May 10, 2008 Ship of Thieves! Stealing the Magic..AGAIN!!! Panama Canal FL to CA!!! Part 2

[LivingtheWDWdream]

Bald eagle shot, killed in Manatee County
By ANTHONY CORMIER



anthony.cormier@heraldtribune.com

EAST MANATEE -- Every so often, they went to the little patch of pasture on Lena Road, land owned by a dairy farmer and the home of an American bald eagle and her mate.

Tony and Paula Brown came to this spot for the better part of 18 months, looking for these particular birds who seemed content to live in a pine tree not far from the county dump.

But it was only in the past few weeks, when they noticed eggs in the nest, that the Browns realized the birds were about to have babies. Mother eagle stayed in the bushy nest, 100 yards or so from the road, 25 feet up in the pine tree, only days away from the hatching of her eaglets.

So the Browns came by more often, Tony Brown says, because they did not want to miss the births. Every so often became just about every day, until Sunday when the mother seemed mysteriously still in her nest.

Her mate was gone, and so were the other eagles, sometimes as many as 12, who lived in the same vicinity.

"Something's not right," he said.

Brown called a friend from the Audubon Society of Florida, which organizes observers to keep watch on eagle nests in Manatee and Sarasota counties.

When Dale Nauman got there Sunday afternoon, the eagle had not moved. The bird was dead.

The next morning, Nauman called a buddy who runs a tree-trimming business, borrowed a cherry-picker and got Roger Musgrave, the dairy farmer who owns the land and has always been friendly with the eagle watchers, to open the gate.

Nauman plucked the eagle from the nest and saw a gaping hole in the bird's chest. A veterinarian in Nokomis, he said, examined the animal and found its chest plate shattered, and an exit wound in the back.

"Somebody shot it," he said. "There's no doubt. Probably had to be a rifle, because we didn't find any buckshot in the nest or on the bird. Just the wound in the front, and another in the back."

A local law enforcement official said the carcass has been sent to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which will investigate.

It is a crime to kill or disturb an American bald eagle, removed this year from the endangered species list but still protected by federal and state laws.

While killings are rare -- the last known case in this region was in 2002 in Myakka City -- many are difficult to prove, said Gary Morse, a spokesman for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Sometimes, the shootings are accidental, such as cases when farmers or hunters mistake an eagle for a hawk. Also, investigations can be complicated by the wounds; defense lawyers have argued that the birds were not hurt by a bullet, but by a falling tree limb or a violent fall.

"Sometimes they can impale themselves trying to get prey," Morse said. "But, obviously, if a vet discovered that this animal was shot, it's something that law enforcement is going to be very interested in."

For now, the killing is a mystery.

The nest is not far from Lena Road, traveled heavily by trucks on their way to Manatee County's landfill, and Brown and Nauman speculated that the shooter could have fired a round from the street.

But with only about 60 eagles in Manatee and Sarasota counties, Brown wonders why anyone would hurt the birds -- especially the pair that he and his wife had become so close to.

Tony Brown is retired, after decades working in the Sears car shop. He is sick, with a heart problem that slows him down.

But he and Paula had hoped to watch their birds hatch their young, a rare sight.

He will continue watching, to be sure, but he is sick about the whole thing. "Just sad, so sad," he said.

That day, before Nauman got the cherry-picker and scaled the tree, the female's mate flew into the tree. In minutes, another eagle appeared overhead, a female, and called.

The male shrieked back, and as the cherry-picker rumbled on the ground, the eagles flew off together. There are three months left in mating season, and the bird was quickly finding another mate.



That was in the paper today...why would someone shoot a bird? I doubt they will find out who did it....

How sad and what a shame.

 

[fourmcds]

FYI....

Lisa (Liserann) is having problems with her DIS account right now. She can't send/receive PM's or post. She will be back as soon as possible, she is just waiting for a moderator to get back to her to help fix the situation.

 

[Tigger1221]

Jill - those lanyards are amazing! I would certainly be interested in getting some if WE end up doing this.

I don't know who is in charge on lanyards but someone was. They really are helpful.

 

[gydell]

Those look great. Thanks for doing the research on this. I, for one, would like to have lanyards for our group. It's especially helpful to have our name and Dis name, but I know that's a whole lot more work for whoever is putting them together.

If there is a group working on it then it would be ok. But I figured that our group is up to 300 or more. To save on the price you need to order 500. So with that and the laminated pouch someone would have to put up front about $500+. I have the website where we got ours from for the TA cruise. I think a group of us went in and each paid about $30 and considered it our gift. I think it would be too confusing to try and get every person to send in a small amount. I can give someone the website if they need it.

 

[gydell]

I don't know who is in charge on lanyards but someone was. They really are helpful.

I think they canceled the cruise.

