#Illinois State Red Birds

[ncaapeaches]

miaa_oh on Instagram

[lonelywretchjervistetch]

The State Birds Initiative - Introduction

Before I do ANYTHING else, and before you read anything else...let's start this with a little poll, shall we?

...Look, I'm an overly ambitious person by nature. It's a problem, I'm fully aware. So, in the midst of writing character essays, imagining my own version of the DC Cinematic Universe (I promise, I will return to the Legion of Super-Heroes series; been having writer's block, not gonna lie), and about a dozen other projects that don't include school and my job (one and the same thing, and I love both, but I'll get to that one day)...I had another thought. That I would like to present to the good people of Tumblr (and perhaps beyond).

The state birds suck.

Most people on Tumblr don't know this about me, save for a select few that no me in real life (hey guys, 'sup), but I'm an avid birdwatcher, and am currently working in ornithology as a profession and student. As such, and as a former (and future) teacher, I have a vested passion in spreading the word. And one of the first ways most of us in the United States engage with birds, other than through the world and people around us, is through our national bird and state birds. Oh, and for anybody reading this not from the USA, don't worry, national birds are included here, too.

Now, in case you don't know for whatever reason, each one of the states in the United States has a bird meant to represent the state, designated by the government and often nominated by the state's citizens. This tradition started in 1926, with Kentucky's national bird, the Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis). Now, most states have an official state bird, although Pennsylvania technically has a state game bird, rather than a state bird. We'll get to it. But in any case, there's a bird associated with every state.

But, uh...most of them suuuuuuuuuuuck.

Now, for example, I'm not saying that the Northern Cardinal sucks. Far from it! I love cardinals, and honestly, who doesn't? They're handsome birds, they have a lot of character, they're recognizable in most states in the Union by most people. I love them! But, uh...cardinals are extremely overused as state birds. Kentucky chose them as their state bird first, and were followed by Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Carolina, West Virginia, and Virginia. That's ridiculous. Also, wait, really, Virginia? You saw that West Virginia had it already, and STILL went for the cardinal? What the hell?

But why? Maybe there's a good reason for all of those states to choose the cardinal, after all. Obviously, it's present in all of those states, because...well, the Northern Cardinal is basically everywhere. But other than that, why? Well, let's see.

Kentucky: Unclear, but it's likely because of its prevalence, songs, and nonmigratory behavior, at least according to some sources; there isn't a lot of evidence online as to why outside of this.

Illinois: For this one, we blame the children. Yeah, kids voted this one sd the symbol, choosing it over the bluebird, meadowlark, bobwhite, and oriole, according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. So, yeah, probably because it's familiar and red.

Indiana: For...reasons. Yeah, even less is known about this choice. Safe to assume, though, that it's because it's familiar and red.

Ohio: Apparently, this is because it's red and has a cheerful song. 'Kay. Again, not a lot of evidence for this one, but we'll go with it.

North Carolina: This one also came down to public vote, after a campaign initiated by the North Carolina Bird Club in 1943. It won over the red-winged blackbird, wild turkey, scarlet tanager, and gray catbird. Apparently, this was the second attempt at a state bird, as the Carolina Chickadee (Poecile carolinensis) had been chosen ten years earlier, but only retained the position for a week because the bird's other name is, and this is true, the tomtit. And that was apparently too lewd for the title of state bird. Jesus. We'll get back to that when I address North Carolina officially.

West Virginia: Again, chosen and voted by schoolchildren, and chosen because it's familiar, red, and has a cheerful song. 'Kay.

Virginia: No idea. Also, don't listen to the sites that say their bird "exemplifies the quality of the state" unless they have the GODDAMN PAPERWORK to back that shit up. If I had to guess, it's possibly because the northern cardinal is one of the first birds seen in the state by settlers to the continental USA, who landed in...Virginia. So, the state's got a historical connection to the cardinal, meaning that the last state to ratify it as a state bird is the one to make the most sense to do so.

So, yeah...only one of those makes sense to me. Otherwise, it just feels...random. And by the way, many of the state birds do make some sense. Utah's choice, the California Gull (Larus californicus), has roots in a Mormon miracle, which makes perfect sense for the Mormon state. Louisiana's Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) is an iconic species to the American southeast, and a massive proportion of the species breeds in the state. Same goes for the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher (Tyrannus forficatus), the state bird of Oklahoma. Iconic and unique grassland bird, and it breeds within the state in high quantities for the global population.

But others? Why does New York (a state I grew up in and around) have the Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) for its state bird? Because it's blue and nice-looking? Why exactly do Wyoming, Oregon, Nebraska, Kansas, Montana, and North Dakota ALL have the Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta)? I love the song too, and it's an iconic grassland species, but really? All of you? And Maine? Maine...Maine. I mean, you didn't even go for a specific species and just listed "chickadee" as your state bird. Why? There is a MUCH. BETTER. OPTION. OBVIOUSLY. But...I digress.

...FUCK IT

WHY ON GOD'S GREEN EARTH IS MAINE'S STATE BIRD NOT THE ATLANTIC PUFFIN (Fratercula arctica)??? ANSWER ME MAINE GODDAMMIT

Seriously, what the hell? It's the only state IN THE UNION where the Atlantic puffin breeds, and it's an incredibly iconic bird! I mean, look at that thing! They're adorable, fish-eating, clumsy-flying, feathery orbs with a Froot Loops beak (for part of the year), complete with their own fucking cereal that I ate constantly as a child. And their babies are called pufflings! PUFFLINGS!!! DO YOU HEAR ME MAINE WHAT THE FU

...OK. OK. I'm good. Look, this genuinely irritates the SHIT out of me, both as a hobbyist and as a professional. There are near 1,000 bird species that can be found in the United States, and the state birds are, honestly, some basic-ass choices that doesn't BEGIN to explore the incredible diversity of this taxon. And honestly, maybe if we changed up the state birds, we could increase awareness for these animals and their conservation stories and needs. There are so many missed opportunities here for us as educators, birders, ornithologists, backyard birdwatchers, and even Birdblr, to educate those around us who aren't as ornithologically-inclined. Imagine being able to convince a friend to go find the state bird on a trip some weekend. It could be a fun activity, and a fun way to get into birdwatching and the natural world! IT'S GOT POTENTIAL!!!

