#birds of the lake erie area

[keyonsketches]

"American crow flying" 2024 watercolor by Keyon aka Kirsten Dennis, part of "birds of the lake Erie area" series; on 10"x7" the langton prestige rough grade paper

Colors used on crow: ultra marine and neutral tint

[rwking01stuff-blog]

Warbling Vireo (Vireo gilvus)

Spring Bird Migration As the week at the Marshes on the Southern Shore of Lake Erie in Ohio progresses, this very distinctive bird call was teasing me. The call was from a Warbling Vireo, I could get a sense of direction, but could not find it. The trees are in full leaf and I think the birds use this to hide from the mass of birders walking around Maggie Marsh Wildlife Area. This being the…

[anarchywoofwoof]

sigh. i'm going to regret looking into this, aren't i?

TOLEDO, Ohio (AP) — Five companies have agreed to pay the federal government more than $7.2 million overall to resolve claims stemming from longstanding pollution in two adjacent creeks in the Maumee River watershed in northwestern Ohio. The settlement with Ohio Refining Co., Chevron USA, Energy Transfer LLC, Pilkington North America and Chemtrade Logistics was announced Monday by the U.S. Department of Justice. Officials said a federal judge must approve the deal before it takes effect. According to a complaint, the companies are liable for historic industrial discharges of oil or hazardous substances at the Duck & Otter Creeks site near Toledo. The site is just east of the Maumee River and encompasses the creeks, adjoining wetlands, floodplain areas and uplands. The two creeks flow into Maumee Bay in Lake Erie and provide key habitats for migratory birds and fish, and also support hunting and fishing activities for local residents, according to federal wildlife officials.

so before i do anything else, let me establish: when the AP says "near Toledo" they mean basically right in the middle of Toledo, Ohio (pop. 268,000~)

anyway, the AP article doesn't really elaborate on this, but we're talking pollution involving oil and discharge of cancer-causing polycyclic hydrocarbons (PAHs), arsenic and lead. cancer rates in this part of Ohio are relatively high, especially in neighboring Ottawa County. as a whole, cancer rates in Ohio have been on a steady incline over the last 2 decades.

back to the price being paid by these five companies highlighted above in red. that's really what i wanted to focus on here, because as we know, fines aren't actual enforcement of the law or justice. it is a cost of doing business for most companies.

so what is the true cost and how much are these energy companies gonna feel the impact to their bottom line?

Ohio Refining Co took some digging to find. according to this EPA documentation, it turns out that the parent company for Ohio Refining Co is - surprise! - BP-Husky Refining LLC. yes, that BP! in case you needed the reminder, they made $80.431 billion over the last 12 months.

we all know about Chevron. i mean fuck, they have an entire "Criticism of Chevron" wikipedia page dedicated to their bullshit. so i'll just throw out the numbers for this soul sucking corporation: $36.5 billion in profit for 2022.

next up we have Energy Transfer LLC. wait a second.... where do i know that name? oh yeah.

and they take home about $78.555 billion in revenue annually.

as it turns out, Pilkington North America is actually a subsidiary of a Japanese company - Nippon Sheet Glass. if my math is right, their annual revenue is around $5 billion USD.

lastly we have Chemtrade Logistics - a relative small fry - who boasts an annual revenue of $1.88 billion.

in case you weren't keeping up at home, these five companies have a combined annual revenue of $202 billion. their fine is $7.2 million.

with an annual revenue of $202 billion, that would mean that these five companies are making an average of $553 million every single day. this isn't even a drop in the bucket. this is barely 1% of one day's earnings for these companies. and at what cost to human health and safety?

[alex51324]

Eclipse Trip Report, Part 2

Sunday was an even more perfectly gorgeous day! We spent it exploring our home park. Here's the lake and swimming beach area:

Like most of the Pennsylvania state parks, the lake was formed by adding a little dam:

In addition to being eclipse weekend, it was also the opening weekend of trout season, so the park was pretty busy:

All the exploring made Sophie sleepy:

The campground was completely full Sunday night, and mostly full Saturday and Monday nights. Most of the people were in campers, but there were a few hardy souls braving it in tents. (The daytime weather was pleasant, but it got very cold at night!) We had people from all the neighboring states, and I also saw cars from Kentucky and Michigan.

Back at the campsite, I used my new cast-iron pot to make stew over the fire:

It's the kind with little legs so you can sit it right in the coals, but my fire ring had a big rock right in the middle, so I had to sit it on the rock and piled the fuel up around it.

The stew came out pretty well, though:

I made some of the flour-and-yogurt bread, too--I was going to try to do that over the fire, but with the rock situation, I ended up doing it over my bottle-gas camping stove instead, and then just put it over the fire to keep warm.

My dad showed up just in time for dinner, and then pretty much fell asleep right after. We hung extra blankets from the top bunks to provide some semblance of privacy, which is what my sister and I used to do growing up:

Eclipse day, we drove out to the park on Chautaqua. The weather was like this:

And pretty much stayed that way until about 15 minutes after totality. We got to the park pretty early--about 11, for totality at 3:17. I'd allowed plenty of time for traffic, which turned out to be completely unnecessary; there was less traffic than when I did my scouting trip on Saturday. There were maybe 3 or 4 cars already parked at the marina when we got there, so we went and got breakfast and then came back.

By the time the partiality started, the row of prime parking spaces right on the water had filled up:

(The orange cooler and chairs are our spot.) The sun occasionally peeked out, during partiality, which you could tell because of how everybody shouted and scrambled for their eclipse glasses. This band of clear sky toward the southeast steadily widened as we got closer to totality:

Which prompted lots of hopeful remarks on the theme of how the clear bit just might make it to where the sun was, in time. (Spoiler: it did not.)

During totality, I got one fraction of a second glimpse of about half of the sun's corona; other than that, the main thing to see was the 360 sunset effect, where the light from outside the path of totality was reflecting off the clouds. It was fairly neat:

We also heard some nighttime calls from birds on the lake. It was not as spectacular as a clear-sky eclipse would have been, but it was interesting and somewhat eerie.

As totality ended, you could see it getting lighter by the second, and the band at the street party on the opposite side of the lake started playing "Here Comes the Sun."

They could, perhaps, have tried playing it a little earlier, because about 15 minutes later, the sky started to clear, and we had an excellent view of the second half of partiality.

And there was still no traffic, and my dad had never seen Lake Erie, so we drove up there afterwards--we just did the Barcelona beach, because he was driving back that night. You could tell by the state of the trash cans and port-a-potties that they'd had a bit of a crowd, but by the time we got there--with totality not even entirely over--we had it nearly to ourselves:

And I found this piece of slate that I think might possibly be a fossil imprint of something:

A different angle of it:

I have no idea how you tell, but none of the other pieces of slate on the beach has a texture like that, so there must be something unusual about it. (Just in case anyone is wondering, rock collecting is listed on the beach's website as one of the activities you can do there. It is a licitly-obtained free-range rock.)

And that was about it for the trip! My dad went home that night, and Sophie and I followed the next morning. We did encounter some traffic on the way home, but it wasn't anything too drastic--about like how it gets in that area on Penn State football weekends.

Here are a few more cottage photos. This is the upper bunks and ceiling:

The view from my bunk:

The standing fan was provided; I've never had one of those in park lodgings before. The trash can is also fairly unusual.

Here's the bunks without all my stuff in the way:

The little ledge with the lamp is a nice touch, too--a lot of the time, all you get is a ceiling light.

Sophie says, this was fun, but it's time to go home now!

Exterior view in the sun:

And here's one of the park yurts:

I stayed in one of these once; they're kind of neat. The walls are made of several layers of tarpaulin-type material, on a wooden frame. There's a wooden floor inside, and they have electricity. The top of the roof is a see-through dome, which you can also raise up if you want ventilation.

Anyway, that was our eclipse trip! It was a good time and I'm glad I went, even though I didn't have the totality experience that I hoped for. (Now I'm trying to convince my dad we should try again in Iceland in 2026. His turn to pay, since I got this one!)

[bairenalenko]

Not sure why I never posted these but I was in Niagara Falls with a friend for the eclipse back in early April.

The falls were WAY more spectacular than I thought they'd be! Like the American Falls (on the left in the second pic) was by far the biggest waterfall I've ever seen in person...until you look a few feet to the right and see the Horseshoe Falls that utterly dwarfs it to insignificance 🤯

Key note though if you ever visit: Stay on the Canadian side. It's way cheaper and you can see way more of the falls. You can't even see the American Falls while in the US really.

We also saw the much smaller Eternal Flame Falls on our way south trying to avoid the clouds during the eclipse. It was a nice short but muddy/wet hike. Like barely 30min. The flame is from seeping natural gas from all the shale in the area.

We did eventually come up to some patchy bits of sunshine around when totality was going to happen but in the last 5 min a thin cloud got in the way. You could still see the sun through it and during totality you could see the black void in the sky with a ring of light around it...but I didn't have the heart to tell him that he missed out on seeing the ungulating corona that you could see if the cloud wasn't there.

The horizon on lake Erie did go full sunset and back within a few minutes in the middle of the day, it got super dark and cold, the birds stopped chipping and frogs started croaking like mad instead which is always, well, eerie. I really love that apocalyptic feeling that an eclipse in full totality gives you 🌚🎇🥰 It's a mix of dread, panic, and excitement of seeing the natural world go bizarre for a few minutes. Nothing like it. When the light reverted so did the animals. I imagine it must be really confusing to them.

I will say that the Baily's beads effect was less painful and more spectacular to see with the cloud there. Like the brightest diamond or the biggest flashlight you've ever seen...so there's that.

