Don’t Feed Wildlife. Outwit Squirrels. Importance of Predation. Epoxied Kitten. Pierce Brosnan, “Save Whales”. Elephants. Rhino Mom Finds Calf. Rabies Vaccines. Polk Declares War on Mexico.

 

For “Mammal Monday”:

Four Reasons Not to Feed Wildlife

Feeding wild animals, whether on purpose or not, does more harm than good

 

Hand-fed wild animals lose their fear of humans. It's OK to feed squirrels if you'd like, but do so from a feeder—never by hand. Christiaan Arthur Hemerik

 

 

The scent of human food, even in a garbage bag, can lure raccoons, skunks, and other wildlife. Keep trash cans securely covered. iStockphoto

 

Even daytime feeding of pets outdoors can attract hungry wildlife. It's best to feed your pets inside. iStockphoto

We know they're cute and they might seem hungry, but feeding wild animals—whether in your own backyard, a local park, or while on vacation—just isn't a good idea. Here's why.

1. “People” food isn’t good for animals. Human foods aren't nutritious enough for animals and may cause serious health problems (especially when animals are continually fed bread, french fries, and popcorn).

2. It makes wild animals lose their natural fear of people. Feeding can make large, potentially dangerous animals become too comfortable in residential or recreational areas. Once animals learn they can panhandle for food, they can become a nuisance—or even worse, a safety risk.

3. Feeding wildlife from or near vehicles is dangerous to animals, people, and property. Animals can be hit by moving vehicles or might try to enter vehicles in search of food. In Yosemite National Park in 1998, more than 1,100 vehicles were broken into by black bears—causing more than $630,000 in damages.

4. Wild animals who depend on people for food can cause injuries or spread disease. When wild animals gather for food handouts, it can cause crowding and competition. These unnatural conditions increase the chances of fighting and injury among animals. It can also increase the spread of diseases, some of which may be transmitted to pets and humans.

So what can you do for wildlife?

Stop the unintentional food supply:

• Rinse all recyclable glass and plastic containers to remove any food remnants and odors. Some animals, like skunks, can get their heads stuck in containers and wind up starving to death. Cut and/or crush plastic containers, and cut each ring of plastic six-pack carriers.
• Feed your pets inside.
• Make sure plastic food wrap is rinsed and secured in a tied bag or securely covered garbage can.
• When visiting parks and similar settings, clean up after yourself and follow the rules regarding wildlife. Encourage others to do the same.

Learn when to step in. If you see an animal who you think may be injured or orphaned, make sure the animal truly needs your help before feeding the animal anything or attempting a "rescue."

Feed backyard birds (and squirrels, if you want). We oppose feeding wildlife when it might cause problems, but feeding birds and squirrels is generally harmless. Don’t feed them by hand, though—set up a feeder where you can watch them from a distance. Get our tips on backyard bird feeding »

Provide some natural food sources. Plant some native bushes, trees, or flowers and put up a birdbath or other water feature for your local wildlife. You'll be on your way to creating a backyard wildlife sanctuary.”    From: http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/feed_wildlife.html

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Are any human foods UNSAFE to feed ducks and birds?

“Yes. Birds should not be offered many of the foods humans eat.

• Bread (fresh or stale): provides no real nutritional value for birds; moldy bread can harm birds.
• Chocolate: toxic to birds, just as it is to dogs and cats (it contains theobromine); never offer birds any foods containing chocolate.
• Table scraps: some may not be safe or healthy for birds; most table scraps will attract mice or rats.”

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8 Tips for Outwitting Squirrels

George Harrison, an experienced birder and the author of several books—including Squirrel Wars and Other Battles with Backyard Wildlife (Willow Creek Press, 2000)—interviewed people around the country who shared the following tips for keeping squirrels out of bird feeders.

Tired of squirrels raiding your bird feeders? Here are eight ways to thwart the furry bandits. http://www.nwf.org/News-and-Magazines/National-Wildlife/Birds/Archives/2010/Squirrels.aspx

or, if you can't beat them... #9. Feed Them. 

“Some homeowners have simply learned to live with the squirrels – and actually feed them a safe distance from their birdfeeders. After years of battling them at their feeding station, trying nearly every type of feeder and seed, a couple in Boulder, Colorado, started feeding squirrels on the ground a distance away from bird feeders. Not only do they spend only a few dollars a month feeding the squirrels, the couple has found that pine siskins and other birds are also attracted to the feeding area on the ground.”

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Importance of Predation

“More than 70 years ago, legendary National Park Service biologist Adolph Murie published research showing predators actually strengthen deer and elk herds by culling out the sick and weak. Numerous peer-reviewed studies followed, also affirming the importance of predation to maintain the delicate balance of our ecosystems. Unfortunately, federal and state policies have yet to true up with these findings, and our laws and regulations continue to allow for the liberal killing of important species like bears, coyotes, foxes and bobcats.

California made progress in 2012. Long overdue legislation to end the cruel and unnecessary use of hounds to chase and harass bears and bobcats resulted in a law banning the practice. Montana prohibited the unsporting practice back in 1921.  And while there were some human-wildlife conflicts in California that resulted in happy endings and some efforts are afoot to improve responses for some species, we need a comprehensive review of our approach to predators in the context of their role in the ecosystem.”  More at:  http://www.sacbee.com/2013/02/28/5223747/state-must-overhaul-approach-to.html

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Kitten found caked in glue

KEIZER, Ore. – “A kitten found covered in industrial-strength glue and unable to move is recovering after strangers teamed up to save him.  A woman found the kitten in a downtown Salem parking garage stuck in what turned out to be floor adhesive. The Salem Fire Department responded to her call for help and managed to get the kitten free by cutting out part of the floor.

"He got into the corner and the more he felt he was stuck the more he would dig into that epoxy and the deeper he got. So then it was hopeless," said rescuer Penny Mack.  Someone also called a local Ace Hardware, asking if they knew of any type of solvent that would get the glue off the kitten without hurting him.  'He was covered pretty much his entire bottom side and his legs were [stuck from the] adhesives to his chest. He couldn't walk or move," said Joshua Braden, who works at the animal hospital.

The 10-week-old kitten was taken to the Willamette Valley Animal Hospital in Keizer for treatment.  Veterinarian Laura Magruder spent 10 hours carefully pulling hair away from the tiny animal’s skin to remove the glue. No one ever found a solvent that seemed safe to use.”  More at: http://www.kgw.com/news/Kitten-found-covered-in-powerful-glue-rescued-163736856.html

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A Note From Pierce Brosnan: Help stop a Navy training plan that could kill 1,000 whales

“The threat couldn’t be more dire.  The Navy has announced new plans for training and testing with high-intensity sonar and explosives.  Unless we stop them, more than 1,000 whales and other marine mammals — including rare and endangered species — could be killed over the next five years.  Fortunately, NRDC is mobilizing nationwide opposition to this reckless plan.

