#mississippi bald eagle

[burtsmithers]

[fishenjoyer1]

Fish of the Day

Today's fish of the day is the muskellunge!

The muskellunge, also called a musky, lunge, ski, and scientific name Esox masquinongy, is known for being the largest species of pike. Muskellunge can be found around the rivers of Michigan, specifically the Great Lakes region, Canadian waters, St Lawrence River, and around the Mississippi and Ohio river valleys. Outside of their natural range, they can also be found around the Tennessee river, South Carolina rivers, and as far South as Upper Georgia, where they are kept stocked intentionally for recreational fishing. They live around clean and clear waters with little silt, preferring to surround themselves with aquatic vegetation and weeds. This is because they tend to lurk near weedy shores and rocky outcroppings, although they can be found in deeper waters during the summer.

The diet of the muskie is made up primarily of other fish, although they will also eat: frogs, water birds, rats, and other animals that can be found in and around their environments. On rare occasions, muskellunge have been reported attacking dogs and children They attack other animals in an ambush, where the muskie will swiftly bite and swallow, not allowing any time for prey to fight back or escape. They can get as large as 50 inches in length, but there are claims of fish getting as large as 6ft. They have few predators, only large birds, such as bald eagles, other larger muskellunge or pike, and human fishing. With human fish thought to be the cause of their declining numbers.

Similar to other pikes, the muskellunge form small schools, and will claim territories that they fiercely defend, only becoming more aggressive during the breeding season. They spawn in the spring, like other pike, finding clean rocks or sandy bottomed rivers to lay their eggs. Spawning is only around a week to two weeks in length, and eggs are abandoned almost immediately. Once born, juveniles are only a few cm in length, but can get as large as 12 inches by their first year of life, and can get as old as 12-18 years.

That's the muskie fish, have a good day, everyone!

[follow-up-news]

Louisiana has long relied on a vast levee system to rein in the Mississippi River and protect surrounding communities from flooding. But cutting off the natural flow of the river with man made barriers has been slowly killing one of the nation’s largest forested wetlands. The 176 square mile (456 square kilometers) Maurepas Swamp just to the west of New Orleans holds Louisiana’s second largest contiguous forest, a beloved state wildlife refuge filled with water tupelo and bald cypress trees, their branches adorned by wisps of Spanish moss. A beloved recreation site, the swamp also houses bald eagles, ospreys, black bears and alligators and serves as a waystation for hundreds of different migratory birds. Deprived of nutrients from the stanched Mississippi River, the swamp’s iconic trees are dying in stagnant water. Yet they’re now set to receive a life-saving boost. State and federal authorities on Tuesday celebrated breaking ground on an ambitious conservation project intended to replenish the ailing trees by diverting water from the Mississippi back into the swamp.

[uncharismatic-fauna]

The Beautiful Blue Catfish

Blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) are members of the bullhead catfish family, native to the drainages of the Mississippi, Missouri, and Ohio river basins and the Gulf of Mexico. Because of their popularity as game fish, this species has also been introduced to freshwater systems throughout North and South America, and is considered invasive in these areas.

Like many catfish, I. furcatus is a bottom dweller. They can often be found near complex structures such as rocky outcroppings, fallen trees, or sunken structures that provide both food and shelter. The blue catfish is an opportunistic predator, consuming any fish or aquatic invertebrates it can find, as well as eggs, small amphibians, and injured or recently deceased animals. Adult I. furcatus are seldom prey for other species due to their size, but hatchlings and juveniles are often food for cormorants, willets, osprey, pelicans, and bald eagles. To deter predators, this species has serrated barbs along their dorsal and pectoral fins, each laced with a particularly painful toxin.

Though they can be difficult prey for other animals, the blue catfish is a popular target for fishermen, and for good reason; they're the largest species of catfish in North America. Adults can easily reach a length of 65 in (170 cm) and a weight of 165 lb (75 kg). As indicated by their name, most individuals are grey or blue, with a lighter underbelly. This species also lacks scales, a common characteristic of catfish, and the face is framed by long whisker-like barbels that help it detect nearby food.

