Let's See If I Can Get This Blog Going Again

It's been a long time since the last entry, so getting caught would take lots of work. I'll probably just go forward and maybe throw in some old pics for fun. This post is really a test to see if I still know how to post.

New Birding Assignments

Part One - 2014 Nestbox Cleanout

As a follow-up to the last post, I'm happy to report that the 2014 Nestbox Cleanout went extremely well.  The water level at Pearl River WMA was quite low this year; no canoe needed.  In fact, we were able to reach some boxes without wading into the water.  Reese and I worked the Pearl River WMA on Saturday, March 8th.  Louise joined us on Sunday for the Mayes Lake group of nestboxes.

We encountered our first gator, a reddish colored little guy, at the upper end of Hurricane Lake.  We assumed the color came from where he had spent the cold days of winter in some red-stained water along Pipeline Road.

 
This is Reese cleaning a box, and just to his right in the background you can see a gator floating calmly, as if we weren't any concern.

 

 



This photo actually has 5 gators in it, all of them smallish, probably 2-3 years old.

 

Part Two - Breeding Bird Survey 2014

I've been participating in the Christmas Bird Count for the last six years, the last two of which I've been accompanied by Michelle Williams, among others.  Michelle is an avid cyclist and writes a cycling blog for the local newspaper, the Clarion Ledger.  Now she's also an avid and enthusiastic birder, one of those who just can't seem to get enough of it. 

Some weeks ago, a call for volunteers went out on the email Missbird List.  In May and June, participants travel prescribed routes at various locations and count birds on according to detailed protocols.  Michelle and I both wanted to get in on the fun, so we agreed to partner and adopt two of the routes.  We are learning that it would be practically impossible to do the surveys alone. 

As recommended, we decided to visit our routes and get a feel for the territory.  A few weeks ago we visited the route at Panther Swamp National Wildlife Refuge first, then returned home via the second route, beginning at Benton, Ms. and ending near Canton.

At Panther Swamp NWR, we got great looks at Bald Eagles and flushed flock of Flickers.  The day was warm and sunny, and the gators were taking advantage of the weather.

After our first visit to Panther Swamp, Michelle contacted a US Fish & Wildlife Agent about some of the particulars on our route.  He agreed to meet with us, and we set off last Friday on another trip.  We had lots of time before our meeting with the agent, so we decided so visit nearby Hillside NWR near Lexington, Ms.. 

We saw lots of great birds, including White Ibis and these nice Anhingas.  We actually got buzzed by a Bald Eagle and saw a wild hog.  And once again, gators stole the show.

We were walking a trail around aptly named Alligator Brake, and after a big splash, one after another of these young gators came out of the brush.  We counted more than twenty in an area no larger than a family swimming pool.

This was a big one, probably 10-12 feet long, and it never moved as we passed.

Though I'm still training for this year's triathlon season, I can tell that the birding adventures are going to be a big part of this year's activities.

Nestbox Cleanout - 2013

The annual excursion to clean out the Prothonotary Warbler nest boxes fairly routine on a warm Saturday in March, 2013.  At the Mayes Lake location, Reese, Louise and crew found and cleaned most of the boxes, while some were repositioned and made attractive for the arrival of new tenants in the Spring. 

On Sunday, the conditions at the Pearl River Wildlife Management Area were not so normal.  The area is allowed to flood during the rainy Winter to attract waterfowl, then the high water is pumped into the Reservoir for the rest of the year.  This time the pumps malfunctioned, and Reese and Billy found the water in the nest box area much to high to access even with chest waders.  Time to execute Plan B!

Reese had canoed the area before and was somewhat familiar with navigating through the trees and brush, so it was decided to attempt the nestbox cleanout by canoe.  After loading our canoe with spare poles and boxes, we set off paddling over the same trails we normally walked, until we reached the observation deck at the Heron/Egret rookery.  From this familiar reference point, we had surprisingly little trouble locating boxes, even without Louise's detailed map notebook. 

Not long into our mission, we were rewarded with the sight of a vortex of Chimney Swifts circling a large, hollow tree.  Perhaps these should have been identified as Hollow Tree Swifts? 

One by one, we found the boxes and carefully approached, pushing off limbs and pulling around logs.  Reese worked the boxes as I paddled and sculled to keep him dry and in position.

We hadn't seen any alligators and only a snake or two, though it was warm enough for them to be about. We were probably not even thinking about gators when we heard a huge splash not far to our right.  Scanning the surface of the water through the trees, we spotted something swimming quickly toward us.  It turned away as it got within 20 yards, revealing itself, a large deer! 

The canoe mission was so successful, Reese and I are almost hoping the pumps break down again this year!

New Friends

A few Saturdays ago, I was driving to the grocery and saw a pair of cyclists on loaded-down bikes.  Cool! These guys have been riding cross country.  I lost sight of them in the traffic and my mind went back to my grocery list.  Walking into the Kroger, I saw them again near the entrance and had to ask about their trip.  The couple introduced themselves, Hap and Diane Eaton, from Ohio, making their way back home from Florida.  We had a nice conversation and parted ways, both into the store to shop for groceries.  They had told me they would be tent camping for the night at Timberlake Campground nearby, and taking the Natchez Trace north the next morning.  I knew it would be colder and windy that night, so I found them again in the store and invited them to ride an easy three more miles to our house.  Diane made me call and get permission from Ruthie, which was easy, and they agreed to join us for dinner and stay for the night.

