Flashback Post XXXVI

Mauna Loa, the largest active volcano on Earth, has reawakened on the Big Island of Hawaii.  A post from 2007 explains the formation and probable future of that volcanic island chain.

See: The Hawaiian Ridge 

Welcome Rain

Back in the days before "climate change" entered our vocabulary, rain was generally a negative development.  While most of us enjoyed the patter of rain on our roofs when we were safely indoors or relished an occasional walk in the rain (if garbed in foul weather gear), rain often interfered with outdoor activities, cancelled sporting events and ruined festivals, picnics or concerts.

These days, however, rain is generally a gift, especially in drought-plagued areas.  Here in central Missouri, an overnight rain was more than welcome, recharging streams that have been sluggish for months.  Indeed, much of the Mississippi River watershed remains in drought mode and low river levels have hampered vital barge traffic.

Of course, global warming has and will bring excessive rain to some coastal regions and will fuel strong thunderstorms across most of the country.  But steady, nourishing rain will likely be welcomed in many areas and, when it occurs, will be greatly appreciated. 

First Snows of Autumn

Until this morning, I had not encountered snow geese in Central Missouri this fall.  While I have seen a couple of flocks of greater white-fronted geese, their showy cousins have mostly stayed to our north, congregating at refuges such as Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge (formerly Squaw Creek NWR) in Northwest Missouri (60,000 were recently observed there).

Finally, at about 8:45 this morning, a flock of 90 snow geese passed over Columbia, heading ESE.  It was a clear, cool morning and their wavering lines were easy to spot against the deep blue sky.  As always, it was an inspiring sight.

After breeding on the Arctic tundra, these magnificent travelers head for wintering grounds along the lower Mississippi Valley and northwestern Gulf Coast.  An abundance of food in crop fields has slowed their autumn migration in recent decades and some never reach their former destinations.  As long as they pass over our region (or, preferably, stop by to rest and refuel), I am more than satisfied.  

Thanks in a Troubled World

On this American Holiday of Thanksgiving, most of us will acknowledge that we have much to be thankful for but the majority of that gratitude relates to ourselves, our family, our friends and trusted individuals in our life.  Beyond that sphere of relationships, there is a world of hate, suffering and indifference.

One need only watch the evening news to be confronted with the dire state of humanity, manifest by poverty, violence, racism, nationalism and delusion born of politics and mysticism.  Human rights are threatened across the globe and there is inadequate attention to the ongoing destruction of our planet.

We can and must do our part to address these problems but it would take a sea change within human civilization to make a significant difference.  Unfortunately, most of those with the power to ignite that commitment demonstrate little interest in doing so.  Happy Thanksgiving to all.  

Consumption Season

This week, we enter the Consumption Season in America.  On Thursday, Thanksgiving meals will encourage excessive consumption of food; despite that high caloric intake, there will be plenty of leftovers and, unfortunately, a good deal of wasted food.

Then we begin the official lead up to Christmas (though it actually began weeks ago) during which we feel obliged to buy gifts for family and friends whether they need them or not.  Though it fuels the economy, this National generosity puts a strain on natural resources and greatly increases our consumption of fossil fuel (via shopping trips, holiday travel, delivery services and the continual restocking of stores).

Of course, we could still enjoy the Holidays without the excessive consumption that they encourage.  In the interest of conservation and climate stabilization, it is time to modify that tradition.

Porch Inspector

On this sunny but cold afternoon in central Missouri, a Carolina wren appeared on our back porch.  More than paying a visit, it was searching for sustenance within the furniture, decking and window framing.

It is always a pleasure when these active, noisy neighbors drop by to inspect our property; after all, their service is mutually beneficial.  While their consumption of insects, spiders and their larvae or eggs is the primary benefit, the hardiness and energy of these small songbirds is contagious.  Watching them from the cozy confines of our house, I am often inclined to join them in the great outdoors, regardless of the season.

Colorful and prone to sing throughout the year, Carolina wrens are monogamous and do not venture far from their partner.  No doubt, our porch inspector was within earshot of his/her spouse who was likely foraging in our brush pile or scouring the leaf litter that has collected beneath our shrubs. 

Lake-Effect Whiteout

Looking at the current wind patterns across the U.S. (see earth.nullschool.net), one notices a swath of west winds stretching from the northwestern Great Plains to New England.  Dipping through the southern Great Lakes, this swath crosses Lake Michigan and Lake Huron and runs across the entire extent of Lake Erie.

Since the surface waters of the Great Lakes have not yet frozen (and often don't as our climate has warmed), the air is significantly colder than the water, causing the air to absorb moisture.  As the air is forced to rise by land east of the Lakes, it cools below its dew point and precipitation occurs.

Buffalo, New York, at the east end of Lake Erie, is expected to receive up to five feet of snow.  Three to four inches of snow per hour, accompanied by strong winds, lightening and thunder, will shut down the city and, perhaps, set an all-time record for a lake-effect snow event. 

