Cloudland Canyon State Park

Heading south for the Holidays, we took a detour to a couple of parks on the Appalachian Plateau.  The first of these was Cloudland Canyon State Park, established in 1938, in the northwest corner of Georgia.

Renowned for its scenic, Y-shaped gorge (photo), carved from the Plateau by Daniel and Bear Creeks, it is accessed by an extensive network of trails that run along the rim of the canyons, across the valley floor and throughout backcountry areas atop the plateau.  Waterfalls occur along the creeks and also plunge from the steep canyon walls.

Due to our limited time at the Park, we settled on a pleasant hike along the canyon rim but more adventurous visitors will find many more miles of trails to explore within this 3538 acre refuge.  Information, maps and supplies are available at the Visitor Center, near the main entrance off Route 136.

Mass Hysteria in New Jersey

"Drone" sightings have increased dramatically over New Jersey and neighboring States in the last few weeks.  The public and local government officials are alarmed and demand that the U.S. Government and/or military get involved.  Recognizing an opportunity when he sees it, President-Elect Trump has chimed in, latching onto concerns about foreign or criminal elements behind these soaring night-lights.

Aviation officials report that the great majority of the sightings can be attributed to manned aircraft; there are, after all, numerous large airports in that region of the country.  No doubt, many of the craft are drones but the latter have become increasing common in America, used by companies and public enthusiasts alike.

Once the "drone scare" was publicized, the number of citizen observers surely multiplied exponentially, augmenting reports and fomenting the hysteria.  To date, none of the mysterious objects have attacked vital utilities or military bases and the Defense Department has offered assurances that the public is not in danger.  Nevertheless, skywatchers continue to increase, reports grow in concert, news organizations repeatedly cover the story, more drone pilots are encouraged to participate and mass hysteria persists.  Of course, I may be wrong and these could be Martian spacecraft.

Christmas Bird Count

This morning, I took part in the annual Christmas Bird Count, conducted by the Audubon Society.  Our group of four was assigned to an area in the region just south of Columbia.  We were challenged by fog and mist early in the morning but the sun soon broke through and we were granted a good morning for birding.

A barred owl, staring at us from a roadside tree, proved to be the highlight of the count, though we also saw three bald eagles, a dozen or more red-tailed hawks, several red-shouldered hawks and a couple of pileated woodpeckers.  Blue jays were, by far, the most abundant species encountered as we crossed farmlands, parcels of forest and multiple stream valleys.

It was, as usual, an enjoyable experience and I am always pleased to take part in this annual count, knowing that it serves to monitor the health of bird populations.  Though I avoid crowds when it comes to excursions in nature, a quartet of birders is just about right for the purposes of this event.

 

December Rain

As the dome of frigid air moves off to the northeast, a warm front is pushing in from the southwest.  Ahead of that front, Gulf of Mexico moisture is streaming northward, producing a broad band of rain from East Texas to the Upper Mississippi Valley.

Here in Missouri, the rain developed overnight and will persist for most of the day; north of us, across much of Iowa, freezing rain is coating the roads, buildings and landscapes with ice.  By tomorrow, as the front tracks northeastward, warmer air and sunshine will bring a mild respite from the recent Arctic conditions.

While frozen soil might limit the benefits of this December rain, it will certainly recharge the streams which have been sluggish for most of the year.  It will take steady spring and summer rains to put a significant dent in our prolonged regional drought.

Condoning Violence

In the wake of the murder of a United Healthcare executive in New York, a wave of disturbing support for the gunman has appeared online and in public.  Violent acts to remedy perceived injustice seems to have gained acceptance in a large segment of our society.

One might easily blame the MAGA movement for this trend, following Trump's rhetoric against his political enemies, but it appears to go well beyond that group; indeed, the far left has jumped on this opportunity to highlight the profit-driven mindset of corporate America.  The issue of gun control has hardly been mentioned, including the killer's ability to use 3D printing to create his own weapon.

No doubt, corporate greed and social injustice remain widespread in America, but condoning violence and cheering for the murderer cannot and should not be part of the solution.  Unfortunately, our Government is too dysfunctional to address either problem; social pressure on corporations is, for now, the only sensible approach.  Law and order must prevail at all levels of our society. 

Flashback Post LXI

The current explosive wildfire in Malibu Canyon, like most wildfires in Southern California, was triggered by an ignition source, extremely dry foliage and Santa Ana Winds.  The latter were discussed in a post back in November of 2007.

See: Santa Ana Winds 

A Lone Scaup

During this season of discontent for waterfowl watchers in central Missouri, I decided to visit Perry Phillips Lake in southeast Columbia.  There my effort was rewarded by the presence of a single male lesser scaup.

A common migrant through our region, this diving duck is generally found in small groups or sizable flocks during the autumn migration; a fair number may winter in mid-Missouri if open water is found.  Lesser scaup feed on both aquatic invertebrates and submerged plants.

