Grackle feeds its youngster

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The gray bird landed, and we did not recognize what kind of bird it was. Soon however two grackles showed up and it was obvious that they were here to feed their offspring.

We did not recognize this species

Ah, looks like a parent is here to feed the youngster

There is the second parent and the youngster demanding more to eat

This was an interesting and enjoyable event for us to observe. It was the first time we had seen an immature grackle. There is always something going on with the wildlife in our backyard! We enjoy sharing our photos with you.

 

Portrait of a mourning dove

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We see doves nearly every day in our yard

Here is another one of our welcomed friendly backyard visitors. The mourning dove is in the same taxonomic family as pigeons. It is one of the most common North American  birds. Doves have very sad and mournful calls, and have been compared to the cries of owls. Doves also make a very characteristic pulsing sound as they fly. Amongst agricultural societies this bird is known as “the rain crow” due to the legend that the calls of doves warn of the impending arrival of rain.

Camping in the Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia

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A fun trip we took a few years ago.

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The Monongahela National Forest is a national forest with over 920,000 acres located in the Allegheny Mountains of eastern West Virginia. We recently camped at the Horseshoe Recreation Area in the forest. The campground is at the extreme northern end of the Forest, surprisingly close to not only Maryland, but also Pennsylvania as well.

We drove from the Columbus, Ohio area after meeting up with one of our sons a and couple of grand kids. I must say it was quite the adventure driving the narrow, nearly one lane roads as we approached the Horseshoe campground. We got to the campground mid afternoon. The camp host was very friendly and delivered our purchased firewood right to our site.

Large campsite: I am standing in front of the tent

Starting out on a leisurely hike

Our site was huge! The asphalt pad for our Four Winds RV was long enough for…

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The rose got here

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Remember back on May 24th we posted this picture (on the left) of a rose bud and said the rose was “on the way”. Well, here we are 5 days later and we have been blessed with a beautiful blooming rose that did get here. It is remarkable how Nature brings about so many dynamic examples of growth and development. There is something just so mystical about roses…

Oliver P. Morton, Indiana’s “War Governor”

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Unveiled in 1907, this statue of Morton stands in front of the Statehouse. It was sponsored by Union veterans

Vintage portrait of Morton, courtesy in.gov

Oliver P. Morton was Governor of Indiana during the Civil War. He was chief executive of the state from 1861 to 1867. He took office a mere 90 days before the war began with the Confederate attack on  Fort Sumpter. As soon as he heard of the attack, he rushed the following dispatch to President Lincoln: “On behalf of the state of Indiana, I tender you for the defense of the nation and uphold the authority of the government, 10,000 men.”

Indiana was the first of the western states to send soldiers to join the Union Army. Initially the legislature provided funds for the Indiana troops. Later on when controversy arose, Morton also helped to raise funds to insure that Indiana troops had the best and newest uniforms and weapons.  Morton was known by Indiana Civil War veterans as “the soldier’s friend”. A 12 foot statue of Morton in front of the Indiana Statehouse was placed in 1907.