Birds were plentiful during bad weather

The U.S. National Anthem, “Star Spangled Banner” was adopted this week, March 3, 1931. (Some current talk of altering some of the wording!)
Had a lay speaker from Greenville at Oak Grove 50 years ago this week, February 28, 1971.
A singing group out of the MS Delta came to Oak Grove about the above mentioned time. The group had a state highway patrolman who sang bass. His voice was so powerful it actually shook the floor of the old wood church.
Happy 66th wedding anniversary this week Shelton and Marilyn Williams of Slate Springs.

Happy birthday this week: Feb. 28 Kent Casey, Roger Harris, Tott Edmondson; Mar. 1 Alice Massey, Jennifer Bennett, Tony Pollan Jr.; Mar. 2 Judy Haire, Chris Moore; Mar. 3 Jerry Moore; Mar. 4 Angela Smith, Marvin Morris; Mar. 5 Jeremy Williams; Mar. 6 Linda Ward, Kiley Fleming.
Bad weather has not prevented Martins from arriving in our area at their regular time.
James Stone of Calhoun City reported three Martins arrived at his place February 24.
He has about 70-80 gourd houses. Last year some 100 Martins were at his residence.
I do not have any Martin and/or any other type bird houses.

However, do have two wild bird feeders that attract a wide variety of winged creatures. During the snow and ice they ate nearly 35 lbs. of mixed sunflower seed.
Birds, especially red, really enjoy the sunflower seed. Usually purchase it in 50 lb. bags.
According March-April “Yankee Magazine” under an article on birds, Canada and the United States are having their own pandemic among wild bird population.
It has been a long duration. During the past 50 years three billion wild birds have been lost to pesticide poisoning, habitat destruction and climate change.
No particular bird was listed on the endangered list.

The orange black Monarch butterfly that passes through our area year, does meet the criteria but too many other plants, animals are ahead of it.
Wonder how many Monarch butterflies actually make the 3000 mile trip across North America?
One of the signs of spring is the springing up and blooming of Jonquils. Noticed my first ones last week.
Willa Kay and I took our second Covid-19 shots last week in Calhoun City.

Talked with Bro. Jim Vance recently in Calhoun City. He is recovering from the Covid following a hospital stay.
Bro. Vance is hoping to return to the pastorate at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in the Atlanta community within the next few weeks.
February weather included 6.4” of rain and 4” of snow at my residence.
David Green had 7.4” at Rocky Mount, and reported 6” of snow and ice. John Leachman reported 6.2” rain at Lantrip, and 4” of snow and ice.
The February record for rain in the past 21 years was 16.18” in ‘19. The least was 1.85” in ‘14. This year and in ‘11 and ‘14 we received 4” of snow.
Our prayers continue for Doris Lenard and all bereaved families including the Scott Starks, Billy Doyle Alexander and Mark Lucius families.