Please join me in sending a message to Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel right away. Tell him to direct the Navy to put safeguards in place that will stop this deadly assault on whales.  The scope of the Navy’s plans is staggering. They threaten entire populations of marine wildlife off the East Coast, Southern California, Hawaii and the Gulf Coast.

The Navy’s mid-frequency sonar will bombard whales with noise so intense — up to 236 decibels — it can actually cause their internal organs to hemorrhage.  There will be more than 5,000 cases of serious injury — such as permanent hearing loss or lung damage — and tens of millions of incidents in which marine mammals are harassed and harmed.  And these alarming numbers come from the Navy itself!  So it’s all the more distressing that the Navy refuses to put common-sense measures in place that could protect whales during routine training – especially because doing so would in no way compromise our military readiness.

Call on Secretary Hagel to chart a more responsible course by making the Navy take concrete steps to save whales from the deadly impacts of sonar and explosives.   The Navy should start by avoiding key habitats where whales are known to migrate and raise their young — one of the most effective ways of reducing harm.

Time is of the essence. Once the Navy’s plan goes into effect, it will take a terrible toll on marine mammals for five long years.  Let’s not wait for thousands of whales to suffer and die before taking action. Please join me now in making your voice heard at the Pentagon in defense of whales. Thank you.”

Sincerely,

From: http://sunsetdaily.wordpress.com/2013/05/09/a-note-from-pierce-brosnan-help-stop-a-navy-training-plan-that-could-kill-1000-whales/

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Saving Wildlife   An Eye for Elephants

Julie Larsen Maher ©WCS

“Penny Kalk began working with elephants at WCS’s Bronx Zoo in 1976, looking after the youngest members of the herd. Today, she continues to oversee their care as Collections Manager for the Mammal Department.

Recently, Penny traveled to Laikipia, Kenya, to aid WCS field colleagues studying wild elephant demographics and movement patterns. Her intimate understanding of individual elephants enabled her to identify members of the area's herds by sight, and contribute to a digital research database. In a new video, she talks about her work and the collaborative partnerships that define WCS.”

http://www.wcs.org/news-and-features-main/eye-on-elephants-video.aspx

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A Squeak Reunites Rhino Mother And Child

“Observers at the Manas National Park continue to be entranced by the latest addition to the park, a rhino calf born to rescued mother Ganga.

Camera operator Bhaskar Choudhury noticed that Ganga seemed to have lost track of her her calf while grazing. So he climbed a nearby tree overlooking the baby and "squeaked like a calf" until the two were reunited.”

“It seems Ganga let her calf sleep in a thicket while she was grazing nearby but later lost the smell of her calf. The calf also by instinct was immobile inside a thicket. We luckily saw it and I got up on a tree next to it and made short squeaks like a calf to let Ganga be more precise. Ganga nearly missed it thrice but on the fourth occasion she made it.”

“Ganga was rescued herself as a calf by the International Fund for Animal Welfare - Wildlife Trust of India following flooding in Kaziranga National Park in June 2004. She was later moved to Manas National Park as part of the ongoing efforts to restore the rhino population there.

GreaterGood.org supports these and other wildlife rehabilitation efforts through the Gifts That Give More program and support from The Rainforest Site.”

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Proposed California Legislation Requires Too-Early Rabies Vaccine for Puppies

“A primary concern is that too-early rabies vaccination can interfere with residual maternal antibodies, with the result that puppies presumed to be immunized against the disease, will not be.

Another concern is that adding the rabies vaccine around the same time dogs receive their “puppy shots” can significantly increase the risk for serious adverse vaccine reactions.

Dr. Becker and Dr. Dodds encourage pet owners to get informed and involved by visiting the Rabies Challenge Fund website.”    Video and more at: http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2013/04/29/early-rabies-vaccination.aspx 

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Why Challenge Current Rabies Vaccine Policy?

”Rabies vaccination is required by law in nearly all areas. Even though protection from rabies is documented to last at least three years, current law in some states or areas still requires that boosters be given annually or biannually rather than the standard policy of every three years.

However, vaccination against rabies virus is occasionally associated with debilitating adverse effects. According to the CDC domestic animals account for less than 10% of the reported rabies cases, with cats, cattle, and dogs most often reported rabid. Scientific data indicate that vaccinating dogs against rabies every three years, as most states require, is unnecessary.

Killed vaccines like those for rabies virus can trigger both immediate and delayed adverse vaccine reactions (termed "vaccinosis"). While there may be immediate hypersensitivity reactions, other acute events tend to occur 24-72 hours afterwards, or up to 45 days later in the case of delayed reactions.

Reactions that have been documented include:

• Behavior changes such as aggression and separation anxiety
• Obsessive behavior, self-mutilation, tail chewing
• Pica - eating wood, stones, earth, stool
• Destructive behavior, shredding bedding
• Seizures, epilepsy
• Fibrosarcomas at injection site
• Autoimmune diseases such as those affecting bone marrow and blood cells, joints, eyes, skin, kidney, liver, bowel and central nervous system
• Muscular weakness and or atrophy
• Chronic digestive problems

More at: http://www.rabieschallengefund.org/education/why-challenge-current-rabies-vaccine-policy

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On This Day:

President Polk declares war on Mexico, May 13, 1846:

“On May 13, 1846, the U.S. Congress overwhelmingly votes in favor of President James K. Polk's request to declare war on Mexico in a dispute over Texas.

Under the threat of war, the United States had refrained from annexing Texas after the latter won independence from Mexico in 1836.  But in 1844, President John Tyler restarted negotiations with the Republic of Texas, culminating with a Treaty of Annexation.

The treaty was defeated by a wide margin in the Senate because it would upset the slave state/free state balance between North and South and risked war with Mexico, which had broken off relations with the United States. But shortly before leaving office and with the support of President-elect Polk, Tyler managed to get the joint resolution passed on March 1, 1845. Texas was admitted to the union on December 29.
While Mexico didn't follow through with its threat to declare war, relations between the two nations remained tense over border disputes, and in July 1845, President Polk ordered troops into disputed lands that lay between the Neuces and Rio Grande rivers. In November, Polk sent the diplomat John Slidell to Mexico to seek boundary adjustments in return for the U.S. government's settlement of the claims of U.S. citizens against Mexico and also to make an offer to purchase California and New Mexico. After the mission failed, the U.S. army under Gen. Zachary Taylor advanced to the mouth of the Rio Grande, the river that the state of Texas claimed as its southern boundary.

Mexico, claiming that the boundary was the Nueces River to the northeast of the Rio Grande, considered the advance of Taylor's army an act of aggression and in April 1846 sent troops across the Rio Grande. Polk, in turn, declared the Mexican advance to be an invasion of U.S. soil, and on May 11, 1846, asked Congress to declare war on Mexico, which it did two days later.

After nearly two years of fighting, peace was established by the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, signed on February 2, 1848. The Rio Grande was made the southern boundary of Texas, and California and New Mexico were ceded to the United States. In return, the United States paid Mexico the sum of $15 million and agreed to settle all claims of U.S. citizens against Mexico.”