And look, I realize I'm not alone on this front. Various people have proposed changing up the state birds, including some more powerful professionals than I. If you haven't seen it yet, check out this essay series from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology that came out last year, which asks whether or not eBird could be used to identify better candidates for state birds. And I'll be using it for what's coming next. Because here's the thing. I'm tired of ranting alone in the dark towards nobody while my fiancee is trying to sleep about this. I need to rant to you poor people instead. And what's more...I want people to rant with me. If they want to. So...

TO ME, BIRDBLR!!! LEND ME YOUR BINOCULARS!!!

I propose an initiative to create a new list of state birds for the United States of America. And I'm talkin' EVERY state, baby! Even the ones that have fitting birds, as mentioned above. We live in a GODDAMN DEMOCRACY, and I say that we put this to a vote. So, Imma make a series of polls, one for each state. And yeah, that's 50 polls. Each will have a selection of birds, including the current state bird for that state, and I'll present the options in each case. The rules and selection criteria for the birds I'll present are as follows:

The bird has to be wild and breed in the state in question. No migrants, to accidentals, no introduced species (looking at you, South Dakota), no domestic species (looking at you, Rhode Island and Delaware). They're from the state, they breed there, and they're wild. Don't have to be endemic to the state, but they need to be found there, at bare goddamn minimum.

No repeats! Every state will have a different species! No more repeats. If there are any ties for states to get a given bird, another set of polls will be made at the end to determine which state will get that bird, and the second highest bird will claim the spot for that state. I'll try to avoid that for each state, but we'll see how things go.

There has to be a reason for their selection. For each of the birds presented for each state, I'll make a solid argument for their nomination. This also goes for any birds submitted to me for suggestions (and yes, I mean to say y'all can make suggestions if you want to for each state). If you have a bird you think would be good for a state, especially if it's your state, please give me a reason. Not that it's pretty, not that you like it's song, not that it "represents the spirit of the state's people" for no easily defined reason. GIVE ME A REASON

And for now, that's it! And hell, if this gets popular or demanded (and I'm saying this if, like, 30 people pay attention to this post), I'll also do the District of Columbia and the U.S. territories. And hell (again), I'll even consider doing other countries if that gets demanded, definitely starting with Canada and seeing how things go from there. And finally...if people want it, maybe even the Bald Eagle (Halieetus leucocephalus) will go up for debate as the USA's national bird. Although, not gonna lie, I think that we're stuck with that one. Still, there are other questions that can be brought up if this gets popular enough. For now, though, let's focus on one thing at a time.

So, hopefully you answered the poll at the top, because I am curious as to what you think about your state bird. And just to set this up, the first state on the chopping block is Delaware, which has one of the most offensive state birds, in my opinion. Because seriously. What the fuck, Delaware? What the fuck.

See you soon, hopefully! And happy birding!

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Introduction to the State Birds Initiative

Delaware - Poll | Results Pennsylvania - Poll | Results New Jersey - Poll | Results (coming soon) Georgia - incoming!

[sleepdeprivedsimp234]

Do u have any Illy hcs :?

*has a heart attack*

*rises from the dead* y-yes I do have some 😅

Bro is literally just the NY of the Midwest. He’s got the attitude and everything. The only thing that’s different is that he has corn.

He’s a little bit squishy cuz we love that <3

^hes insecure but has to pretend like he’s not.

He’s actually pretty damn strong (the amount of times he’s just randomly picked up a state cuz they were being cocky and "annoying" is astronomical. yes this group of states includes TEXAS-)

He’s the type of Midwesterner to claim that he doesn’t say "Ope" and "oofda" and all those other Midwestern things but then unknowingly catches himself saying them 😭 (is this projecting? Yes. Fight me about it /j)

He’s really good with hair. Idk why but he just is.

He’s also really good at gardening too

In my head, he’s either a red head or he’s a blonde.

Dropped out of school when he was 15 and never went back.

^he sucks at math and science but is good with reading and ELA and all that

Him and NY love graffiti-ing the buildings in their cities <3

Illinois lost a bet with NY and NY got to do one tattoo of his choice on Illi. Safe to say that Illi was pleasantly surprised when it wasn’t something dumb and it was just his state flower, bird, and tree.

[solariscrescentart]

Prairie Shed. Featuring native Illinois species!

[Image ID: Stepping stones lead to a shed sitting in a prairie plot. The shed contains tools like a drip torch can, a pair of red gloves, a green rake, some blue shears, and a potted white oak sapling. On top of the shed is a red, northern cardinal. Around the shed is the grassy growth of violet-tipped, big bluestem grass; white, wild quinine; pinkish purple coneflower (with an American goldfinch sitting on top of one!), blue violets with yellow centers, and a large white oak to the right. /End ID]

Illinois is my home state, and I’ve been interested in learning about the native habitats in my area. Two centuries ago, Illinois—the “Prairie State” was once covered with 22 million acres of prairie. Today, around 2,000 acres of prairie remain, less than 0.01% of its original size. Northern Illinois is also the traditional land of the Council of the Three Fires, inclusive of the Odawa, Ojibwe and Potawatomi Nations, along with other Indigenous tribes.

The aforementioned shed, made of white oak wood, contains the tools for prairie restoration such as a drip torch for controlled burns (necessary for the health of prairies), a rake to clear away undergrowth, and a white oak sapling. The artwork showcases iconic symbols of Illinois including the blue violet (state flower), the northern cardinal (state bird), and the white oak (state tree). You might also see big bluestem, wild quinine, purple coneflowers, and an American goldfinch. These plants would be blooming from late spring to early summer.

I believe that a solarpunk future requires ecological stewardship, or the active participation in maintaining the environment by humans. The idea of the preserved wildlife is stooped in colonial ideas of the Wilderness, which is antithetical to how many Indigenous people engaged with the land around them.

[rebeccathenaturalist]

How to Identify American Holly

Click here to learn more about the How to Identify article series.

