Spring Bird Mist-netting Trip

Setting up the mist nets.

A beautiful male, Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus).
A bitey Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis).
A fiesty male Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor).
A great look at a Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata).

This morning, I was able to tag along on a mist netting trip to Cooper farm in Muncie, Indiana with the Ball State Wildlife Society. The weather was crisp and sunny, and we caught a variety of very cool birds. We also caught Song and Swamp Sparrows. I'm holding a Swamp Sparrow (Melospiza georgiana) above.

Historic Union Terminal Train Station

John and I got to spend a couple of days in Cincinnati last weekend. On Sunday, we went to the Cincinnati museum center at the historic Union Terminal train station with my Dad. It is a really beautiful Art deco style structure that was built in 1933. Unfortunately, only a very small portion is still used as a train station. However, there are so many great exhibits to see there, it is still a really cool place to visit. My favorite is the Cincinnati history exhibit.

Winter sunset

I get really great views of the sunsets in winter from my tree-top apartment.

My Brother Brandon

Brandon demonstrated some of his Disc jockey talent for me on Christmas morning. He's a lot of fun to hang around.

Cincinnati, Ohio

John came with me to visit my hometown of Cincinnati for a few days before Christmas, and we had so much fun! On Saturday, we took a tour of the Historic Taft Museum of Art, and also enjoyed a nice view overlooking the Ohio River off of Main Street. The Taft home was occupied by Charles Phelps Taft and his wife Anna Sinton Taft from 1873-1931. Charles was the older half-brother of President William Howard Taft.

Congratulations to Kiev!

John's doctoral student and friend Kiev Gracias graduated on the 15th of December from Ball State University. I feel very fortunate to get to spend time with such smart, fun, and genuine people like John, Kiev, and Robin.

Piney Acres Farm

John and I headed out to Piney Acres Farm in Fortville, Indiana to cut down a Christmas tree this year. The weather was cold and snowy, but very pretty. The tractor ride out was one of best parts!