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Since March 2, two American kestrels – one male, one female – decided to nest and bring their young into the world inside one of the gutter spouts jutting out of the Capitol roof. At least four young nested inside the spout and have now taken wing.

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With the rising costs of gasoline, many vacationers are looking for summer recreation they can drive to that is close to home and won't put a dent in their pocketbook. The fun and excitement is practically right outside your back door, and it won't cost you "an arm and a leg" to go there. Alabama's 22 state parks are centrally located throughout the state and offer a wide range of affordable amenities for vacationers.

The July issue of Outdoor Alabama magazine features Monroe County Lake, one of 23 state lakes managed by the Department of Conservation's Fisheries Section. Whether you're fishing for bass, bream, catfish or crappie, you can catch them all at Monroe County Lake. The 94-acre lake is located on County Road 50 in Beatrice. Open Wednesday through Sunday, July 1-November 30.

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