. I have found that the people that do the best in university politics are those that play the "nice" game and don't shake up the system. When I visited the school about 10 years ago, I was disappointed to see who the people are that are teaching there. I have found that the best teachers are not necessarily the ones who are rewarded in the system.
Chloe, I woke up this morning and thought "I am so glad I do not have to teach this morning." I don't feel retired as yet. I still feel like I am just on vacation. I think this fall I will finally feel it.
Carol, I do remember those good talks we had. I think our years in school together we formed a bond that has lasted all these years. Even though we didn't see each other or talk for many years, I never forgot you and the memories of all of our adventures and misadventures we shared. It has meant more to me than you know that we have been able to reconnect again. I know that we both have gone on with our lives apart but I never want to lose touch with you again. I can count on one hand the really close friends I have had in my lifetime and you are the first one that comes to mind.
Ivy, how is MCG this morning? Has she recovered from her mouth surgery?
Mary, I remember that you are leaving for Chicago on July 13th. Are you getting excited? Any news from your son or DIL?
Hi Jan,
Thanks for asking about MCG. She's recuperating slowly. On Monday, she's flying out to Portland to scope the place out, and to meet face-to-face with her advisor for the first time. She's a little concerned about the pace of her recovery because at the moment, she's "got a chipmunk-thing going," as she puts it.
I never had any wisdom teeth out myself, so I didn't realize what a big deal it is.
It's upsetting that Portland has to be in the national news right now due to a missing seven-year old boy who disappeared from inside his school. I pray he is found safe.
Ivy, I have children and grandchildren who have had wisdom teeth removed. They have each had a different experience, some real quick recovery and others more slowly. My oldest son had the longest recovery and he too looked like a chipmonk for a while. I will be thinking of her and saying a special prayer for her if ok with you.
Jan,
Always ok. There's never a time when prayers are not needed or welcomed. :)
"Prayer should be the key of the day and the lock of the night."
~ Old Proverb
I love that old Proverb Ivy.
I'm excited for MCG. Are you going to Portland also? Bookstore?
Ivy, I had my four wisdom teeth out when I was about MCG's age. They forced me to into the hospital because back then insurance wouldn't pay unless you had it done in the hospital. That was so dumb wasn't it. And without any wisdom teeth, I still thought it was dumb.
Losing that wisdom caused another problem. I woke up and my mouth was bleeding so in my anesthesia crazed supor I decided to rinse my mouth out with ice water. Aye, yi yi, yi yi! Got 4 dry sockets. Aye, yi yi, yi yi! Hope that doesn't happen to her. Aye, yi yi, yi yi!
Then they gave me some Percocet and I felt better and spent hours peacefully contemplating the tiles on my bedroom ceiling.
Jan, I flipped thru my Iphony temps for everyone and you do win the high temp for the moment but I really bet you don't win the heat index. I bet Chloe and I are dueling for that one.
You have 98.4 with a heat index of 94. We have a bit lower temp with heat indicies of over 100. Oxygen please.
And my crisis of last evening was regarding my SF. Seems his condition has gotten to the point where he can no longer safely take care of himself. His license has been taken from him. I was asked to hold off doing anything until next week because of some business matter he has to take care of but then.....I wasn't given many details of that which does worry me.
I didn't want to say anything here so not to scare big sis from coming down. Too late now since she is in flight. I told most involved that I am willing to work within a group to come up with a solution for him but it will take a Village and I am willing to be a member of the Village but not the entire Village.
Carol, I am proud of you for your willingness to be a "member" of the village to come up with a solution for your SF. Hope they don't rope you into taking too much responsibility.
And Chloe, remember my beautiful hummer/butterfly plant we spent a while trying to identify last Fall, the Turk's Cap? Did you guys recognize it in the first pic that Chloe put up on this blog post?? It's the one with the butterfly on it.
Jan, it would take a mighty big rope.
Sis won't be here until late tonight. Flight gets into Houston after 8, then rent a car and 3 hour drive here.
Carol, No - I didn't realize that was the same plant. It is just such a beautiful picture - I should have known.
I'm sorry to hear about your step fathers problems. Is it possible that the timing turned out OK though? At least you'll have someone close to discuss things with.
Is your sis flying into International or Hobby? I hope for her sake it's International, but it seems like most people end up at Hobby - a really bad part of town.