At the time I thought I was a real rescue hero, but after listening to their stories, I realized they would have been fine in their tent.  These guys have ridden thousands of miles on cross country trips and camped in all sorts of places.  They were really nice and interesting company, and were grateful for the comfort and convenience of a bed, shower and laundry machines.  We had a nice meal, a few beers, and a nice evening.

Sunday morning they headed out toward the Natchez Trace.  I had assumed they would be up early and eager to get on the road, which they did, but after reading their blog, I know more about their routine and regret not cooking them a big breakfast. 

You can read about their travels at www.outbikin.blogspot.com.

May 2013

The months keep flying by.  My time is ticking away and I am determined to squeeze as much as I can into what I have left. 

Forget about that.  Here's a picture of a bird, a Great Blue Heron.  They're very common and easy to photograph.

This heron is standing on top of a submerged tree trunk in the middle of Pelahatchie Bay where I happened to be on a warm, late afternoon last week.  I was in my canoe with nothing in mind but getting out in the peaceful solitude.  If you are a skilled canoeist, it can be the next best thing to swimming, and you can take beer with you, and a camera.



It's no secret I'm a bird lover.  There is an island in the cove just west of our home, upon which a Purple Martin Gourd structure has been leaning, and finally falling into the water for the past few years.  I summoned the help of Kyle and his friend Daniel, and we paddled over with shovel, digger, rope and concrete to try to salvage it from the water.
I had seen birds nesting in the gourds even as they were only a few feet above the surface.

We were successful.  Martins were flying above and around the structure, and I saw two inside gourds and others perching on top.

While we worked, men nearby on a pier asked what we were up to, and one told us his father had put up the gourds over twenty years ago. 

Next...touring cyclists in the house!

Progress

The weather has been such that we've enjoyed some vivid fall foliage this year.  The photo is one of many, and this one not particularly nice. 

 I pass this spot on my way to work most days on a parkway development that has not developed much in the three or four years since the road was opened.  The boulevard style thouroghfare passes through some tall hardwoods and open fields, with lots of marsh.  It's a great habitat for wildlife, and I often eat my lunch parked on the side of the road, camera and binoculars at the ready. I call it "Hawk Haven" because of the numerous Red Tailed Hawks and Northern Harriers that migrate there in the winter months.

Now begins the destruction.  Progress, jobs maybe?  It remains to be seen who will benefit from the conversion of vast wildlife habitat.  Certainly not the wildlife.

Review

Here's some pics from the past year while I wasn't posting to the blog.  

These dogs were sunning themselves on a hillside on a cool afternoon in November of last year.  Ruthie made me turn the car around to go back and get a picture. Ok. 

Water view of our new residence.  We moved from my home of 23 years about a mile away, to this wonderful place.  The details of the situation are known to some of you, but suffice to say we have been very fortunate and most grateful.

 

This is the family celebrating my Mom's 80th birthday.  Mom is seated holding John Franklin, the newest member at about five months old.



 

 







Blue Winged Teal

 

Saluting Leslie Nielsen in the Naked Gun, "Nice Beaver!"

 

 

 

I steered the canoe to within a few feet of this Banded Water Snake, Ruthie with the camera, surprisingly fearless. 

 

 

Ruthie again.  We head out on the water in the canoe just before sunset as often as possible.

Life is good.

 

Carolina Vacation

I finally did it!  I took a whole week off from work!  I haven't been away from the job for nine straight days since 2001.  Well, maybe I managed a Christmas week here and there.  Ruthie made the arrangements months ago, and informed me of the dates I would need to reserve.  She rented a cabin for three nights in the mountains of Maggie Valley, North Carolina.

We began our drive on Wednesday, dogs included, at 5:00 AM, following the Garmin trail through Birmingham, Chattanooga and a scenic route through Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  The drive took a bit over ten hours, and after arriving in Maggie Valley, the climb up 4000 feet of a sometimes narrow, one-lane, gravel, steep, winding road to our cabin really got my attention.  "We're not leaving this cabin 'til Saturday!" was the first thing I said as we came to a stop.  I recovered my driving courage the next day, and we eventually made several trips up and down the mountain to the town below, and to Asheville and Waynesville for shopping excursions.

This was the view from the upper of two decks of the cabin.  The leaves were just reaching peak colors, the weather was great, and the cabin was comfortable and interesting.

Thursday night, we visited Scott and Shelda and ate at a nice restaurant in Waynesville.  Scott is an old best friend and former brother-in-law who moved to NC twenty something years ago.  He is a house and cabin builder, and his wife Shelda sells and manages rental properties.  Here's a link to her website: http://maggievacation.com/

We were particularly pleased that we were able to take our dogs, Rabbit and Sheba on the trip. They seemed to enjoy the adventure, and behaved well while we left them alone in the cabin.