The Birding Window

During the duck hunting season, which seems to get longer each year, birders are permitted to visit Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area for 2 hours (1-3 PM) each day.  While not exactly a prime birding period, local birdwatchers take advantage of the window and file through the accessible part of the refuge in a silent parade.

This afternoon, birding within that window proved to be rather productive.  Mallards were abundant, joined by lesser numbers of northern shovelers, northern pintails, ring-necked ducks, gadwall, green-winged teal, American coot and pied-billed grebes.  Raptors were also well represented; three bald eagles, four red-tailed hawks, two northern harriers, a sharp-shinned hawk and a merlin patrolled the floodplain.  Last but not least, killdeer, Wilson's snipe and a lone least sandpiper foraged along the channels.

The birding window will stay in effect for the next two months or so, offering a peaceful refuge for wintering waterfowl and for those who hope to kill them.  Sometimes, conservation policies don't make much sense.

Friends & Family

This post is a perilous undertaking but I will do my best.  Recently, I have been thinking about the difference in our relationship with close friends versus family members and have come to some general conclusions.  No doubt, not all readers will agree.

Many of us are likely to report that our spouse is our best friend; in other cases, one might be especially close to a parent, a child or a sibling.  But such family "friendships" are not sufficient in life; they are usually associated with a great deal of emotional baggage.  Furthermore, in the interest of peace and harmony, one must be especially cautious when "communicating" with family members.

Close friends, on the other hand, are free therapists.  Unless they are overly judgmental, in which case the friendship would rapidly dissolve, we can freely express our opinions and frustrations.  Indeed, when it comes to commiseration, good friends tend to excel and, in the difficult journey of life, that is a valuable resource. 

Another Blackbird Spectacle

Following the Grackle Palooza in October, I encountered another blackbird spectacle east of Columbia, Missouri, this morning.  On the first winter-like morning of the season, I was driving along a country road when I saw a massive flock of blackbirds in the distance and assumed they were red-winged blackbirds (abundant, permanent residents in this region).

Once I reached their location, however, I found that they were medium-sized blackbirds with yellow eyes, a bluish head and features typical of Brewer's blackbirds.  Unlike rusty blackbirds, they did not have plumage markings typical of autumn males and their size, beaks and tails indicated that they were not common grackles.  Despite my initial impression, none bore the wing markings of red-winged blackbirds.

I estimated that the flock contained about 2500 individuals and, though various blackbird species often congregate in large, mixed flocks during the colder months, this flock was uniform in its composition.  While Brewer's blackbirds were originally a western species, their range has expanded eastward in recent decades.  In this particular case, I suspect a potent cold front that pushed across the Midwest in the past 24 hours likely triggered a sudden, mass migration, leading to this morning's spectacle.

Addendum (11/13/22): A day later (this morning), the flock was about two miles south of the original observation site.

The Privatization of Nature

As one travels about the Keweenaw Peninsula of Upper Michigan, one is struck by its beauty and "wildness."  Small towns, mostly located on the primary routes, do not threaten the dominance and power of nature in this harsh environment.  Indeed, for much of the year, some regions of the Peninsula are nearly abandoned by humans.

If one looks closer, however, most of this northern ecosystem, as wild as it may appear, is owned by businesses, permanent residents, seasonal residents or prospective residents.  True nature preserves are relatively small and widely spaced.  Privacy markers and address signs for vacant lots are everywhere and public beaches occupy a small percentage of the Peninsula's coastline.

Of course, this phenomenon is observed across the country, especially at tourist destinations and within attractive landscapes (mountains, sea shores, etc.) that appeal to wealthy citizens.  Second or third homes and "play farms" cluster in these zones and even larger parcels of land are owned by investors who anticipate future development.  While organizations such as the Nature Conservancy work to protect and restore natural ecosystems, their privatization is a relentless threat, 

Journeys in Life

During our lives, most of us undertake journeys (relationships, careers, personal adventures) that we realize may not unfold as planned.  Nevertheless, we set off, understanding that such experiences are the spice of life.

This past week, my wife and I traveled to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan for the second year in a row, hoping to finally observe the Aurora borealis.  Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate and the central goal of our journey was not met.  Yet, we enjoyed a pleasant trip, visited towns and natural areas new to us and met fellow travelers and residents who we will surely remember for the rest of our days.

Those who shun life's journeys, fearing rejection or disappointment, miss out on more than the goal itself.  Indeed, the varied benefits, while not often evident at the outset, may outshine our initial expectations.  If nothing else, we learn from the experience and are more likely to achieve "success" the next time around.

Time to Prosecute

For better or for worse, the mid-term elections are over (though some races remain in doubt).  Now is the time for the Justice Department to indict Trump, his cronies and others who attempted to undermine the 2020 election or have been actively engaged in spreading misinformation that threatens the fabric of American Democracy.