Of course the day before and the day after the eclipse there wasn't a cloud in the sky 🌞

The next one to pass into the contiguous US won't be for another 20 years (Aug. 23, 2044) and will only hit two states, MT and ND but I'll definitely be there if not into Canada to get my 3rd one in!

[eerieonlakeerie]

The Ghost of Captain James Byrd

Photo provided by: Buffalo News

"Local legend, folklorists and supernatural guides have it that the old hotel on Hamburg’s shore – known for decades as Dock at the Bay and more recently as Dos Amigos – is haunted by the ghost of Captain James Byrd."

"The sad tale goes that Byrd was a member of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry’s crew aboard the USS Lawrence, anchored off Hamburg’s shore during the War of 1812, and that Byrd regularly left the ship without leave for trysts with his girlfriend at the Willink Hotel, which is what the Dock at the Bay was called at that time.

When Perry learned of this desertion, according to the local legend, he ordered Byrd shot. And Byrd’s spirit now haunts the old hotel, the spirit guides say.

Like the telling of many old stories, there is some truth to this tale. But several of the facts became twisted with age and retelling. Nonetheless, the real story – though murky in some ways – is more tragic than the folklore.

Photo provided by: Buffalo News

In fact, the true story generated much sympathy – even anger – among many Americans two centuries ago, and led to a ballad so popular that it was recited for decades by residents of Western New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio.

“In the early nineteenth century, when the new nation was still forging its identity, Bird’s heroism and subsequent death served the competing interests of partisan politics and national mythmaking while also reminding the postrevolutionary generation of the dangers of arbitrary power,” according to Traci Langworthy, writing in The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography.

Newspapers and archives do record an execution on Lake Erie for desertion during the War of 1812. But the man’s name was James Bird. He was a soldier-marine. And he was a corporal.

Bird was arrested and then executed for desertion from Perry’s flagship, the Lawrence. That much is certain. But explanations for his desertion varied – from romantic to patriotic to pragmatic.

And by all accounts, he fought bravely a year earlier during the pivotal Battle of Lake Erie.

Bird was born Dec. 20, 1785, to John and Rebecca Montanye Bird.

He volunteered for the War of 1812 in the Wilkes-Barre area of Pennsylvania, where the family had moved, and was a member of a company of artillerymen that marched to Erie, Pa., according to the "History of Luzerne County." In Erie, Commodore Perry needed volunteers for his nine newly constructed ships that were to take on the British ships wreaking havoc on American settlements on Lake Erie. Bird volunteered as a marine.

During the Battle of Lake Erie in September of 1813 – famous for Perry’s after action report, “We have met the enemy, and they are ours” – Bird was aboard the flagship Lawrence. Though seriously wounded, he continued to fight valiantly.

“Towards the close of the engagement, a canister shot struck him on the shoulder as he was stooping to his gun,” The Wilkes-Barre Gleaner reported Nov. 16, 1813, in an account of Bird’s heroics during the battle. “He was instantly covered with blood, and his officer ordered him below. He ventured to disobey, preferring to do duty while he had life to abandoning his post. But the blood flowed so fast that another order was issued to go below. He ran down, got a hasty bandage on the wound, came again on deck and although his left arm was useless – yet he handed cartridges and performed the utmost service in his power with his right, until the stars and stripes waved gloriously over the foe.”

A year later, Bird had recovered from his wounds and was again a crew member of the Lawrence. It wasn’t long before he got into his fatal trouble.

He left the ship without leave.

One version of his desertion suggests a pragmatic explanation. He believed his enlistment was up.

“During the War of 1812, soldiers and sailors had little knowledge of military law and were tenacious of their rights as citizens,” Chautauqua County Historian Obed Edson explained in a paper delivered Sept. 19, 1913, to the Chautauqua Society of Historical and Natural Science.

Bird and some others thought they had enlisted just for the Battle on Lake Erie, according to Edson, so he and a few shipmates headed for home.

But the Americans were preparing for another battle with the British, an invasion of Canada, and one officer wanted to make an example of deserters. In this account, Bird and two others were arrested in Westfield and returned to the ship in Erie for court martial.

Then there is the patriotic explanation for the desertion.

That comes from the “History of Luzerne County.” Bird had learned of the intended attack on New Orleans and marched off with others to join Gen. Andrew Jackson’s forces, according to this version. He was apprehended in Pittsburgh and brought back for court martial.

“Poor fellow! Shot for an excess of bravery,” the author wrote.

The romantic explanation of Bird’s desertion comes from the folk ballad. The ballad has it that he left the ship to visit his sweetheart, Mary Blain, who was seriously ill, in Forsyth, Pa.

Where all these explanations agree is that Bird was tried and executed quickly after capture.

A court martial was hastily arranged, and Bird and two other deserters were condemned to death. An appeal to stay Bird’s execution until Perry – who was not in Erie at the time – could review the court martial was denied. One naval officer refused to sign his death warrant, but another officer did.

One of the deserters, a man named Davis, was hanged from the mast of the USS Niagara, while Bird and the third deserter, a man named Rankin, were forced to kneel over their coffins and shot on the ship’s deck.

“All three men were buried on the sandy flat at the entrance to the Erie Harbor,” Capt. Daniel Dobbins, who was present, later wrote,

On the day before he died, Bird wrote a farewell letter to his family that was printed in the Wilkes-Barre Gleaner soon after his execution. It reads in part:

“I am the most miserable and desolate child of the family – Dear Parents, let my brothers and sisters read this letter, for it is the last they can ever receive from my hand, for by the law of our country I am doomed and sentenced to death for deserting from the marines at Lake Erie ... . I have but a few moments to make peace with my maker. I leave you only for a short time here in this most troublesome world; but I hope that by the constant prayer we shall meet in the world above.”

Bird gave no explanation for his desertion, and he became a martyr to many. The pathetic story of James Bird was familiar to all living along the frontier, and was commemorated in the ... ballad written in sympathy with popular feeling,” according to the Centennial History of Chautauqua County. “For many years it was the most popular of ballads. It was so often sung and repeated as to be transmitted to the present time in many instances by the memory alone.”

The popularity of the ballad and the tyranny of his death resonated with many on the frontier for decades.

“One element of the ballad’s reception remained constant over time: the willingness of Bird’s admirers to overlook the youth’s potential flaws, lest they jeopardize his merits as a folk hero,” Langworthy wrote in The Pennsylvania Magazine of History. “Over time, the ballad nearly became secondary to the anecdotes surrounding it, and the “truth” of the young marine’s life became as malleable as its meaning.

While some may claim that James Bird’s ghost haunts a hotel in Hamburg, residents in northeastern Pennsylvania claim his remains.

He was reburied in Forty Fort Cemetery, Wilkes-Barre, in 1935 with a monument dedicated by the Luzerne County Chapter of Daughters of 1812.”

[ultraheydudemestuff]

Shaker Lakes Park

South Park Boulevard

Shaker Heights, Ohio 44120

The Shaker Lakes parklands had been designated in the late 19th century as a natural green space, set aside by the city of Cleveland for the benefit of its fast-growing population. Citizens used the park as an escape to the “country” as the industrial city pushed eastward and as the land that had been farmed by the North Union Shaker community began to be transformed into the new suburban communities of the Heights. City and suburban residents found that they could enjoy the area along the Doan Brook, from Warrensville Center Road through Rockefeller Park to Lake Erie, and stay in touch with the natural world.

     That setting was threatened in the mid-1960s by the proposed Clark-Lee freeway, which would have cut through and over the Shaker Lakes section. Citizens organized to fight the freeway through a number of strategies, including the establishment of a Nature Center. Thus the Nature Center stands today. Its goals have remained consistent, yet simple: to teach environmental education and to preserve the area’s important natural habitats ~ lake, stream, marsh, field, ravine, and forest. The park includes lakes created by the Shakers, walking trails, and the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes

     Hikers can explore the 4.1-mile loop trail near Cleveland Heights, Ohio, a neighborhood walking path with some beautiful views of the lake.  Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 hour 19 minutes to complete. This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and mountain biking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

[ohioelectricityrates]

Birders Take Green Energy Project To OH Supreme Court

New Post has been published on https://www.ohenergyratings.com/blog/birders-take-green-energy-project-to-oh-supreme-court/

Birders Take Green Energy Project To OH Supreme Court

Owl’s Fair In Love And War Against Wind Farm

Ohio birders are taking a green energy project to court. Find out what the issues are and how this could affect future electricity rates.

A proposed wind turbine farm in northwest Ohio is ruffling bird watchers. The Emerson Creek Wind Project site lies 40 miles southwest of the Black Swamp Bird Observatory (BSBO). The BSBO hosts the annual Biggest Week In American Birding festival in May. While most birders back renewable electricity, many oppose this wind project. So, let’s look at why birders are taking a green energy project to the Ohio Supreme Court.

Wind Is A Great Asset For Green Energy

It’s no secret that green energy cuts carbon from fossil fuels, like natural gas. And after last year’s extreme price swings, Ohio electricity customers may find green energy burns less cash in their wallets. The proposed 73 wind turbine farm could create up to 950,000 megawatts per year. That output could power around one million homes every year. With electric demand rising, turning towards renewables would ease the state’s energy costs.

Why Is The Location Controversial

Ohio is home to many species of migratory birds. Birdwatching is a very popular hobby in Ohio, bringing in huge numbers of tourists each year. In 2011 alone, birdwatching brought in over $26 million dollars to Ohio towns on the coast of Lake Erie. However, birds don’t stay in one place. Even at 40 miles away, the wind farm could effect one of the state’s prime birdwatching spots. While some studies suggest turbine related bird deaths aren’t very high, the BSBO argues that the wind farm’s location does threaten the area’s birds. The group also dismissed the effectiveness of painting one blade black, adding it goes against FAA guidelines.