 

[Making_Memories]

If there is a group working on it then it would be ok. But I figured that our group is up to 300 or more. To save on the price you need to order 500. So with that and the laminated pouch someone would have to put up front about $500+. I have the website where we got ours from for the TA cruise. I think a group of us went in and each paid about $30 and considered it our gift. I think it would be too confusing to try and get every person to send in a small amount. I can give someone the website if they need it.

Hey there I am on your fish mail team and I know myself and Norcalmouse (also on that days team) would be willing to chip in for us to gift these. I would love to get my hands on these for us!

 

[milestogo]

Thanks Kelly, these are great tools to use....and I'll do anything as long as it helps. Right now I'm doing a small ziploc bag of cheerios, eating them one at a time and lots of water and cinnamon gum, sugarless of course. Everything helps.....that's what has kept me honest to date.

I'm a little bummed.....I got on the scale and learned that I gained 5 lbs in the past week and I've been doing the exact same diet. I've even started doing some exercises. I should have lost more, but instead gained. I think it's the metabolism changes from not smoking anymore. It's ok though because I read where the metabolism will readjust after a while, so I just have to give it some more time and continue with the diet and exercises. Eventually, it will even out and I should start losing again. It's a little discouraging though because I was doing so well with the weight loss.

Don't worry you are losing 5 pounds of tar from your lungs!!!!! Start by walking and lifting some weights while you are working around the house, your body will transform in small amounts.

and what the heck is a sparkling soda? All the tours are listing a sparkling soda....is that different than a reg coke?

Coke-like product - there was some question of whether we should drink it or not because the ice was made with their questionable water.

You would think so, wouldn't you? But in GE's (NBC's parent company) infinite wisdom they flew in staffers from the Burbank bureau instead of employing a freelancer who LIVES RIGHT HERE! You know how it is--staff salaries are out of one budget and freelancers are out of another--yada, yada,yada. In fact, DH did work a great deal before they announced the severe cutbacks and moratorium on hiring freelancers on Dec. 10. He spent a week on Obama's bus tour and came away very impressed. He spent lesser amounts of time with other candidates.

Wow, this sounds like a fun fly on the wall.

You would think we were going to have a blizzard! The stores are empting their milk and bread aisles. It's not really suppose to stick but the freezing rain all night might get us!

BURRR, I should have told you we were sending your some cold weather, I can tell you we are sending you some warm weather next followed by wind.

 

[HollyTyler]

I'm hoping the dad and daughter win, although for the first time ever (and I've watched TAR every season since it started) I won't be disapointed if any of the 3 teams win....

uggh I'm tired. My sil and I went for a 2 mile walk/jog. If you really knew me you'd be amazed at the sight of fat butt running without something chasing me. but I did it

Kari, great job on your 2 miles!

 

[katypop]

V and Deb - it has taken me a looooooooooooong time to be able to get to where I am today. I've been dealing w/ depression (like Carol) since I was 12yo, and have had a really bad year w/ that this year (worst year to date). Drs have been playing w/ different meds since March, and it appears I'm FINALLY on something that is working. It was so bad earlier this year that even the parks and scrapbooking didn't hold any joy for me and I couldn't do either one (I'm still struggling w/ the scrapbooking).

Until about 2-3 weeks ago everything was just too overwhelming...I'd have thoughts of what I wanted to do, but couldn't get any of it done. GP gave me a hard time (sort of) cuz I have the stationary bike in my living room facing the tv and yet I couldn't get on it....he did say that it's like a catch 22 as exercise would help the depression, but the depression wouldn't let me get on the bike.

I'm just glad that I'm able to tackle little things now....and if it wasn't for Will I can tell you the furniture would have stayed where it was!

Monica

 

[katypop]

Good Morning V.....I think that Noel is handling brunches and dinners and I'm handling the teas. I didn't mean that I'm not doing them, I meant that I'm not handling them. Sorry! That was a bit confusing.

The no smoking is still very hard but we're on day 16 today. I think John is having an easier time then I am. He's at work all day and can't smoke there anyway. I'm at home and very used to being able to freely smoke. But the good news is, neither one of us has given in and cheated. So, we're on our way to recovery, no matter how hard it still is.....we're doing the right thing and will beat it.

How's Tebow? Is he growing fast?

Deb, day 16 You are doing great!

 

[linuxwebguy]

From one single (well, plus my DS5 traveling with me) to another, WELCOME!

Good to meet you! Man, you don't check this board for a few days... and there are *pages*! I think each cruise date needs it's own forum so we can thread discussions. Or maybe that's too much administration, I dunno!

 

[HollyTyler]

And now I see Knightrider is coming back . . . could life get any better?

HEY, I'm excited about that! I loved Knight Rider!

By the way....hello everybody! Had to do some running around after Tyler left this evening, and am now plunked down at the public library using their wireless internet. My poor laptop hasn't been used in so long, it's probably in shock!

