White Pelicans
Growing up and living not far from the Mississippi River I enjoyed seeing various species of wildlife. One such bird that I always enjoyed seeing was the pelican, but it wasn’t always in our area. I can’t remember the year, but maybe around 30 or 40 years ago Quad Citizens started seeing these big white birds in the Mississippi and Rock Rivers. I’m sure not all pelicans changed their flyway, but a large number did. I suspect the lock ‘n dams provided food as the stunned fish went through the rollers. Of course, they still can be seen in the various pools, too! Friend and retired Conservation Police Officer, Anthony Petreikis, wrote me and he said he remembers the “day” pelicans appeared on the Des Plaines River. It was during the Illinois waterfowl hunting season. The weather was very foggy and as he looked out over the river he thought he saw a big flock of snow geese. He wondered about that as it couldn’t be geese as it was a bit too early for them to be seen in that area. With his binoculars he was amazed to see that they were pelicans. Pelicans are a quiet and majestic bird unlike the noisy Canada geese. They are really beautiful when seen high in the sky and with the sunlight shining on their wings.
This Bears Some Humor
The other day I forgot to take my two Chicago Bears tickets off of my front car seat. Sometime during the night someone broke into my car and put four tickets on the seat.
Harvest Time
Last week we were headed to the Verde Restaurant, Bettendorf, to meet some friends for dinner. On the way, a person in a van in front of us slammed on his brakes and I wondered why? I should have guessed it. Naturally, it was a good size deer waiting patiently to cross the highway. That got me thinking (rare), with harvest time here or nearly so, deer will be chased out of their comfortable fields by corn pickers. So, beware when driving, not just in the early or late hours of the day. Deer are on the move!
Poaching
This type of foul play cannot, nor should not, be tolerated. If you see or here of such illegal acts going on contact the Illinois DNR at 1-877-236-7529. The fines for poaching are stiff and well they should be.
Dick Butkus
He was one heck of a linebacker, for sure. There were only two NFL players I shook hands with (“High-Fives” were not around in 1965). The game was held at Wrigley Field and at that time you could stand by the dressing room for the players to exit. I told them good luck and they said thanks. I never washed my hands since!!!!
Jokes
So, what if I don’t know what “Armageddon” means? It’s not like the end of the world. I didn’t know this, but Bob Mays, Geneseo, is the world Tongue-Twister Champion. He got arrested the other day and he got a really tough sentence. I love the way the Earth spins. It really makes my day. I ordered a chicken and an egg from Amazon. I’ll let you know.
Senior Moment
Worse! Last week I offered to take our clothes basket downstairs loaded with some clothes. Prior to that, I had opened a quart can of white paint to do some touch-up spots. Maybe you’re getting the picture. So, Mr. Dumb Head put the top on the paint can and put it on top of the basket knowing that I had sealed the can (or did I?). I slipped on one of the steps and guess what popped open with paint flowing like a river. I do think I set an all-time record for choice words. Lorna and I spent a good time cleaning up the mess. Does it ever end?!