What’s Really The Situation With the Birds and The Blades?

According to the Audubon Society, bird-wind turbine collisions kill up to 500,000 birds per year. Although that number seems shocking, pet and building-related fatalities are in the billions. The problem is that adding a new renewable energy resource would help control electricity prices across the state. More importantly, it would reduce carbon emissions, which is good for both humans and birds. But while the site does lie directly in a migratory path, the turbines still present a threat to endangered birds. After all, when each member of a species is important to its survival, loosing just one can spell extinction. To be sure, it’s not an ideal trade off. So, researchers should carefully monitor the wind turbine effects on local bird populations.

Other Problems With The Green Energy Project

Birders aren’t the only people taking issue with the proposed wind turbine project. Local landowners worry about the unstable ground at wind farm’s site. The karst landscape is prone to washouts and sinkholes that could endanger both workers and turbines. However, the Ohio Power Sitting Board argues that construction could reduce these risks to man, turbine, and bird alike.

A Lost Cause or Lost Caws?

There is currently no news about the first court hearing from the Supreme Court. We’ll keep you posted if that changes for both sides of the story. If you’re looking to save on your electricity bill while you save the birds, don’t worry. You can check out the best plans in your area, including green ones, at www.ohenergyratings.com 

[petitelepus]

How would TFP/TFA (you could choose) react to enormous sea monster reader? (Like Cala Maria from Cuphead!) she may seem harmless and beautiful but she could be very scary! :D

THIS GOT WAY TOO LONG AND I ACCIDENTALLY MADE THIS ABOUT WRECK-GAR, BUT I COULDN'T RESIST, I LOVE THAT BOT SO MUCH.

There had been signs of something unnatural going on near lake Erie and this time it wasn't Dinobots' fault. People had been reporting to the police of Detroit that they saw a monster rise from the depths of the lake, but the police had very little power under the water.

That's why Captain Fanzone had requested Autobots' help since they seemed most qualified to inspect the area… But the Bots and Sari hadn't found anything.

"I think we have been sent on a wild goose chase," Sari said as they walked alongside lake Erie.

"It doesn't matter, we must be thorough with our investigation." Optimus said, "We made a promise to Captain Fanzone and we must-!"

"Hey, isn't that Wreck-Gar?" Bulkhead said as he pointed to the distance. Every bot and Sari turned to look and sure enough, the orange Junkbot was digging something out of the container on his back.

Ratchet grumbled and dragged his palm down his face, "What in the name of AllSpark is that Bot doing now?"

"Let's go find out!" Bumblebee said and ran ahead of his team who quickly followed the yellow scout.

When they made it to the orange Bot, they saw that he had taken out, surprise surprise, garbage. Broken mirrors, and… Yew, old food that was no doubt dug from garbage bins all around the city's alleys. Despite not having a nose, the Autobots could tell that the food was bad by the way Sari held her nose.

The Bots shared a look and then everyone turned to stare at Ratchet who had the best relationship with the Junkbot. The old Bot grumbled and cursed under his breath as he made his way to the Junkbot.

"Hey, there kid…" Ratchet coughed, "What the frag are you doing this time?"

"I am Wreck-Gar! I'm on a date!" The orange mech said happily as he put mirrors to one side and food to another. Ratchet grumbled and motioned the rest of the team to approach them. Wreck-Gar was harmless, stupid, but harmless.

"Wreck-Gar, you must clean this, or we have to, uh…" Optimus blinked. He didn't know what they would do since the Junkbot didn't answer to anyone." Report you to humans."

"I'm Wreck-Gar! I shall perform a mating call!" The Bot laughed as he stuck his hand into his container and pulled out bagpipes. The Autobots had never seen such a weird instrument, but Sari had.

"Oh boy." The young girl said before covering her ears and just in time. Wreck-Gar took a deep breath and blew air into the bag's pipe and the sound that came out from there was anything but beautiful. Birds took off from the trees and animals hid in fear.

"That can't honestly sound good to anyone!?" Bumblebee shouted and Bulkhead looked at his friend, "What?!"

"Oh, for the love of Primus…!" Ratchet grunted before grabbing and yanking the instrument from Wreck-Gar's hands. The Junkbot looked surprised but then he smiled, "Ratchet helps Wreck-Gar?" He asked with a huge smile and then pulled an accordion from his container, but before he could play, the medic shouted at him, "Knock it off! You're being loud and it's annoying people-!"

The good doctor couldn't finish his words. Not when the lake water started to bubble like in high temperature and slowly something emerged from below the surface.

"Whoa…!" Sari's and Bulkhead's jaws dropped at the sight of a giant humanoid creature. Bumblebee stuttered, "Wh- What!? It's huge!"

"She, Bumblebee. It's a she." Prowl corrected his companion and the small yellow Bot turned to look at the Cyberninja. "How can you even tell!? That's a fragging monster!"

"I can sense it." Prowl said and Sari rolled her eyes, "She also has boobs."

They were right, you did have boobs, but they were thankfully covered with some sort of huge fabric wrapped around your chest. Your crimson eyes burned as you glared at the Autobots and you let out a shrill cry, so high that it hurt Autobots' audials and Sari's ears.

"Wreck-Gar's noises must have disturbed it!" Bumblebee shouted as he took out his stingers.

"You don't think so?!" Ratchet asked sarcastically but the Bots ignored the snarky remark in order to get ready for a fight.

"Autobots, take formation!" Optimus shouted and the Bots got ready to fight and so did you as you raised your huge arm and-!

"Snookums!"

Everything halted as Wreck-Gar started to wave his arms all over the place and yelled the sweet name over and over again.

"Snookums?" The Autobot shared confused looks before flinching when you suddenly turned your attention to harmless yet annoying Junkbot.

"It's going to eat him!" Bulkhead shouted and Optimus was ready to throw his battle ax at you when Prowl quickly stopped young Prime.

"Hold on. Look." The Cyberninja said and pointed and everyone did as he suggested. They held their breaths as your burning eyes were focused on the Junkbot and all of the sudden-!

"Snugglepuff!" Your eyes suddenly turned normal, or as normal as a monster's eyes could be, and a huge smile rose to your lips and the Autobots blinked. "What!?"

"Love Buns!" Wreck-Gar cheered as you gently picked him up and raised him to your eye level.

"Snuggle Bunny!" You cried in joy and hugged the orange Bot against your chest, muffling whatever overly sweet nickname he was shouting for you. The Bots watched how you pulled Wreck-Gar away and pressed kisses all over his face and frame.

"Oh yeah, she is totally eating him." Bumblebee laughed as he jabbed his elbow into Bulkhead's side and the big green Bot scowled, "You thought so also!"

"Did not!"

"Kid, get the frag down here and explain this right now!" Ratchet ordered and the command caught your attention. You stopped kissing the orange Bot and looked at the team Prime like you were staring at dirt underneath your nail.

"Are these… Guys, bothering you Smoochy?" You asked and he smiled as he pointed at the Autobots. "I am Wreck-Gar and those are my friends!"

"My, in that case…!" You gasped and leaned down enough to set Wreck-Gar down and offered the tip of your finger to who you presumed was the leader of the Bots. In this case, it was Ratchet. "Any friend of my Sugar Lips is a friend of mine."

"Charmed, but you're shaking the wrong hand." Ratchet grumbled and Optimus took a step towards you and shook your finger.

"I'm Optimus Prime and this is my team." The young Prime introduced everyone one by one and then looked at you, "And you are…? Uuh, Miss Snookums, was it?"  You chuckled and told them your name. Bumblebee stepped forward and looked at you. "What the frag are you, lady?"

"Well, some call me Monster of Sea, Beast of the Depths, Devourer of the Ships, Man Eater, and so on." You looked at Wreck-Gar and smiled, "But my Sweetie Pie is the first to ever give me a name I love."

"I am Wreck-Gar and you are my Cutie Pie!" The orange mech smiled and you were awed as you leaned down and kissed the top of his helm.

"Uuh, how did you exactly meet?" Bulkhead asked shyly and you both smiled, "When I saw this gorgeous piece of alien underneath the waves, his legs were stuck to bottom mud, and he looked like an easy meal, but when I approached him, he didn't flinch or fear me!"

"Kid was probably too oblivious to fear for his life." Ratchet grumbled, but you didn't appear to hear him.

"And then he looked at me and told me I had the prettiest eyes and no one ever told me that…" You smiled and leaned to kiss him again. "He was the first one who took the time to get to know me, the REAL me! Not the monster I'm known for being, but me as a woman."

"I think I might puke," Bumblebee said, sick of all the love stuff happening before him, but shut up when Prowl gently smacked the back of his helm.

"I told this charming prince of mine that I would come whenever he called me." You said and then it all clicked. So that's what the bagpipes were for.

"I'm Wreck-Gar and I brought you presents!" The orange mech cheered and run to show you what he had brought to you. The Autobots and Sari looked at each other and then Wreck-Gar in horror. Who in the name of Cybertron would want broken things or food that has gone bad?!  "Wait-!"

"Here!" The Junkbot cheered and showed all presents of his. You gasped and the Team Prime watched nervously how you looked at the broken mirrors presented to you.

"M- Mirrors?" You gasped as you leaned down and saw yourself looking from different angles and points.

"So you can see how pretty you are to me!" Wreck-Gar cheered and the smile you gave him could have worked as a lighthouse in the middle of the storm.

"Oh, my sweet little Space Angel!" You wiped your eye where a tear had risen and Team Prime sighed in relief. You liked the mirrors, but then they remembered about all the rotten food Wreck-Gar had also collected for you.