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Yesterday:

Even after the events of the evening before, Jay was ready to work on the roof extension, so Misty and I went to get him.

We put up quite a few more rafters on the roof of the new pergola, and we will be ready to put up the translucent white panels soon.  But first I need to make sure that the company that has the ones I want, will have some for sale.  I called them again, and they will be finished with their building soon, so I am hoping that they will sell me what is left over.  I would rather wait for those, than get the panels from Lowes.

Midnight and her kittens are doing well.  As they are all black, except for one tabby, it was difficult to see them in the dark box.  I had to lighten the picture quite a bit to be able to see them.

 

This is the little tabby kitten. Shay just fell in love with this one. 

 

I let Midnight out of the Grooming Room into the house again, and she and Misty took to each other right away, it was lovely to see them interact.  But I couldn’t get a good picture of them playing.

Midnight’s ‘grandparents’ arrived about 7.00PM.  They were just on their way home from moving their daughter Angela to Dallas, and they will be taking over the care of Mama and kittens until they are all adopted.  Our SPCA will be getting them checked for FIV/FeLV, spayed/neutered, and vaccinated before they can be adopted.

I thought about taking over the task of raising the kittens, but as long as the cats have someone to take care of them, that will leave me open to take care of some other critter in need.  Misty and I will miss sweet Midnight today.

Buff-fronted Owl. AR Oil Spill. BirdTape. Dugway Disaster. Tyson Redevelopment. Petaluma. Baby Owls Rescued. Bushtit. Howler Monkeys and Cactus Wrens ... Library of Congress. Hostage Disaster. My Porch.

 

For “Winged Wednesday”:

 Buff-fronted Owl

“The Buff-fronted Owl was a surprise visitor to the Urraca Lodge at the Jorupe Reserve in Ecuador this February, when it dove through a dining room window in pursuit of insects. This visit marked the first record of the rarely seen owl within the Jorupe Reserve, run by our partner Fundación Jocotoco and supported by ABC. Park guards were able to safely return the owl to the outdoors – after snapping the above photo.

This striking little owl is the only member of its genus (Aegolius) to occur in South America. It is widespread but uncommon throughout its range, which is separated by the enormous expanse of the Amazon basin.

Relatively little is known about the species, but like many small owls, it lays its eggs in tree cavities and preys on rodents and other small mammals, birds, and insects. Its voice is a quavering trill.

Nearly 190 bird species have been found in Jorupe, including almost all the dry forest endemics of Ecuador’s Tumbesian region. Birders wishing to book a trip to this unique reserve should visit the Conservation Birding website.”  Support ABC's efforts to conserve native birds and their habitats!

Photo by Fundación Jocotoco; Range Map by NatureServe

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Update on Wildlife Oiled in Arkansas Tar Sands Spill

Oiled duck from Mayflower Ark. oil spill. Photo by Lauren Ray.

“Just got this update on the Exxon Mobil Pegasus tar sands pipeline spill.  On Monday, I spoke again with Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) for an update and they shared the following information with me. The main body of Lake Conway has NOT been impacted, only the adjacent cove/wetland. AGFC estimates approximately 15 acres has been impacted.

AGFC stated that Exxon acknowledged that they didn’t think there would be as much impact on wildlife and were thus not prepared to deal with the wildlife recovery until Tuesday April 2nd. A wildlife recovery center has been set up and the wildlife impact numbers are below (these are of course only the numbers of wildlife actually recovered – as we know from previous spills, most wildlife victims may never be found).  The public recovered numerous ducks the first few days and the HAWK Center took the majority of those.  Tuesday (2nd) they were all transported to the official recovery center to be treated.

Here’s a list of (this is not a comprehensive list but the total of 139 is current as of April 8th). 139 Total individual wildlife recovered

• 139 wildlife recovered
• 37 dead on arrival (23 birds, 5 turtles, 1 muskrat)
• 46 water moccasins euthanized on site due to safety concerns
• 2 raccoons
• 1 beaver
• 1 skunk
• 2 armadillos
• 22 total wildlife cleaned

The first release of recovered animals took place on Monday. Ten turtles and two raccoons were released at the nearby Bell Slough Wildlife Management Area.

How far down the size scale is the tar sands spill hitting? A Mayflower beekeeper had to move her hive after finding several dead bees covered in tar sands oil.”  From:   http://blog.nwf.org/2013/04/update-on-wildlife-oiled-in-arkansas-tar-sands-spill/ 

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Large panes of glass are deadly to birds

“Startling and sad: ABC staff found this American Woodcock around the corner from our DC office. Evidently, it died in a collision with a bank's large picture window. Even more unfortunate, it's not the first time we've found another dead woodcock in this same spot.

Large panes of glass are deadly to birds, and in this case, artificial greenery just inside the window makes it an even bigger threat. We're hoping to convince the bank to use our BirdTape to prevent future collisions. It's a great solution for home use, too, and now – as birds are arriving from migration and beginning the busy nesting season – is the perfect time to put it up!

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Thousands of birds stranded, killed at Dugway after being fooled by storm

SALT LAKE CITY — “Several thousand birds are struggling for survival Monday after they accidentally landed at Dugway Proving Grounds where they were unable to take off again.

As many as 5,000 eared grebes, a kind of migratory water fowl also known as black-necked grebes, were apparently fooled by the late snow and cold April weather and landed at an area they mistook for water at Dugway Proving Ground, according to spokesperson Paula Thomas.

As many as a third were killed on impact when they mistook the wet, hard asphalt for water. Many others have injured wings or broken legs.”  More and video at: http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=24800572

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Massive Redevelopment Effort in Virginia's Tyson May Set National Environmental Benchmark

"“This effort has the potential to become a national model that can be effective in many development scenarios. We hope that by encouraging developers to consider and ultimately implement bird-friendly designs, we can reduce the rate of increase of collision threats that already cause up to a billion bird deaths in the U.S. each year,” said Dr. Christine Sheppard, Bird Collisions Campaign Manager for ABC.

“Birds rarely learn from a collision experience since it is most likely fatal. Most of us have had the jarring experience of accidentally walking into a closed patio door or storefront entrance. Imagine if we did that at 20-40 miles per hour,” Sheppard said.”  More at: http://www.abcbirds.org/newsandreports/releases/130422.html

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 Bird deaths down at Petaluma highway project

  “Wildlife advocates say Caltrans' effort to fix anti-bird netting on the Petaluma Bridge construction site has reduced the deaths of federally protected cliff swallows, but it has not stopped them entirely.

Advocates complained last week that the netting, intended to keep the migratory birds from nesting near the repair work, was instead entangling the birds or trapping them in tight spaces where they could not get out. More at: http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20130418/articles/130419486

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Homeowners, tree crew rescue owl family in Lisle

Two baby owls sit in their new nest in a pine tree in Lisle.

“Perhaps the young great horned owl could have flown had it already grown its flight feathers. Instead, the roughly month-old owlet tumbled 40 to 50 feet, cushioned only by a pine tree's plentiful branches, onto the northeast corner of Curt and Kate Petersen's yard in Lisle.  And so the mission began: Not only would the Petersens, Zrout and his employees save the fallen owlet, but they would also build a sturdier home for the entire owl family.

