Spring is close by, and Cumberland Baseball has begun even though it is still cold. During last Friday’s game, there was a flyover of sorts out over the outfield. No, it wasn't precision flying aircraft from Fort Campbell's Screaming Eagles out of Clarksville, even though they had stealth qualities. A flock of three Sandhill Cranes flew across the field in precise formation, which to me was even better than some jet roaring through. I just happened to have my camera at the ready.

A couple of articles ago, I was debating the possibilities of whether we had some large white Whooping Cranes or maybe White Pelicans flying through here.

An answer to my prayer of the "what-ifs" came to me early Sunday morning. Bob Archer called me to report on some large white birds that he had spotted out in the Laguardo area. When he got to look through his binoculars at Spencer Creek on the Old Hickory Lake, there were White Pelicans in the water. He also watched one of them catch a fish. I enjoy a nice mystery ever now and then, but it's much better when you can find out what done it.

The American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) is one of two Pelican species that inhabit North America. They nest on islands found in brackish and freshwater areas in colonies numbering several hundred mated pairs. In winter they head south and stop over in Florida and the gulf coast area. About this time of the year, you stand a better chance of seeing them either flying high or at some stopping point to feed while migrating. This species does not dive for fish as does the Brown Pelican. It catches it's prey while swimming. White Pelicans live up to their name as it is most entirely white in color except the black primary and secondary wing feathers, not really seen, except in flight.

Sitting out in my backyard in the last few days have been rewarding to say the least. Of course, I have my regulars at the feeders, but I was tickled to see a small flock of Cedar Waxwings flying over. There were probably about 20 to 30 individuals in this flock. They usually stay until after my Mulberry tree has shed all of its fruit. I know that we are not allowed to shoot fireworks inside the city limits, but I think an exception should be granted for bottle rockets and starlings. You should see them on the move when one is hurtling in their direction at full speed ahead.

At Saturday’s baseball game at Cumberland University, there was a pair of Bluebirds flying around the front of Woody Hunt's office next to the ball field. I looked around and didn't see any Bluebird houses anywhere. Just maybe they spotted me and thought it would be a good time to make their presence known, hoping that I could put one there, with permission of course. How about it Woody? I have some nice ones that were built by my friend Ken Morgan that would look nice there. I also have been asked if Ken would sell some of his well constructed Birdhouses. I will let you know more about these later.

It's Girl Scout cookie time, and if you are trying to help your sweet tooth to its happy state, Karen Franklin's daughter Anna has some for sale. I have reserved myself two boxes of Thin Mints from her. Being diabetic, there will be a limit on what can be eaten, maybe only one cookie during a day.

Each of you that reads my articles know that I have a passion for Chinese food and have tried the new China King Buffet next to Big Lots. Not only do they have great food, I now have a new friend, Jamie Li, who works there with her husband.

We would love to hear from you as to what's lurking about in your neighborhood and around your feeders. You can reach Karen Franklin at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and write to me at 606 Fairview Ave., Lebanon, TN, 37087 or e-mail me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it