Eastern Towhee

Sunday
I believe I'm right in my identification, but I've never seen one of these before, so if I'm wrong, please feel free to correct me. The coloring is similar to an American robin, but the bird was smaller, and his underbelly is cream, which isnt really clear from the photo. Today was a pretty-looking day - blue skies and sunshine, but the temperatures are still about 17 or 18 degrees below average, and about thirty degrees below where we were this time last week! They'd even forecast 1-2 inches of snow for overnight last night, but fortunately we barely had a dusting! After lunch today we headed out to Woodland Mound Park, one of the Hamilton County Parks, south-east of downtown Cincinnati, overlooking the Ohio River. This shot was actually taken through the window of the Visitor Center, overlooking the bird garden.

This evening our son Philip called. He is in the Air force at Holloman AFB in southern New Mexico. He was telling us that today he had participated in the Bataan Memorial Death March. The Bataan Memorial Death March is a challenging march through the high desert terrain of White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, conducted in honor of the heroic service members who defended the Philippine Islands during World War II. The Bataan Death March was the forced march of around 75,000 American and Filipino prisoners of war captured by the Japanese in the Philippines in the early stages of World War II. They were marched for about 60 miles in scorching heat through the Philippine jungles. They were starved and mistreated, often kicked or beaten on their way, and many who fell were bayoneted. Thousands died en route. Those who survived faced the hardships of a prisoner of war camp. The march is an annual event and this was the 22nd year it has been held. There are different categories in the march - some for civilians some for military. Philip did the male military heavy category - the full 26.2 miles wearing full battle fatigues, boots and carrying a 45-pound pack! It took him about 8 1/2 hours! Way to go Philip!

One year ago: The Alamo by night