... doesn't sound like you're going to get a lot of sleep tonight Carol.
Chloe, it is Bush International.
Chloe, I choose to think everything happens for a reason.
I can nap if need be. I'm actually still cleaning. It's only a gesture. Unlike Ivy, I ain't looking under the bed. So, if there's a few dust bunnies, who will notice? With the owls, and the ducks and the squirrels and.....
"You just have to learn not to care about the dust-mice under the beds."
~ Margaret Mead
My house is always the cleanest when company comes. I am usually picking up and cleaning until they arrive. On the other hand, my sister's house is always spotless. When I talk to her she is always cleaning.
Margaret Mead had so many sayings that I liked. She also cointed the term "serial monogamy" as one of her practices. That is one of hers I have adopted. She married 3 times.
Sister has landed. Now to find the car.
Solar's wormhole program is on tonight, 9p central. It's on the Science Channel. Don't forget. Iphony reminded me earlier.
Solar, this program has similar info as the program I heard the other night on C2C. It's gonna be a series. Very interesting.
Solar, this program brings back memories of some scary thoughts I had as a child. I would occasionally think..am I real or am I just a figment of my imagination? It frighten me and I would hurry up and shake it off.
Solar, my sister sent me this about a program coming up on C2C:
Science, Religion - Too Hot For Either?
A cascading series of media interviews with Zecharia concerning his new book will kick off on Tuesday, June 15 at 11:00 PM Pacific Time on the Coast-to-Coast AM radio and internet program hosted by Mr. George Noory.
Just published and with advance sales exceeding all expectations, There Were Giants Upon the Earth is already shaping up as a media enigma: Is this a book for Religion or for Science review-editors? While firmly anchored in the biblical tale of the sons of the gods who married daughters of Man and had the heroic offspring before the Deluge "and thereafter too", the book flips the tale over to its Sumerian antecedents and identifies those demigods as actual participants in the saga of gods and men on Earth - all the way to our own time.
If the Sumerian hero of the Deluge was a demigod, was the biblical Noah a demigod - affecting all his descendants: All of us? The question is not a theoretical one, for Zecharia Sitchin, in his new book (subtiled Gods, Demigods and Human Ancestry) discloses the existence of physical evidence that can settle the issue once and for all: Skeletal remains, discovered in the Royal Tombs of Ur, that are of a goddess and a demigod, whose genetic lineages - according to Zecharia's book - involve Alien DNA.
Urging all concerned to conduct full genome DNA comparisons, "It's a unique opportunity for Science to prove Bible", Zecharia Sitchin says, and finally answer the question "Are We Alone?"
I found this interview:
HELEN THOMAS
INTERVIEW BY STEVE LAFRENIERE
PHOTOS BY RICHARD KERN
I, for one, am not giving up on Helen. I still love and respect her and her accomplishments. Even in America's game it's not until three strikes that your out! I think she only on one.
And in the introduction to the above article...
"...Pioneering female journalist. The little old lady who sits in the front row at Presidential press conferences and asks the questions that the other reporters are too scared to ask. A journalist who truly challenges politicians, who wants them to be able to explain and justify their decisions and positions, whose most valued question is “why.” Now she has been hounded into quitting the job that was her life. Her agent for speaking engagements has summarily dropped her. She is being vilified by many and lauded by others but no matter what, we believe that she is owed a huge debt of respect and gratitude for the work she’s done in the name of true democracy. We fear that the White House Press Corps has lost its conscience in losing Helen Thomas. Whether anyone has the balls to carry on what she has started remains to be seen."
Carol, Have fun with your sis. I will be waiting to hear about all the adventures you all are having.
"... as a child. I would occasionally think..am I real or am I just a figment of my imagination? It frighten me and I would hurry up and shake it off."
Wow Carol, that's intelligent thinking for a child. You did start 'pondering' life at a very young age.
... and like Jan said: Have fun!
Ha! 'I comment, therefore I am'.
Oh, and thanks Carol for linking that interview of Helen. It's a good one.
"I woke up this morning and thought "I am so glad I do not have to teach this morning."
Good Jan, You're right on track.
Chloe, good to see you on this morning. I was up at 5 am. It is not cooling down much at night here. We have basement bedrooms that we are sleeping in to give the ac a break.