While generally solitary, blue catfish aren't territorial, and tend to ignore each other until the mating season. Reproduction begins in April and continues until June, during which time males attract a female by building a nest and releasing attractive pheromones. Once a female has selected a male, she lays between 4,000-8,000 eggs per kilogram of bodyweight in his nest (i.e. if the female weighs 2 kg, she may lay between 8,000-16,000 eggs). The male then disperses sperm over the eggs. Following fertilization, the male chases away the female and guards the nest for about a week, at which time the eggs hatch. The hatchlings, also known as fry, stay close together in schools for several weeks before growing large enough to disperse. It will take them a further 5 years for them to reach maturity; on average individuals live about 10 years, but can live as long as 25.

Conservation status: The blue catfish is considered Least Concern by the IUCN. Within its native range, populations face minor threats from dams and droughts. Where it has been introduced, the species is considered invasive due to its voracious appetite.

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Photos

Missouri Department of Conservation

NOAA

Earl Nottingham

[ralfmaximus]

The bald eagle has been the symbol of the nation since June 20, 1782, when the Second Continental Congress adopted the Great Seal of the United States featuring an eagle with an olive branch in one talon and 13 arrows in the other to represent the first states in the union. But Congress never declared the bald eagle as the national bird in the same way that each of the 50 states has a state bird, such as the Baltimore oriole in Maryland and the mockingbird in Mississippi.

Ah yes, important legislation. Can't pass any form of gun control, the minimum wage is still $7.25 after 15+ years of inflation, there's a genocide in Gaza and a Russian invasion in Europe.

But THANK GOD we're finally gonna designate an official national bird. Fucking hell.

[manchineel-bean]

fellas with animal features: (so many flags-) Alabama: Snake, Bald Eagle Alaska: Black Eagle Arkansas: Bald Eagle California: California Grizzly Bear Delaware: Cow Hawaii: Phoenix

Idaho: Elk Illinois: Bald Eagle Indiana: Bison Iowa: Bald Eagle Louisiana: Pelican

Maine: Moose Michigan: Elk, Deer, Bald Eagle Minnesota: Horse Mississippi: Bald Eagle Missouri: Bald Eagle, Bear

Nevada: Horse New Jersey: Horse New Mexico: Bald Eagle

New York: Bald Eagle, Beaver North Dakota: Bald Eagle

Oregon: Bald Eagle, Beaver Pennsylvania: Bald Eagle, Horse South Dakota: Cow Utah: Bee, Bald Eagle Vermont: Cow, Deer Wisconsin: Badger Wyoming: Bison

[csny]

Alaska: Igloo, Kodiak bear, Iditarod sled dog race, Denali

Hawaii: pearl harbor, pineapple

washington: Space Needle, apple, mt st helens, rainier national park

oregon: roses, lighthouse, crater lake, oregon trail, hiking

california: redwood tree, white water rafting, gold, golden gate bridge, silicon valley, yosemite national park, wine country, sierra nevada mountains, hollywood, joshua tree

nevada: silver, las vegas strip, hoover dam

idaho: gemstones, potatoes

montana: rocky mountains, glacier national park, grizzly bear, bison

wyoming: yellowstone national park, old faithful geyser, bucking bronco

utah: great salt lake, zion national park, skiing

arizona: lake mead, grand canyon national park, montezuma castle, turquoise, saguaro cactus

new mexico: pueblo, yucca plant, carlsbad caverns

colorado: rocky mountain national park, columbine flower, elk

north dakota: oil, wind energy

south dakota: crazy horse memorial, the badlands, mount rushmore

nebraska: chimney rock, bald eagle, train

kansas: tornadoes, dodge city, sunflower

oklahoma: tomato, wheat, osage shield

texas: cattle, prickly pear cactus, oil refinery, the alamo, NASA Johnson space Center

Minnesota: lake of the woods, wolf, deer

iowa: prairie grass, corn

missouri; Hog, gateway arch

arkansas: razorback hog, banjo

louisiana: crayfish, mardi gras, jazz music

wisconsin: dairy

illinois: Willis tower, tractor, lincoln

michigan: copper, iron ore, automobile manufacturing, motown

indiana: Car

ohio: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, tires

pennsylvania: street mill, liberty bell

new jersey: constitution

maryland: blue crab

virginia: mount vernon

north carolina: wright brothers national memorial, tobacco farm, great smoky mountains national park, appalachian mountains

south carolina: fort sumter

georgia: peanuts, peach

florida: oranges, kennedy space center, alligator, everglades national park

alabama: cotton, civil rights movement

mississippi: magnolia

tennessee: country music

kentucky: horse racing

west virginia: coal

new york: apple tree, financial market, statue of liberty

massachusetts: american revolution

vermont: maple syrup

new hampshire: fall colors

maine: acadia national park, moose, lobster

And don’t make me repeat it!!!!!!!

