SHORELINES

3 a p c s hor e l i n e s.c om | 2015 Vol :4 Ole Miss football fans, thousands of whom tailgate in the Grove amid chandeliers, fine china, lace and silver service, often say, "We may not win every game, but we've never lost a party." Auburn football fans, who tailgate more casually at Samford lawn and other green spaces near Jordan-Hare Stadium, can say, with just as much justification, "We may not win every game, but we've never lost a pregame ritual." At least since the eagle first landed in 2000. That's when Auburn's "war eagle" began its majestic flights around Jordan- Hare stadium before kickoff, landing at midfield in front of 87,000 cheering fans. Even those from rival schools (blush) can appreciate the beauty, the grandeur – even the potential for peril – of such a tradition. In this issue of Shorelines you'll meet Marianne Hudson, assistant director of the Auburn-based Southeastern Raptor Center. Hudson and colleague Andrew Hopkins train the eagles and fly them at the stadium each home game. Hudson is also the part-time naturalist for Russell Lands On Lake Martin, and is given to rhapsodizing about the woods she adores. While Hudson sees her share of blocking and tackling, Billy Prince has far more than his share of tackle. The Decatur man collects vintage fishing tackle. His "tackle box" – an outbuilding behind his home – boasts more than 6,000 pieces, some dating to the 1800s. Speaking of fishing, the recently announced 2016 Alabama Bass Trail schedule features stops on six Alabama Power lakes: Martin, Smith, Neely Henry, Weiss, Lay and Jordan. For the first time, the amateur anglers, the lakes they fish in and the nearby communities will get a star turn on television. Fox Sports Southeast will offer 30-minute episodes that highlight the lake communities, places of interest, restaurants and businesses, along with blastoffs, weigh-ins, in-boat coverage and interviews with winners. If you need a winning idea for a last- minute gift or recipe to make it through the holiday season, we've got you covered. Check out our selection of gifts made not just in Alabama, but in our lake communities. Also, Chef Troy, of Talk of the Town restaurant in Houston near Smith Lake, shares his favorite recipes for a mouth-watering Cajun Christmas. While the holiday excitement rises, temperatures continue to fall. Not to worry. We offer some energy-saving tips to keep your lake home toasty warm through the chilliest winter winds. Enjoy! — BOB BLALOCK WATER WHYS Left: Photo provided by Auburn university Photogr APhic services. Nova, one of Auburn University's eagles, is trained by Marianne Hudson to fly around the stadium at Auburn home games. 3

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