Just a brief post to mark the passing of a true American hero, Norman Borlaug. Here are several links of interest…
“Why Famines Still Exist” Video Interview from wsj.com
Category: History
Florida Panhandle Sojourn
Just back from New Orleans via the Florida Panhandle. I drove over in a huge storm, and took this photo at the rest area in Pensacola. The jet is really there, this is not a double exposure! Hint: I did some minor retouching with Photoshop.
On the way back I left I-10 and drove east on State Road 20, and ultimately Torreya State Park. There were ample opportunities to take wildflower and HDR photos (gallery). I’m particularly happy with the photo below.
Along the way I crossed the Econfina River and stopped at Pitts Spring (not on the map). The river was high and backed up into the spring.
Our National Bird
For all its splendor and power, the Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) has a dark side: opportunist and bully. I once watched one harass an Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) until the later gave up its catch. In addition to stealing from other birds, Bald Eagles can subsist completely on carrion. In spite of the name, Bald Eagles are more closely related to vultures than true Eagles (genus Aquila).
No lesser personage than Ben Franklin thought the Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) better represented the aspirations of the young country he helped found: “…the Turkey is in Comparison a much more respectable Bird, and withal a true original Native of America…”