In other crane news, we're caring for a wild bird brought in from the Mississippi Sandhill Crane refuge that got hit by a car. Thankfully he's doing alright now, but that means it's time for a public service announcement. Please keep an eye out for large birds when you're driving, because if you hit it, you'll manage to be the person who missed the 4-foot tall bird crossing the road, and you'll look tremendously silly.
It wasn't just physicals time for our cranes this month. Audubon Aquarium's penguins were also due for a check-up. The cranes staff were allowed to take part in the round-up, because who doesn't want to hold a penguin? People who don't like penguin bites, that's who. I still have a few bruises. Thanks to the hardworking team of penguin keepers and vets, though, everybody came out alright, penguins included.
Once physicals were done, I met up with my visiting friend Maria, who promised me money for this shout-out. See, it has to be true, since I wrote it here. Totally legit. Anyway, we checked out the rest of the aquarium, and even got to go behind-the-scenes for the feeding of the big Gulf Coast tank thanks to a chance encounter with our resident veterinarian.
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| Maria gets a little more up close and personal with the parakeets than maybe she'd like.
We spent the next day and a half doing some sight-seeing and, of course, eating our way through the French Quarter and Uptown New Orleans. Cafe du Monde, St. Louis Cathedral, and the World War II museum were just a few stops on the tour. I hope she had as great a time as I had during our visit. See you next time, Maria!!
           
Next time, final thoughts on my time in New Orleans and post-Mardi Gras nostalgia!! To hold you over until then, here are some cats and baby cranes!
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