"Gasp! You got me food?" You sounded surprised and Sari was about to warn you not to eat it, but you were quicker and picked a leftover lobster's shell and ate it.

"Wait, you like spoiled food?"

"Hm hm!" You moaned happily before swallowing. "They have this nice deep flavor!" You said as you picked what was left from a whole fried chicken and threw it into your mouth. As the chicken's bones cracked and snapped in your mouth, Sari almost gagged.

The team Prime shared looks and came to the conclusion that you weren't necessarily dangerous to others, but they would have to make sure before letting Captain Fanzone know about you.

"Excuse us, ma'am, but we are here on the behalf of the City of Detroit and it appears that you have been scaring people there," Prowl said as he carefully approached you. You swallowed the food in your mouth and looked at the sleek Bot. "I have?"

"It appears so, yes." Prowl nodded, "Do you think you could perhaps agree with local authorities that you wouldn't scare people who come to harbors?"

"I mean, I could…" You shrugged, "But I want to keep seeing my Beloved."

"How about this?" Prowl smiled, "If we prepare you and Wreck-Gar a docking area only for the two of you to use, would you use it to meet each other? If you use that place, you don't need to scare people and you can see each other as much as you want?"

"That could work." You nodded and turned to look at your partner, "What do you say Darling?"

"My name is Darling, and I agree with friendly ninja!" Wreck-Gar cheered happily and you squealed excitedly and kissed him again before smiling to Prowl. "Tell the people who sent you that you got a deal!"

"I thank you. We will take our leave now so the two of you can be alone." Prowl nodded to his friends and the Autobots and Sari understood and took their leave.

As the group walked down the road Bumblebee asked, "Are we really going to leave Wreck-Gar with that she-devil? It's clear he doesn't have all the bolts tightened in his helm, so how can we trust she doesn't eat him?"

"You saw them. Both of them are in love. Who are we to say who they can and cannot love?" Prowl said with a smile, "Unconditional love."

[hyssopandbee]

Tifft’s cattail marsh is something special! You may notice off in the distance evidence of Buffalo’s industrial history. Tifft is actually a former shipping site stemming from Lake Erie. Surrounded by railroads and marinas, this site has also been a dumping ground. It’s come a long way thanks to tireless efforts by conservationists and other professionals understanding how unique this area is, and working to restore natural habitat for migratory birds and native species.

[keyonsketches]

"snow goose, blue morph" watercolor by Keyon aka Kirsten Dennis part of "birds of the lake Erie area"

[nugnthopkns]

whatcha say we just get away?

word count: 6.5k

warnings: explicit fem!reader, marriage, cursing, fleeting mention of future children, some kinda cheesy wedding tropes

recommended listening: side effects | jade bird

a/n: the idea of a big wedding scares the living daylights out of me so i wrote about eloping with tk :))

When Travis asks you to marry him, you think he’s joking.

The two of you are standing in the kitchen piecing together lunch. It’s a sunny Tuesday in Port Stanley, and Travis wants to take you out on the boat this afternoon. 

“What if we got married?” he says casually, putting the finishing touches on his sandwich. 

You shrug it off and continue chopping vegetables. “You’re hilarious. Got an upcoming audition with SNL?”

Travis doesn’t seem to like your response. He bumps your shoulder gently. “I’m serious.” 

“This isn’t a joke?” you ask, setting down the knife and turning to face him. “You want to marry me?”

He nods and rests his hands on your hips. “I’m absolutely positive. Will you marry me?”

No words come from your open mouth. Not wanting him to think you’re saying no, you nod your head vigorously. Travis’s laugh echoes off the small kitchen, bringing you back to earth slightly. His right thumb rubs comforting circles on your hip bone. Overcome with love for Travis, you curl your arms around his neck and pull him down to meet your lips. 

The kiss is passionate but incredibly soft. You both hold so much love for each other and do your best to convey it in the small gesture. Time passes you by, but you don’t mind. If you could kiss Travis forever you would. Eventually he pulls away for air but doesn’t let you go. Resting his forehead on yours he asks another question. “Is that a yes?”

You find your voice. “Of course you idiot!”

His smile lights up his entire face and it makes him look much too young to be betrothed. You suppose he is, that you both are – under twenty-five with your whole lives in front of you. However, you know that Travis is it for you. No one compliments you like he does, and no one ever will. Travis loves you wholly and without hesitation, and you hope he can see you feel the exact same way. 

“Fuck,” Travis groans, and it makes you arch your brow. “I don’t have a ring,” he explains. “I didn’t think I’d get the balls to suggest it or that you would say yes.”

A laugh bubbles over your lips as you shake your head. “I could care less baby,” you insist. “We don’t need rings to show how much we love each other.”

The two of you stand in the kitchen a while longer, kissing languidly and basking in the deeper level of love that comes with devoting your lives to one another. Lunch is long forgotten as you get ready for your afternoon adventure, but you remember to grab it on your way out the door. The drive to the water is almost identical to every single other time, spent singing along to the radio and laughing at the terrible impressions Travis tries to orchestrate, except this time your smiles are brighter and the sideways glances are sweeter. 

For being a beautiful day in a community of mostly retired people, the waters of Lake Erie are scarcely populated. The two of you essentially have the kilometres of coastline to yourselves, which feels like a sign from the universe to enjoy the newest honeymoon phase of your relationship. It’s so nice to spend an abundance of time with Travis in the summers, and it almost makes up for all the time you spend alone throughout the winter months. You let him navigate the boat wherever he wants, laying across one of the plush leather benches with your eyes closed. Occasionally, when Travis hits a wave a little too head on, water sprays gently over your face but you don’t mind. Truthfully, it offers a short respite from the heat of the sun’s rays. 

While you lounge your mind begins to wander to what your wedding will look like. Large crowds have always made you uneasy – you aren’t like Travis in that regard, able to feel comfortable in whatever environment you may be placed in. The idea of a small wedding is nice, but the two of you know too many people and pointedly not inviting a large number of them fills you with anxiety. Feelings would get hurt, people upset they can’t fight for a minute of your big day, and you’ve heard horror stories about wedding guest lists ending friendships. You also know your mother will want to have input in almost every decision, from bridesmaids dresses to cake flavours, and that’s not something you’re sure you can handle. Suddenly marrying Travis is a lot scarier a concept.

You realize that these are ridiculous thoughts to be having. You got engaged less than three hours ago – there’s no reason for you to immediately start planning the event. For Christ’s sake, you don’t even have a ring yet. Regardless, your mind replays your fears on a constant loop. All you can do to quell the storm in your mind is sit and focus on the taut muscles of Travis’s shoulder blades.

“Now that we’re engaged you’re just going to ignore me?” Travis jokes, dropping the anchor and making his way over to you. He had pulled into a small bay, mostly out of view from the public and hard to find, so the two of you could swim and enjoy each other’s company in peace. 

You shoot him a pointed look, and he immediately understands there’s something lying beneath the surface.

“Hey, what’s wrong?”

It’s stupid to be stressing over thing so soon, but you can’t stop. You wonder if you’re even going to be able to go through with the wedding seeing you’re already so worked up about it. Travis kneels in front of you, hand on your knee as his eyes meet yours through two pairs of sunglasses. “No judgement here sweetheart. Say whatever’s on your mind.”

You know he’s being sincere. There’s never any judgement from Travis. No matter how dumb a statement or how terrible a fashion choice he never thinks any less of you. “I was just thinking, well overthinking, about the wedding,” you mumble. “And I know it’s stupid because we have nothing planned and don’t have rings but I can’t stop myself from stressing over it. I legitimately don’t know if I can plan a wedding.”

“That’s quite possibly the farthest thing from stupid,” he insists. “It’s a valid thing to be worried about. Honestly, I don’t know if I want to take the heat for not doing things the way others think they should be done. But we have so much time to figure everything out.” Travis pushes himself off the ground and slides into the seat beside you. He wraps an arm around your shoulders and places a peck to the crown of your head. 

“I think that’s part of the issue Trav. We won’t get married until next summer, which is fine, but I’m going to have so much time to overthink every single decision.”

Travis doesn’t respond verbally. Instead, he grasps your left hand in his and raises it to his lips. The kiss he presses to your ring finger, where the engagement ring would be if you had one, sends shivers down your spine. It’s a simple gesture, sweet and to the point, but it grounds you. No matter what happens, the two of you will face it together hand in hand. 

The water is cold when you eventually get in, but it’s refreshing and allows you to relax. You do more floating than serious swimming, watching as Travis swims laps around the small area you’ve claimed as your own. “Can’t even take a break from training now that we’re engaged?” you ask, throwing him the same jab he gave hours ago. 

“Gotta stay fit for the big day,” he pants, obviously tired from trying to up his endurance level. “Holy fuck, I’ve swam nearly three kilometres since we got in.”

You’re wickedly impressed and have half a mind to challenge him to keep going, to see how far he can go, but you can tell his energy is fading. Pretty soon he’ll be ready to fall asleep and you can’t drive the boat. Not wanting to be stuck on the lake overnight, you speak. “Let’s get you home there cowboy. I’ll drive once you park this damn boat.”

The rest of the night is quiet. Once back on dry land, you take control of the reins, jumping into the driver’s seat before Travis can protest. You stop to pick up dinner from a small pizzeria on the main street before continuing to the modest cottage you call home in the summer months. It’s all Travis can do to keep his eyes open on the ride home, and as soon as he finishes his pizza he’s asleep on the couch, head resting heavy in your lap. 