Name: American Holly (Ilex opaca)

Range and typical habitat(s): Typically southeastern United States, from eastern Texas to the Atlantic coast, southern Missouri, and central Florida to scattered portions of New England. iNaturalist observations also place it in portions of Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, and Oklahoma, showing some expansion compared to the 2014 BONAP map, so its range may be expanding in response to climate change. In most of its range it is an understory tree growing in the shade of larger species. However, in Florida’s scrub habitat it grows as a shrub.

Photo by Derek Ramsay, GNU FDL 1.2

Distinguishing physical characteristics (size, colors, overall shapes, detail shapes): At first glance American holly looks quite similar to the European holly (Ilex aquifolium) so commonly used got holiday decorations (more about the differences between the two below.) It has medium to dark green oval-shaped leaves, sometimes with a yellowish tint, whose margins (edges) have concave curves between sharp points that are regularly spaced; large leaves may reach three inches long.

Photo by Famartin, CCA-SA-4.0-INTL

The American holly’s leaves have a leathery, stiff texture, and may appear waxy, and the underside is paler, often yellow in color. Each leaf has a central vein (midrib) that is depressed, appearing almost like a deep crease. Thinner veins branch off of both sides of the midrib. Some leaves may display smooth margins instead of the more typically spiky ones, especially when they are high enough to be out of the reach of browsing herbivores like deer.

The foliage stays green throughout the year rather than being shed in fall; a given leaf may stay on the tree for up to three years before being displaced by a new replacement leaf. The leaves grow in an alternate pattern along a twig, with each leaf growing a little further along the twig than the last. The tree’s branches and trunk are covered in pale gray bark that is relatively smooth, but may have horizontal and vertical striations, along with various nodes and bumps, and might also play host to white patches of microlichen colonies. Other lichens, as well as mosses, also may add color to the American holly’s bark.

Photo by Krzysztof Ziarnek, CCA-SA-4.0-INTL

An exceptional specimen of American holly can reach almost 100 feet tall when mature, though it grows slowly. Such large trees are generally a century or more old, and the oldest on record was just a few years shy of 150.

The flowers of American holly are small (1/2″ or less across) with green centers and four (sometimes six) white petals that are broad with a rounded end, and whose tips curve back toward the plant. They grow in clusters of several flowers sprouting from one spot. American holly is dioecious, meaning that there are female and male plants; the males tend to reach sexual maturity a few years earlier than the females, but they all are generally reproducing by the age of ten.

When fertilized by insects the female flowers then turn into the well-known red berries. Technically these are drupes rather than true berries, with four seeds apiece, and while they start out green they ripen to a bright red. The berries are popular with birds like cedar waxwings (Bombycilla cedrorum), but are toxic to humans and our pets.

Photo by Douglas Goldman, CCA-SA-4.0

Other organisms it could be confused with and how to tell the difference: Due to their similarity, American holly and European holly may easily be confused at first glance, and both prefer the understory of a forest. However, the European species does not grow as large. The leaves of European holly are darker and have a glossier appearance; the edges may also be more warped where those of American holly lie comparatively flat. Moreover, European holly grows more commonly along the west coast of North America, and is more sparse throughout American holly’s native range, especially outside of cultivated spaces.

European holly (Ilex aquifolium)

Yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria) is another species native to the southeastern North America, particularly the Gulf Coast states and the southern third of the Atlantic coast. It is a much smaller shrub that rarely exceeds thirty feet tall, and its leaves are round with serrated or scalloped edges rather than the pointed margins of American holly. The petals of the flowers may not curve as much as on American holly.

Yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria)

Dahoon holly (Ilex cassine) also grows in the extreme southeastern United States, from Louisiana to the southern tip of North Carolina, and primarily along the coastline except in Florida where it can be found across much of the peninsula. Its leaves are longer and more slender than those of American holly, and the margins are almost entirely smooth except for a series of very small spikes.

Dahoon holly (Ilex cassine). Photo by Douglas Goldman, CCA-SA-4.0

Possumhaw (Ilex decidua) has long, slender leaves with a gently pointed tip and serrated edges. This deciduous plant drops its leaves in fall, unlike the evergreen American holly.

Possumhaw (Ilex decidua)

There are other plants that have similar leaves to American holly but that grow out of its range, such as the various species of Oregon grape (Mahonia spp.) in the Pacific Northwest, and holm oak (Quercus ilex), for which the genus Ilex was originally named.

Further reading:

USDA: American Holly

North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox: Ilex opaca

Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder: Ilex opaca

Native Plant Trust: Ilex opaca – American holly

University of Connecticut Plant Database: Ilex opaca

Did you enjoy this post? Consider taking one of my online foraging and natural history classes or hiring me for a guided nature tour, checking out my other articles, or picking up a paperback or ebook I’ve written! You can even buy me a coffee here!

[wingedarrows]

Trick or treat!

Ty. I look at you. I smoosh your cheeks. You come to me on this halloween asking to be handed a bird? You know what bird(s) I'm gonna hand you.

The Northern Cardinal, Cardinalis cardinalis (from family Cardinalidae no less)

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Cardinals don't actually migrate, so wherever they live they live year-round. It makes them particularly prominent in winter in temperate regions where they stand out against the snow, especially since they don't molt into a duller plumage in the nonbreeding season. The fact that they stay year-round combined with just how prominent they are visually probably contributes to why they're the state bird of seven states (Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia).

Cardinals are very territorial and they absolutely do NOT pass the mirror test, which means they're often seen attacking their reflections in mirrors and windows, sometimes for hours at a time. Usually that's only for a few weeks a year, though, in spring to early summer.

There's a lot of symbolism that cardinals hold, but among them are hope, joy, love, new beginnings, strength, protection and a sign for those who have lost loved ones that they are doing well and okay. Some people believe that a visit from a cardinal is a visit from a loved one that has passed.

The Blue Jay, Cyanocitta cristata

(Source)

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There is no blue pigment in the feathers of a blue jay. Their color is actually caused by the scattering of light amidst their feathers, and if you hold a feather up to the light it will appear brown.