[aquilathefighter]

I feel such a disconnect with other birders with respect to bald eagles. Frankly I have seen enough bald eagles for a lifetime. They're like house sparrows to me. You go to the river in winter? They're there looking for fish.

I grew up on a tributary of the Mississippi in the Midwest. That's eagle central for half the year! We used to hold a day-long event about them so all the normal people could see them and learn about conservation and not using lead buckshot, etc. etc.

And now I live in Texas where it's dry as hell and there's not big enough bodies of water for miles and everyone shits their pants over a BAEA and I'm just like 🧍yep that's an eagle alright can we go look for winter warblers now? It's a strange experience

[shane1081]

I’ve been doing some traveling for work lately and ventured out into La crosse, wi. It sits on the wisconson/ Minnesota line on the old Mississippi River. Seen lots of bald eagles in the cute city! Watched some people ice skate and lots of families out enjoying dinner together. Stay warm everyone!

[martinjmilitajr]

How the Delaware River Basin Changed Environmental Policy

In 2021, a landmark decision reverberated through environmental and energy policy. The Delaware River Basin Commission took a bold stance against hydraulic fracturing, commonly known as fracking. This watershed moment represents the culmination of nearly a decade of persistent advocacy, scientific scrutiny, and passionate environmental activism.

The Delaware River Basin is far more than just a geographical feature; it stretches over several states, such as New York and Delaware, and provides drinking water to over 15 million people. It serves as a lifeline for diverse wildlife, supporting critical habitats for the native trout, American eels, and bald eagles. The river is the longest free-flowing river east of the Mississippi, and its preservation has become a paramount concern for environmental advocates.

The journey to this fracking ban has been long and complex. For years, the region teetered on the edge of potential environmental disruption. Geological surveys revealed significant natural gas reserves in formations like the Marcellus Shale and Utica Shale, which stretched across multiple states. The potential for energy extraction was substantial, with estimates suggesting trillions of cubic feet of natural gas beneath the surface.

However, the environmental risks associated with fracking have always been a profound concern. The process involves injecting a mixture of water, salt, and thousands of toxic chemicals deep into the earth to extract fossil fuels. These chemicals have been linked to serious health concerns, including cancer and genetic mutations. Moreover, the potential for water contamination posed an existential threat to a watershed that supplies drinking water to millions.

New Jersey has been at the forefront of this environmental battle. Former Governor Chris Christie initially took a cautious approach, implementing a one-year moratorium on fracking in 2012 and allowing further environmental impact studies. His decision pleased neither environmental advocates nor industry representatives. The Sierra Club criticized the moratorium as inadequate, while industry groups argued it sent the wrong message about natural gas benefits.

The political landscape shifted dramatically with the election of Governor Phil Murphy. He became a driving force in pushing for comprehensive protection of the Delaware River Basin. Murphy advocated for a full ban not just on fracking itself but on all associated activities, including the storage, treatment, and disposal of fracking waste.

The Delaware River Basin Commission's vote was historic. Four of the five commissioners voted to prohibit fracking. They unanimously recognized the significant immediate and long-term risks that fracking posed to water resources.

This decision wasn't achieved in isolation. It was the result of relentless efforts by environmental organizations like the Natural Resources Defense Council, Delaware Riverkeeper Network, Sierra Club, and numerous other advocacy groups. These organizations mobilized members, submitted comments, attended meetings, and waged a comprehensive campaign to protect the watershed.

The ban represents more than a local environmental victory. It's a critical step in addressing broader climate change concerns. By prohibiting fracking, the commission is taking a stand against fossil fuel infrastructure and signaling support for cleaner energy alternatives.