We are supposed to get a break in temps this weekend. It is predicted to be in high 80's which is more like our average summer temp.
I do feel retired now. Just to be able to be at home and not think about work is nice. I feel much more relaxed.
She's here and impressed with all the birds. Easy day
today and to Nature Trail tomorrow.
Maybe because of the ongoing destruction of animal life in the gulf, this little bit of joy
for some falcon chicks...
Falcon Chicks & Errant Chicks
Carol,
thanks for the info about the worm hole program, and enjoy the visit from your sis...not Maria the other sis.....
Chloe very nice thread and i agree with everyone else..getting very good at it.
After watching the blk hawks win last night with my son, we took a walk and found a lot of people celebrating ....fire works..kids at the park, and police keeping them out...
I remember when they were open all the time..the beaches also....one could start a camp fire and look at the night skies........progress huh?
Jan,
I wondered if you just felt on break for the summer or actually "ree-tard." Did you used to get the summers off, or did you have a twelve-month contract? I would get envious of the teachers on "ten-month" contracts. Between summers and the times off for Christmas and Spring Break, they actually worked only 9-months of the year. We 12-Month people didn't get those days off either unless we used our annual leave (vacation days.) One year at Spring Break time, I was so stir crazy, I imagined I was a prisoner banging a tin cup on the bars of my cage (Carol, do they do that, or is it just in the movies?)
Coreen,
Cute chickie. But he will grow up to be a fearsome predator. I've seen a wild falcon once - their speed is like a bullet.
I heard a story on NPR yesterday afternoon that the Cliff Swallows of San Juan Capistrano are getting crowded out of their nesting sites on the grounds of the Mission. Large numbers of them have relocated to a country-club site away from the congestion of the city. They seem happier, according to the report, and aren't bothering the country club members. NPR played the old song for the bumper at the end of the report.
AP article about the swallows:
"The migratory birds that annually return to the historic Southern California church flew right past it this spring, choosing to make their nests at the new Vellano Country Club in Chino Hills, about 50 miles away.
Thousands of the small birds have built their mud nests in the eaves of the clubhouse, the anchor of a year-old private community of 200 homes situated around a golf course.
"I saw a few one day and then it's like they went and told all their friends, 'Hey, I found the spot,'" facility director Travis Blaylock said.
For decades, a flock of thousands of cliff swallows returned to the mission after their annual migration to Argentina, delighting locals and tourists.
The mission, founded in 1776, attracted birds when it was the tallest structure in the area, but development in southern Orange County has led the birds to seek out other places to call home, mission officials said.
"They're still spotted here," mission spokeswoman Christina Haakenson said. "But the population is definitely down due to urbanization."
The country club is located near 700 acres of rolling hills, and the golf course and nearby creek provide all the mud and bugs the small birds need to build nests and feed their young.
Club staff works daily to remove the debris and bird droppings from the area where the birds have settled _ luckily, a safe distance from the clubhouse's main entrance and the dining patio.
Blaylock said he keeps six extra shirts in his office, and has warned visitors to admire the nests and swooping swallows with their mouths closed.
The colony is expected to begin its flight back to Argentina within two weeks.
Mission officials said they hope to lure the birds _ and the tourists who return to see them each year _ back to their longtime home. They're working with University of Tulsa, Oklahoma ornithologist Charles R. Brown to develop an ecological plan that help attract the birds."
Since this is a thread about wildlife sanctuaries and bird habitat, I thought I'd link to one of my favorite places. This is the place where I sighted the peregrine falcon in flight. Hubs and I used to take our bikes (with baby on board) and spend the day. Often made day trips there during Spring and Fall migration with birding friends. The history of the place goes back to Dutch colonization, hence the "funny name." "Hook" means something geographical in Dutch, but I don't remember what.
Bombay Hook NWR
I didn't know you lived in Delaware Ivy. Beautiful Wildlife Refuge. I looked up Hook to see what it meant, and came across this:
'Hook, which the English adapted from the Dutch “hoek” does mean corner.'
I got that from this page: http://fadingad.wordpress.com/2008/02/04/varkens-hook-road-formerly-varkens-hook-lane-canarsie-brooklyn/
Coreen, Enjoyed your falcon chicks link too. I didn't know that they were poisoned by all those pesticides. Man, we've got to knock it off with all the pollution.