While blue jays are most known for their screeching calls, they can also mimic other birds. They usually do this with hawks, and especially red-shouldered hawks, so hey, if you hear the piercing cry of a hawk it might actually be that of a blue jay!

Blue jay migration is a MESS. Like. It's all over the place and no one has any clue as to why. Like, here, let me put this screenshot here from the blue jay's entry on allaboutbirds:

Like cardinals, blue jays symbolize a lot of things. Among them are good luck, selflessness, protection, honesty, and healing.

[kimberly40]

In the United States 🇺🇸 around twenty five states are of Native American origin.

Alabama- named for the Alabama or Alibamu Muskogean tribe means “clearer’s of the thickets.

Alaska- named for the Aleut word Alaxsxqua means mainland.

Arizona- named for an O’odham word Alisonak meaning “small spring”.

Arkansas- origin uncertain Alkansia south west people Alkansas.

Connecticut-named after a Mohican word Quonehtacut , means place of long tribal river.”

Dakota North/South a Dakota word meaning Friends or Allies.

Hawaii- is an original Hawaiian word meaning “homeland”.

Illinois-named after the Illinois word Illniwek meaning men.

Iowa-named for the Ioway Tribe whose name means “gray snow”.

Kansas- named for the Kansa Tribe whose name means “South Wind People “.

Idaho-not known origin but thought to be a “Gem of the Mountains “.

Indiana-presumably named for the people living along the river or natives living near western Pennsylvania.

Kentucky- origins unclear it may have been Iroquoian name Kentake” meaning the meadow land of tomorrow.

Massachusetts- named for the Algonquin word Massadchu-es et means “ great hill-small place”.

Michigan- from Chippewa word Michigama “ meaning large lake “.

Minnesota- named for the Dakota Indian word Minisota meaning “white water or mist with smoke “.

Mississippi-named for the river by the Choctaw Tribe meaning “Great Waters or Father of Waters”.

Missouri-named for the Missouri Tribe means “Dugout Canoes”.

Oklahoma- Choctaw Nation means “Land of the Red Men”.

Tennessee- Cherokee origin from the tribe living on the Tanassee or Tennese River means “Bend in the River”.

Utah- named for the Ute Tribe that lived there

Wisconsin- named for its principal river means “Wild Rushing Channel” also refers to holes in its banks for nesting birds.

Wyoming- from the Delaware or Leni-Lanape word mouth-wari-wama means “Mountains and Valleys alternated”.

[swede1952]

I'm hiding.

This very red northern cardinal is in a crepe myrtle tree near my back fence. Fortunately, it's up high so the fence isn't in the picture.

"The cardinal is a popular motif on many bird-themed decorations, holiday cards, and ornaments. It even features as a main character in a popular video game-turned-movie. The species' eye-catching plumage and wide distribution also helped land the Northern Cardinal the title of “most popular state bird,” since the following seven states declare it the official bird (the most for any species): Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia. It's also a popular sports mascot, from Missouri (the St. Louis professional baseball team) to Arizona (professional football team), and at countless colleges and high schools." - abcbirds.org

[conjuremanj]

Father Black Hawk in Voodoo.

Who Was He: Indian name is Ma-ka-tai-me-she-kia-kiak, or Black Sparrow Hawk, and he was born in 1767 at Saukenuk, located along the Rock River. Black Hawk was born into the Thunder clan. He chose to have only one wife, As-she-we-qua, or Singing Bird, they had five children—two girls and three boys.

Black Hawk was a leader and warrior of the Sauk American Indian Nation. Then he was an appointed war chief. During the War of 1812, Black Hawk fought on the side of the British. Later he led a band of Sauk and Fox warriors against settlers in Illinois and present-day Wisconsin in the 1832. After the war, he was captured and taken to the eastern United States, he died in 1838 in what is now southeastern Iowa.

A Spiritualist Saint: According to some Spiritualists, Black Hawk is a Saint sent by God. It is said that when Black Hawk comes to help, God is right behind him. Anyone who is recognized as doing the work of the Creator is considered a saint, whether or not they have been officially canonized by the Catholic Church.

Mother Leafy Anderson (circa 1887–1927), medium and miracle healer, from the black spiritual churches is considered by some as one of the founders of the Spiritual Churches here in New Orleans. Black Hawk was a spirit that she used and probably was apart of her spiritual court. He first appeared to her in a vision in Chicago, where she lived before moving to New Orleans. She described him as “The Saint For The South,” while White Hawk, served the north.

After being brought to the spiritual churches in the south like where I'm at New Orleans we honor the Native American spirit of Black Hawk. Black Hawk is also considered a Voodoo saint, He is liked by many hoodoo practitioners as well. Because of exploitation by fake marketeers, the image of this Indian spirit guide has had a big influence in my opinion fake commercial hoodoo products.

The Indian is a significant part in the art and organization of the Mardi Gras Indians, as well.

Father Black Hawk, is what he was called because no one could pronounce his given name, so it was change to Father Black Hawk by fake Root Workers. (In my opinion if you don't know who Black Hawk is and understand why he is important in southern history then don't contact him)

Is He Apart Of Hoodoo Or Voodoo: No. Black Hawk is a spirit similar to St. Expedite meaning he is a conjured spirit and like Saint expedite he's called upon us to do certain things. But he is respected in the south and apart of our history.

What Is He Invoked For:

He is invoked for help with money and protection, justice, release from prison, to win court cases, and to overcome trag­edy. He is the consummate warrior, and wants to fight your battles for you. They say he will come to those who have enough patience to sit still.

Setting Up His Altar: You need a statue or picture of him with his candle incense. But Do Not get a statue and place it in a bucket or a ceremonial bowl of sand or dirt a statue of an Indian warrior, along with a hatchet, tomahawk, and a spear. (Example above☝️) this is not hoodoo this is fake new age practice.

Give him his own space don't cram him in with others stuff on your altar.

Incense: It is usually a good idea to burn sage, cedar, or sweet grass or even Indian spirit incenses while petitioning Black Hawk.

Color: Red or White

Dislikes: Some people insist on giving him whiskey to “fire him up,” But this is a stereotype of a Indian man drunken on fire water. Disrespect.

