Today's Musing

The day started with heavy rains and some thunder while we were at church. As the day wore on the sun reappeared. This has been a month  of whether contrasts, winter than spring like whether. This has been the first winter since coming to Arkansas that I have seen measurable snow. I have noticed that some of the trees are showing some buds.
This month has been difficult to bird. We have not been afield all month. So we are stalled at 103 for the year. Now we go into a transtation period while we wait for the birds of spring migration to arrive. The feeder continues to be very active. The Finches have finally have found the thistle feeder. I took down the suet feeder because it was being consumed by the Starlings and Grackles.
More to follow soon.

Today's Ramblings

Today is the 27th of January, we accomplished our goal for this month. Last week we broke the century mark for bird species seen in January. A new personal record for myself. I have Birded since the early 90's and have never had a 100 species count for January. We went east towards Little Rock to Lake Mamulle and Pinnacle Mountain SP. Lake Mamulle is a huge lake that runs along US 10 going west. Pinnacle Mountain State Park was very scenic, definitely a spot to return to. Our next big trip will take us east again to the Heber Springs area at Lake Magness. Lake Magness is a wintering area for Trumpeter Swans. That will have to wait till the winter passes.
Today a gray winter day, with  winter storm on the way. Growing up in the Chicago area and enduring the four months of winter yearly. Winter in Arkansas is easily taken.  This should be the last real push of winter. As January closes spring looms ahead. Nice thing about Arkansas is that the seasons come when they are intended to come.
I have been unemployed for four months now. Prospect of a job is becoming slim. I am over qualified, overaged. Through God's provision we have manged to keep afloat. Maybe I should become a bank ceo, screw up the economy and draw a six figure bonus for my mistakes. Honestly I could never be that greedy. Being unemployed for four months we learn to choose between wants and needs. Hopefully the Lord has an answer on the horizon for us.

Weekend Wrap Up

Saturday, we got up early and were on the road by 7 we were heading east on State Route 22

Our first destination was the Delaware Rec Area  on Lake Dardanelle AR. We were greeted with a flurry of various Sparrows (LBJ). Once the water was in view the lake was full of American Coots. Then a flock of  American Pelicans flow low over the lake. There had to be a least 1000 plus. What amazes me about American Pelicans here is a bird that looks so clumsy and awkward. It flight though they are aerodynamic and very graceful. Maneuvering   almost 9 foot wingspan and a five body to fly it so beautiful to see. Then it was unto Lake Dardanelle Dam.

The dam area had  American Pelicans, Ring Billed Gulls. Then was unto to Lake Dardanelle  State Park. More American Pelicans present, they stretched almost a half mile across the lake. Then it was unto Holla Bend NWR. There were Bald Eagles present, about 1000 plus Snow Geese. Te viewing platform had some  reamins  of an Owl's meal, two owl pellets were present.  All in al it was good day we got closer to the century mark for this year and hopefully we will break the century mark  before the end of the month.

Our prays go out to the nation of Hati and its people. That God will give them hope and comfort in these trying times. The best comment I heard about Par Robertson's irresponbile coments, "He is God's worse public realtions nightmare".

Our next trip hopefully this week will be Magness Lake to view the Trumpter Swans that come each winter.

Today's Musing

It is mid month and today is cloudy. It rained last night. I have been unemployed  for fourteen weeks. The new way of applying for jobs is very impersonal  and cold. I like the old way of facing the recruiter face to face. Filling job applications on online does not seem effective, especially when the same jobs appear for months. I love the way the applications skirt the  age laws. I am 57 and competing against inexperienced youth. I have been working since  I was 13 and worked through most of high school full time. I am not accustom to not working, I am becoming fidgeting. 
Tomorrow is Sat. and depending on the weather we will be out bird watching. So far we are having a great January, we a nice start to the year. The goal of 275 should be attainable, we could even have a banner year. Hopefully this year I will add to my life list of birds.
Remember the people in Haiti in your prays. God can give them hope. Pat Robertson's comment were uncalled and were disgraceful. Hati did not make a pact  with the Devil for their freedom.
The Devil is not to blame for this earthquake. Pay close attention to events happening in this world prophecy is be fulfilled.

Ramblings

The cold snap for the past couple weeks is over for now. Yesterday was a beautiful day, blue skies, sun and mid 40's. We took advantage of the nice wheather and headed out Fort Chaffe WMA. There is a pond where birds frequent. The warm wheather had yet to thaw the ice. There were a few Ring Billed Gulls and ducks present in the few open spots. We did manage to add a Bufflehead to our year list. The Red Tail Hawks were active today, we tallied 15 for the day. They like to perch on the light poles along the highway. They act as sentails along the roads. We also saw a few Turkey Vultures, Red Shoudler Hawk, Northern Harrier.
This morning it is cloudy but the temperature is in the 40's. There are subtle hints the grasp of  winter is lessening. The sun is setting a little later each day.
The nation of Hati and its people have suffered so much from the earthquake. I ask for God's hand upon them for comfort. To show his mercy and love, to give them hope in these trying times.

New Year

The new year well on its way. At the beginning of each new year I begin a new bird seen list for the year. Last year we fell short of 200 by only three. That was due in part that I spent most of the summer working and was unable to get out and Bird. The New Year brings new opportunities to start a new. New Years day we were up before dawn and the road to Sequoah NWR in Oklahoma with after trip to Lake Tenkiller for Loons. We had a great day and started the year with 70 spieces. Then a cold snap blew in from the north and froze everything. The temperature is rising the sun is shing. A Bird outing is a must for this week.
This is week sixteen of being unemployeed. We are living on God's mercy in our lives. God has kept us above water during this time. It is hard to be over 50 and looking for work. We just rely and trust in God that he has a plan.
Our little bird feeder station is always active. We have quite a cast of characters that come daily.
It is so fun to observe thier beahviors and interactions with other birds.