In the meantime, the fallen baby was given shelter — a cardboard box propped up against a space heater — in the Petersens' garage. From the tip of a wooden barbecue skewer, Kate Petersen fed it chicken livers left over from Sunday dinner.  More at: http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-04-04/news/ct-talk-owl-rescue-20130404_1_owlet-cardboard-box-nest

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One-month-old great horned owl rescued in Jackson women's backyard; reunited with parents

JACKSON, MI– “Sue Behncke took her daughter’s dog out for a run in her backyard on Friday night when she spotted a small creature hopping around in the trees.   Behncke made a series of  phone calls which eventually led her to Louise Sagaert from Wildside Rehabilitation in Eaton Rapids. Sagaert told her to catch it.

“I didn’t know what it was, and then she told me to go outside and get it,” said Behncke.  After securing the animal in a small box, she realized it was an owl unable to fly. Within an hour, Behncke met Sagaert in a nearby parking lot, expecting hand the owl off.

“I think Sue was pretty surprised when I said we’re gonna put it back,” joked Sagaert as she cradled the great horned owl in Behncke’s backyard on Saturday, April 6.  It turns out that the owl was 1 month old and had just left her parent’s nest. She was in perfect health, but not old enough to fly and hunt for herself.  Sagaert said it's best for the animal to reunite with its parents rather than being raised in captivity. Though they would have a surrogate mother for the owl, they run the risk of the owl forgetting that she’s a bird and never being able to live outside of their care.

But the reunification process is a waiting game. You can’t leave the owl near the nest until you are sure that the parents are still around to care for it.  It took three hours of waiting in Behncke’s backyard for them to spot the parents. About 9 pm Saturday, they released the owl.” Pictures and more at: http://www.mlive.com/news/jackson/index.ssf/2013/04/wildside_rehabilitation_of_eat.html 

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Like an Owl, An Amazing Fact:

“Barn owls are excellent hunters, with large eyes that are especially keen under low light. The wise-appearing, forward-facing eyes, which account for five percent of their body weight, offer a wide range of binocular vision. In fact, they’re not even eyeballs, but rather elongated tubes like short telescopes held in place by bony structures in the skull. For this reason, an owl cannot “roll” or move its eyes, but only look straight ahead! However, it more than compensates for this with the ability to turn its head around and almost upside-down.

When a typical bird flies, air rushes over the surface of the wing, creating turbulence, which makes a whooshing or flapping noise. But barn owls are absolutely silent when they fly. A velvety layer on the feather surface muffles sound. In addition, the leading edges of the wing feathers have a fine comb that deadens the sound of the wing beats. The silent flight prevents prey from hearing its approach and aids the owl’s hearing, which is extremely acute.

 
Strangely, its ear openings are at slightly different levels on its head and are set at different angles—one high up near the owl’s forehead and the other lower, about level with the bird’s nostrils. The lopsided placement helps these hunters precisely pinpoint prey. The ears are also surrounded by feathers that can be opened up to catch the faint sounds of small prey or closed down to protect against loud sounds. They are covered by a flexible ruff made up of short, densely webbed feathers that frames the face, turning it into a parabolic dish-like reflector for sound. This gives the owl very sensitive and directional hearing, with which it can locate small prey even in total darkness.
The Bible teaches us that the eyes of God can see us wherever we are—and His ears can even hear our thoughts. David writes, “Bow down Your ear, O Lord, hear me; for I am poor and needy” (Psalms 86:1). God can hear our faintest cries for help, even in the dark.
KEY BIBLE TEXTS Give ear, O LORD, unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications. - Psalms 86:6”

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Female Bushtit

“Weighing as much as four paperclips, the Bushtit is among the smallest songbirds in the world. Gregg Thompson caught this female Bushtit waving its wings. And how do we know it's a female?

The pale eye of this Bushtit tells us it's an adult female (males and females younger than four weeks have dark eyes).

They pair off to nest in spring but spend a majority of the year in large flocks of 30+ birds. Their light weight (as little as four paper clips) allows them to hang underneath foliage to glean insects that other birds can't access.”  Learn more about these fascinating birds in this BirdNote show.

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Howler Monkeys and Cactus Wrens ...

Upcoming Shows

 

American Robin SUNDAY First Songster of the Day by Chris Peterson LISTEN NOW ►

MONDAY Celebrate the Earth by Chris Peterson and featuring the recordings of Gordon Hempton LISTEN NOW ►

Virginia Rail TUESDAY A Virginia Rail On Michigan Avenue
featuring Annette Prince, Director CBCM LISTEN NOW ►

Willowbrook Wildlife Rehab Center WEDNESDAY Bird Rehabilitation at Willowbrook Center featuring Jason Smith,
volunteer at Willowbrook Wildlife Rehab Center LISTEN NOW ►

Howler Monkey THURSDAY Waking to Howler Monkeys featuring Roger Melendez, Costa Rican bird guide and naturalist LISTEN NOW ►

Wild Turkey FRIDAY Turkey Calling - Real or Unreal by Ellen Blackstone LISTEN NOW ►

Cactus Wren SATURDAY Cactus Wren Nest Orientation by Bob Sundstrom LISTEN NOW ►

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On This Day:

Library of Congress established, Apr 24, 1800:

“President John Adams approves legislation to appropriate $5,000 to purchase "such books as may be necessary for the use of Congress," thus establishing the Library of Congress. The first books, ordered from London, arrived in 1801 and were stored in the U.S. Capitol, the library's first home. The first library catalog, dated April 1802, listed 964 volumes and nine maps. Twelve years later, the British army invaded the city of Washington and burned the Capitol, including the then 3,000-volume Library of Congress.

Former president Thomas Jefferson, who advocated the expansion of the library during his two terms in office, responded to the loss by selling his personal library, the largest and finest in the country, to Congress to "recommence" the library. The purchase of Jefferson's 6,487 volumes was approved in the next year, and a professional librarian, George Watterston, was hired to replace the House clerks in the administration of the library. In 1851, a second major fire at the library destroyed about two-thirds of its 55,000 volumes, including two-thirds of the Thomas Jefferson library. Congress responded quickly and generously to the disaster, and within a few years a majority of the lost books were replaced.

After the Civil War, the collection was greatly expanded, and by the 20th century the Library of Congress had become the de facto national library of the United States and one of the largest in the world. Today, the collection, housed in three enormous buildings in Washington, contains more than 17 million books, as well as millions of maps, manuscripts, photographs, films, audio and video recordings, prints, and drawings.”

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Hostage rescue mission ends in disaster, Apr 24, 1980:

“On April 24, 1980, an ill-fated military operation to rescue the 52 American hostages held in Tehran ends with eight U.S. servicemen dead and no hostages rescued.