Don't put lightning-struck wood on his altar is good (remember, he is of the Thunder clan)

Petitioning Him: put on some traditional Native American music or play a drum, rattle or flute. (I prefer a rattle while listening to native music)(see my post in rattles)

Offering: Offer him tobacco and food like beans, rice. Then recite one of the prayers to Black Hawk, afterwards talk to him and tell him what you need.

Days Of The Week: Wednesday, Sunday

Prayer:. Isaiah 62:6-9 KJV. Is good.

Prayer to Black Hawk: Oh Great Spirit, hear my voice, I believe in your power and your ability to defend me. In the name of all that is good, I ask for your help with this battle, my battle, with those who intend to harm me. Oh Powerful Spirit, you are the Great Chief, Help me with your Warrior medicine and guide me to safety with your Divine protection, shield me from the attacks of my enemies, with your bow and arrow, protect me from the evil thoughts and actions hurled towards me. With your hatchet, cut the chains and ropes that bind me. With your feathers, brush away the negative energy surrounding me. With your eyes, see that no jealousy and envy penetrates me. With your peace pipe, create harmony where there is discord. See that no evil befalls me. Fight the battle to destroy those who will harm me. Take revenge on my behalf and destroy the insurrection of the wicked. This prayer I ask not just for myself but for all of my relations past and present, and for those yet to come, Amen.

[lindsaywesker]

Good morning! I hope you slept well and feel rested? Currently sitting at my desk, in my study, attired only in my blue towelling robe, enjoying my first cuppa of the day.

Welcome to Too Much Information Tuesday.

On Mars, sunsets are blue.

Nothing holds you back more than your own insecurities.

The letters ‘ough’ can be pronounced ten different ways.

The national bird of Peru is the Andean Cock Of The Rock.

93% of students do their research online rather than in a library.

The County of Los Angeles has a bigger population than 40 US States.

Studies have found that being a ‘bad boy’ is no longer perceived as ‘cool.’

Spiny lava lizards are less choosy about who they have sex with when it’s hot.

If you don't dream, you most likely have some sort of personality disorder.

If caught in a burning building, get low. The breathable air will be near the floor.

Women speak an average of about 7,000 words a day. Men average just over 2,000.

Lava lamps were invented by an accountant whose hobby was making underwater nudist films.

Shy people usually end up being some of the coolest people you know … once you start talking to them!

We tend to prefer the original version of a song because we heard it first, not necessarily because it's better.

In the Polish town of Suoszowa, all 6000 residents live on the same street that stretches some 9km (5.5 miles).

The Bloody Mary has been scientifically proven to be the best alcoholic drink to enjoy on an aeroplane.

If 99% of the human population thought you were ugly, about 80,000,000 people would still find you attractive.

Lypophrenia: A vague feeling of sadness seemingly without cause. This often occurs when a person misses someone.

The U.S. Army uses 1.5 billion rounds of ammunition a year. ‘Call Of Duty’ players use 1.5 billion rounds every 17 hours.

The Talmud suggests testing blockages in a penis by heating the afflicted’s anus with some warm barley bread. (Eh?)

Male bed bugs don't bother with vaginas when mating. They simply stab the female in the abdomen with their penis and ejaculate in her body.

A video game developer snuck a proposal into a game, but his girlfriend refused to play it for years, delaying their eventual marriage.

Town planners in Porters Lake, Nova Scotia seem to have run out of ideas. There are streets named This Street, That Street and The Other Street.

About one third of Australian polling stations have barbecues outside them. It is so common to buy a sausage when you go to vote that they are called Democracy Sausages.

Corn kernels are coated with cellulose that's tough enough to withstand the rigors of the human digestive system, which is why they come out almost the same way they went in!

Child marriage is currently legal in 43 U.S. states. The only states with a minimum age of 18 - with no exceptions - are Delaware, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island

In 2004, a £140,000 diamond was placed in the front of a Jaguar F1 car for the Monaco Grand Prix as a promotional stunt for Ocean’s Twelve. The driver crashed on the first lap and the diamond has never been recovered.

The ‘fountain of tits’ in Treviso, Italy, is a 16th-century marble fountain of a topless woman squeezing her breasts. The statue sprinkles water from each nipple. During celebrations, the fountain spouts red and white wine, which is free to drink.

On August 8th, 2004, over the Kinzie Street Bridge in Chicago, Illinois, a tour bus belonging to The Dave Matthews Band dumped an estimated 800 pounds of human waste from the bus’s septic tank on to a passenger sightseeing boat on the Chicago River below.

Target found themselves in an awkward situation and had to issue an apology due to a labelling error that offended some 'plus-sized' customers. While selling a dress in various sizes, the small size was listed as 'Gray,' while the larger size was labelled as 'Manatee Gray'.

In 1771, Swedish king Adolf Frederick ate large servings of lobster, caviar, sausages and sauerkraut, washed down with copious amounts of champagne. For dessert, he had 14 (FOURTEEN) servings of semla – a Swedish sweet roll topped with whipped cream – with hot milk. Not long after dinner, he began complaining of stomach aches, which steadily worsened until he died a few hours later.

Thomas Jefferson's draft of the Declaration of Independence contained a passage that condemned slavery as one of the many evils brought upon the colonies by the British crown. The passage was removed from the final version for fear of alienating the southern colonies, which were heavily dependent on enslaved labourers. Ironically, although Thomas Jefferson called slavery an “abominable crime”, he was a lifelong slaveholder.

Okay, that’s enough information for one day. Have a tremendous and tumultuous Tuesday! I love you all.

[frank4457]

Seasonal Activities in Tahlequah, Oklahoma: Summer Fun and Winter Wonders.

Tahlequah, Oklahoma, the capital of the Cherokee Nation, is a city rich in history and natural beauty. Nestled in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains and bordered by the Illinois River, Tahlequah offers a variety of seasonal activities that cater to both adventure seekers and those looking for a more relaxed pace. Here’s a look at what makes Tahlequah a year-round destination for fun and wonder.

