Harrisburg Bluebirds Fail to Nest

Just a few months ago, we became home to the successful nesting and laying of five eggs from a couple of our very own Harrisburg bluebirds.  At first we could only see four of them, but then by altering the camera lens a little, five were seen.  This was very exciting for all those waiting with baited breath for the hatching.

Bluebird Blues

However, it wasn’t exactly plain-sailing from there on out.  Unfortunately, only two of the five eggs actually hatched.  This suggested that the Harrisburg home wasn’t quite the best environment for hatching.  Of course, no one can be sure why exactly something like this happened, but it was definitely disappointing nonetheless.  Much speculation abounded at the time, but again, there is no certainty as to why this happened, rendering the city of Harrisburg somewhat hatch-less.  It could have been the weather – and all of us in Harrisburg can attest to that, especially with the storms we’ve been encountering.  Apparently it becomes significantly harder for them to “find food and feed young” when the weather isn’t good. Their treks are longer which increases their vulnerability to danger too.

Hope for Harrisburg?

So what’s the story now?  Is there any hope left for the Harrisburg lovebirds?  According to experts there is a chance that they may try and re-nest but if Harrisburg keeps encountering poor weather conditions, another attempt may be just as futile.

Only time will tell.  But for those of us praying for a miracle, we might want to turn our voices upward and request an improvement in the weather in our city so that at least we can give the bluebirds the best chance possible of making this happen for all those Harrisburg onlookers.

 

Heavy Harrisburg Storms

Managing Harrisburg’s May Weather

At the end of May, the city of Harrisburg, PA, encountered substantial storms causing damage in certain areas including destroyed trees as well as “deep street water in low lying areas.”  There were substantial rain storms and thunder that really impacted the city, to such an extent that public services were required including the city police, fire and public works departments.  It seemed that Front Street was most affected as well as the mid-town and uptown areas.  But things were not looking that pretty for Green Street or Division Street either which had to be closed.  It is anticipated that Harrisburg will be encountering prolonged power outages too, which of course have also led to traffic problems.  Many of the city’s traffic lights will just be flashing so Harrisburg inhabitants have been advised to only drive if absolutely necessary.  Even though the worst of the damage from the storm is now over, there is still the matter of clean-up to consider.

Calmer Seas Ahead for Harrisburg

Now though, it looks like things will be heating up in the Harrisburg, PA area.  Indeed, it looks like the temperature in the region is set to rise in the next few days, with highs reaching into the 90s.  By the end of the week, it will cool down but it is unlikely that the area will have to encounter yet another tough storm so Harrisburg residents can continue on their day-to-day activities as normal.  Still, even if the temperature is on the rise, there is still the possibility of winds and clouds so it might not be quite time to head out for a picnic.

Harrisburg Gets Healthy

It seems that now is as good a time as any for Harrisburg residents to start battling the weight.  Alongside Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” campaign, Harrisburg city is accepting the nationwide challenge to get fit which is good news since according to a Pennsylvania Department of Health report, there is an escalating trend towards childhood obesity in Harrisburg as well as the whole state of Pennsylvania.

The Summer of Fun

The new program has been called the Summer of Fun.  Set out by Linda D. Thompson, the city’s Mayor, it is going to be an all-compassing program covering health, wellness and recreation.  The aim is to also bring about awareness and education for the community at large.  But it’s great that it is starting in the summer as this type of recreation is perfect for hot, lazy, summer days.

Harrisburg Kids Get Moving

Getting kids to get moving is a great idea, especially right now and especially for Harrisburg.  According to statistics compiled by Dr. Thomas Loughran from Penn State Milton Hershey Cancer Institute, it is now being shown that today, over 20 percent of high school kids are now considered obese.

In Harrisburg, the childhood obesity statistics are even worse. In addition to more than 20 percent of high school kids, 18 percent of elementary students are considered obese, according to Dr. Thomas Loughran, of Penn State Milton Hershey Cancer Institute. “These incidents are higher than any other county, any other part of Pennsylvania, and also higher than the national average,” he says.

For more information on this initiative, call 717-255-3040 or visit: www.harrisburgpa.gov