Though I was, once again, disappointed by my waterfowl observations, I did see a large number of white-crowned sparrows and a limited mix of other winter songbirds.  I would be remiss not to express my appreciation to the lone scaup; somehow, one duck is far better than none, especially this year.

A Journey through Cold Sunshine

Heading back to my home town (Cincinnati) for a brief visit, I crossed the farmlands of Missouri and southern Illinois, the forested Shawnee Hills of southern Indiana and the Ohio River hills of northern Kentucky.  Major river crossings included the Missouri, the Mississippi, the Wabash and the Ohio.  Bright sunshine and cold, clear air augmented the scenery but wildlife observations were rather modest.

As one might expect, flocks of pigeons, starlings, crows and red-winged blackbirds were observed on the farmlands; other sightings included turkey vultures circling above the rural landscapes, the Mesozoic forms of great blue herons flapping across the Interstate and dozens of red-tailed hawks perched along the highway.  The highlight turned out to be a rough-legged hawk in southern Illinois.

Alas, no migrant geese were encountered.  Perhaps my return trip will be more productive. 

Clipper Dynamics

Alberta Clippers are low pressure systems that originate in the Canadian Province of Alberta and rapidly drop southeastward across the Upper Midwest, Great Lakes region and Northeastern U.S.  Due to their rapid movement, they are generally not associated with significant amounts of snow except for lake-effect squalls along the Great Lakes, high elevation snow down the spine of the Appalachians and coastal snow once the counter-clockwise winds of the storm pull in Atlantic moisture; these onshore winds may also lash the shoreline with powerful waves.

South and west of the low pressure center, strong north winds drag frigid, Arctic air southward.  Last night, these backside winds shook the treetops and rattled windows here in central Missouri.  By this morning, despite bright sunshine and calm conditions, the outside temperature was 15 degrees F.

Since these Clippers depart as rapidly as they arrive, warmer air soon moves in from the west.  We expect afternoon highs near 60 degrees F this weekend.  

A Mild Interlude in Missouri

Following a period of frigid air and snow, it was sunny and mild in Columbia today, coaxing a friend and I down to Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area.  There we were greeted by muddy roads, frozen shallows and a modest increase in the migrant duck population.

Mallards dominated the waterfowl, joined by smaller numbers of American coot, gadwall, American wigeon, ring-necked ducks, green-winged teal and hooded mergansers.  Seven Wilson's snipe foraged across a mudflat while a northern harrier and a red-tailed hawk patrolled the refuge.  Once again, red-winged blackbirds provided the most impressive spectacle; having gathered in their massive winter flocks, we estimated that 4000 were observed today.

I'm not sure I have ever made it into December without encountering my first flock of migrant geese (at least not since moving to central Missouri in 1997) but they continue to evade me.  Perhaps they'll all come south at once when (and if) the northern wetlands freeze over. 

An Unwise Pardon

Yesterday, following repeated denials regarding his intent, President Biden pardoned his son, Hunter.  While he is clearly concerned that Trump's Justice Department might overreach in their handling of the case, this is an unfortunate decision as Trump aims to pardon the January 6 seditionists, among other co-conspirators.  Of course, his election erased Trump's own potential convictions.

One suspects that Hunter Biden's guilty plea was made in anticipation of this pardon and this scenario only serves to support Trump's claim that the Justice Department has been politicized.  As we face a significant threat to our Democracy, Biden's decision foments the argument that our current system of justice is broken.  If Hunter Biden's crimes were as insignificant as many of his defenders claim, the sentencing would have surely reflected that fact.

Unless Trump's incompetent and dangerous Cabinet selections are blocked by the Senate, we can expect the authoritarian leadership that most Americans feared.  Biden's pardon, while understandable on a personal level, only fuels that potential outcome.  In the interest of justice, Presidential pardons should be abolished.  

Supporting Denial & Risk

Last evening, a story on 60 Minutes (CBS) highlighted life on Smith Island in Chesapeake Bay.  The livelihood and property of the Island's residents are threatened by rising sea levels; the latter, of course, is a consequence of global warming.

The report indicated that Maryland has offered to buy the properties and have them demolished, allowing residents to move to higher ground on the mainland; apparently, there were no takers.  As a result, the State and Federal Government have initiated costly and, in the long run, futile efforts to mitigate the flooding.

Proud of their heritage, long-time residents of Smith Island certainly have the right to hold out as long as possible.  More questionable is the State's willingness to permit new construction by adventurous residents arriving from the mainland.  Island and coastal communities across the globe are threatened by climate change; do we admire their tenacity and support their high risk choices or do we limit public funding to resettlement assistance?  Denial, in the name of tradition, is not a helpful approach. 

The Hardy Plover

Walking at Forum Nature Area, in Columbia, on this cold, windy morning, my wife and I came across five killdeer, foraging on an icy lake bed.  A few shallow pools that still dot the floodplain were their primary hunting zones, likely offering a mix of aquatic invertebrates and larvae for their breakfast.

Unlike other plovers that depart for southern latitudes to spend the winter months, killdeer are content to remain across the southern half of the U.S. and northward along the coastal plains.  Those that summered in these areas are joined by killdeer that bred across Canada and the northern U.S.