Summer Fun in Tahlequah

1. Illinois River Adventures

One of the highlights of summer in Tahlequah, Oklahoma is the Illinois River. Known for its clear waters and gentle flow, the river is perfect for canoeing, kayaking, and tubing. Families and groups of friends can spend a day floating down the river, stopping at sandbars for picnics, and enjoying the scenic beauty of the surrounding landscape. Several local outfitters provide rentals and shuttle services, making it easy to plan a river adventure.

2. Cherokee Heritage Center

Summer is also an excellent time to explore the Cherokee Heritage Center. This cultural and historical attraction offers an immersive experience into the history and traditions of the Cherokee people. Visitors can tour Diligwa, a 1710 Cherokee village, watch traditional Cherokee craftspeople at work, and participate in interactive exhibits. The Heritage Center also hosts summer events and workshops, providing a deeper understanding of Cherokee culture.

3. Lake Tenkiller

For those who love water sports, Lake Tenkiller is a must-visit. Located just a short drive from Tahlequah, this pristine lake is ideal for boating, fishing, and swimming. The lake's 130 miles of shoreline offer numerous camping sites, hiking trails, and picnic areas. Scuba diving enthusiasts will find the clear waters of Lake Tenkiller perfect for exploring underwater attractions, including submerged towns and a variety of fish species.

4. Outdoor Festivals and Events

Tahlequah comes alive in the summer with a variety of festivals and events. The Red Fern Festival, held in April, celebrates the city’s connection to the classic novel "Where the Red Fern Grows" with live music, arts and crafts, and a hound dog field trial. The Fourth of July Parade and fireworks display are also major highlights, drawing crowds from across the region to celebrate Independence Day with a bang.

Winter Wonders in Tahlequah

1. Holiday Lights and Festivities

As winter sets in, Tahlequah transforms into a festive wonderland. The annual Christmas Parade lights up the streets with floats, marching bands, and Santa Claus, bringing holiday cheer to residents and visitors alike. The Tahlequah Chamber of Commerce also organizes the "Deck the Halls" contest, where local businesses and homes compete in a holiday decorating competition, adding a magical glow to the entire town.

2. Roxy Theater

Winter is the perfect time to catch a show at the historic Roxy Theater. This beautifully restored venue hosts a variety of performances, including classic films, live music, and community theater productions. The cozy atmosphere of the Roxy provides a warm retreat from the chilly weather outside, making it a favorite spot for winter entertainment.

3. Eagle Watching

Tahlequah’s proximity to the Illinois River and Lake Tenkiller makes it an ideal location for eagle watching during the winter months. From December through February, bald eagles migrate to the area, offering bird watchers a spectacular sight. The best viewing spots include the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge and the Tenkiller State Park, where guided tours and eagle-watching events are often organized.

4. Cherokee National Holiday

While technically held in late summer, the Cherokee National Holiday has elements that extend into the winter season, particularly in the planning and preparation stages. This major event commemorates the signing of the 1839 Cherokee Constitution and includes traditional games, arts and crafts, and storytelling. The sense of community and celebration continues into the winter as the Cherokee Nation reflects on its rich heritage and prepares for the year ahead.

Conclusion

Tahlequah, Oklahoma, offers a diverse array of activities that change with the seasons, making it a captivating destination year-round. Whether you're floating down the Illinois River in the summer sun or watching bald eagles soar over a winter landscape, Tahlequah's blend of natural beauty and cultural richness ensures that there's always something to explore and enjoy. Whether you're a resident or a visitor, the city’s unique charm and seasonal offerings create memories that last a lifetime.

[backonmybullship]

So my first coyote in California we're just weird because I'm from Illinois and we lived like two blocks from a prairie preserve and coyotes are pretty much ubiquitous all over North America, but I never saw one in the 27 years I lived in the Midwest. I heard a pack of them when I walked back to a parking garage across the street from Warner Brothers studios once but it was like 3:00 a.m.

Illinois and Indiana both have state birds that are Cardinals and I never saw a bright red cardinal until I was 28 and was visiting my parents for Christmas after moving to California.

Literally why do they hate me??

[xrskunkrx]

Religious War

Sol vs Spirit:

Low key, just nocking, the eve after we see particles & adam’s letting Lucifer to Lilith in light, darkness follows onto annu that forecast the race to start. Mankind sets aside to go forth, humanity drums in, earth dreidels through to draw the line on accuracy to things to be equated. Perhaps we’re all on drugs.. perhaps some just be trippin’ *funguy*

Equanox, under the Ahnk over the Arch. It’s simply black & white, or was it nori? Red dead rabbit scrolls with chroma hands. World gets native components installed. *JaHa*

SYN is incorporated into the baseless movement that hinders the hand. The sole frequency tethered between pathways are positioned through our way about things. God can be held, yet its capable sense is through the minds of all when gathered. A universe eye through the firminate is plasma scattering a neural network. An idol can save a flock or it can be brought across unsaved livestock by fear, falsely assumed reason now spreads sickness towards the farm. It’s full circle begins a trial like no other. Should have known, it was go time… :x’dot, the line’____.

Custodians with mops & dusters. Buckets, cans & bowls is what made the world. Greatest sun you ever seen was the landscape, it was cool, than the annunoki, humanity coming like two birds fighting over hearts. Rowing & Jogging to a pair, I by I land sea & air.

Only II resigned, world votes spiritually across V, I sits to the east.

Religious belief aims to destroy one side over the other’s humanity. Without any capable means, the human race puts no end in sight for white heads until idol hands anti lives over the cryss equating total anarchy in these days. Vday 2024 1:11AM

Byzantine, puts up a trademark; twin keeps/towers. Constantine writes our bibles. Free Masonry, free carpentry & chemistry was only valid to break down the composition of materials. Paid by the corporate tax bracket, or what can be still found via the Victorian taxation. Along with the university institutions, what would resemble churches, colleges or varsity taxed states; facilities paid by taxes for the community.

Much has been said already, we had indeed seen hi tech utopia in our days. Yet, the world put forth on the hue of man to see our true colors. Red, Green, Blue & Yellow. Hands rowing the boat, Japan & Hawaiian. Put your hands together, pray & sea, lands side by side.