However, environmental advocates are quick to point out that this is not a complete victory. While fracking is now banned, the commission's ruling does not prohibit the transportation and disposal of fracking waste or ban water withdrawals for fracking purposes in other regions.

As climate change and environmental degradation become increasingly urgent global challenges, this moment serves as a powerful example of what can be achieved through persistent advocacy, scientific understanding, and political will. The Delaware River Basin stands as a testament to the possibility of prioritizing long-term environmental sustainability over immediate economic gains.

[ainews]

In 1807, a remarkable event happened in Mississippi that has gone down in history. Two historic eagles, one bald and one golden, were seen perching atop a tall hickory tree overlooking a creek in the region. According to local accounts, the eagles began to swoop down and drink the water from the creek and, upon doing so, formed a large droplet that began to pour down from the tree as if it were a waterfall.

The event, which became known as the Dropping of the Eagles, has come to represent a profound symbol of freedom and the possibilities of American liberty. To the local Native Americans, the two eagles were seen as a sign of respect and friendship, while to others the event signified the power of nature and the strength it can hold.

Historians believe that the event also served to represent the American Revolution and its theme of natural rights and freedom for all. It has been reported that the sight of the two eagles swooping down to drink from the creek had a powerful impact on the minds of the settlers, inspiring a renewed sense of hope and optimism for the future.

Today, the event is still remembered and commemorated all over the country. From Mississippi, where the original event happened, to the wider United States of America, the sight of a majestic bald eagle or a golden eagle soaring the sky still carries the same symbolism that was present in the early days of the nation. The Dropping of the Eagles continues to be an important symbol of freedom and hope and is celebrated across the country each year.

[burtsmithers]

[wolf-grimoire]

the complex liminal nightmare of extinction can be for everyone now

When you’re uncertain what you’re looking at, the catastrophic footprint of the beetle called the Agrilus planipennis Fairmaireis doesn’t really resemble a crisis. Perhaps it’s a fungus? Some genetic anomoly in the patterning and color of the ash tree’s bark?—maybe a blight at worst… Something like a pale vegetal rash.

       Then you might notice how many of these trees are lying dead and dry among so many other thriving species. When you look closer, you notice half of the ash trees you’re passing have been cut off at the stump, perhaps still lying where they fell.

       When it hits you and you realize they are dying of some sort of disease innate to the ash, it’s impossible to avoid pivoting immediately to the dire numbers literally surrounding you.

       In the lowland forests below the bluffs of the driftless, I have walked with a sinking feeling. A forest of blighted corpses. Not a single ash in sight without some obvious symptom of the infection. In a woods below the bluffs I stood surrounded by a swift extinction. I could touch it. See it scattered everywhere. It was marked in blue spraypaint. But as horrifying as it was to behold at that moment I know the strange liminal nature of extinction now—because it was the thought of this forest ten years in the future that made me feel hopeless, that turned the pit in my guts rancid.

       The beetle comes and does its thing. Then it leaves and the forest is devastated. Every last ash dead or proactively cut down. And then the cascade of death actually begins. Any dependent species will fade quickly. In the cedar—ash muskegs north of the Mississippi’s headwaters, the loss of the ash trees would mean a rapid shift in the understory. Shifts in animal and bird species. In the same region, lake shores would be rapidly and dramatically altered, and the growing bald eagle population would lose critical nesting grounds. From Minnesota’s wild rice habitats to the mountains of Appalachia where mixed forest habitats would be equally ravaged, the total loss of ecological balance cannot be comprehended nor computed in the present.

       The emerald ash borer extinction event is a nightmare playing out in silent eminations and formlessness, liminal agonies, networks of loss in which a single species of beetle—ordinary in its original habitat—can no longer be comprehended as such.

       This is not an isolated event. Extinctions are occurring for reasons appallingly similar in the python-infested Everglades. While technocratic liberalism and the moralizing laptop class fed everyone else to the climate gods, their children ordered exotic pets on a corporation called Amazon, became bored with them, and stupidly and fatefully released them into already vulnerable habitats. Very real individuals are very much responsible for North America’s countless imploding ecologies, and they aren’t evil industrials cracking whips inside factories. The simple stupid greed of a nice suburban family, as it turns out, can be just as catastrophic as a thousand logging crews.