You card your fingers through his hair, scratching lightly at the scalp as you read your book. While you were in school you didn’t have much time to read for pleasure, so since graduating you’ve been trying to catch up. You graduated nearly two years ago and still haven’t made it through your to be read shelf, but it isn’t for lack of trying. It seems that new books constantly find a home there and the three books a months you average isn’t cutting it. Maybe one day when you retire you’ll be able to make a serious dent. 

It’s silent while Travis sleeps, but you find it comforting. There’s nothing to distract you from the fictional world playing out on the pages, and you lose the anxieties you’ve felt simmering since thinking about your very distant wedding. When Travis wakes up an hour later you’ve finished your book and are staring at the ceiling. 

“You could have gotten up to grab another,” Travis murmurs, voice laced with sleep. 

You shrug. “Didn’t want to wake you. Plus I just wanted to think about some things, how I want to tackle the next year.”

Travis frowns, and you can tell he’s regretting asking the question because you’re so obviously worked up. 

“I know what you’re thinking, babe,” you say to comfort him. “And you’re wrong. There’s nothing I want more in the world than to marry you. I just didn’t realize how hard it was going to be to do things without pissing off half the people we want to invite.”

You slowly peel away from him, holding out a hand and smiling when he takes it. The two of you retire to your bedroom, and get ready in silence. You know Travis is still mulling things over, and quite honestly, you are too. Preparing to get married, no matter how far away the day might be, is a lot. After brushing your teeth and washing your face you settle into Travis’s open arms, tracing over the tattoos that call his bicep home. Travis unwinds in his own way, twirling a lock of your hair around his index finger. 

“What if we eloped?”

This question is as sudden as when he asked you to marry him in the first place. Your hand halts its actions immediately, moving to his chest so you can push yourself up to look at him. “You’re serious?”

He nods enthusiastically, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear. “Dead serious. I know you’ve never wanted a big wedding,” he says. That much is true. You’ve never enjoyed being the center of attention, and the idea of more than twenty people watching your every move has you freaking out. “You’re so stressed already about pleasing everyone that I’m worried you won’t be able to enjoy it when the day actually comes. And to be quite frank, I could give less of a shit about the ceremony or reception. All I want to do is marry you because I love you. So let’s get rid of the things we think we have to do and just do it our own way.”

A single tear slides down your cheek. You can’t help it – you’re so relieved he’s willing to do whatever would make you the most comfortable, even if it means sacrificing something as important as a proper wedding. “That would be perfect.” 

Travis kisses you for what might be the millionth time today but you do not care. His lips are soft against yours and make you feel safe and warm. Nothing goes too far as you’re both just enjoying the thought of such a special moment being between just the two of you.

“I was also thinking we could do it this week,” he says casually, as if no work has to go into this because you’re eloping.

You sit up immediately. “Pardon?” you ask shocked. “Trav, just because we aren’t going to have a wedding doesn’t mean we can just do it whenever we please. We need to get a marriage license and make an appointment at the courthouse.”

“It’s the middle of summer and we live in an area where the youngest people other than us are like fifty, I think things will come together pretty quickly.” 

It’s hard for you to argue with his logic. Travis has a point – the chances of other people trying to get married in the next few days is very slim. The idea doesn’t sound horrible either, getting to marry the love of your life as soon as possible. You agree to look into things in the morning and fall asleep curled into Travis’s chest, his arms secure around you.

Wanting to get married within the week turns out not to be a problem. After Travis completes his morning workout the two of you travel the short distance to the courthouse to get a marriage license. It’s incredibly easy, each of you only needing to provide two pieces of identification, and while you’re there you pick a time slot for your civil service. You’ll be back at the building in two days, next time walking out as a married couple. 

“See, it was so easy,” Travis says, bumping your hip with his own on the way back to the truck. 

“Fuck off,” you grumble. No matter how hard you try you can’t find it within yourself to be mad at him. You’re incredibly excited, and are actually glad you don’t have to wait very long. It would have been a pain to wait a whole twelve months. 

The next order of business in ‘planning’ your wedding is finding two witnesses. You would have had no problem asking Travis’s parents, but they’re currently on a vacation to the east coast. The idea of phoning your mother and asking her to book a flight to attend a wedding she didn’t get a say in makes you nauseous, so it’s completely out of the question. Port Stanley might be small, but you and Travis are only there a few months out of the year and don’t know anyone besides your next door neighbours. Mr. and Mrs. Stevenson are an adorable eldery couple you invite over for dinner every week. 

Travis agrees that you should include them, and as soon as you get home the two of you are knocking on their door, pitcher of lemonade in hand. 

“Oh hello dears,” Mrs. Stevenson coos. “This is such a nice surprise. Richard is out on the back patio, come join us.”

You smile at the older lady and follow her through the modest cottage. The walls are covered in photos from family trips and graduations – you hope one day you and Travis’s will look the same. Once in the backyard the four of you settle into comfortable conversation, sipping lemonade and enjoying the sunshine. Ever the hockey fan, Mr. Stevenson asks Travis about the upcoming season, and they chat while you rise to help bring snacks to the small table. 

After a while, the conversations lull and Travis is able to bring up what you came over for. “Do you guys have any plans for Friday morning?” he asks casually, popping a slice of red pepper into his mouth. 

“Not that I can think of,” Mr. Stevenson says. “Can you think of anything Dottie?”

His wife shakes her head. “Nothing comes to mind. What’s the matter?”

Suddenly you’re nervous, and entwine your fingers with Travis’s to ground yourself. He squeezes gently, a gesture of encouragement that has you able to find your voice. “We were wondering if you could do us a favour,” you begin, “And be the witnesses at our wedding? We have an appointment at the courthouse at eleven-thirty.”

It’s silent, and you’re petrified they’re going to say no. You turn to look at Travis, who looks just as apprehensive as you. His grip on your hand tightens and all you can do is wait for a response. 

“We would be honoured,” they exclaim at the same time, and you let go of a breath you didn’t realize you were holding in. It’s settled – you have all the components for the paperwork, which means you can legitimately and legally get married. You’re absolutely giddy. 

The questions come then – when did Travis ask you, how are you going to tell your families, what does your ring look like – and when you quietly say that you don’t have one Mrs. Stevenson jumps out of her seat. 

“Oh child, that simply won’t do!”

You’re quick to your own defence. “It’s truly fine Mrs. Stevenson –”

“You can just call me Dottie dear.”

“Dottie,” you say, her first name rolling uncomfortably off your tongue. It will definitely take some getting used to. “I told Trav I didn’t need a ring. Being married to him is enough.” You smile in his direction and Travis returns the look with ease. 

Not caring, the elderly lady heads into the small cottage, saying she has something that would work perfectly. Mr. Stevenson rolls his eyes and apologizes for his wife’s antics, but you insist it’s okay. She returns a minute later with quite possibly the prettiest ring you’ve ever seen. Attached to a thin gold band is a deep green emerald. The stone isn’t obnoxiously large, possibly even on the smaller side, and is completely your style. No other gems accompany it, letting the emerald take center stage. 

“Wow,” you breathe. “It’s stunning.” 

Travis leans over your shoulder to get a look and lets out a short whistle. “Totally you babe,” he chimes in.

“Well, what are you waiting for?” Mr. Steveson shouts in encouragement. “Put it on her young man!”

You let loose a laugh, and soon the others join in. Travis takes it at Dottie’s insistence and places it gingerly on your finger. It’s a perfect fit, and you can’t help but let a few tears escape. Your eyes meet Travis’s and you see he’s trying to hold back tears, but is failing miserably. Overcome with emotion, you lean forward and press your lips to his. The kiss is sweet, but still all-consuming. Travis’s hands reach up to cup your face, continuing the exchange for probably longer than appropriate in public. The Stevensons coo gently in the background, having a conversation between themselves about how adorable you both are. You don’t hear them though, too wrapped up in Travis and the fact that everything feels like it has fallen into place. 

After having a small argument about whether or not you can actually accept the ring, at which both Stevensons insist you should keep it, you help set the table for dinner. The meal is quite enjoyable, and you clean up despite the protests from Dottie. Once everything is squared away you and Travis go to make your exit. You hadn’t meant to intrude on their night, but you’re glad you did. On your way out the door, Mr. Stevenson, who followed his wife in demanding you call him by his first name, slips a small bag into Travis’s hand. 

“Found these in our jewelry box. I think you might want them,” he winks, smiling softly before shooing you off with a loving tone with a promise to see you on Friday. 

Peaking inside the bag once inside the safety of your own home, you pull out two delicate gold bands, one that looks about your size and one that matches Travis’s. It’s clear they’re meant to be your wedding bands, and you’re once again overcome with emotion. What did you do to deserve such kind neighbours?

Your night, and the day that follows are quiet. For the most part you go about your normal routine, puttering around while waiting for Travis to finish his workout and a meeting he has with the Flyers front office. He packs a lunch while you answer a call from your boss, who has a question about when you’ll be returning to Philadelphia. She chats with you for a while, catching up on all your summer adventures. You make sure to conceal your enagement, not wanting all of Philly to fin out before your families. Though you love your boss, she’s not well known for keeping secrets. Once all your affairs are finished, the two of you lock the front door and head to the lake. 

“Where you taking me today cowboy?” you giggle as Travis steers the boat out of the marina. 

He tips his hat at the nickname and speaks slowly, trying to mimic a southern accent a la John Wayne. “Gotta keep it a surprise darlin’,” he drawls. A laugh punctuates his sentence, and Travis can’t keep the charade up any longer. “I actually don’t have a destination. Thought we could just cruise around.”

It’s a good enough plan for you, and you sit close by while the pair of you travel the coast. The sun glistens off the top of the calm water while you float and your eyes grow heavy for the warmth. You indulge them, allowing them to flutter shut. 