With the Iran Hostage Crisis stretching into its sixth month and all diplomatic appeals to the Iranian government ending in failure, President Jimmy Carter ordered the military mission as a last ditch attempt to save the hostages. During the operation, three of eight helicopters failed, crippling the crucial airborne plans. The mission was then canceled at the staging area in Iran, but during the withdrawal one of the retreating helicopters collided with one of six C-130 transport planes, killing eight soldiers and injuring five. The next day, a somber Jimmy Carter gave a press conference in which he took full responsibility for the tragedy. The hostages were not released for another 270 days.

On November 4, 1979, the crisis began when militant Iranian students, outraged that the U.S. government had allowed the ousted shah of Iran to travel to the U.S. for medical treatment, seized the U.S. embassy in Tehran. The Ayatollah Khomeini, Iran's political and religious leader, took over the hostage situation and agreed to release non-U.S. captives and female and minority Americans, citing these groups as among the people oppressed by the U.S. government. The remaining 52 captives remained at the mercy of the Ayatollah for the next 14 months.

President Carter was unable to diplomatically resolve the crisis, and the April 1980 hostage attempt ended in disaster. Three months later, the former shah died of cancer in Egypt, but the crisis continued. In November, Carter lost the presidential election to Republican Ronald Reagan, and soon after, with the assistance of Algerian intermediaries, successful negotiations began between the United States and Iran. On the day of Reagan's inauguration, January 20, 1981, the United States freed almost $8 billion in frozen Iranian assets, and the 52 hostages were released after 444 days. The next day, Jimmy Carter flew to West Germany to greet the Americans on their way home.”

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Yesterday:

Ray came over, and he spread fertilizer over all the grass while Misty and I went to pick up Jay. 

Then we all went back to work making a cantilevered extension to my front porch.  Since the pergola was removed, the afternoon sun shines in the living room, and rain blows into the screen porch, so we are remedying that.  This time, Jay took all the gutters, fascia boards, and soffit down, to expose the roof rafters.  Now we can add on to them properly.

When the RVport was taken down, we left the posts in the ground, as we wanted to save them full length for another use, instead of cutting them off.  The front one needed to be removed as it was in the way of the extension to the roof.  Here we are, jacking it out of the ground, then a shorter one was put in it’s place.  I have to keep that fence for Misty, as it leads to my back yard.

The weather was great, and we felt like we had accomplished something yesterday.

RV Skids. Fridge. Honda Genny Recall. Winterizing Tires. Tanks Freeze. Storing RV. RV Tips. Virginia Cedes Western Land. French Surrender Orleans. U.S. Invades Panama. RVPort Is Gone!

 

For”tRaVersing or RV Day”:

RV skid rollers bring up the rear

“Sometimes RVing can be a drag, especially when you have a long trailer. Skid wheels were designed to prevent trailer drag when traversing steep driveways. When Jim Twamley purchased his second 5th wheel he struggled over whether or not to install skid rollers. He decided to drive around for a few months and see if he really needed them.” Learn what he decided.

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How to identify and fix RV refrigerator cooling units.
”Learn about some common RV refrigerator problems, how to identify them, and how to fix them from the folks at Trailer Life. In this video learn how to identify and fix cooling unit problems.” Watch the video.

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Honda recalls more than 150,000 portable generators

The Honda model EU2000I gasoline-powered portable generators are black and red in color or have a camouflage design. In some cases the fuel hose has leaked, posing fire and burn hazards. They were sold by Camping World, True Value and other dealers, and online from October, 2011 through September, 2012. "Companion" is printed on the side of some models.” Learn more.

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Preparing your RV's tires for long term parking

Now is the time many RV owners are "winterizing" their RV. Even if you are in Arizona, you might be getting it ready to be parked for many weeks or months. There are a few things you need to do to help preserve your tires.

Inflate to the pressure shown on the tire sidewall. This will decrease the tendency to flat-spot and make the tire flat on one side.

PS Don't forget that even when parked you should check the air pressure once a month. If I hadn't checked the air in the tire with the leaking valve it probably would have been flat by next spring and might even have been damaged and unsuitable for highway use.

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Driving and Freezing in My RV, Posted by RV Doctor

“Hey Doc, I'm currently driving through New Mexico in a Class C motorhome. Temperatures are expected to be in the 15-degree range tomorrow. Our RV is not equipped with tank heaters and we're hoping you may have short-term suggestions to prevent damage to our holding tanks?” Mike M., (Rockport, TX)

“For a temporary trip through freezing temperatures, Mike, I would suggest simply evacuating the holding tanks and leaving them clean and dry till you can purchase tank heaters or drive out of the cold. Overnight in the campground, simply position a droplight with a 60-watt or 100-watt bulb in the area of the holding tanks. Add a gallon of windshield washer fluid to each tank as well. You could use standard RV anti-freeze, but the windshield stuff is a lot less expensive. The fluid and that little bit of heat will allow you to use the tanks overnight and avoid potential freezing. Come morning, empty, flush and clean again until you get to a location above the freezing mark. Travel empty, use the windshield washer fluid and the drop lamp at night. If your holding tanks are exposed under the floor of the RV, radiant heat from the highway might also be enough to keep the contents from freezing, so you might be able to go a few days with just the windshield washer fluid. Tank heaters, however, are still a wise investment if you hang around the cold country often enough!” From: http://www.rvdoctor.com/2012/11/driving-and-freezing-in-my-rv.html

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Deciding Where to Store Your RV - Some Do’s and Don’ts
”Many RVers, unfortunately, do not travel full time in their RV. So where should you store your rig? Perhaps you’ll find some things to think about in this article.”

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The RV Doctor’s Handy Dandy Winterizing & Storing Check-off List
”So you can be assured nothing will fall through the cracks while preparing your RV for any period of non-use, use this check-off list. Simply make copies of the blank form and check off each item when completed. Download your free copy here.”

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Tech Tips from Mark Polk
"A water heater by-pass kit can save you six or 10 gallons of antifreeze (depending on the size of the tank) when it’s time to winterize your unit. You drain the water heater, put it in the by-pass mode and the antifreeze bypasses the tank and goes directly into the water lines. Caution: Never drain the water heater tank when it is hot or under pressure.”

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Bill's Hints.    Batteries
“When adding water to batteries, use distilled water if possible.”
-- From Motorhomes Made Easy

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RV Holding Tank Evacuations Optimized! Posted by RV Doctor

“When you are at a campground that has a sewer hook up and you are only going to be there over the weekend, should you leave your tank closed and dump when you get ready to leave or can you leave it open and just clean up?” Pam S. (Waco, TX)     Read the answer here: http://www.rvdoctor.com/2011/03/rv-holding-tank-evacuations-optimized.html

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Cold Propane?  Posted by RV Doctor

“My propane generator will not run unless I heat the tank with a battery warmer. What can I do to fix this problem?” Fred H., (Gold River, NS, Canada)  Read answer here: http://www.rvdoctor.com/2001/12/since-he-lives-in-british-columbia-i.html

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Re-using RV Anti-Freeze.  Posted by RV Doctor

“I winterized my RV last year with RV antifreeze. I did not use the camper this summer or fall and never anti-winterized it. Will the antifreeze last a second winter?” John V., (Mt. Vernon, IL)    Read answer here: http://www.rvdoctor.com/2012/01/re-using-rv-anti-freeze.html

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Other Interesting Questions to the RV Doctor Concerning Winterizing an RV

•  Another pump won’t pump RV anti-freeze!

