Black-Capped Vireo Rescue

CCJC Audio Podcast Episode 00034 Season 2

Once again Cajun Chronicles Podcast team is in debate mode when it comes to what avian species is most endangered in South Louisiana. Out of the eighteen of us on staff, ten belong to bird watching and conservation groups trying to protect our Mississippi Flyway here. We thought we’d share one of the many tales our family members told us as children as told to us by our Co-host Laurent Thibodaux.

Since the 1940’s Cajun and Creole children have heard an one particular old Louisiana tale (redone) about a certain Black-capped Vireo bird that is endangered. This is the story I grew up hearing each time we hid from a thunderstorm under the bed with Mama. It goes like this:

Black-capped Vireo Rescue

Cajun Chronicles Audio Podcast - Bringing you the heart of Louisiana. Artwork generated with Google Docs Image Maker

The distant growl of a thunderstorm brewing. Amable Hebert, a wiry Cajun man with a face weathered like an old withering cypress, squinted at the bird flitting through the Live Oaks. "Sacré bleu, dat's one fine lookin' Vireo," he muttered, adjusting his tattered palmetto straw fishing hat.

His petite-fille (granddaughter), Barbe, rolled her eyes. "Papa, "Mon vieux loup de mer" (my old grumbler) you call every bird ‘fine.’That one just looks like a little cartoon bandit with those black eyes or even a "Le bandit masqué" raccoon."

"Bandit, he is!" Amable chuckled, "But a handsome one. Look at the black cap, like a tiny pirate hat. And dem white spectacles? He's ready for a Mardi Gras parade."

Barbe giggled, "Maybe he's a spy, Papa. Sneakin' around, watchin' us with those big eyes."

Amable shook his head, "Naw, child. He's a singer, dat one. Finest voice in the swamp, I bet. Hear dat?"

Barbe listened intently. A complex melody, a series of whistles and trills, drifted through the air. "Wow, it sounds like a whole orchestra in there!" she exclaimed.

"Takes two years for dem boys to get dat black head," Amable explained, "Slow learners, these vireos."

Barbe wrinkled her nose, "Just like me, huh Papa?"

"Worse," Amable teased, "You take longer than two years to learn how to make cornbread."

Barbe playfully swatted his arm. "Hey!"

Suddenly, a loud squawk cut through the air. A Boat-tailed Grackle, puffed up with indignation, swooped down towards the vireo. The little bird, unfazed, continued its song, a defiant counterpoint to the Boat-tailed Boat-tailed Grackle's angry calls.

"See dat?" Amable grinned, "Don't let no bully get you down, Barbe. Even the smallest voice can be the strongest."

Barbe, watching the tiny bird stand its ground, felt a surge of unexpected inspiration. Maybe she wouldn't wait for her recipe for “Le Pain Qui Mord “to be as perfect as grand-mère’s. Maybe she'd just keep baking and see where it took her.

That evening, Barbe surprised her family with a pot of red beans and rice ,with a side of Le Pain Qui Mord. The top of it was a little bit slightly scorched messy, a little bit more spicy kind of Cajun cornbread, but bursting with flavor. It wasn't perfect, but it was hers.

As she listened to the distant chorus of jug-o-rum or br-oom American Bullfrogs sing offs and the fading song of the Black-capped Vireo, she knew that sometimes, the most beautiful things are born from a little bit of imperfection and a whole lot of heart.

Cajun Chronicles Audio Podcast - Bringing you the heart of Louisiana. Artwork generated with Google Docs Image Maker

"Le Pain qui Mord" (The Bread that Bites)

Yields: 10-12 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 20-25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose King Arthur’s flour

• 1 cup Bonnecaze Farms Stone Ground Yellow cornmeal

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon Tony Chachere's Bold Creole Seasoning

• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 ⅓ tablespoons local honey

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 1/4 cup melted butter

• 1 large egg, lightly beaten

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a cast iron skillet or an 8-inch square baking pan.

2. Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and honey.

3. Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, and egg.

4. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, whisking constantly until just combined. Do not over mix.

5. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared skillet or pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. Cool and serve: Let the cornbread cool in the pan for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with butter, honey, or your favorite Cajun dishes.