“You’re literally the worst company ever,” Travis grumbles as soon as he notices your resting figure. 

Not bothering to open your eyes you shoot him the finger. “Fuck off, you’re the one who wants to marry me.”

“Damn straight.”

Despite being ‘terrible company’, Travis doesn’t try too hard to get away from you. Eventually he anchors the boat in a small cove and the pair of you spend a few hours swimming and soaking up the sun’s rays. Just existing like this, with Travis, is enough to calm any nerves you might have about tomorrow. Though it will be a low-key affair and no one will be in attendance, getting married is a huge deal. You would be more alarmed if you didn’t have any anxieties. 

It’s dusk when you secure the boat in its slip and hop in the truck to return home. The wind coming off the water sends shivers down your spine, though you do your best to hide it. Travis notices, however, and slips the hoodie he was sporting over shoulders. 

“Thanks,” you murmur appreciatively. He doesn’t respond, just shoots you a wide grin. 

The many hours spent in the sun have tired you out, and as soon as you’re inside you bolt towards the bed. You don’t even bother to change before slipping under the covers. When Travis appears in the room a few minutes later, he laughs at the sight of you with the duvet pulled up to your chin. 

He lies directly on top of you, and you shift slightly to accommodate the added weight. The room is silent save for your breathing, and it’s peaceful. You’re looking forward to spending the rest of your life like this. 

“We have to go brush our teeth,” Travis murmurs into the crook of your neck, punctuating his words with sweet kisses.

The noise that leaves your throat is one of strangled protest. “But I’m really comfy,” you groan. “Besides I can’t get up with you on top of me.”

“Touché.” He slowly separates his form from yours and extends a hand to help you up. “You still have to get up. I don’t want to marry someone with bad breath.”

You stick your tongue out at him in response, but grab his hand and allow him to drag you to the bathroom. What unfolds next is straight out of Bring It On. The two of you brush your teeth in silence, occasionally making faces at each other in the mirror. Travis grins at you, mouth full of toothpaste, and you can’t help but laugh. 

“Stop laughing!” he shouts after spitting into the sink. Nimble fingers find your sides, and before you can process what’s happening he’s digging them into you. 

In an attempt to squirm out of his grasp and run away, you miss the sink rather ungracefully. Toothpaste dots the bathroom counter, but it’s the least of your worries. It will take two seconds to clean up once Travis isn’t hellbent on tickling you to death. You break free of his hold and dart down the hall away from him. 

Travis rolls his eyes before grabbing a cloth to wipe away the remains of your desperate getway. When he enters the bedroom again you’re grabbing a faded 67’s tshirt to pull over head. He waits until you’re finished before wrapping his arms around your middle, no intentions of acting childish this time. You lean into his touch and he rests his chin comfortably on your shoulder. The two of you stand there for a while, swaying gently and thinking about the morning. Eventually Travis breaks away, leaving you to finish getting ready for bed, but not before placing a kiss to the nape of your neck. 

“I can’t believe we’re going to be married by lunchtime tomorrow,” you sigh as Travis climbs into bed beside you and flicks off the lamp on his bedside table. 

“It’s fucking insane, eh?”

Your lips turn into a smile, because it is in fact insane. Two days ago you were content just being with Travis and now in less than fourteen hours you’ll be his wife. Although the change is sudden, it feels right – to no other person would you want to get married. Travis is it. 

He shuffles closer to close the gap between you. His hand travels to your hair, twirling it around his finger, and you rest your head on his chest. Your eyes flutter shut but you make no attempt to keep them open. A long night of rest will be useful in helping to quell your nerves in the morning. 

“Sweet dreams Trav,” you mumble into the darkness. 

You swear you can hear the smile in his voice when he responds, “Night sweetheart.”

When you awake the next morning Travis’s arms are still tightly wrapped around you. You had assumed he’d be up earlier than normal, making sure to get a good run in before returning to get ready. Instead, his head is buried in your hair and he’s snoring softly. A quick glance at your alarm clock tells you it’s time to get up unless you want to run the risk of running late to your own wedding.

“Trav,” you whisper softly, rolling over in his grasp. “We’ve gotta get up.” When you don’t get a response, you lightly trace the outline of his nose and speak a little louder. “Babe, we’re going to be late if we don’t get our asses in gear.”

Travis shoots up at the mention of your wedding, clearly excited. “Good morning soon-to-be Mrs. Konecny,” he says before making a disgusted face. “Forget I ever said that. Totally not our style.”

You can’t help but giggle and agree. Cheesy gestures of affection have never really been your thing, and it feels strange to try it out now. You peck Travis’s cheek quickly before pushing off the covers and heading to the bathroom. After grabbing a towel from the small linen rack in the corner you turn the water on and undress. Travis walks by the open door and whistles, so you laugh and flip him off before letting yourself be enveloped by the water.

The steam helps to relieve the tension in your shoulders you didn’t know was there. You suppose it’s just natural for you to be slightly anxious – even though practically nothing can go wrong a thousand what-ifs float around your mind. Going about your typical shower routine helps calm you down and take your mind off things, and when you step out of the bathroom most of your nerves have been replaced with sheer excitement. 

Not wanting to get into the white sundress you decided to wear until you’re practically out the door, you slip into lounge clothes and go to join Travis in the kitchen. He’s munching away on a bowl of cereal but slides a cup of coffee across the counter for you. It’s made just the way you like it, of course, and you offer a quick thanks. When you move around to the other side of the island to make a bagel, you bump your hip against his. It’s quiet in the room, both of you in your heads as you picture what it will be like to say ‘I do’, but it’s nice. You eat in silence, and then it’s Travis’s turn to shower while you clean up the few dishes that were dirtied during breakfast. 

After everything is squared away you go to finish getting ready. It’s warm, over twenty-five degrees, so you decide to pull your hair into a simple updo to keep it out of your face. Though no one will be there to judge you, you still want to look the tiniest bit put together. Your makeup consists of sunscreen and lip balm, knowing that Travis wants to spend the afternoon on the water. Besides, it’s so hot you’d be uncomfortable in anything else. With nothing to do but sit and wait for Travis to be ready, you turn your attention to the ring on your left hand, soon to be accompanied by another. 

The emerald glistens as you twist the ring from side to side and you make a mental note to once again thank Mrs. Stevenson for giving it to you. Your thoughts are disrupted by Travis asking you a question. 

“Are you going to kill me if I wear shorts?”

“As long as they aren’t track shorts you’re fine,” you shrug. “It’s fucking hot out.”

He arches his brow. “So I can wear the camo ones?”

“If you really want to Trav.”

Travis does not, in fact, wear the camo ones, but a respectable khaki pair. He also rolls the sleeves of his button down up to try and combat the heat. It’s a good look, and you make sure to tell him so. The compliments return ten-fold and you can’t help but blush. Even after so many years together Travis still knows how to give you butterflies. 

“Zip me up?” you ask, spinning around so your back is to him. 

He nods and carefully tugs the zipper along your spine to secure the fabric. Once finished, Tavis rests his hands on your hips and turns you to face him. He rests his forehead against yours and looks at you with the most love filled expression you’ve ever seen. 

“I love you,” he whispers. 

You smile and press closer to him, mumbling against his lips. “I love you too.”

The kiss you share is soft and warm. Like so many others you’ve shared, it makes you feel whole. Kissing Travis is the one time you feel like you’re right where you’re supposed to be. Time seems to slow down, and truthfully you don’t know how long you spend kissing Travis in the middle of your bedroom. It’s long enough that you have to rush out the door, almost forgetting the rings in the shuffle. 

Even though you insisted you had no problem driving the four of you to the courthouse, the Stevensons insist on taking their own vehicle. “We having some shopping to do,” Mr. Stevenson explains, “And you won’t want to hang two old folks just after getting married! It’s the time to be young and in love.”

You can’t convince them to join you in Travis’s truck no matter how hard you try. The two of you eventually let them have their way and wave as you back out of the driveway with them to follow you shortly. The drive is quiet, like so many other moments this morning, and the closer the clock gets to your appointment time, the antsier you get. You just want to get it over with and finally be married to Travis. 

“Babe, you’re gonna wear a hole in the floorboard from bouncing your foot so much,” Travis laughs. His hand leaves the steering wheel to rest just above your knee, effectively stopping your movement. 

“Just excited,” you say honestly. “And nervous.”

Travis’s thumb rubs comforting circles on your bare skin as he speaks. “Me too. But I know that no matter what everything will be perfect because I love you and you love me and that’s all that matters.”

Before you know it you’re pulling into a parking spot and waiting for your witnesses to arrive. They must have got caught at a red light because they join you a few minutes later. There’s still a bit of time until you’re set to face the judge, but the four of you head inside anyways. Your fingers are laced tightly with Travis’s and you practically cling to him but no one says anything. After alerting reception to your presence you pace the hallway outside the courtroom. 

Nothing about this is traditional, but Dottie still ushers you away from your husband-to-be in order to give you a little pep talk. As you’re being ushered around the corner you see Mr. Stevenson doing something similar with Travis. 

“Don’t worry about him dear, Richard will make sure he doesn’t flee. Though I know he’d never think about it,” she says. “He’s good for you, and you’re good for him.”

You smile at her statement. The two of you really are meant for each other. Dottie talks a bit more, hyping you up and giving you some advice for married life. You rejoin the boys just before the group is called. 

“The Konecnys? Judge Holloway is ready for you.” 

Butterflies flutter in your stomach upon hearing the name that will be yours in a matter of minutes. You all follow the official into the chamber and wait for further instruction. 