•  Batteries in, or batteries out, for the winter?

•  How do I winterize a washer/dryer?

•  Stuck check valve at the city water inlet during winterizing.

•  Faulty by-pass valves discovered while winterizing.

• Wet or dry method for winterizing?
• My water pump will not pump RV anti-freeze.
• Controlling moisture and musty odors in the RV.
• How do I drain my fresh water tank?
• I have a plugged holding tank; now what?

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On This Day:

Virginia cedes western land to federal government, Dec 20, 1783:

“On this day in 1783, Virginia cedes the vast territory it had previously claimed by right of colonial charter to the federal government of the United States. The Ohio Valley territory, which covered the area north of the Ohio River, east of the Mississippi River, and south of the Great Lakes and Canada, had been contested by Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts and Connecticut.

A young George Washington began the Seven Years' War with a failed attempt to secure Virginia's Ohio Valley outposts in 1754. For some, the British Proclamation line of 1763, banning further European settlement west of Appalachia had been a major incentive for rebellion. To complicate matters, Congress and the states had promised their soldiers land in payment for their service during the War for Independence. The states without western claims worried that they would forever be poor relations without western land to sell and fill their coffers. The new and fragile union remained at risk of dissolution until the land-claims issue found resolution.

Pennsylvanian John Dickinson first suggested that the states cede their lands to the Continental Congress in 1776. Virginia argued that their western claims superceded those of any of the other states because they were made in the first colonial charter, but the desire of leading Virginians for a stable confederated government outstripped their desire for land. They were the first state to cede significant holdings to the national government. Other states soon followed suit, solidifying the strength and wealth of the union and making western expansion a federal project, which culminated in Jefferson's brilliantly conceived Northwest Ordinance.”

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The French surrender Orleans to the U.S., Dec 20, 1803:

“Without a shot fired, the French hand over New Orleans and Lower Louisiana to the United States.

In April 1803, the United States purchased from France the 828,000 square miles that had formerly been French Louisiana. The area was divided into two territories: the northern half was Louisiana Territory, the largely unsettled (though home to many Indians) frontier section that was later explored by Lewis and Clark; and the southern Orleans Territory, which was populated by Europeans.

Unlike the sprawling and largely unexplored northern territory (which eventually encompassed a dozen large states), Orleans Territory was a small, densely populated region that was like a little slice of France in the New World. With borders that roughly corresponded to the modern state of Louisiana, Orleans Territory was home to about 50,000 people, a primarily French population that had been living under the direction of a Spanish administration.

These former citizens of France knew almost nothing about American laws and institutions, and the challenging task of bringing them into the American fold fell to the newly appointed governor of the region, twenty-eight-year-old William Claiborne. Historians have found no real evidence that the French of Orleans Territory resented their transfer to American control, though one witness claimed that when the French tri-color was replaced by the Stars and Stripes in New Orleans, the citizens wept. The French did resent that their new governor was appointed rather than elected, and they bridled when the American government tried to make English the official language and discouraged the use of French.

It didn't help matters that young Claiborne knew neither French nor Spanish. Claiborne soon found himself immersed in a complex sea of ethnic tensions and political unrest that he little understood, and in January he wrote to Thomas Jefferson that the population was "uninformed, indolent, luxurious-in a word, ill-fitted to be useful citizens for a Republic." To his dismay, Claiborne found that most of his time was spent not governing, but dealing with an unrelenting procession of crises like riots, robberies, and runaway slaves.

Despite his concerns, Claiborne knew that somehow these people had to be made into American citizens, and over time he gradually made progress in bringing the citizenry into the Union. In December 1804 he was happy to report to Jefferson that "they begin to view their connexion with the United States as permanent and to experience the benefits thereof." Proof of this came eight years later, when the people of Orleans Territory drafted a constitution and successfully petitioned to become the eighteenth state in the Union. Despite Claiborne's doubts about whether the French would ever truly fit into their new nation, the approval of that petition meant that the people of Louisiana were officially Americans.”

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The U.S. invades Panama, Dec 20, 1989:

“The United States invades Panama in an attempt to overthrow military dictator Manuel Noriega, who had been indicted in the United States on drug trafficking charges and was accused of suppressing democracy in Panama and endangering U.S. nationals. Noriega's Panamanian Defense Forces (PDF) were promptly crushed, forcing the dictator to seek asylum with the Vatican anuncio in Panama City, where he surrendered on January 3, 1990.

In 1970, Noriega, a rising figure in the Panamanian military, was recruited by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to assist in the U.S. struggle against the spread of communism in Central America. Noriega became involved in drug trafficking and in 1977 was removed from the CIA payroll. After the Marxist Sandinista government came to power in 1979, Noriega was brought back into the CIA fold. In 1983, he become military dictator of Panama.

Noriega supported U.S. initiatives in Central America and in turn was praised by the White House, even though a Senate committee concluded in 1983 that Panama was a major center for drug trafficking. In 1984, Noriega committed fraud in Panama's presidential election in favor of Nicolás Ardito Barletta, who became a puppet president. Still, Noriega enjoyed the continued support of the Reagan administration, which valued his aid in its efforts to overthrow Nicaragua's Sandinista government.

In 1986, just months before the outbreak of the Iran-Contra affair, allegations arose concerning Noriega's history as a drug trafficker, money launderer, and CIA employee. Most shocking, however, were reports that Noriega had acted as a double agent for Cuba's intelligence agency and the Sandinistas. The U.S. government disowned Noriega, and in 1988 he was indicted by federal grand juries in Tampa and Miami on drug-smuggling and money-laundering charges.

Tensions between Americans in the Panama Canal Zone and Noriega's Panamanian Defense Forces grew, and in 1989 the dictator annulled a presidential election that would have made Guillermo Endara president. President George H. Bush ordered additional U.S. troops to the Panama Canal Zone, and on December 16 an off-duty U.S. Marine was shot to death at a PDF roadblock. The next day, President Bush authorized "Operation Just Cause"--the U.S. invasion of Panama to overthrow Noriega.

On December 20, 9,000 U.S. troops joined the 12,000 U.S. military personnel already in Panama and were met with scattered resistance from the PDF. By December 24, the PDF was crushed, and the United States held most of the country. Endara was made president by U.S. forces, and he ordered the PDF dissolved. On January 3, Noriega was arrested by U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency agents.”

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Yesterday:

It was a long day, I was up early, and worked around here until noon.  I was raking and digging trying to find the property stake which is between my house and the guest house.  We ran across it a few months back, and hammered a piece of white PVC pipe around it, so we could find it again.  But it disappeared under the grass or gravel.  I’ll have to get a metal detector soon!