Dreidel turns a new page for Christianity. Putting another end to the blasphemy of the Vatican, whom takes the world in ruin due to the race. Attempts to devour the spirit is persistently toppling across the globe. After decades of attempts, now turns to ancient mankind & their homeland, America. While in recent years, the toll has picked up greatly, ending white & black lives. The support of the race is almost in jeopardy, as lives are lost the human race is undermined. Fact is, only one rages war, only one seeks complete destruction of the world, only one lies & deceives their own; it’s in the holy sea, now the so called regime aka military, U.S. Gov. the murder & genocide happening inside America, that hits our neighbors & across the shore. The children held hostage within Illinois need help.

#r1V3r #13Rx

[zponds]

What-If: American Railroads — Section 3: Named Passenger Trains and Streamliners

With the 20 American railroads still around and Amtrak not being a thing in my alternative history on American railroads, that means that the 20 railroads will still own and operate passenger services and streamliners, and some will operate some passenger trains and passenger train route legs from the smaller railroads absorbed by the bigger ones. And the names of the passenger trains and streamliners are below.

A. New York Central

20th Century Limited

Empire State Express

Pacemaker Express

The Mercury

Berkshire Hills Express

Southwestern Limited (NYCS train)

Twilight Limited

The Colonial

Bar Harbor Express

Cape Codder

Comet

East Wind

Dan’l Webster

Flying Yankee

Ohio State Limited

B. Pennsylvania Railroad

Broadway Limited

Liberty Limited

Trail Blazer Express

Federal Express

Congressional Limited

Maple Leaf

Black Diamond

Asa Packer

Crusader

The Admiral

Cincinnati Limited

The Keystone

Birmingham Special (PRR side)

Southland (PRR side)

Spirit of St. Louis

C. Chesapeake and Ohio

George Washington

Fast Flying Virginian

Sportsman

Pere Marquette

The Chessie

Atlantic Express

Pacific Express

Erie Limited

Lake Cities

Phoebe Snow

D. Baltimore and Ohio

Cincinnatian

Capitol Limited

National Limited

Blue Bird

Wabash Cannon Ball

City of St. Louis

Columbian

Royal Blue

E. Union Pacific

Challenger (UP side)

City of Denver

City of Portland

City of San Francisco

City of Los Angeles

Overland Limited (UP side)

Exposition Flyer (UP side)

Forty-Niner Express

Butte Special

City of Las Vegas

Los Angeles Limited

F. Chicago and Northwestern

The 400’s — Twin Cities 400, Dakota 400. Flambeau 400, Kate Shelley 400, Minnesota 400, Peninsula 400, Rochester 400, Shoreland 400 and Capital 400

City of San Francisco

City of Los Angeles

Overland Limited (CNW side)

G. Milwaukee Road

The Hiawathas — Twin Cities Hiawatha, Midwest Hiawatha, North Woods Hiawatha, Chippewa Hiawatha and Olympian Hiawatha

City of Denver

City of Portland

Pioneer limited

Challenger (MILW side)

Varity

H. Burlington Route

The Zephyrs — Twin Cities Zephyr, Pioneer Zephyr, Texas Zephyr, Nebraska Zephyr, Mark Twain Zephyr, Denver Zephyr, Kansas City Zephyr, Silver Streak Zephyr, American Royal Zephyr and General Pershing Zephyr

Zephyr Rocket (CB&Q side)

Sam Houston Zephyr (CB&Q side)

Black Hawk

California Zephyr (CB&Q side)

New Orleans Zephyr

I. Missouri Pacific

Colorado Eagle

Texas Eagle

Valley Eagle

Sunshine Special

Firefly

Meteor

J. Northern Pacific

North Coast Limited

Mainstreeter

Coast Pool Train

Great Western Limited

Omaha Express

Mills Cities Limited

K. Great Northern

Empire Builder

Cascadian

Oriental Limited

Red River Limited

Western Star

Winnipeg Limited

L. Norfolk and Western

Pocahontas

Powhatan Arrow

Tennessean (N&W side)

The Cavalier

Birmingham Special (N&W side)

M. Southern Pacific

Coast Daylight

City of San Francisco

Sacramento Daylight

Shasta Daylight

Sunbeam

Golden State (SP side)

Challenger (SP side)

Argonaut

Sunset Limited (SP side)

Overland Limited (SP side)

N. Santa Fe

Chief

Super Chief

San Francisco Chief

El Capitan

San Diegan

Texas Chief

West Texas Express

Chicagoan

Kansas Cityan

Grand Canyon Limited

O. Illinois Central

City of Miami (IC side)

Panama Limited

Green Diamond

Land O’Corn

Seminole Limited (IC side)

Southwestern Limited (IC train)

Lone Star

Morning Star

P. Gulf Mobile and Ohio

Gulf Coast Rebel

Gulf Coast Special

Alton Limited

Rebel

Midnight Special

Q. Rock Island

The Rockets — Choctaw Rocket, Des Moines Rocket, Quad Cities Rocket, Rock Island Rocket, Twin Star Rocket, Golden Rocket and Rocky Mountain Rocket

Sam Houston Zephyr (CRIP side)

Zephyr Rocket (CRIP side)

Golden State (CRIP side)

R. Southern Railway (USA)

Tennessean (SOU side)

Southener

City of Memphis

Birmingham Special (SOU side)

Carolina Special

Royal Palm

Piedmont Limited

Ponce de Leon

S. Seaboard Air Line

Silver Comet

Silver Meteor

Gulf Wind

Orange Blossom Special

Man O’War

Nancy Hanks (II)

City of Miami (SAL side)

Sunset Limited (SAL side)

T. Atlantic Coast Line

Champion

Florida Special

Palmetto (ACL side)

Dixie Flagler

South Wind (ACL side)

Southland (ACL side)

[xtruss]

Why Does Pantone Have a Color of the Year? It Started with ... Birds

This is the Year of Peach Fuzz, According to Pantone. The Company's Annual Color Craze Originates in Part From the Work of a 19th-Century Ornithologist Who Described the Dizzying Array of Bird Colors.

