The Bald Eagle Is Now The Official U.S. Bird Of The U.S; And Yes, They Do Live In North Escambia
December 30, 2024
The bald eagle is now officially the national bird of the United States after President Joe Biden signed law bestowing the honor on the national bird. And they do live in North Escambia.
The bald eagle has been a national emblem and used on the great seal since 1782. But it was never officially made the national bird. The bald eagle was removed from the USFWS endangered species list and the FWC imperiled species list in 2007 and 2008, respectively. The bald eagle continues to be protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Florida has one of the densest concentrations of nesting bald eagles in the lower 48 states, with an estimated 1,500 nesting pairs, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. FWC has monitored the population of nesting bald eagles in Florida since 1972.
FWC’s documentation does not show any eagle nests in northern Escambia County. However, eagles are frequently spotted here, especially around Walnut Hill (pictured first below). Just over a decade ago, a one-year old rehabilitated bald eagle was released back into the wild near Walnut Hill by the Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida (pictured second below).
Earlier this year, the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine’s Southeastern Raptor Center brought bald eagle Spirit to Ernest Ward Middle School — home of the Eagles mascot (pictured top, inset and bottom). Spirit was the pre-game flight eagle at Jordan-Hare Stadium at Auburn University for nearly 20 years.
For more NorthEscambia.com eagle photos, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Christmas With ‘Pipes’ The Kitten Rescued From A Drainage Pipe
December 29, 2024
Christmas was very merry for the little kitten known as Pipes.
Our first story about Pipes was in late November after he was rescued from inside a drainage pipe by Escambia County Animal Welfare. He was later adopted in early December by Lorissa Johnson and family during a Cat Cafe Adoption Event at the Molino Branch Library.
We checked in on Pipes to see how the little feline is doing now.
“He’s doing great and being introduced to his big brother and sister Lila and Rio,” Johnson said.
Big sister Lila, a calico tabby, is six years old and was also adopted as a kitten through Junior Humane Society. She is still hesitant with Pipes and runs away when he tries to play with her.
Big brother Rio (a tuxedo cat) came to the Johnsons as a three-year-old foster, but they decided to keep him when his prior owner said they would not be able to retrieve him as planned. He is now seven years old and seems to find Pipes quite entertaining. They like to chase each other through their house.
“His favorite person in the house is my son, Jonas. Pipes sleeps on Jonas’s bed and follows him around the house,” Johnson said. “His favorite toy is this blue kick stick. He has so much energy it can be hard to get a good picture.”
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
‘Shop With A Cop’ Brings Holiday Cheer to Local Children
December 25, 2024
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Shop with a Cop provided Christmas for over 50 children.
ECSO partnered with the Escambia County Sheriff Foundation and Walmart to bring holiday cheer.
For a photo gallery, click or tap here.
ECSO deputies shopped for these kids based on a special list they each submitted. The kids then visited the ECSO special winter wonderland party, where they received all of their gifts.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
George Stone Students Fabricate Unique Christmas Tree
December 25, 2024
Welding students at George Stone Technical College fabricated the most unique of Christmas trees.
The daytime and evening welding classes worked together to make a metal Christmas tree.
For over 55 years, George Stone Technical College has been preparing individuals for rewarding careers and providing local businesses with a highly skilled workforce. The Escambia County School District provides over 25 career and technical eduation programs.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Letters To Santa From Byrneville Elementary Third Graders
December 24, 2024
NorthEscambia.com asked second and third grade students at Byrneville Elementary School to write letters to Santa. The letters have already been forwarded to Santa to make sure he knows all their special wishes.
Today, we are publishing letters from Diane deJarnette and Julie Luker’s third grade classes.
For all of the third grade letters, click here.
For Monday’s post with the second grade letters, click here.
Letters To Santa From Byrneville Elementary Second Graders
December 23, 2024
NorthEscambia.com asked second and third grade students at Byrneville Elementary School to write letters to Santa. The letters have already been forwarded to Santa to make sure he knows all their special wishes.
Today, we are publishing letters from Hope Linton’s and Susan Moorhead’s second grade classes. We will publish the third grade letter on Tuesday.
For all the second grade letters, click here.
The wishes included: Xbox, a big doll house (and dolls), a drone with cameras, paint and craft supplies, teddy bears, Legos, bikes and more.
NorthEscambia.com, images, click to enlarge.
Photos: Gingerbread House Day At Lipscomb Elementary
December 23, 2024
Students at Lipscomb Elementary School recently took part in Gingerbread House Day.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Students put their creativity to the test, building the most colorful and festive gingerbread houses that they could imagine. From icing-covered rooftops to candy cane fences, every house was a masterpiece
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ernest Ward Middle Band And Chorus Perform At Winter Concert
December 23, 2024
The Ernest Ward Middle School band and chorus recently presented their winter concert. Both the chorus and band performed a selection of Christmas favorites for a large crowd. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Photos: Second Annual Cottage Hill Neighborhood Christmas Parade
December 22, 2024
The second annual Cottage Hill Neighborhood Christmas Parade was held Saturday afternoon, complete with a visit from Santa and the Grinch.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Proceeds from entry fees were donated to a local family in need in coordination with a local school.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Santa Visits Molino Library (With Photo Gallery)
December 20, 2024
Children were able to take photos with Santa and share their Christmas wish lists at the Molino Library Thursday evening. From dolls, to monster trucks s to basketballs and footballs, Santa heard a variety of wishes.
What do you want for Christmas?” Santa asked little girl.
“Toys!” she exclaimed.
“That’s a really good thing,” Santa replied. “I make those.”
A one of Santa’s favorite wishes?
“I want a dog bone for my dog,” one little boy said.
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