In all seasons, killdeer prefer open country, from beaches to fields, pastures and grasslands.  Invertebrates and their larvae comprise the great majority of their diet, though seeds and small fish are also consumed.  Oblivious of the winds that rake their hunting grounds, they look out of place in wintry landscapes.

Flashback Post LX

Over the 18 years of writing this Blog, I have written many posts for Thanksgiving.  Perhaps the most succinct yet meaningful of all was published on Thanksgiving Day of 2009.  Happy Thanksgiving to all!

See: Thanks to Nature 

Too Pleasant for Ducks

Birders tend to associate waterfowl migration with the cool, rainy weather of March or the cold, blustery days of November.  On this warm, sunny afternoon, the conditions seemed to be too pleasant for ducks.

Indeed, back at Eagle Bluffs for a third week, a friend and I saw only a few dozen mallards, a dozen northern shovelers, a half-dozen coot and two pied-billed grebes; to be completely honest, we did see about 60 ducks on a secluded lake that were too distant to identify.  An adult bald eagle and three red-tailed hawks were our concession sightings. 

It has surely been an unusual fall migration in the Missouri River Valley.  Early on, the floodplain was kept too dry to attract waterfowl and now, as marsh-lined channels, shallow lakes and flooded fields cover the refuge, migrants have been slow to arrive; one must conclude that the weather up north has been too mild to send them south or that they have simply used other migration rest stops. Could we be witnessing the effects of climate change or just a confluence of factors (natural and man-induced)?  

Texas promotes Christianity

While their State Government has abused immigrants and ignored the rights of pregnant women, Texans are now being encouraged to follow the teachings of Jesus.  Bible study (encompassing both the Old and New Testaments) will be an "option" for public schools; special funding will be made available to those schools who accept the opportunity.  Of course, one suspects participation will become mandatory down the line.

As with Trump's personal Bible sales, this policy dismisses the separation of Church and State that has been an essential component of our Constitution.  More than promoting religious freedom for Christians, it discriminates against members of other religions and imposes faith on those children raised in non-religious families.

The Christian majority of Texas should not subject others to their cherished beliefs.  Christianity, like all religions, has exhibited a dark side throughout its history; I doubt those elements will be taught to young, impressionable minds.  Freedom from religion is just as important as freedom of religion and should be respected at all levels of government.

Flashback Post LIX

Acorns, whole or crushed, cover our Columbia driveway and many of the streets in our neighborhood, bringing to mind a post from November of 2009.

See: A Mast Bonanza

Bomb Cyclone strikes Pacific Northwest

A "bomb cyclone," the meteorologic term for a rapidly intensifying low pressure system, is off the coast of British Columbia this morning, directing its counterclockwise winds across Northern California, Oregon and Washington.  Pulling in an "atmospheric river" of moisture from the Pacific, the storm is expected to stay offshore for the next few days, producing strong winds, flooding rains and deep mountain snow across the region.

Much like a tropical storm, its damage will relate to both its strength and its duration and, at this point, the jet stream will keep it in place.  While dousing wildfires throughout the Pacific Northwest, the storm will surely unleash river flooding, landslides, avalanches and widespread power outages.

Global warming is not just a threat to southern latitudes.  The warmer seas and energized atmosphere will fuel destructive storms in northern regions as well.  This bomb cyclone is just the latest evidence of that fact. 

Human Relationships

We humans are social creatures and even though some of us cherish (if not require) periods of solitude, our lives are defined by a long series of relationships.  Indeed, an inability to form and sustain relationships, usually due to psychological or psychiatric problems, leads to social dysfunction and, in extreme cases, severe depression and suicide.

Of course, there is a hierarchy of relationships in our lives, reflected by the degree of influence that they have.  Partners, family members, close friends and past lovers are certainly high on that list but mentors, teachers, colleagues and even casual relationships impact our lives.  It is no surprise that novels, movies, plays and stories that focus on human relationships tend to be most acclaimed.

There are some individuals who choose the hermit's life, swearing off the importance of others.  But they likely fall into the group mentioned above, having endured an abusive childhood or an especially painful loss.  For the rest of us, relationships are vital to our welfare, even those that may not end in storybook fashion. 

A Modest Pickup at Eagle Bluffs

On our weekly visit to Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area, limited by a two-hour birding window and restricted access within the refuge, a friend and I noted a pickup in the autumn waterfowl migration yesterday afternoon.  We encountered about 120 individuals, dominated by mallards, coot, green-winged teal and pied-billed grebes.

No migrant geese, pelicans or cormorants were observed, though we did see an immature bald eagle, a red-tailed hawk and three northern harriers.  Red-winged blackbirds offered the only true spectacle as large flocks moved among the trees.

The sluggish autumn waterfowl migration may accelerate in the coming week as cold, north winds develop on the backside of the Pacific storm that is crossing the Heartland.  Migrants often take advantage of a strong tailwind and the temperature drop up north may be an incentive to head south.