Tips & Variations:

• For extra spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash more of hot sauce to the batter.

• You can also add chopped jalapeños or green onions to the batter for extra flavor and texture.

• Add one 8-oz. Can of creamed corn to make it more moist

• To make the cornbread extra moist, add a tablespoon of vegetable oil to the batter.

• Serve "Le Pain qui Mord" with soups, stews, chili, red beans and rice, or jambalaya.

Enjoy your spicy Cajun "Le Pain qui Mord" cornbread

Photo by Boston Public Library on Unsplash

Recipe for a Thriving Black-capped Vireo Population

Yields: Chorus of beautiful Black-capped vireo songs
Prep Time: Varies wildly, depending on your level of dedication
Cook Time: Decades (patience is key!)

Key Ingredients:

• 1 Pinch of Pristine Habitat: Source: Old-growth scrub oak thickets. May require some careful thinning of overgrown areas.

• 2 Cups of Controlled Burns: (Optional and forest ranger authorized, but adds a smoky depth of flavor) Apply sparingly, with expert supervision.

• 1 Gallon of Cowbird Control: (Organic preferred) Trap, relocate, or (gently) discourage these pesky nest parasites.

• A Large Dash of Public Awareness: Sprinkle liberally on social media, at local meetings, and with friendly conversations.

• A Bigger Dash of Public Education In Schools: Sprinkle endangered birds talks and guest appearances to raise awareness and empathy in the young

• 1 Blended Cup of Landowner Cooperation: Essential ingredient! Cultivate with respect, understanding, and (perhaps) a few complimentary bottles of good Louisiana hot sauce.

Instructions:

1. Prepare Habitat:

   • Clear and Thin: Gently remove the Privet, Japanese Honeysuckle, and Cogongrass plant invasive plant species that are choking out the Scrub Oak. Think of it as decluttering your kitchen before baking.

   • Create Edge Effects: A little bit of controlled chaos is good! Mix things up with patches of dense growth and open areas.

2. Incorporate Cowbird Control:

   • Trap with Care: Use humane traps and release cowbirds far, far away.

   • Nest Monitoring: Keep a watchful eye on Black-capped vireo nests. If you find a cowbird egg, gently remove it. (Wear gloves! And maybe a hazmat suit, just kidding.)

3. Spread the Word:

   Become a Black-capped Vireo Ambassador: Talk to your neighbors, join local conservation groups, and share your passion with others.

   • Support Black-capped Vireo Research: Donate to organizations studying these amazing birds. Every little bit helps! Other states (Oklahoma and Texas have been successful in restoring Black-capped Vireo populations in their states).

4. Bake Slowly and Patiently:

   • Monitor and Adjust: Keep an eye on your Black-capped vireo population. If things aren't going as planned, don't panic! Adjust your recipe and try again.

   • Celebrate Successes: Every Black-capped vireo song is a victory! Enjoy the sweet music of a thriving population.

Tips & Tricks:

• Don't Forget the Spice: A little bit of healthy competition between landowners can add some extra zest to your conservation efforts.

• Patience is a Virtue: Restoring habitat takes time. Don't get discouraged if you don't see results overnight.

• Most Importantly: Have fun! Conservation should be a rewarding and enjoyable experience.

Disclaimer: This recipe is for entertainment purposes only. Always consult with wildlife experts and follow local regulations when implementing conservation efforts.

Enjoy the fruits of your labor – a thriving population of Black-capped Vireos singing their beautiful songs in the Louisiana landscape!

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Our tales are inspired by real Louisiana and New Orleans history, but some details may have been spiced up for a good story. While we've respected the truth, a bit of creative license could have been used. Please note that all characters may be based on real people, but their identities in some cases have been Avatar masked for privacy. Others are fictional characters with connections to Louisiana.

A Word of Wisdom:

As you read, remember history and real life is a complex mix of joy, sorrow, triumph, and tragedy. While we may have (or not) added a bit of fiction, the core message remains: the human spirit's power to endure, adapt, and overcome.

© Jerilee Wei 2024 All Rights Reserved.