Our Mississippi Home
Brown-headed Cowbirds: Uninvited Nest Mates
SUMMARY: Brown-headed Cowbirds, brood parasites in the eastern U.S., lay their eggs in other birds’ nests, often at the expense of native species like Bluebirds. Cowbirds evolved in open grasslands, following bison and laying eggs in nests of up to 220 bird species. Their eggs hatch quickly, and the aggressive nestlings usually outcompete the host’s young. Some songbirds have adapted by rejecting cowbird eggs. Despite their parasitic nature, cowbirds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and are part of North America’s natural ecosystem. Human activities that created open landscapes have helped cowbirds spread beyond their original habitats.
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Our Mississippi Home
Porch Lights and Lightning Bugs: An August Evening in Mississippi
SUMMARY: August evenings in Mississippi unfold with a golden warmth that lingers, accompanied by the chirping of crickets and the hum of distant country music. Time slows on wide, weathered porches where people sip sweet tea, watch lightning bugs blink like tiny lanterns, and savor the simple comfort of shared stories. The air is thick and ripe with garden fruits, and the porch becomes a sanctuary of stillness and memory. This in-between moment, marked by fading fireflies and porch lights flickering on, feels sacred—capturing the essence of Mississippi’s slow rhythm, timeless stories, and the gentle magic of a summer night.
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Our Mississippi Home
Water Valley Watermelon Carnival: The Last Taste of Summer
SUMMARY: Summer is ending in Mississippi, marking the loss of homegrown tomatoes and watermelons. The 2025 Watermelon Carnival in Water Valley celebrates the state’s famed juicy watermelons, drawing up to 20,000 visitors each year. Recognized as a top festival in the Southeast, the carnival features delicious food like funnel cakes, live music, arts and crafts, contests, entertainment for kids, and a fireworks display. Originating during the Great Depression in 1931 to boost the local economy, the event began with overwhelming attendance. This year’s festivities start August 1 with a street dance and fireworks, followed by a parade, races, and more on August 2. More info at the Water Valley Chamber Facebook page.
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Our Mississippi Home
Mississippi Isn’t Just a State—It’s a State of Mind
SUMMARY: Mississippi’s charm lies in its quiet strength and soulful stories—from the sunrise over cotton fields to the hum of pine trees and the comfort of a porch swing. Known for hardworking, proud people, the state is the birthplace of blues and gospel, shaping much of America’s culture. Its communities rally with kindness, respect, and close connections, while embracing both tradition and progress. From small-town festivals to innovators shaping the future, Mississippi balances resilience with growth. Its unpredictable spirit defines its dynamic people. More than a location, Mississippi is a feeling, a family, and a true home.
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