— By Carrie Arnold | December 7, 2023

American flamingos get their famous pink color from eating tiny crustaceans and algae. Photograph By Jasper Doest

Pantone has announced its color of the year, peach fuzz, which highlights the hue’s coziness and comfort. The shade “brings belonging, inspires recalibration, and an opportunity for nurturing,” Pantone’s executive director Leatrice Eiseman said along with the announcement.

As it does every year, the color not only represents design trends but also the current culture. While Pantone’s trend-setting world of digital design seems as distant as it could be from dusty museum shelves of century-old bird specimens, the two topics are closer than you might think.

That’s because the company’s giant color compendiums originate at least in part from ornithology and natural history.

Robert Ridgway, an ornithologist and artist at the Smithsonian's United States National Museum from 1886 to 1929, was tasked with describing the country’s diverse bird life. To do that, he needed first to accurately describe birds’ color, from the vibrant reddish orange of an American robin’s breast to the wine reds of the purple finch. That’s harder than it might sound, as a color can appear different from moment to moment based on ambient light and other nearby shades.

The bold hues of many bird feathers, such as the Peacock's, inspired ornithologist Robert Ridgway to create detailed color dictionaries for the first time. Photograph By Stefano Unterthiner

To solve this problem, Ridgway published two dictionaries of over a thousand different colors, from mustard gold to peacock blue, featuring page after page of hand-painted color swatches. These humble beginnings—Ridgway self-published the latter volume at his own expense—ultimately gave rise to the Pantone Color Institute in the 1960s.

“There wasn't this common vocabulary about color until Ridgway created it,” says Brian Ellis, president of the Illinois Audubon Society and portrayer of Ridgway in living history skits. “He had a very specific need, but what he created quickly found a very broad use.”

True Colors

For both amateur birders and ornithologists alike, color plays a major role in species identification, says Kevin McGowan, senior course developer and instructor at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in Ithaca, New York.

But simply describing a bird as “blue” isn’t enough. Blue jays, eastern bluebirds, and indigo buntings are all blue birds, but the rich azure of an indigo bunting is nothing like the softer, sky blue of a jay.

“It is extremely difficult to describe the subtle color differences,” he says. Due to innate biological variations, “we may, in fact, be seeing something different.”

Left: An Immature Indigo Bunting perches on a branch in Las Cruces, Costa Rica 🇨🇷. The birds are known for their rich, deep blue hues. Photograph By Cagan H. Sekercioglu

Right: Ridgway's 1912 book, Color Standards and Color Nomenclature, published in was an immediate hit, selling out several printing runs. Swatch By Robert Ridgway

Ridgway devoted much of his time to describing the diversity of North American birds, ultimately naming and describing over a thousand species, according to Ellis.

Ridgway sketched and painted many of these birds with his wife, Julia Ridgway, with a skill that rivaled John James Audubon.

While color dictionaries had existed for centuries before Ridgway’s life, they were far from comprehensive, nor were they designed for naturalists.

The late 1800s also saw the advent of chemical dyes. Derived from coal tar, these chemical dyes did not have the batch-to-batch variability of botanical dyes upon which the world had historically relied, opening up a whole new world of color to Ridgway and others, Ellis says.

An Indispensable Resource

In Ridgway’s 1886 book, A Nomenclature of Colors for Naturalists, he and Julia painted entire pages with an individual color, cutting them up into small swatches to be glued into each book. This ensured that, say, the olive green in each volume was identical. Their brush strokes can be seen in the book’s 186 color plates.

“In their handmade books, every copy was exactly to standard,” Ellis says.

Though this was an accomplishment, Ridgway still felt the volume inadequate. So he struck out on his own to publish a larger volume. In this version, the Ridgways organized each page in a spectrum of shades, with pure white at the top left and black at the bottom right. Arrayed in between was a range of hue and tone, enabling painters and naturalists alike to precisely match colors.

The resulting Color Standards and Color Nomenclature, published in 1912, was an immediate hit, selling out several printing runs. As he hoped, naturalists found the guide indispensable, as did designers, stamp collectors, and food colorists.

The Ridgways’ color guides are still fundamental to our understanding of the diversity of life, says Sarah Luttrell, a research assistant in the Feather Identification Lab at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History.

“Humans are really visual creatures. Color is the thing that strikes us first,” she says.

The Scarlet Macaw of South America has Brilliant Hues of Red, Blue, and Yellow. Photograph By David Liittschwager

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Ridgway published two dictionaries of over a thousand different colors, from mustard gold to peacock blue, featuring page after page of hand-painted color swatches. Swatch By Robert Ridgway

The Rainbow Lorikeet, Native to Australia 🇦🇺, is one of the most Colorful Parrot Species. Photograph By David Liittschwager

For both amateur birders and ornithologists alike, color plays a major role in species identification. Swatch By Robert Ridgway

Ridgway For the modern Age

In the late 1950s, printers and advertisers were facing a similar color quandary as Ridgway had, only on a larger scale. Manufacturers needed to ensure that the colors they used were both distinct from competitors and consistent across time and space.

Recognizing an unmet need, Lawrence Herbert bought out the printing company where he worked in 1962 and created Pantone. The company’s Pantone Matching System was essentially an industrial-scaled version of color systems like those Ridgway’s 1912 volume and similar works by color aficionados like Albert Munsell. The color dictionaries have also gone digital to reproduce colors on computer screens.

The selection of peach fuzz as 2024’s Color of the Year may not have resounding implications for Luttrell in the Feather Identification Lab, it remains a key part of her work in identifying species.

“There's lots of things still to learn about color and how it matters for the animal. The better we can measure it, the more we can learn,” Luttrell says.

A Female Saker Falcon Guards her Chicks, called Eyases, in their nest overlooking the Mongolian Plain 🇲🇳. Photograph By Brent Stirton

Before Ridgway's Color Paintings (Pictured, Warm Earth and Gray Tones), there were few color reference guides available to scientists and the public. Swatch By Robert Ridgway

[resmit1]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: Illinois state shirt and Lounge pants.