“I do believe congratulations are in order,” the judge says. Applause comes from the Stevensons, and you press your face into Travis’s shoulder, embarrassed. “I’m Judge Holloway, and I’ll be performing the ceremony today. Before we get started, are there any objections?”

Both you and Travis shake your head. “No,” you enunciate in unison. 

“Perfect. I just need the marriage license and then we’ll be good to go.”

Travis hands the official document over, and the judge does some preliminary signing to make the aftermath a bit easier. While you wait you can’t stop smiling at Travis – not that you’d rather be doing anything else. Since this is a justice of the peace ceremony no religious elements are included, which you’re thankful for. Neither you nor Travis had time to write your own vows but had agreed to share them privately at a later date. Everything happening in the present was strictly legal and made the process quite speedy. 

“Alright, now that the technicalities are out of the way we can get to the fun stuff.”

The comment makes you laugh. Though hearing the legalities of marriage was slightly mind-numbing, you’d call everything that’s happened so far fun. Perhaps that’s only because you’re the one getting married. 

“Y/N,” the judge says. “Do you accept Travis as your lawfully wedded spouse?”

“I do.” You’ve never been more sure of anything in your life.

Then it’s Travis’s turn, and he’s spitting the words out before the officiant can finish the sentence. “I do.”

Laughter bounces off the walls at his eagerness. You shake your head and remember to tease him about it later. He just shoots you a wink.

Judge Holloway looks into your small crowd. “I imagine one of you has the rings?”

Travis fishes around in his pocket and pulls out the drawstring back they’re being held in. The judge nods in approval. “Place the ring on the third finger of your partner’s left hand and repeat after me. This ring signifies my devotion to you, and shall serve as a reminder that I will cherish you forever.”

Both of you repeat the words, and both tear up when placing the rings. They flow freely down your cheeks, and Travis wipes them away with his thumb. 

“I think I know what comes next,” he whispers to you. 

Taking the opportunity to tease him a little bit, you nudge his shoulder. “Oh yeah? Think you’ve had enough practice?”

“Guess we’ll just have to find out.”

You turn your attention back to the judge, who speaks once again. “By the power vested in me by the Marriage Act, I do hereby pronounce Travis and Y/N to be married.” 

Once again, applause rings out, and you can’t help but giggle against Travis’s lips as he pulls you in for a kiss to ‘seal the deal’. It’s earth-shattering, your first kiss as husband and wife, and you can’t help but deepen it by wrapping your arms around his neck and pulling him even closer. When you break apart neither of you can stop smiling. 

Your party signs along the dotted line of the marriage certificate and you accept the well wishes of the judge before exiting the room. In the hallway the Stevensons envelope you both in a giant hug. “Thank you both for being here,” you say, voice watery. You haven’t stopped crying since you got to sign your last name as Konecny for the first time. 

“We’re incredibly honoured you chose us,” Dottie exclaims, grasping your hands to let you know just how much it meant to her. Her husband nods in agreeance, and you say your goodbyes, promising to have them over for dinner in a few days. You watch their figures retreat out the courthouse doors, and then you’re alone with Travis. 

He looks ethereal – the post wedding glow is something you know won’t go away any time soon. Though the whole thing was quite unconventional you wouldn’t change it for the world. Something about it is so distinctly you and Travis: the spontaneity of it all, how it happened on your own accord. You know you’ll receive an earful when you call your families to let them know of the change, but you don’t care. At no time will you ever be as happy as you are now. 

Your fingers find his for possibly the hundredth time today but neither of you complain, so in love with each other you’re sure if any of his teammates were here Travis would be getting chirped into oblivion. 

“What do you say Konecny? Want to get out of here?” he asks, punctuating the end of his statement with a kiss to the tip of your nose. 

You’ve never heard him have a better suggestion. “Lead the way lover boy.”

 ❥❥❥

taglist: @jamiedrysdales​ @kiedhara​ @tortito​ @brokeninsidebutnobodyknows​ if you want to be added shoot me an ask :)

[gravelish]

Anacortes

1 September 2021

Sightseeing by bike. I feel that sort of sums up my strategy to cycling these days. I suppose, like hiking, it’s because I’ve always been more interested in the place and the landscape (natural or built) than in the activity itself. On the other hand, exploring by bike, or by foot, gives you a different sense of the sights than doing it by car. Maybe because it’s slower. Or you feel you’ve earned it. Regardless, it’s fun to visit places I’ve seen many times before, but to do it on the bicycle.

Today’s ride was roughly 30 miles. I parked at Weaverling Spit, which meant my first and last segments were on the Tommy Thompson Trail, which leads directly into downtown. My route basically involved three major highlights of Fidalgo Island (all of which are within the expansive city limits of Anacortes): Cap Sante, Mount Erie, and Washington Park.

LINK: RIDE WITH GPS

Cap Sante (200’) is a stiff climb, but really it’s just a little warmup for Mount Erie (pretty obvious from the profile). The rocky top provides a great view of the city and the area I’d spend the next few hours exploring. Then it was back through downtown and residential neighborhoods until I picked up Heart Lake Road south of town, where the grade starts to increase.

The road up Mount Erie is a couple of miles each way and climbs around 1000’. This means the average grade is around 10% and some pitches were 15% (it took me about 25 minutes to climb, with a couple of brief stops). But it’s all paved and I think I only saw two or three cars the whole time. The views from the top are always spectacular. The ride down is too steep and curvy to ride without constant braking, but it was still over very quickly.

Rosario Road and Marine Drive were not particularly bike-friendly, but they weren’t crowded and they didn’t last too long. Kingsway through Skyline was wide and empty, but the endless tract homes of that neighborhood have always irritated me. But then there was the wonderful 2-mile one-way loop road through Washington Park, which I’ve driven many times, but never ridden. It’s basically a really fun bike path that just happens to allow cars, but on a weekday there were few of them. The pedestrians (dog walkers, joggers, bird watchers) were a bigger challenge. I was tempted to go around a second time, just because it’s such a perfect ride.

On the way back toward town, I took the Guemes Channel Trail along the water, until it dead-ended at a chain link fence. This is a great little rail trail - and makes a great complement to the Tommy Thompson Trail on the other side of town - but it’s completion has been stymied by property ownership and access. Rather than backtracking to Ship Harbor, I carried my bike up the several flights of steps below Roadside Park and back to the main drag. I stopped for lunch at Dockside Dogs, right on the T.T. Trail near Cap Sante Marina, then headed back to the car. Since I had time, I rode across the bay on the old trestle before turning around.

[placesiwannagoto]

burgess battery factory ontario

woodland school ontario

abandoned zoo ontario

abandoned sewage plant ontario

downsview park

eglington line

gargantua toronto

schneider's courtland avenue kitchener

old linseed mill downtown toronto

tremain road burlington toronto abandoned

the hearn generating station toronto

symes toronto

the malt toronto

lower bay station toronto

the ttc tunnels toronto

king eddie toronto

cherry beach bridge toronto

hoe bowl hyde park new york

haunted hinsdale house

midway park chautauqua new york

fountain bowl abandoned western new york

vsk emporium frewsburg new york

salamanca antique mall

allen park jamestown ny

the arcade building (26 n. main st.) jamestown ny

rizzos pharmacy abandoned

crescent tool company abandoned

clay pond falconer ny

chadakoin river

cobleskill reservoir

times beach

buffalo light shines

buffalo harbor state park

caddy's strip club toronto

sheridan bay park

niagara county krull park

japanese garden

st francis park

tillman road wildlife management area

beaver meadow family campground

east otto state forest campground

creation walk nature trail

yates park

larkin woods

billy wilson park

minnewaska state park preserve

fishkill ridge trail

appalachian trail boardwalk

makamah nature preserve

central park

delaware water gap national recreation area

gwynns falls trail

hudson highlands state park

liberty loop trial

pinnacle trail head AT access

stairway to heaven trail

hidden valley animal adventure

winding waters trail

lake erie seaway trail center

adirondack park

seven tubs nature area

lehigh gorge state park

wonder bread factory

bannerman castle

silo city

pines hotel

albany cold storage

fort crown point

saratoga homestead asylum

masonic temple

missile silos

conklingville

great sacandaga lake

jackson sanatorium

beech nut factory

grossingers resort

lyon mountain mine

st joseph's church

charlestown USA outlet mall

craig e claire castle

NYS inebriate asylum

red apple rest

tahawus

worlds largest pair of pants homer

the only two story outhouse in new york state phelps

interstate 81 crows

worlds oldest trees gilboa

smallest church in the world oneida

copper john auburn

the worlds largest roll of life savers gouverneur

hoss's country store long lake

drain tile museum geneva

scythe tree waterloo

worlds largest garden gnome kerhonkson

catskill game farm

sterling forest state park

kaaterskill falls trail head

jamestown river walk

stony brook state park

wappinger creek greenway trail

pulpit rock and the pinnacle loop

three valley campground

pfeiffer nature center eshelman property

carlton hill multiple use area

richardson cottage

stohrer's lodge

pfeiffer nature center lillibridge property

kinzua bridge state park

luensman overview park

pop warner rail trail

midway state park

cat rocks hiking trail

gertrude's nose

minewasaka trail

pfeiffer nature center & foundation

minnewaska state park preserve

kissing bridge

mill road scenic overlook

old erie canal historic park poolsbrook

hudson highlands state park

anchor diamond park

old erie canal state historic park

master skill falls trail head

appalachian trail conservancy

ausable chasm

storm king state park

franny reese state park

high rock park

blue mountain resort

duffield camp & retreat center

old erie canal park

the woods at bear creek

bear creek

erie county restoration area

lime lake

cream ridge

boyce hill

erie county bureau of forestry

hampton brook woods wildlife management area

parkside park

hamburg beach town park

anna mae bacon bird sanctuary

hamburg dog park

hamburg park (there's a few)