Well, we are just finishing a dinner of fresh, organic, homegrown gaspacho, squash and salmon. We did a little shopping, walking, sitting and talking today. Nice day but warm.
Tomorrow we head to the Creole Nature Trail and get some fresh, cut the oil, Gulf shrimp.
Stopped by RR Randel's for him to take a pic. I had just finished fighting with the boat. It didn't want to work today so it wouldn't start. My roomie/boatman will have to get a new spark plug. I think that is the problem.
Sis and me
"I remember when they were open all the time..the beaches also"
... we've just gotten so overcrowded Solar. That's made law and order more important than it's ever been. Things will 'never' be the same.
Carol, Great pic!
You two look relaxed and happy.
... and the meal sounds wonderful. Take lots of pics on the trail.
Who's the cute little white dog Carol. Her and Maggie seem to get along just fine.
Maggie looks happy too. I think she likes having company.
Maggie loves having company Chloe. And the little white dog is Billy, her boyfriend and RR Randel's dog.
Hi Carol and sis, You both look so relaxed and Maggie looks so happy too.
Carol, keep up the chatter. We are all enjoying your reunion with your sis and the fun you both are going to have.
My harem is growing.!!
First that hot tomato (the hand anyway) and now.....
Is that scaring you Solar? I'm sorry Solar that we don't attract more guys here. We do talk outdoors, fishing, boating, gardening....what more can we do?
I do feel that our new peeps will be more lurkers. As far as Georgia goes, she works some long shift work hours and has a mom to take care of and is OCD about her home, car and yard. That doesn't leave much time for anything. She just came off a nice two week vacation and is heading back to work.
Coreen, that chick in a basket was cute and reminds me of little Vertigo.
You know, doing anything outside, down here, in this heat, is oppressively hot this time of year. Even swimming after 10a or before 4:30p is out of the question.
It was nice sitting out on the wharf last night just before dark, a nice breeze blowing.
Sis was tired of the wet cold up in her area. She said she'd welcome our heat and will probably not bitch too much for at least a couple of days. Mainly because I told her she wouldn't like it for long and she said she was looking forward to it. And I said OK.
They are due, up in her area, for the very best weather of the year, dry and very tolerable.
Carol,
Liked the pic of you, your sister & the pups....
About that weather....always forget that the
hot & humids that I hate when they get here
(only off & on so far this year) are a way of
life down your way...
Have fun...will enjoy hearing about any adventures you guys have.
And about that shrimp....one of my favs is
coconut crusted shrimp....but then againg there is no bad shrimp dish....
Yes, the falcon chicks reminded me of LV, but
as Ivy mentioned they turn into a mighty predator....
"She said she'd welcome our heat and will probably not bitch too much for at least a couple of days."
As long as your air conditioning keeps purring - both in your houses and truck - things should go well. We learn real quick, that the outdoor jaunts need to stay real short.
I'll never complain about the summer. I'm too grateful it's not winter yet.
You know Carol, what I like most about our weather is the life style it creates. I love spending the whole warm season dressed casually and wearing flip flops. Things are so laid back when you have weather like this. S. Ca. was the same way, and weather was always an important consideration to me, when I was making decisions on where to live.
The weather becomes part of who we are (and vice versa).
Would someone tell me why anyone in their right mind would let their 16 yr. old daughter do this, so she can break some record. There are other ways to enjoy your sailing abilities and talents. While you're at it, please tell me why anyone would 'want' to do it. Yikes!
Boats head to teen sailor drifting in Indian Ocean
16-year-old sailor on a round-the-world journey was adrift in the frigid southern Indian Ocean on Friday as rescue boats headed toward her yacht, damaged by 30-foot waves that knocked out her communications and prompted her to set off a distress signal. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100611/ap_on_re_as/lost_sailor_foundA
Chloe,
I too have no idea what drives those people to
go to such great lengths to 'conquer' extreme
& dangerous feats...
The news that she was found alive is great, in
view of yesterday's dire reports suggesting that she was lost...
Wonder: Do these 'kids' go to school, are their families wealthy, who backs them in these
adventures, what do the parents think in allowing them to do this...in light of yesterday when they all but thought she was lost...
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