[hotcupoteckla]

I did, and got really depressed.

"Why?"

Because they'd be American Birds, and a bunch of Seagulls that live along the Mississippi River would vote for The Orange FantaLoon because they'd believe he'd save them from the dreaded windmill threat, despite never having flown close enough to a windmill to warrant being worried about them.

Also, while the below happened, and the raptors might vote against him...

Everyone who is not a raptor(and some who are) would know that bald eagle as an asshole who eats their kind regularly.

:(

Imagine if birds could vote

[billydavis4567]

Exploring the Columbus, Mississippi Riverwalk and Its Attractions.

Nestled in the heart of Columbus, Mississippi, the Riverwalk is a beloved destination that offers a blend of natural beauty, recreational activities, and historical significance. Stretching alongside the Tombigbee River, this scenic trail provides visitors with a serene escape into nature, as well as a peek into the rich cultural tapestry of the region.

A Walk Through Nature

The Columbus Riverwalk spans approximately 4.4 miles, making it an ideal spot for walking, jogging, or cycling. The trail is well-paved and accessible, welcoming visitors of all ages and abilities. As you meander along the path, you'll be greeted by the lush greenery and the calming sounds of the river flowing nearby. The Riverwalk is especially popular in the spring and fall when the foliage is at its most vibrant, painting the landscape with a kaleidoscope of colors.

Wildlife and Bird Watching

For nature enthusiasts, the Columbus Riverwalk is a haven for wildlife observation. The diverse ecosystem along the river supports a variety of bird species, making it a prime location for bird watching. Visitors might spot herons, egrets, and even the occasional bald eagle soaring above. The trail is also home to various small mammals and reptiles, adding to the richness of the natural experience.

Recreational Activities

Beyond walking and wildlife watching, the Riverwalk offers numerous recreational opportunities. There are several designated areas for picnicking, where families can enjoy a meal amidst the scenic backdrop. Fitness stations are scattered along the trail, providing spots for exercises and stretching. The Riverwalk also connects to the Columbus Soccer Complex, which hosts various local sports events and is a great place for active visitors to engage in some friendly competition.

Historical and Cultural Significance

Columbus, Mississippi, is steeped in history, and the Riverwalk is no exception. As you explore the trail, you'll encounter several markers and informational plaques that detail the region's past. One significant site along the Riverwalk is the location of the former steamboat landing, a nod to Columbus's history as a vital transportation hub in the 19th century. These historical points of interest provide a fascinating glimpse into the past, enriching the walking experience with stories of days gone by.

Events and Community Engagement

The Columbus Riverwalk is more than just a path through nature; it's a hub of community activity. Throughout the year, the Riverwalk hosts various events that bring together residents and visitors alike. The annual Spring Pilgrimage, for example, is a highlight that showcases the blooming beauty of the area along with guided tours of historic homes. Other events include local art shows, fitness challenges, and cultural festivals, all of which make the Riverwalk a lively center of community engagement.

The Future of the Riverwalk

Looking ahead, the City of Columbus has plans to further enhance the Riverwalk, ensuring it remains a cherished asset for generations to come. Proposed improvements include extending the trail, adding more amenities such as restrooms and water fountains, and increasing the number of educational and historical markers. These enhancements aim to preserve the natural beauty and historical significance of the Riverwalk while making it more accessible and enjoyable for all visitors.

Practical Information for Visitors

For those planning a visit, the Columbus Riverwalk is easily accessible from downtown Columbus, with several entry points and parking areas available. The trail is open year-round from dawn to dusk, offering a perfect spot for an early morning jog or a leisurely evening stroll. Visitors are encouraged to bring water, wear comfortable shoes, and take advantage of the shaded areas along the trail to stay cool during warmer months.

In conclusion, the Columbus, Mississippi Riverwalk is a gem that combines the tranquility of nature with the vibrancy of community life and the richness of history. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor exploring the area, the Riverwalk offers a delightful escape that captures the essence of Columbus.

[msstate]

Bird's-eye view from Mississippi State University on Vimeo.

Banding bald eagles on the coast for conservation research