Category Archives: Wildlife

Brown chicken, brown bear

Just got back from a family mini-vacation (a stay-cation, if you will), in Memphis. We took the munchkin to the zoo and downtown to Beale Street. It was St. Patrick’s Day, ok? There was a parade. Let me just say that we will be going there again. Oh yes! But probably not to the zoo. I’m gonna have to say that the St. Louis Zoo is better (and it’s free).  Words of wisdom: if you do go to the Memphis Zoo, go as early as humanly possible. This means WHEN IT OPENS. Which, of course, we did. But when we left, like just after noon, the lines were long and full of more sniveling kids than you could possibly bear just for a bear, if you know what I mean. Come to think of it I hate zoos, and am reminded of it every time I go to one…

In the mind of a 4-year-old, the top 3 for the trip was, in this order :1. the parade, of course; 2. the elevator in the hotel (duh); and lastly, 3. why, the zoo (what zoo?). I kinda liked the liquor store over by the zoo (Joe’s). Very cool with lots of plants in there and, uh, liquor…

Here is where I should bring the hotel into this. I may actually write a review of this hotel on Trip Advisor or something. The Doubletree Downtown Memphis Hotel was absolutely awesome. The nicest staff ever plus we ended up with an oversize room for being a rewards card member (ooh! exclusive, right?). There’s my plug. Seriously. Lastly, what’s not to like about Beale Street? And a St. Patrick’s Day parade on Beale Street in sunny 75 degree weather?

Now, if I was only 25 again…sigh.

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The Eagle Has Nested (Rated G)

First time on this site: a Family Friendly Post! Don’t get used to it.

Here are some fairly grainy pictures of eagles taken this weekend in the Mississippi River bottoms, southern Illinois. These are roughly 6 miles from my house, as the eagle flies. Eagles are really becoming abundant here and I’ve seen them with more frequency in the past couple of years than ever before.

Anyway, you can see at least three nests along this particular 5-mile levy road. Only one appeared to be inhabited. What I assume to be the female eagle (since she spends more time on the nest than does the male) was in the nest, while her mate was perched a few trees away. Unfortunately I didn’t capture the nest/female in relation to the male. I’ll know better next time.

Eagle momma on the nest. Sweet.

Eagle daddy. Probably his bad side. (Or, I need a better zoom lens.)

I am aware of no eagle relations between this eagle and the nesting pair. Just thought you should know.


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