Hopefully, this crackdown will begin before Trump or others announce their political intentions for 2024 and commence without fear of a public backlash.  Fact-based indictments will, in my opinion, be the most effective means of dealing with conspiracy theories and the Big Lie and will clearly demonstrate that no one is too powerful to face justice.

Most importantly, those who might choose to adopt Trump's playbook will understand that such efforts are futile and will only lead to prosecution and imprisonment.  This will protect our Democracy, secure our elections and end the Trump scourge once and for all. 

Exploring the Keweenaw Peninsula

Over the past two days, we have explored areas on the Keweenaw Peninsula that we missed on last year's visit.  Among these were Hungarian Falls, the Redwyn Dunes Preserve (north of Eagle River) and the Bailey Lake Nature Preserve (north of Eagle Harbor).  The latter two areas are managed by the Michigan Nature Conservancy.

Cold, cloudy, windy weather has given us a feel for this northern landscape, subject as it is to the surrounding waters of Lake Superior.  Wildlife sightings have included white-tailed deer, red squirrels, bald eagles, wild turkeys, ruffed grouse and snow buntings; we also encountered bear tracks on one of the beaches.  While the Peninsula is replete with nature preserves, Keweenaw County officials seem to oppose roadway signs that direct visitors to those sites; we had to rely on regional maps and GPS to locate most of them and failed to find two altogether.

The weather cancelled our northern lights vigil last evening but the skies are clearing and we will be more than ready tonight.  More on that experience soon.

Journey to the North Country

On our drive from Madison, Wisconsin, to Houghton, Michigan, today, we were enveloped in a steady, cold rain, among the worst of weather conditions in my opinion.  Combined with a hazy mist, the rain slowed our journey and significantly obscured the magnificent scenery along the way.

About an hour north of Madison, we entered the great North Woods, characterized by conifers, birch trees and willow bogs.  Since we were traveling up the Wisconsin River Valley, we crossed that river and its tributaries many times and finally reached its headwaters along the southern edge of Michigan's Upper Peninsula.  The low, gray overcast produced a dusk-like darkness throughout the journey and we thus hoped that moose might appear along the marsh-lined lakes and bogs; unfortunately, none were observed.  In fact, several bald eagles were the only notable sightings of our day-long trip.

Tomorrow, we'll complete our journey to Copper Harbor, making a few stops en route.  Hopefully, the skies will clear and we'll be treated to one of nature's grandest displays, the Aurora borealis, before we return to the American Heartland.  Daily reports to follow (well, maybe every other day).

Another Moonshot

This morning, we left Columbia on our way to Copper Harbor, Michigan.  Our purpose?  Another attempt to witness the Northern Lights (following our failed effort last November).

We will spend four nights at the northern tip of Michigan but will also enjoy the journey to and from that destination.  Indeed, unexpected sightings along the way may prove to be the highlights of our road trip, especially if the Aurora Borealis does not materialize.  Today, we headed northeast across the Glaciated Plain of the Upper Midwest; while we enjoyed balmy weather through the morning, we encountered a cold front with severe thunderstorms in east-central Iowa, producing hail and torrential rain.

After crossing the Mississippi at Dubuque, we undulated across the Driftless Area of southwest Wisconsin and will spend the night in Madison.  Tomorrow, we head for the North Country.

Starlings Take Over

Now that most of the swallows, swifts and nighthawks have departed for the south, European starlings are swooping across the mid-day sky, snaring insects that continue to thrive in the mild autumn weather.  Though despised for a variety of reasons, these immigrants do play an important role when it comes to insect control.

Furthermore, starlings are agile fliers, as demonstrated by their aerial ballets over farm country.  Watching them maneuver above our property, they are certainly as capable of feasting on flyings insects as the summer insectivores mentioned above.

Nature's complex web of life is flexible.  When one predator moves on or succumbs to human activity, another takes its place, whether native or non-native.

Palm Lines

This afternoon, while sitting on our back deck, I read a short story by Max Beerbohm titled A. V. Laider.  Set in the early 20th Century, it relates the discussions of two English gentlemen who meet at a seaside resort while recovering from influenza.  Their initial discourse is spawned by an article in a London journal titled Faith and Reason.

This leads to a debate about palmistry and they both claim to accept its legitimacy.  The remainder of the story is devoted to the guilt that has haunted A.V. Laider after he failed to warn friends about what he saw in their palm lines, leading to unnecessary tragedy.  The reader is left to decide if his account was truthful or simply a debate ploy.

When I finished the short story, I gazed at my own palm with its varied lines and wrinkles.  As I did, a ladybird beetle landed on that open hand and wandered about its surface, seemingly inspecting its crevices and their significance.  Before flying off, the beetle left a short, dark line of its own, a powdery residue from its latest meal.  Apparently, she and I agree on the subject of palmistry (and on Faith and Reason for that matter).