The Earth, and especially the plants, lost a friend today. Word came that Stephen Buhner had passed away. Personally, I don’t know anyone who has taught me more about the interconnectedness of all the things found in nature. Being an herbalist, his focus was often on the plants…but his wisdom and commentary went far wider … Read more
[wds id=”5008″] The American Queen is an iconic riverboat…modernized of course, but with the aesthetics of an old-time paddlewheel steamboat. It is simply a beautiful example of a boat-builders craftmanship. Living not far from the Mississippi River, I had the chance to see the boat several times as it toured the Upper Mississippi. In late … Read more
It’s been a mild start to the winter around here. We had a quick cold snap, but then things warmed up again…which a lot of people seem quite happy about. As my bird interests go, warm weather is usually not good for eagle congregations, but it does open up the marshes to swans. Conversely, if … Read more
Every couple of years, the Canadian Pacific Railways Holiday Train makes a stop in Muscatine. It’s a neat event in early December that supports local food banks where ever it goes. As you can see, it’s quite a light spectacle when it rolls into town. It also blends well with the lighted bridge in the … Read more
Swans have massive, paddle-like feet. They come in handy when powering the bird into a takeoff, for swimming, and even during the landing, where they help with air braking and then skiing for a bit as the swan touches the surface of the water.
There’s nothing like being in sync with your significant other. Trumpeter Swans usually mate for life, and they, along with their families, are tight-knit groups. And yes, they really do sound like a trumpet when they talk to one another.