yates park

hamburg beach

orchard acres park

taylor road park

allegheny mountain trail saddles

hunters creek county park

gooseneck hill waterfowl sanctuary

majors park

bureau of forestry visitors center

the owens falls sanctuary

beaver meadow family campground

beaver meadow audubon center

northampton park

stiegelmeier park

greece canal park

akron falls

cabic pond

patterson state park

goose creek valley greenway preserve

martin road park

bennett beach

forest lawn

beaver lake nature center

black rock mineral springs hiking trail

mossy bank park

gratwick riverside park

warsaw village park

stiglmeier park

greenway nature trail

reynolds gully

nestico field

moorman drive park

cheektowaga volunteer firemen's park

eiffel park

garrison park

sloan village park

lehigh valley railroad rail trail

walden park

nob hill park

cheektowaga town park

naples community park

stony brook state park

chapman state park

rattlesnake hill wildlife management area

indian fort nature preserve

losson nature trail

times beach

kashong conservation area

art park gorge trail

bishop nature preserve

churchville park

keuka lake outlet trail

eighteen mile creek

west lake road school park

rock city state forest

zoar valley

three sisters trail allegheny state park

deer lick conservation area

mccarty hill state forest

keuka lake state park

pat mcgee trail

turning point park

maplewood park

griffis sculpture park

allegheny national forest

ccc camp seneca

lucien morin park

nannen arboretum

dublin hollow

ellison park

colton state park

the grove public park

gargoyle park

little valley rural cemetery

faun lake

east otto state forest

penn dixie fossil park and nature reserve

mutual riverfront park

river fest park

elliott creek park

miller park

conklin's gully

seaway trail

skywalk allegheny park

lake erie

honeoye inlet wildlife management area

white brook nature area

RMSC cumming nature center

mill creek nature preserve

blue cut nature center

keuka lake outlet trail

ontario county park at gannet hill

gannet hill

gorham lodge park

bristol woodland campgrounds

isaac gordon nature park

high tor wildlife management area

ontario county pathway

italy hill state forest

rob's trail hemlock lake

hemlock lake

county park mt morris

canadaigua lake south end state boat launch

finger lakes trail

west hills nature preserve

dryer road park

honeoye falls

bowen park

boughton park

honeoye creek wildlife management area

sandy bottom park

hemlock lake park

west river fishing access site

papermill park

geneseo river access park

fishers park

wheat road trailhead

Honeoye Creek

japanese garden

rob's trail preserve

charlie c major nature trail

canadaigua/rochester KOA holiday

wesley hill nature preserve

hundred acres trail head

times beach bird part

knox farms

letchworth

black rock canal park

chestnut ridge

holiday hill campground

tamarack campground

burchfield nature

triphammer falls

roy h park reserve

4-h acres

tareyton park

jones park vestal

lick brook

sugar hill state forest

montezuma national wildlife refuge

morgan hill state forest

labrador hollow unique area

beaver lake nature center

seneca lake state park

beebe lake

north utica park

utica marsh wildlife management area

conewango swamp wildlife management area

bowman lake state park

hudson highlands state park

lake taghkanic state park

nannen arboretum

allen lake belfast

mccarthy hill state forest

island park wellsville

william w white american chestnut plantation

bear mountain state park

erie canal park

reinstein woods

joseph davis park

niagara historic trail

five senses nature park

william's st park

river road park

black creek park

cave springs conservation area

ontario county park at gannett hill

sprague brook

caz park

fort niagara

new york parks boat launch

kiosk marble bench stone beach

girl scout park

rapids high hiking trail

niagara gorge

stella niagara preserve

pioneer park

lower trail artpark

town of lockport nature trail

frontage park

[christianstepmoms]

Presque Isle?

Presque Isle State Park (/prɛsk/) is a 3,112-acre (1,259 ha) Pennsylvania State Park on an arching, sandy peninsula that juts into Lake Erie, 4 miles (6 km) west of the city of Erie, in Millcreek Township, Erie County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. The peninsula sweeps northeastward, surrounding Presque Isle Bay along the park's southern coast. It has 13 miles (21 km) of roads, 21 miles (34 km) of recreational trails, 13 beaches for swimming, and a marina. Popular activities at the park include swimming, boating, hiking, biking, and birdwatching.

The recorded history of Presque Isle begins with the Erielhonan, a Native American tribe who gave their name to Lake Erie, and includes French, British, and American forts, as well as serving as a base for Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry's fleet in the War of 1812. With the growing importance of shipping on Lake Erie in the 19th century, Presque Isle became home to several lighthouses and what later became a United States Coast Guard station. In 1921, it became a state park, and as of 2007 it hosts over 4  million visitors per year, the most of any Pennsylvania state park.[2]

The Presque Isle peninsula formed on a moraine from the end of the Wisconsin glaciation and is constantly being reshaped by waves and wind. This leads to seven ecological zones within the park, which provides a classic example of ecological succession. A National Natural Landmark since 1967, the park has been named one of the best places in the United States for watching birds, particularly in the Gull Point Natural Area. The Tom Ridge Environmental Center at the entrance to the park allows visitors to learn more about the park and its ecology. Presque Isle State Park has been chosen by the Pennsylvania Bureau of Parks for its list of "25 Must-See Pennsylvania State Parks".[3]

Early inhabitants

Presque Isle was formed at the end of the Wisconsin glaciation about 11,000 years ago.[4] The earliest known inhabitants of the southern Lake Erie coast were the Erielhonan, also known as the "Eriez", an Iroquoian speaking tribe of Native Americans. Erielhonan meant the "Cat" or "Raccoon" people, and the name "Erie", a corruption of Erielhonan, became the name of the lake and county in which Presque Isle Park is found and of the city nearest the park.[5][6]

An Erielhonan legend taught that the Great Spirit led them to Presque Isle because of the wealth of game, the abundance of clean fresh water, and the cool breezes "coming from the land of snow and ice" (i.e. Canada). Another legend explains how the Erielhonan ventured into Lake Erie in search of the land where the sun set, but the spirit of the lake blew a fierce storm to keep them from finding it.[2] To protect the Erielhonan from the storm, their god laid his outstretched arm into the lake, giving them safety during the storm. The god's arm remained in the lake, protecting the tribe's future generations.[5]

The Erielhonan are believed to have lived and farmed on the peninsula.[4] They fought several wars, the last starting in 1653 with the Five Nations of the Iroquois. Despite initial victories over the Senecas, in 1654 the Erielhonans' largest village, Rique (at the modern city of Erie), was destroyed by 1,800 Iroquois warriors. By 1656, the Erielhonan had been destroyed as a people, although the Iroquois adopted survivors who were absorbed primarily into the Senecas.[5][6]

[carnegiemuseumnaturalhistory]

Robin Watch

(above) The American Robin Box in the CMNH Educator Loan Program, with art work by John Franc. The loaning of educational materials has been suspended during the Covid-19 pandemic.

As a bird watcher, I’m out of the house early at this time of the year, listening for the calls of newly arrived migrating birds. New days begin in a still dark neighborhood with a steadily growing feathered chorus. Although the calls of a few Northern cardinals and Carolina wrens are close enough for me to guess the location of each singers’ perch, they are far outnumbered by American robins whose blended notes reach my ears from every compass point.

On recent mornings I’ve come to value the abundant presence of robins as a tonic to human nerves frazzled by the life-disrupting spread of Covid-19. The species’ horizon-wide dawn concert is a prelude to an active visible presence in the same territory all day. With minimal effort, little prior planning, and without violating protocol for social distance spacing, you can observe robins flying to and from cover, hopping over grassy feeding areas in search of worms, fighting rivals for mates and territory, and even gathering dried grass and mud for nest construction.

Photo by Amy Henrici.

Through such simple observations it’s possible to reach what naturalist Margaret Renkl, writing recently in The New York Times, termed “the alternate world we need right now, one that exists far beyond the impulse to scroll and scroll.”

A pre-pandemic, but still contemporary call for all of us to become better robin watchers can be found in A Season On The Wind, ornithologist Ken Kaufman’s 2019 account of spring bird migration near his home along the Lake Erie shore in western Ohio.

“Their songs are loud and rich and their colors are bold, from the deep yellow of the beak to the bright rufous orange of the chest. If the American robin were a rare bird, we would climb mountains or walk through fire to catch a glimpse of it. Why should we appreciate it any less just because it’s around us every day?”     (A SEASON ON THE WIND, Inside the World of Spring Migration, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2019.)

A far older robin endorsement can be found in the writings of John James Audubon. In early June of 1833, when the renowned bird artist arrived on the barren coast of Labrador, he encountered a robin singing from a snow-free patch of grass.

“That song brought with it a thousand pleasing associations referring to the beloved land of my youth, and soon inspired me with resolution to persevere in my hazardous enterprise.”

Audubon’s praise for the species continues for several paragraphs, and his deep appreciation for the wide-ranging bird includes an aspect unfamiliar to modern robin watchers. After describing how wintering robins in the American south feed on “the fruits of our woods,” he reminds readers that under these circumstances “they are fat and juicy and afford excellent eating.”

For more information about robins including song recordings:

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Robin/id

For read a fuller account of Audubon’s praise for robins:

https://www.audubon.org/birds-of-america/american-robin

For Margaret Renkl’s full essay about the value of nature observation:

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/23/opinion/coronavirus-nature-outdoors.html

Patrick McShea works in the Education and Visitor Experience department of Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Museum employees are encouraged to blog about their unique experiences and knowledge gained from working at the museum.