Swallows Depart from Capistrano Day
October 23
The miracle of the “Swallows” of Capistrano takes place each year at Mission San Juan Capistrano, on March 19th, St. Joseph’s Day. Swallows migrate 6,000 miles from Goya, Argentina to San Juan Capistrano in large groups. The town of San Juan Capistrano welcomes visitors from all parts of the world to witness the return of the swallows, a tradition that has been celebrated since the early 1930s. On October 23rd each year they begin their migration back to Argentina. Legend has it that the swallows took refuge in the Mission San Juan Capistrano after an irate innkeeper destroyed their muddy nests in the town square. The swallows return to the old church each spring knowing they will be protected within the mission’s walls. In fact, the city has taken their safety seriously passing an ordinance against destroying their nests. The mission, originally built from 1776–1806, was seriously damaged in 1812 by a deadly earthquake and was never fully rebuilt. It is the seventh in a chain of 21 California Missions all supposedly separated by the distance of a day’s walk.
World Snow Leopard Day
October 23
Snow leopards (Panthera Uncia) are some of the most elusive cats in the world and inhabit an area that comprises 12 countries and stretches over an area of about 617,000 square miles. They inhabit high altitude areas that aren’t easily reachable ranging from eastern Afghanistan and the Himalayas to southern Siberia, Mongolia, and western China. These animals choose to live in the high alpine and subalpine areas, preferably at an altitude of between 9,800 to 14,800 feet.
Today’s Birthdays of Note….
Johnny Carson – Comedian & TV Host – born in Corning, Iowa
Dwight Yoakum – Country Singer – born in Pikeville, Kentucky