Jay was acting up again, and I had to get the RVport down.  A lady at the church had given me the phone number of a handyman in the congregation, and so I called him. At noon, he and his crew of two guys came to take down the RVport.  Of course I helped, unscrewed screws, handed tools to the guys on ladders, and carried sheets of metal and lumber around to the other side of the house to be stored.  I already have an offer on the galvanized metal roofing, and I’ll re-use the lumber to enlarge my storeroom on the guesthouse property.

  

 

 

 

I was beat, and really too tired to eat, so I went to bed early, but first I had to gather up the trash and take it to the curb, as the garbage man comes at 5.00AM on Thursdays!

The weather was wonderful, about 80°, and so it was tank-top day.

PS: For all of you who believe in the End of the World on Friday, 21st….it is already the 21st. in Australia!!

Pittsburg,TX. Northeast Texas Rural Heritage Museum. Ezekiel Airship. Mayflower. Slavery Abolished. Mesa Verde.

 

For “Travel Tuesday”, Let’s go to Pittsburg, TX in the Piney Woods region.

Texas Piney Woods is one of the seven regions in TX.

“ Experience the warmth and Southern hospitality of the Texas Piney Woods Region. This beautiful forest land offers visitors a glimpse of the history of the Republic of Texas and early statehood times. The Texas Piney Woods offers some of the best fishing, down home cooking, championship golf and family activities in the Lone Star State. Discover the Southern Hospitality of the Texas Piney Woods Region.”

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Welcome to Pittsburg, Texas!

“Located in the piney and hardwood forests of Northeast Texas, Pittsburg is a great place to live, work, start a new business, or for a weekend getaway vacation. If you love the outdoors, Pittsburg is close to two state parks and five large lakes with an abundance of water sports - boating, fishing and skiing. Or if you prefer historic buildings and homes, antique shopping, and museums, Pittsburg has these things and more.

Pittsburg takes you back to slower paced, gentler times when everyone was friendly and helpful.

Designated as an historic Main Street City in 1986, Pittsburg's charm is evident in its lovely shops and a prayer tower with Paccard bells from France that chime the hour with soft melodies that waft through town. The prayer tower was dedicated to the city April 1992. Shop the many stores featuring antiques, clothing, shoes, gifts, crafts, and a 1950's style soda fountain or try our famous Pittsburg hot links.

Pittsburg has many excellent restaurants, bed and breakfasts, and don't miss our famous peaches, blueberries, and strawberries in the spring. Home of two award winning museums, one featuring railroads and the Ezekiel Airship and one farmstead museum which takes you back to the days of your grandparents.

Pittsburg is the county seat of Camp County, is at the junctions of U.S. Highway 271 and State Highway 11 and of the Louisiana and Arkansas and the St. Louis Southwestern railways, sixty miles southwest of Texarkana in the central portion of the county. It is the largest and the oldest town in the county. There are six major lakes within eighteen miles of Pittsburg that are reputed to be among the best bass-fishing lakes in Texas. Caddo and Cherokee Indians resided in the area during the early 1800s, but they had for the most part abandoned the area before settlers began arriving from Georgia, Tennessee, and Alabama in the late 1830s.

In 1897 a privately owned electric generator was constructed in Pittsburg that provided sixteen kilowatts of electricity, enough for lights only. In 1899 a franchise was granted to Southwest Telegraph and Telephone Company to build a telephone system. By 1925 the city had also constructed a municipally owned water and sewer system.

By 1900 it had a library. In 1899 residents of Pittsburg had secured a promise of $5,000 from Andrew Carnegie, provided that the city fund a building and agree to maintain the library. The city council matched the $5,000 grant, and a Carnegie Library was constructed. It is reputed to have been the first of the Carnegie libraries in Texas. The library building, which also housed the city hall and a community auditorium, burned in December 1939. A new town library was not constructed until the 1970s.”

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Lakes Near Pittsburg

Bob Sandlin Lake, and Lake O' The Pines.

Other area lakes include Welsh, Cypress Springs and Monticello. Trophy bass of 13 and 14 pounds are not unusual.

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Giant Bo Pilgrim Head.

“Mesmerizing immense bust pays tribute to a devout Texas chicken baron Bo Pilgrim, who employed this town with his poultry business.

Pilgrim’s Pride is moving. Pilgrim’s Head is not.  That’s the news from Pittsburg, Texas, where Pilgrim’s Pride (the chicken company) is packing its corporate headquarters and moving it to Colorado.  Fortunately for glaze-eyed devotees, the big giant head of Bo Pilgrim isn’t moving anywhere.

Pilgrim’s Pride went bankrupt in 2009, blaming it in part on the soaring cost of chicken feed, too many chickens, and not enough chicken-eaters. In desperation, the company sold itself to beef and pork giant Swift & Company. Part of the deal was that Pilgrim’s Pride would move its chicken brain trust from their home in Pittsburg in east Texas to Swift’s headquarters in Greeley, Colorado.”

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Northeast Texas Rural Heritage Museum

“Housed in the old Cotton Belt Railroad Depot, the museum exhibits historic artifacts from the time of the town’s founding in 1854 along with antique farm equipment and other memorabilia.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Also at the museum:

Full-size Replica Ezekiel Airship.

“A handful of obscure, motorized airplanes claim to have been flown before the Wright brothers did so in 1903. But none has the civic support, or the biblical pedigree, of the one in Pittsburg, Texas, where a life-size replica hangs in an annex of the Depot Museum.

The Rev. Burrell Cannon, a local Baptist minister, read in the Book of Ezekiel of "living creatures" rising from the earth and a "wheel within a wheel." He believed that these Bible passages contained the secret to powered flight.

Cannon formed The Ezekiel Air Ship Mfg Co., sold $20,000 in stock to his neighbors, and supervised the construction of his contraption in a local iron foundry.

It had large, fabric-covered wings and was powered by a small engine that turned four sets of vertical paddles mounted on wheels within wheels. It would fly the same way that a side wheel paddleboat churns its way through water -- except that paddles don't work that way in air, and Ezekiel mentioned nothing about wings or an engine. So how could it be biblical, and how could it possibly fly?

Nevertheless, in the autumn of 1902 -- so the story goes -- one of the workers in the foundry decided to take the airship out for a test run. He got it maybe 15 feet in the air, and covered about 50 yards. But there were no newspaper reports of the flight, no photographs, no eyewitness accounts.

Vernon Holcomb, at the Depot Museum, told us that he knew of "five documented second-hand accounts," a standard of proof that would only pass muster with the most desperate pseudo-investigative shows on cable.

And yet, if true, the Rev. Cannon's airship would have beaten the Wright Brothers' craft by over a year.

For some unexplained reason the airship was never flown again. Instead, the reverend, seeking funds, put it on a railroad flatcar to ship it to the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair. It only got as far as Texarkana, and then was destroyed by a storm.