Old News

 

 

One year ago, when I stopped posting to my blog, life continued much as it has in the fall.  I had some long days and weekends at work, but managed to make it to the Paddle, Pant, Pedal Tri with Jamie.  He and I race as a team, and due to the relatively small field, we nearly always win a 1st or 2nd place trophy.

I own a Sport Utility Vehicle, and I make sure it is used properly!

Time to Try This Again

A year and a month have passed since my last post.  I apologize if anyone noticed and was disappointed.  That length of time has probably made even my brother quit checking for something new. 

The past year has been pretty busy.  We've moved to a new house, work has really gotten pathetic, and I just haven't been motivated to put in the time I need to post something I feel isn't totally worthless.  Let me blame my friends, too.  KayVee quit her blog, though she can be forgiven for anything because of all I owe her.  Tea almost quit posting, which made me lazy, but now she's posting like crazy!  Something every day this week!

I have so many photos to go through and boring stories to tell. Stand by for news!

Just 3 Months Behind Now

   At last, after 6 attempts, I finished 3rd in my age group at the 26th Annual Cotton States Triathlon in Lake Providence, Louisiana.  The trophy I'm holding is the coveted miniature cotton bale.
  I've slowed down my triathlon activity because of the serious heat we've had this summer.  I did the hometown Heatwave Classic, and like many others, posted a personal slowest record finish.  It didn't help that the old guys' swim wave started last, putting us on the run course at around 9:30.  By then the temperature was approaching 90 degrees.

 Earlier this summer, a group of us paddled down the Pearl River from the reservoir to Mayes Lake.  It was a great trip with the exception of a tough headwind for the last couple miles.  JD and Kyle couldn't resist a leap off the structure that protects an area of the bank from erosion.

 Kyle sports an unusual style of headgear.

 Above, three baby Martins in a gourd nest, wathching for mom and dad with food delivery.

Delta State University Fighting Okra

 Paul and I took part in the Open Water Swim at Eagle Lake again this year.  Paul finished 3rd and I was 5th in the Male Masters division.  Kay Vee finished 3rd in her age group in the triathlon.

 I finally said goodbye to my trusty 1997 4 Runner.  236,000 miles and nearly 14 years of faithful service.  The replacement is a 2011 Nissan Pathfinder Silver Edition.  Pretty nice.

Here's a nice picture of Ruthie and Sheba at the park this spring.

Four Months Behind

I was blaming KayVee and Tea for my lapse in updating my blog, since niether has been very active on their blogs this year.  But KayVee planned and posted her hiatus, with good cause, and Tea has just nailed up two wonderful posts recently.  So, I guess it's time for me to get introspective again, or just fling out photos or race reports.

How about this? (forgive me Bill A.)

I took this picture in mid January at the end of the street close to home, on my way home after work, thinking I would see what the water and birds looked like on a strange weather day. 

Here it is again on a clear day:

Both were taken from quite a distance, maybe 400 yards.  It's just a small island in Pelahatchie Bay of the Ross Barnett Reservoir where I run, bike, swim and canoe. I've lived here more than 20 years and know the area intimately.  I've seen it grow, or decay, from a mild suburb/fish camp community to an aggravating, overpopulated mess of sorts.  But with the bad also comes some good.  There have been remarkable improvements in the trails for walking, running and casual cycling, and the number of fitness-conscious citizens has increased dramatically in just the last two or three years.  Mississippi is the obesity capital of the world, and apparently more and more people want to be part of a change for health and fitness.

Well, I've managed to write a little to catch up.  Not much, but I've got a brisket and some eggplant to tend to.

4th Mississippi Blues Marathon

   I kicked off 2011 with my second marathon, the local 4th Annual Mississippi Blues.  The weather was perfect, 35 to 45 degrees all morning, clear sky and just a light breeze.  My attitude was somewhat casual, since my training flew by without much dwelling on the pain and effort.  I didn't expect too much and didn't train for any special goals.  I had planned to run with Tea, who insisted she couldn't possibly keep up with me, the slowest runner I know.  Well, Tea had to cancel her trip to Mississippi this time due to circumstances beyond her control, so I just went out for a long run through Jackson with a couple thousand other folks. 

Ruthie was there with the camera, and she and my Mom intercepted me along the course several times and took pictures.

,



Kay Vee and me before the race.

Since Tea couldn't run and Kay Vee ran her own pace, I was on my own.  But not for long. Fortunately, I was able to find some superheroes to keep me company.  Wonder Woman is actually my friend, Tara, who allowed me to run with her at a 5 hour pace from about mile 3 through 17.  I stopped a little too long for water once and she got so far ahead of me I couldn't catch up.  She may have used her super powers.

+

Superman was there, though it must have been incredibly boring for him to run so much slower than his speeding bullet pace.

As I struggled to finish the final miles, I thought I would certainly never run another marathon.  I'm not so sure now.  The pain and fatigue are fading from memory, but the challenge and sense of accomplishment may be enough to make me do it again next year.