Tyler came home from school with 9 complete sets of teeth (bitemarks) on his forearm yesterday. He did it to himself. The teachers were quite freaked out, as I am. He bit so hard, the toothmarks were quite deep. I mentioned a few episodes to the psychologist last week about him trying to hurt himself in the past, but this is the most severe. His dad has never seen him do anything to himself, so doesn't believe me, but at least now the teachers can back me up if necessary that it's really happening. Poor kid.....I just can't imagine that 1 hour a week of counseling will help him. I hope she'll decide to see him more times a week. The bite marks yesterday just about broke my heart (not to mention scared me).

I probably shouldn't say all this stuff here because I'm afraid you will all think he's a freak, but I just need to vent sometimes.

 

[HollyTyler]

Good to meet you! Man, you don't check this board for a few days... and there are *pages*! I think each cruise date needs it's own forum so we can thread discussions. Or maybe that's too much administration, I dunno!

Sorry, we really are a bunch of jabberboxes!

OK...now to try to catch up on the 33 pages I'm behind before the library closes in 50 minutes!

 

[katypop]

HEY, I'm excited about that! I loved Knight Rider!

By the way....hello everybody! Had to do some running around after Tyler left this evening, and am now plunked down at the public library using their wireless internet. My poor laptop hasn't been used in so long, it's probably in shock!

Tyler came home from school with 9 complete sets of teeth (bitemarks) on his forearm yesterday. He did it to himself. The teachers were quite freaked out, as I am. He bit so hard, the toothmarks were quite deep. I mentioned a few episodes to the psychologist last week about him trying to hurt himself in the past, but this is the most severe. His dad has never seen him do anything to himself, so doesn't believe me, but at least now the teachers can back me up if necessary that it's really happening. Poor kid.....I just can't imagine that 1 hour a week of counseling will help him. I hope she'll decide to see him more times a week. The bite marks yesterday just about broke my heart (not to mention scared me).

I probably shouldn't say all this stuff here because I'm afraid you will all think he's a freak, but I just need to vent sometimes.

I wish I could think of something to say to make it better, I'm sorry you and Tyler are having such a tough time, but you are on the road to getting help. We're all friends here, that means sharing the good times and the bad

 

[HollyTyler]

Got this as part of a forward tonight...had to share...describes me to a T, not sure about everyone else

YUP! That's me, 100%!!!

 

[lillygator]

oh Holly, I am sorry about Tyler. Hope things get better.

 

[EllaEnchanted]

HEY, I'm excited about that! I loved Knight Rider!

By the way....hello everybody! Had to do some running around after Tyler left this evening, and am now plunked down at the public library using their wireless internet. My poor laptop hasn't been used in so long, it's probably in shock!

Tyler came home from school with 9 complete sets of teeth (bitemarks) on his forearm yesterday. He did it to himself. The teachers were quite freaked out, as I am. He bit so hard, the toothmarks were quite deep. I mentioned a few episodes to the psychologist last week about him trying to hurt himself in the past, but this is the most severe. His dad has never seen him do anything to himself, so doesn't believe me, but at least now the teachers can back me up if necessary that it's really happening. Poor kid.....I just can't imagine that 1 hour a week of counseling will help him. I hope she'll decide to see him more times a week. The bite marks yesterday just about broke my heart (not to mention scared me).

I probably shouldn't say all this stuff here because I'm afraid you will all think he's a freak, but I just need to vent sometimes.

Oh Holly, how scary! We know Tyler is not a freak....we know about the sweet kind caring considerate and loving person that he is. He just needs some medical attention right now for all the things that he does not have control of in his life. Thankfully he is beginning to get that attention now. You're doing all the right things to help him and it will payoff, just have to give it some time since it's so new for him still.

You are a remarkable person for dealing so well with it all. You could easily panic out, but you don't. You always have us here to vent with, anytime day or night. You know how I believe that things happen for a reason.....I think that you're not able to be in school this semester for a reason. Tyler needs you and you are now freed up to be able to focus on getting him the help that he needs. Tyler's father is the one in denial, but he seems to come around eventually.....just give him a little more time.

Just remember, Tyler is not the only kid this ever happened to.....the professionals see this kind of stuff everyday....they will fix it, just give them a chance.

Lots of Hugs and Pixie Dust to both you and Tyler!!!

 

[lillygator]

I've been sucked into another Lifetime Movie.

 

[figment52]

Hey there I am on your fish mail team and I know myself and Norcalmouse (also on that days team) would be willing to chip in for us to gift these. I would love to get my hands on these for us!

I would be willing to chip in on these too

 

[EllaEnchanted]

Good to meet you! Man, you don't check this board for a few days... and there are *pages*! I think each cruise date needs it's own forum so we can thread discussions. Or maybe that's too much administration, I dunno!

We have a website too....for all the info that gets lost in the multitude of pages.....it's easy to find on the site. For access just PM PJ/pjpoohbear and she'll give you everything you need to get on.