Letters to the Editor for April 29, 2009

Thanks for info. on beautiful birds

To the editor:

Regarding “New Baker County Residents.” Attention Mr. Smeraglio of Sumpter: I was pleased to read your letter to the editor about Eurasian Collared Doves. We have been trying to identify them for the last two years. In 2008 we had a pair of them spend the summer at our bird feeder. We saw them at least twice a day throughout that summer. They are such beautiful birds.

We missed them during the winter months. In the early spring of 2009, on a foggy Sunday morning, a flock of about three dozen of these doves landed on the fence that surrounds the high school tennis courts. We watched them most of that day. Later the same day they took flight, that is all but one pair, which we see daily at the feeder.

The rest of the flock has gone on its way,  apparently to Sumpter and surrounding areas of Baker County. These Eurasian Collard Doves are such beautiful birds, it was wonderful to experience the “fly in” to Baker County, on their migration route.

Thank you, Mr. Smeraglio, for the information and the new Web sight for bird identification that we found after reading your letter in the local paper.

Willie George

Baker City

What great musicians we have

To the editor:

What an absolutely great performance when the Baker Community Choir presented the “Broadway Beat” this past weekend! We commend Lynne Burroughs, director; Kelly Brickman, assistant director; Charlie Thomas, pianist; and all the choir members for the excellent entertainment.

Now we are looking forward to “Swingtime Canteen” by the Eastern Oregon Regional Theater also directed by Lynne Burroughs. It will be three weekends in May in the ballroom of the Baker Heritage Museum.

We are so fortunate to have so many talented musicians in Baker County.

Baker City

We’re in another depression

To the editor:

Ditto to Roger Stamy’s letter of April 24. I too remember the Great Depression. I can’t really say it was “great.” I was 7 years old when they drove my father’s cows away because he couldn’t pay the mortgage payment.

People who say we are in a recession or economic downturn are wrong. We are in another depression.

Our country leaders and easy credit helped to get us in this mess. Glad I don’t use a credit card.

Wayne Hyde

Baker City