Thin as the evidence may be for Rev. Cannon's success, it was good enough for Pittsburg. In 1987 the local Optimist's Club built a full-scale replica of what is now called "The Ezekiel Airship," based on one surviving photo -- "So clear that you can see the bolts," according to Vernon -- and displayed it in a local restaurant.

In 2001 Pittsburg residents built a custom annex to the town's Northeast Texas Rural Heritage Depot and Museum, hung the replica from the rafters, and hired a firm from Houston to design an exhibit around it. The result is surprisingly impressive and informative. The Optimists did an excellent job -- their replica looks as if it could hang in the Smithsonian -- although they concede that it is too heavy to fly. According to Vernon, the reverend somehow was able to build the same airship at ¼ the weight.

How he did so is yet another mystery. No parts survive, nor any patent drawings or plans. "He didn't want anyone to see what he was doing," Vernon explained.

The annex includes an exhibit of the Rev. Cannon's Bible, open to the first chapter of Ezekiel. In the gift shop there are Ezekiel Airship post cards and books, a half-hour documentary on DVD, plus miniature gold Ezekiel Airship Christmas tree ornaments.

The state of Texas, never shy about boasting, has erected an official historical plaque two blocks south of the museum. It marks the field where the airship supposedly flew, either on biblical smarts or just a lot of Texas hot air.”

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On this day:

Mayflower docks at Plymouth Harbor, Dec 18, 1620:

“On December 18, 1620, the British ship Mayflower docked at modern-day Plymouth, Massachusetts, and its passengers prepared to begin their new settlement, Plymouth Colony.

The famous Mayflower story began in 1606, when a group of reform-minded Puritans in Nottinghamshire, England, founded their own church, separate from the state-sanctioned Church of England. Accused of treason, they were forced to leave the country and settle in the more tolerant Netherlands. After 12 years of struggling to adapt and make a decent living, the group sought financial backing from some London merchants to set up a colony in America. On September 6, 1620, 102 passengers–dubbed Pilgrims by William Bradford, a passenger who would become the first governor of Plymouth Colony–crowded on the Mayflower to begin the long, hard journey to a new life in the New World.

On November 11, 1620, the Mayflower anchored at what is now Provincetown Harbor, Cape Cod. Before going ashore, 41 male passengers–heads of families, single men and three male servants–signed the famous Mayflower Compact, agreeing to submit to a government chosen by common consent and to obey all laws made for the good of the colony. Over the next month, several small scouting groups were sent ashore to collect firewood and scout out a good place to build a settlement. Around December 10, one of these groups found a harbor they liked on the western side of Cape Cod Bay. They returned to the Mayflower to tell the other passengers, but bad weather prevented them from docking until December 18.

After exploring the region, the settlers chose a cleared area previously occupied by members of a local Native American tribe, the Wampanoag. The tribe had abandoned the village several years earlier, after an outbreak of European disease. That winter of 1620-1621 was brutal, as the Pilgrims struggled to build their settlement, find food and ward off sickness. By spring, 50 of the original 102 Mayflower passengers were dead. The remaining settlers made contact with returning members of the Wampanoag tribe and in March they signed a peace treaty with a tribal chief, Massasoit. Aided by the Wampanoag, especially the English-speaking Squanto, the Pilgrims were able to plant crops–especially corn and beans–that were vital to their survival. The Mayflower and its crew left Plymouth to return to England on April 5, 1621.

Over the next several decades, more and more settlers made the trek across the Atlantic to Plymouth, which gradually grew into a prosperous shipbuilding and fishing center. In 1691, Plymouth was incorporated into the new Massachusetts Bay Association, ending its history as an independent colony.”

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House passes the 13th Amendment, Jan 31, 1865:

“On this day in 1865, the U.S. House of Representatives passes the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, abolishing slavery in America. The amendment read, "Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude...shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction."”

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Wetherill and Mason discover Mesa Verde, Dec 18, 1888:

“While searching for stray cattle in the isolated canyons of southwest Colorado, Richard Wetherill and his brother-in-law stumble upon the magnificent ancient Indians ruins of Mesa Verde.

The Wetherill family started ranching in the rugged southwest lands of Colorado in 1881, and Richard and his brothers often explored the canyons and mesas for Indian ruins. Once, while looking up the mouth of Cliff Canyon, Wetherill was approached by a Ute Indian named Acowitz who reportedly told him, "Deep in that canyon and near its head are many houses of the old people-the Ancient Ones. One of those houses, high, high in the rocks, is bigger than all the others. Utes never go there, it is a sacred place." Wetherill was intrigued, but his ranching duties kept him from exploring the canyon further.

On December 18, 1888, Wetherill and his brother-in-law, Charles Mason, were searching for stray cattle on top of a broad mesa when a heavy snow began to fall. Fearing they might ride over a cliff in the blinding snow, they dismounted and were moving ahead on foot when they came to an overlook point. From across the canyon they saw a snow-blurred image of a magnificent stone city three stories high and perched high up a cliff wall under a massive rock overhang. Fascinated, Wetherill and Mason abandoned their search for the stray cattle and, after considerable effort, managed to climb up and explore the ruins for several hours.

Wetherill and Mason had stumbled across the "houses, high, high in the rocks" that Acowitz had told them about. The ruins were once the home of the Anasazi (the Indian term for "ancient ones") people. Subsequent archaeological studies showed that the Cliff Palace, as it became known, was built during the 13th century, when the Anasazi moved from the top of the mesas onto ledges and caves along the canyon walls, presumably to better defend themselves against invaders. Eventually a prolonged drought that started around 1275 forced the Anasazi to abandon their magnificent cliff dwellings.

In the years following the discovery, Wetherill collected thousands of artifacts from the Cliff Palace and other area ruins. Most of Wetherill's artifacts ended up in museums, where they could be studied by professional archaeologists and viewed by the public. The same cannot be said of the many other priceless artifacts that were stolen by visitors over the years. In order to protect the site from further looting and degradation, the Congress created Mesa Verde National Park in 1906.”

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Yesterday:

Jay had some time to help me, so Misty and I had our walk-about down there, when we went to get him.

We started on the demolition of my RVport, which is on the property line between my house and my guest house, so that I can sell this house. 

Jay took down the lattice under my pergola, which is the front part of the RVport, and I took the fake flowers off each section.  There were two big bins of flowers stapled to the lattice under the pergola, so my hands were pretty tired after prying all the cable staples off the flowers and branches.  The best flowers will be made into new wreaths for the four grave markers here.  (Honky; my beloved white cat.  L’ilbit; my late Johnnie’s tiny black poodle.  Levi: my wonderful silver poodle, and then the last tragedy, my darling 18 year old Bobbiecat.)   When Misty’s time comes, she won’t be there, as she is to be cremated.

Then Jay took the sheets of clear fiberglass roofing off the rafters, and handed them to me, so I could put them away, as they can be re-used.   Might even make Ray a greenhouse out of them.

It was outstanding T-shirt weather, so Prime and Prissy watched us from the screened porch. 

Here is the latest picture of Prissy.

Jay’s boss came to get him, so we couldn’t get the framework down yet, that will have to be done another day.